A Michelin Key Christmas

For those looking to spend the holidays away from home, a staycation offers the chance to slow down and enjoy the season through thoughtful details, distinctive interiors and exceptional hospitality. Whether it is a leisurely afternoon tea, a relaxing spa treatment or a quiet evening overlooking the city, these experiences make a festive escape feel more memorable.

In 2026, the Philippines marked a milestone in the Michelin Guide’s hotel selection with its first two-Michelin Key properties, alongside four newly awarded one-key hotels. Recognized for their character, sense of place and quality of service, these destinations showcase the country’s growing luxury hospitality scene.

Among the properties worth considering for a Christmas getaway are three Makati and Newport City addresses, each offering its own interpretation of an indulgent holiday stay.

Raffles Makati: An intimate Christmas escape

For a Christmas staycation that leans toward privacy and understated elegance, Raffles Makati offers the comforts of a boutique-style hotel within the energy of the Makati business district.

Sharing a luxury tower with Fairmont Makati, Raffles has a more intimate atmosphere, with every accommodation designed as a suite. Dark wood flooring, marble bathrooms and original artwork give the interiors a residential quality, while private butler service adds another layer of personalized hospitality.

The experience extends beyond the suite. Guests can enjoy the neighboring hotel’s facilities, including its spa, swimming pool and fitness center, while Raffles maintains its own private pool with bright blue tiles and an elegant poolside bar.

A holiday afternoon can be spent at Writers Bar, where complimentary afternoon tea and cocktails offer a leisurely pause from the Christmas rush. Inspired by the literary history of the original Raffles Singapore, the bar provides a stylish setting for conversations, quiet celebrations and evening drinks.

For those who prefer a more intimate celebration, the hotel’s combination of spacious suites and personalized service makes it an appealing setting for a festive escape.

Hotel Okura Manila: A Japanese-inspired holiday retreat

A Christmas staycation can also take a quieter, more contemplative turn at Hotel Okura Manila.

Located within Newport World Resorts and directly across from the airport, the hotel combines convenient city access with the refined aesthetics of Japanese hospitality. Its interiors embrace understated elegance, with contemporary rooms, clean architectural lines and cityscape views.

Some accommodations feature hinoki wooden tubs, offering guests the opportunity to unwind in a distinctly Japanese setting without leaving Metro Manila.

One of the property’s highlights is its rooftop, where a bar, heated swimming pool, Zen garden and spa area create a relaxing environment above the city. The combination of water, greenery and open views makes it an inviting place to slow down after a busy year.

For the holidays, the hotel offers a different kind of festive atmosphere — one that favors quiet moments, thoughtful design and a change of pace. It is an option for travelers who want to enjoy the season while stepping away from the usual Christmas crowds.

Fairmont Makati: A festive city staycation

For those who enjoy having the city within reach, Fairmont Makati brings together spacious accommodations, polished interiors and leisure facilities suited to a holiday break.

Also housed in the same tower as Raffles Makati, Fairmont offers generously sized rooms and suites with king-size beds, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Makati skyline and marble bathrooms stocked with Le Labo amenities.

Its leisure facilities provide plenty of reasons to spend the day indoors. Guests can take a dip in the swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and sunbeds, work out at the 24-hour fitness center or book a treatment at the signature Fairmont Spa.

The hotel’s dining venues and bars also make it convenient for guests who want to enjoy a meal or drinks without having to venture outside. Those staying at Fairmont can likewise access selected amenities at Raffles Makati, including the art-filled Long Bar and Writers Bar.

With its combination of city views, dining options and recreational spaces, Fairmont offers a comfortable base for a Christmas break that does not require leaving the metro.