Winter Wonderland: Christmas at Amaya

Christmas in Himachal Pradesh. You’re here with us at Amaya, and it’s Christmas Eve. The sun is sinking below the horizon, the sky aglow in soft pinks and reds and golds above the hills. The mountain air, crisper than ever at this time of year, is laden with the aroma of the pines. Snow dusts the towering trees, deodar branches shimmering silver and white in the last rays of the sun. Thrushes and warblers sing softly in the forest. You’ve got a warm sundowner in hand, and all this beauty stands before you. The expansive views of the valleys, the faint outline of the hills in the distance, and the delicate rustling of the trees in the evening breeze.

The evening has deepened, and it’s time for the celebrations to start in earnest: warmth, joy, and indulgence. Our chefs have crafted a wonderful festive feast, a gala dinner that celebrates all the best traditions of Christmas with charming little twists from the unique flavors of the region. As ever, organic, seasonal produce sourced from the terraces and our local communities shapes the Christmas menu, and each hearty dish is blessed with fresh mountain herbs and rich churned butter. You’re treated to the choicest dried fruits, the sweetest wild honey, and the unforgettable taste of homemade pinecone syrup. Your meal unfolds amidst candlelight and a blazing fire, with tables adorned with the bounty of the forest: sprigs of deodar cedar and juniper and pine. The laughter and conversation flow freely. This isn’t just a celebration of food, but of togetherness, of the perfect Christmas getaway.

Christmas morning begins with a relaxed and joyful brunch and a chance to unwind surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. A table full of delights, combining familiar festive flavors with Himachali culinary tradition. Warm, spiced drinks, brewed with love. Hot rum butter on freshly baked breads. The forest is tranquil, but little wonders make themselves heard—the flutter of wings from a bulbul, or the rhythmic tapping of a woodpecker echoing in the distance. Frost and snow dusts the trees in the valleys while the gentle sun filters through the trees and shines on the copper roofs. After brunch, you and your loved ones take a walk through the terraces, immersing yourself in the winter beauty.

Then, back to your chalet, your sanctuary of calm and comfort. Hand-crafted wooden interiors and crackling fireplaces. Mugs of hot coffee and tea, curled up with a book from our library in the warm glow. Everything is still.

Amaya’s Christmas getaway creates the space to slow down, reconnect with loved ones, and witness the beauty of nature in its quiet winter state. It’s about the glow of a sunset over the hills, the laughter shared over a feast, and the small, exquisite details of the season—whether it’s the glint of frost on a forest floor pinecone, a bird taking flight in the distance, or the glow of the lanterns lighting the terrace paths. It’s about the joys that truly matter.

And when the time comes to leave, we’ll have prepared a Christmas goodie bag for you, full of all the small treasures of the season. But we know you’ll carry with you something truly magical: the peace of the mountains, the warm memories of every shared moment with your friends and loved ones, and a renewed sense of connection to the beauty of the world around you.

So from all of us here at Amaya,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year