It’s hard to mess up the Christmas holidays but some brands just do it better than others.
These establishments are examples of how to capitalize on Christmas in the most creative and unique ways possible. The best thing about each of the businesses here is the diverse market they aim to reach, ticking all the boxes with limited-edition releases, reinterpretation of Christmas classics, and promos connected to a happy holiday ending.
B Hotel Alabang and Quezon City
When the Bellevue Hotel and Resorts group embarked on a project to launch B Hotel, they clearly knew what they were doing. Distinctly separate from its more upscale sibling, both B Hotel Alabang and Quezon City’s beauty lie in the way they embrace a different generation, personally sharing transformational tales of connections with guests. And that’s even more evident during the busiest season of the year.
The Christmas and New Year holidays are wonderfully dedicated to a bevy of modern changes in which each aspect of the hotel has joined forces for a gratifying time.
For instance, their Christmas tree lighting tradition this year was simultaneously voice activated, courtesy of The Bellevue Manila managing director Patrick Chan. But while their ambition for a crafty holiday is highlighted by their partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines Ayoko ng Plastik and Just One campaigns, B Hotel has spent the better part of the season cultivating deals to get anyone’s hearts and appetites racing.
At B Hotel Alabang, you can concentrate on bonding with family or friends with a three-day, two-night staycation (P7,777 including daily breakfast for two and Prime Cafe credits) until Dec. 20 while guests from the north can check into the industrial-chic Quezon outpost (P6,888 including breakfast) and sink their teeth into a freshly grilled meat with all the works at Johnny’s Steak and Grill. But the B Hotel year-end escape may be the most ideal for revelers searching for an array of celebrations with a twist.
D’doux Cafe and Patisserie and D’kada Cafe and Bistro
With a menu ranging from breads, pastries, and cakes to salads, pastas, and rice meals, D’Doux and D’Kada highlight flavors with cross-cultural references—from Mediterranean to Asian—without sacrificing tastes suitable to the Filipino palate.
True to their name (D’Doux is Latin for sweet life while D’Kada, a play on the word decade), both brands have whipped up creations such as mango citrus and ube cream cakes that make the holidays sweeter.
Max’s Corner Bakery
Another delicious way to cap off the year? Through this premium line of holiday cakes from enduring Pinoy food brand Max’s Corner Bakery. Inspired by some of the more popular flavors in recent years, the P550 cakes, which come in soft and fluffy pastillas, moist chocolate truffle, and classic strawberry chiffon, look to become the new building blocks of any festive spread.
New World Makati Hotel
In case you need to spend the holidays outside the house, consider New World Makati Hotel. You’ll also get a chance to win a Hong Kong getaway. A four-person lunch or dinner at Café 1228 and a six-person buffet feast on Jasmine’s holiday set menu will earn you the possibility of extending that holiday to a two-night accommodation at New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel and two roundtrip business class tickets from Philippine Airlines.
Throughout December, Café 1228’s international buffet will brim with traditional favorites from around the world—from classic European specialties like honey-glazed ham and prime rib at the carving stations to Filipino favorites like whole native lechon.
City of Dreams Manila
Across the city, celebrations are made more festive at City of Dreams Manila with a Nobu Hotel Manila staycation package starting at P15,888, premium offerings from The Tasting Room (P8,400++ for a five-course menu), Crystal Dragon (P2,280++ for a six-course festive season menu), and Nobu Manila (P5,400++ eight-course omakase), and holiday goodies at Café Society and chocolate shop Chocol8.
While on property, guests can revel in the synchronized lights and sounds show at the sprawling winter wonderland-inspired Christmas display with a 32-foot tree and a life-size sleigh.
Marks and Spencer
Gorgeous gourmet gifts are always the best kind so it’s no surprise that Marks & Spencer is making gift shopping easier with holiday offerings that include a selection of sweet and savory delights that can spoil your family and friends with.
Choose among the six-month matured all butter fruit cake Golden Snowflake Christmas cake (P915); the fruity Christmas pudding, a 12-month matured pudding enriched with brandy, cognac, port, and stout; their selection of cookies and biscuits including the all-butter petticoat tails shortbread (P595); or the salted caramel pinecones (P1,450), box of Belgian chocolates (P1,350) or Swiss chocolate selection (P1,875).
