From overwater villas in the Maldives to touring Vietnam before the Lunar New Year rush, here’s where the bookings are already rolling in.
South Africans plan for their December holidays – carefully, and often months in advance. And if the early booking data is anything to go by, the 2026 festive season is shaping up to be one of the most intentional yet.
It’s been a long year. For many South African families, this December break is both a reward and a reprieve. Something saved towards, looked forward to, and very much earned. And that mindset is showing up directly in how people are booking.
“Rather than spending with complete abandon, South Africans are spending more meaningfully this year,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager of Flight Centre South Africa. “We’re seeing travellers who have planned ahead, saved wisely, and decided that this year, they want something truly special. Some are going all-out – the full luxury resort experience from arrival to departure; others are taking a “lux-scaping” approach, adding one or two really considered luxury touches to an otherwise well-priced trip, like a private beachfront dinner, a villa upgrade for the last few nights, or a spa day at the start of a holiday. It’s a brilliant way to experience real luxury without committing to a luxury price tag from end to end. Either way, the common thread is intentionality. People know what they want. They’ve worked hard for it, and they’re ready to make it count.”
So where, exactly, is the money going?
The islands are calling louder than ever
Mauritius and the Maldives remain the undisputed headliners of the South African December calendar. What is different is the calibre of experience travellers are choosing once they get there.
“We’re seeing strong demand for premium room categories, including beach villas, overwater suites, and residences with private pools,” comments Carlos Luis, Managing Director of TLC Vacations, the exclusive African distributor of The Lux Collective.
“Couples are upgrading and adding on private dining, spa journeys, and luxury catamaran cruises. Families are choosing spacious villas that allow everyone, grandparents included, to holiday together without compromising on comfort. Flexible meal plans and value-added inclusions are also influencing decisions, allowing travellers to enjoy a more luxurious experience without dramatically increasing their overall spend,” he adds.
For those considering a Mauritian splurge, the options across The Lux Collective portfolio span every flavour of luxury:
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- LUX* Le Morne (Mauritius, south-west coast): Set at the foot of Mauritius’ iconic UNESCO-linked mountain, this is the resort for travellers who want drama, romance, and elevated experiences. Think private sunset catamarans, caviar trolleys, and pop-up beach dinners under the stars. The suites, many with private pools or jacuzzis, are among the most sought-after on the island.
- LUX* Grand Baie (Mauritius, north coast): The contemporary choice, with a rooftop pool bar, a rooftop running track, a tiered hydrothermal spa, and private residences with butler service. Ideal for travellers who want a design-forward base with access to Grand Baie’s shopping and nightlife.
- LUX* Belle Mare (Mauritius, east coast): The east coast’s answer to family luxury, with oversized suites with indoor-outdoor bathrooms, a standout dining lineup (including Amari by Vineet, a two-Michelin-star Indian concept), and a kids’ club that gives parents some breathing room.
- LUX* Grand Gaube (Mauritius, north coast): Quieter and more private, with Peruvian and Mediterranean dining right on the sand, private-pool villas, and a spa. The pick for couples or small families who prefer their luxury with a little less fanfare.
- Salt of Palmar (Mauritius, east coast): Adult-only, boutique, and selected by the Michelin Hotels guide for 2025. A sustainability-led property with a rooftop bar, heated pool, and an atmosphere that feels more like a design hotel than a resort. For the traveller who finds “mega-resort” energy exhausting.
In the Maldives, LUX* South Ari Atoll continues to be the bucket-list choice for milestone trips. Overwater villas with private pools, glass-floor living areas above the lagoon, and year-round whale shark encounters in a Marine Protected Area – it’s a holiday that requires very little justification.
And for those looking to stretch their rand further without sacrificing beachfront luxury, LUX* Marijani Zanzibar is top of the list.
“First-line beach access, spacious executive rooms, an on-site night market, and proximity to Stone Town and mainland safaris make LUX* Marijani Zanzibar a compelling alternative to Maldives pricing,” says Luis.
Beyond the beach
Vietnam is having a significant moment on the touring side, says Alex Gonsalves, Global Trade Relationship Manager at On the Go Tours, pointing to itineraries like Very Vietnam, Hanoi to Hoi An, and Journey to Angkor Wat as the standouts.
“Approximately 40% of our December departures are Vietnam-focused. Booking in December means guests beat the Lunar New Year rush in late January and February, when prices spike and many local businesses close. It’s the sweet spot for value, good weather, and an authentic, uncrowded experience,” he says.
Cruises are also a strong performer, with Asia and the Caribbean leading the charge.
“A cruise lets you cover Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Japan in a single holiday, which makes the long-haul flight feel worthwhile. You unpack once, your accommodation, meals, and entertainment are covered, and most Asian itineraries are visa-free. It takes the hassle out of travel and makes budgeting in rands considerably easier,” comments Thaybz Khan, Head of Commercial at Cruises International.
Speaking of visas, for those travelling to visit family and friends scattered across the globe, the top December destinations are the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and across Europe, according to Brian Kruger, Managing Director of 4UK Visas. His advice? Don’t leave visa applications until November. Processing times vary significantly, and December backlogs are real.
You’ve earned this one
The destinations and experiences are ready and waiting. Whether your December looks like seven nights in an overwater villa or a well-priced resort with a private sunset dinner thrown in for good measure, there is a version of a luxury holiday that works for you.
“Budget concerns shouldn’t be the reason anyone talks themselves out of a special December,” says Turner. “Rather than hitting a price point, real luxury is about the moments that feel personal. That’s exactly what our Travel Experts are there for. They’ll take what you have to work with and build something that reflects what matters most to you,” she concludes.
Ready to start planning? Speak to a Flight Centre Travel Expert today and let’s build your luxury December.
