Where Newport Beach Travels This Winter (Part 1)
By: Ashly Petropulos
For the Festive at Heart
Vienna in winter is the embodiment of old‑world elegance. The Rathausplatz transforms into a glittering Christkindlmarkt, where guests sip mulled wine and browse hand‑crafted ornaments. By evening, indulge in a private box at the Vienna State Opera or savor a Strauss concert in a gilded hall. Don’t miss a tasting of Sachertorte in a grand café or a carriage ride through the snow‑dusted Ringstrasse.
Ex‑Expat Insider Access
Almanac Palais Vienna: Breakfast daily, spa access, and priority upgrades.
Rosewood Vienna: Elite VIP recognition, daily breakfast, and bespoke welcomes.
Munich's Bavarian charm comes alive during the holiday season. Stroll through the iconic Marienplatz Christkindlmarkt, take in the opulent Nymphenburg Palace decorated for the holidays, and explore the Residenz Christmas Village. Day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle provide fairytale winter backdrops, while evenings are spent in Michelin‑starred dining rooms or private beer tastings in historic cellars.
Ex‑Expat Insider Access
Sofitel Munich Bayerpost: VIP welcome, $100 credit, and complimentary breakfast daily.
Le Méridien München: Daily breakfast, early check‑in, and personal recognition from hotel leadership
Strasbourg, known as the Capital of Christmas, dazzles with more than ten themed markets set against its majestic Gothic cathedral. Explore the romantic Petite France quarter, enjoy Alsatian wines in candlelit winstubs, or take a private riverboat ride on the Ill River for panoramic views of illuminated medieval facades.
Ex‑Expat Insider Access
Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection: Elegant accommodations in the heart of the city.
Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île: Daily breakfast, $100 property credit, and exclusive VIP recognition.
For the Winter Adventurers
Zermatt, Switzerland, with the Matterhorn towering above, offers over 200 miles of pristine ski slopes. Arrive aboard the Glacier Express, enjoy heli‑skiing to untouched powder, or dine in a Michelin‑starred mountain chalet with panoramic views. The car‑free village enchants with horse‑drawn sleigh rides and luxury boutiques lining cobblestone streets.
Ex‑Expat Insider Access
Schweizerhof Zermatt: Daily breakfast, $100 dining credit, and early check‑in when available.
CERVO Mountain Resort: Daily breakfast, $100 F&B credit, and contemporary alpine luxury.
Aspen, Colorado blends Rocky Mountain adventure with refined culture. Skiers enjoy four world‑class mountains, while non‑skiers can explore private art galleries, luxury boutiques, or unwind at lavish alpine spas. Après‑ski is elevated here—think champagne sabering, live jazz, and award‑winning cuisine in intimate venues.
Ex‑Expat Insider Access
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection: Daily breakfast, $100 resort credit, and possible upgrades.
The Little Nell: Aspen’s premier ski‑in/ski‑out resort, with $100 F&B credit and slopeside fine dining.
Park City, Utah, offers luxury travelers an expansive "ski-only" Deer Valley Resort, enjoy private horse‑drawn sleigh rides, or attend the Sundance Film Festival with VIP access. Main Street glitters with art galleries and designer boutiques, while evenings offer fine dining and cozy lounges perfect for winter nights.
Ex‑Expat Insider Access
Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection: Daily breakfast, $100 resort credit, and upgrades when available.
Montage Deer Valley: Ski‑in/ski‑out access, $100 resort credit, and priority upgrades at booking.
Ex-Expat's Signature Advantage
When you book with Ex‑Expat Travel, you enjoy exclusive benefits at the world’s most coveted resorts.
Daily breakfast for two
Resort credits ($100–$200 or more per stay)
Complimentary room upgrades (when available)
Early check‑in & late check‑out (when available)
Personalized welcomes & curated amenities
VIP recognition from hotel management
Private transfers, spa access & one‑of‑a‑kind local experiences
Your winter escape deserves more than a reservation—it deserves a signature touch, designed exclusively for you.