The bitter cold, the awkward family dinners, the pressure for perfection in every event – there’s a lot to want to escape from at the holidays, but seemingly not many places to escape to.

Presiding over a serene stretch of private ivory-sand beach, set between the tangled jungle of a sprawling nature reserve and the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea, Chablé Maroma is an idyllic sanctuary no matter the month. At the holidays, however, the luxury resort pulls out all the stops to transform itself into an unlikely dream destination for end-of-the-year festivities.

The merry atmosphere starts in late December with a roster of holiday-themed events, often with a clever local twist. Learn to make Mayan teddy bears, or join a gratitude ritual to give thanks for the blessings of the past year. Attend the annual tree-lighting ceremony, concoct delicious winter drinks, or create your own ugly T-shirt in a tropical spin on the ugly Christmas sweater tradition. Kids, too, will have hours of fun with the many festive activities organised just for them, from piñata-making to gingerbread-cooking-decorating and writing letters to Santa – who may even make an appearance on Christmas day! And as the old year gives way to the new, you can partake in meaningful Mayan traditions such as the Closing Cycles ancestral ceremony and a New Year temazcal.

Exquisite complimentary culinary experiences are also baked into the seasonal celebrations at Chablé Maroma. Guests spending the holidays in paradise are treated to an intimate Christmas Eve dinner for two, a sumptuous Christmas Day Brunch, and a four-course New Year’s Eve dinner complete with wine pairings, as well as live music, fireworks and more. On the 1st of January, an indulgent New Year’s brunch will have you starting 2024 on a flavourful note.

It’s not a true escape, of course, you don’t find time to unwind amid the holiday cheer. As part of the ‘Maroma Festive’ experience at Chablé Maroma, guests gain unlimited access to the hydrotherapy circuit at the resort’s pampering spa, inspired by Mayan traditions in every aspect from the calming decor to the herbal ingredients and ancient techniques.

After a rigorous session in the fitness centre or a relaxing stint in the jacuzzi and steam bath, you can retire to your elegantly appointed villa with its warm interiors featuring natural, local materials and art, all skilfully tied together by designer Paulina Morán. Go for a dip in your private pool, or wander to the secluded beach for a swim among the stunning Caribbean reefs. Far from the stresses of the world, this is the holiday experience you’ve always wanted.

Celebrate the season at Chablé Maroma