For winter, the festive holidays become a magical wonderland. Christmas trees. The flickering of lights. Smells of cinnamon, chocolate, vanilla, and those famous, winter smells. . .come alive. Sounds of legendary, Christmas movies, and the cackling of fire. The winter cold makes interior warmth, around the fireplace, all the more comforting. Hot cocoa, tea, a mug of cappuccino, and a glass of apple cider is re-discovered. New textures of their sweetness are tasted, as outside’s icy wonders, titilates our gratitude for heat. Being closer and tighter with loved ones, and the ones we love, makes the intimacies of touch, just that more sentimental.

When it comes to traveling during the winter time, there is a type of aura, which comes to life. It’s as if winter travels, and staying in hotels, allows travelers and visitors to truly live out seasonal tales of fantasy and childhood wonder.

The spatial, holiday set-up, and feeling of just being away, awakens those of us remembering what it felt like to wake up on that special day.

That winter day, where we got out of bed, and ran downstairs to tear open colorful, shiny paper; that wrapped unknown gifts, under a dark green, evergreen tree. On certain times we anticipated, waking up and seeing the Earth covered in her white, velvet blanket. It made winter that more anticipating.

The December 2018/early January 2019 season, at the Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel (in Cairo, Egypt), truly became a winter fairytale. A winter wonderland, with ample opportunity to re-live the childhood fantasy; during the holiday, winter season.

Coming into the hotel was the lingering memory of the nutcracker fantasy and gingerbread eatery. Mmmm! The smell of that gingerbread house was so real. It’s texture was real! And, anyone, who was not tempted to eat it, or take a bite, clearly, had never truly tasted Christmas’ delight.

Bae and I had entered the hotel, on more than one occasion. It’s one of our fantastical castles of creativity and comfort. So, when amplified in winter tales, that little child snuggled so warmly in both of us, came out to play. The different props and holiday sculptures, made our adventures (and creative Spirits), evermore jubilant. The winter season is truly the time when adults can be kids, all over again.

Playing make believe and pretend. Hopping across gift sets and performing our way into that magical world. Literally, using our Beings to create characters; adding to the live story taking place. The story unfolded, as a love couple performed a winter tale of adventure-inside of the Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel.

There were those loving guests, who took notice of the couple-and too, became inspired to participate in the storytelling. Standing next to the props, and winter symbols, a number of guests photographed self-portraits; in the memory of the winter festivities. Taking time to notice artistry; meant to be appreciated and observed.

Bae and I continued to engage in the magic of childhood frolic. Capturing each other on the imaginary train ride we wished to take. The illuminating decorations of balls and stars; their makeshift imagination of Christmas in heaven. The Universe is kind and always restores balance. For a father and son had come across this path. With just one request, the curious boy stood by his father’s side, as he took our picture. Surrounded by the home, made of gingerbread. Yes, my Beau does take good pictures. And, he takes them well with me.

With our Santa hats placed comfortably on a B-I-G 2 0 1 9, the story had come to an end. Yet, not without sealing the deal with a winter kiss. Magic had been channeled, with soothing energy to warm the space. The comfort would be blown to other guests, visitors, staff, and workers of hotel decor. Who would have known that fantastical, winter emblems, spread around the hotel, would ignite a story for the happy (and the weary)?

That even far away, in winter travel lands, there is joy and the celebration of warmth-warmth with loved ones, and those we love. During that time when the Earth wears her white blanket, or sees her breath in the air; that winter story can be warm. . .the comforts of luxury hotels!