These extravagant experience gifts will dazzle them this Christmas
We may have all fallen in love with the new John Lewis Christmas advert, and we’re huge advocates for those thoughtful, homemade gifts, but sometimes, we need something bigger. You know, the grand gesture type. A show-stopping, jaw-dropping, absolutely incredible gift.
Splurging on luxury gifts is one option. Or, you can gift them an extravagant experience and treat them to something so wonderfully considered and meaningful that they’ll remember it forever. That's where our pick of amazing experience gifts come in...
If you need a ticket that’ll whisk them away on an adventure to pop under the tree this Christmas, look no further. We’ve got all bases covered, whether they're a huge sports fan, deserve a luxury spa break, or they'd love to treat themselves to more Michelin-starred dining (if only they had the budget). Not only will you get to see that look of sheer joy on their face at the big reveal on Christmas Day, you never know, maybe they’ll take you with them…
For sports fans: Watch England vs Wales in the Six Nations
This is surely the ultimate Christmas present for any rugby fan, travelling in style to one of the most anticipated fixtures of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations.
Check they haven’t got plans for 15th March 2025 – they won’t want to miss this. They’ll board the luxurious Northern Belle train at London Paddington, seated in a plush armchair in one of the 1930s carriages, and sip on champagne as the train pulls away. Then there's a three-course Welsh lunch on the way to the match before they take their seat at the Principality Stadium in what’s bound to be a thrilling match between these fierce rivals.
After the match, they’ll be welcomed back on board the Northern Belle with more champagne, a three-course English-themed dinner with wine, tea and coffee, and petit fours as the train returns to London Paddington.
For spa lovers: A pamper package at Pan Pacific London
Whether they've had a tough year or just love a bit of pampering, treat someone who's impossible to buy for to a spa day and overnight stay at Pan Pacific London, one of the best hotels in London. It only opened in 2021 and has become a sought-after destination ever since. Towering 43 storeys above the city in a glass-and-steel building, this is the epitome of swish.
The hotel’s spa, SENSORY Wellbeing, is utterly sublime. This spa break includes an hour-long holistic massage that begins with a personal essential oil mixing experience. Sumptuous oils from Thailand are used for a soothing and relaxing massage that blends ancient Eastern and Swedish therapeutic techniques. They can also make a day of it by using the incredible infinity pool and relaxation area.
The experience gift includes dinner, and a memorable evening starting with cocktails in Ginger Lily Bar & Lounge before settling down in Straits Kitchen, which champions the flavours of Southeast Asia. After a relaxing evening, a good night's sleep awaits in one of the hotel’s plush Deluxe Rooms.
For foodies: A tasting menu and overnight night stay at Le Manoir aux Quats-Saisons
Dazzle them with an incredible stay at the inimitable Le Manoir aux Quat-Saisons in Oxfordshire. It really is an exceptional experience, and it couldn't be more perfect for someone you love who is a total foodie but wouldn't think to treat themselves to dinner and a night here.
Twenty eight Michelin-starred chefs, from Ollie Dabbous to Michael Caines and Marco Pierre White, have trained here. Lucky guests get to sample the results from the esteemed garden-to-table kitchen, as the package includes a seven-course tasting menu.
If you book a special trip with Good Housekeeping, you'll receive extra touches to make the experience even more incredible. For example, the senior gardener will guide you through the gardens and orchards and receive a limited-edition bag stuffed with goodies to mark the hotel's 40th anniversary.
For music lovers: Watch André Rieu perform in the Netherlands
If you know they’re a fan of André Rieu, and you’re still looking for the perfect gift, call off the search now. Book them to see the maestro perform next summer on Vrijthof Square in Maastricht, Netherlands, and they’ll thank you forever.
These summer concerts are renowned for being absolutely sensational. Watch the Waltz King and his Johann Struss Orchestra perform in an atmospheric, stirring evening of music. Better still, the break includes three nights in the Netherlands, so they'll have time to explore and get to know Maastricht. It's a holiday and concert tickets in one, earning you some serious brownie points.
For Italophiles: An authentic holiday to Puglia
Imagine their face on Christmas Day when they open a gift to find it’s a holiday – and a fabulous trip to Italy, at that. Maybe it’s one you want to take with them but you know they wouldn’t book themselves, a mum and daughter trip perhaps, and Christmas provides the excuse you needed to treat them.
Of course, if you’re planning on gifting a holiday, there are a lot of logistics to consider, which is why we love this six-day Puglia holiday. It’s all organised for you, from vineyard tours and cookery masterclasses to stays in unique places like gorgeous cave hotels and a trullo hotel. And as it’s a small escorted tour, you’ll always have a small group and tour guide with you.
For the perfect day out: A ride on the British Pullman
If you know that they’ll love a gorgeous railway journey aboard the sensational British Pullman, treat them to a delightful day trip to Bath on the luxurious train. It makes the perfect gift for celebrating the glamour of British rail travel while exploring one of the most beautiful cities in the UK.
The experience includes a champagne reception at the station in Bath, wines selected by the sommelier, and coffee, tea, and petit fours after dinner. Of course, the carriages are some of the finest you'll ever see, and guests are encouraged to dress up for the occasion. All in all, it's an experience that’ll make them feel extra special – perfect for when you want to tell them how much they mean to you.
Browse more extraordinary journeys from Good Housekeeping Holidays by downloading our latest brochure.
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