The end of summer will soon be in sight, but there is still plenty of opportunity for travel across the globe before the year draws to a close. Whether you’re looking to escape plummeting temperatures on a sun-bleached coast, avoid summer crowds, or to embrace the festive charm of a cosy city break, these are the destinations to book for when the UK shakes off its autumnal copper glow for winter cold.
Palawan, Philippines
November heralds the start of the dry season across Palawan. Lauded for its pristine palm-fringed beaches lapped by transparent cyan waves, this tropical archipelago offers serenity, outstanding natural beauty, incredibly fresh and flavourful seafood, and for the more adventurous, some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkelling experiences.
Stay: For utmost seclusion, Amanpulo is a private island enclave of casitas and villas accessible only by private fix-wing plane. Closer to the heart of the region in El Nido, the Pagulasian private island resort is well located for exploring the imposing limestone formations and glimmering lagoons of Bacuit Bay.
Mexico City, Mexico
Over the past decade, the rainbow-hued capital of cool has attracted a growing number of art and design lovers, as well as eager foodies keen to indulge in the city’s internationally renowned restaurant scene. Daytime temperatures average in the low to mid 20s in November and December – ideal for walking through town. Alongside sleek cocktail bars shaking up the best of local spirits, slow paced boho-chic cafes, hole-in-the-wall taquerias and whirring panaderias, is an incredible wealth of cultural heritage. For instance, the ancient pre-Hispanic city of Teotihuacán is within an hour’s drive from the city. To take in the full scale of this archaeological wonder, fly over it in a hot air balloon.
Stay: Octavia Casa by fashion designer Roberta Maceda, is a very intimate, earth-toned hideout in the trendy La Condesa neighbourhood. At the Brick Hotel in nearby and equally fashionable La Roma, modern amenities complement the building’s unique historical character.
Porto, Portugal
With temperatures typically hovering just below 20 degrees, the moderate weather in late autumn makes it a perfect time to explore the rambling streets of the riverside city, with the added benefit of fewer crowds. Enjoy the postcard scenes of rows of coral-roofed buildings lining the banks of the Douro River, the azulejo-lined facades of Baroque buildings, and the coastal promenades of Foz do Douro. And of course, from the historic port wine houses to buzzy terrace bars, oenophiles are spoiled for choice when it comes to enjoying the city’s rich wine heritage.
Stay: Marked by warm and unpretentious luxury, The Largo, an 18 room residence occupying five interconnected 15th- to 19th-century buildings, is inconspicuously tucked into the Largo de São Domingos square. Stay during Porto’s November São Martinho festival – commemorating harvest and the new wine season – and be treated to a celebratory collaboration between renowned chef Nuno Mendes and respected smaller-scale northern Portuguese winemakers. The weekend of festivities will include tastings, introductions to rarer wine products and a private dinner. In keeping with The Largo’s ethos of connecting guests to Portuguese culture, guests can also experience local autumnal traditions – such as chestnut harvesting, mushroom foraging and pomegranate picking.
Antigua
With its ample white sand beaches fringed with coral reefs, lush and dense rainforests and the heritage buildings of St John’s, this Caribbean getaway offers much more than just refuge from colder climes – with highs of around 28 degrees during the day. Between relaxed sunbathing days, try a local cooking class for a deeper understanding of local cuisine, or take a boat ride to nearby smaller and quieter Barbuda for exotic bird watching at the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
Stay: Two miles off the northern coast of mainland Antigua and reachable only by boat is Jumby Bay, a private island hemmed by peroxide blond beaches and sapphire blue waves. Pedal along the cycle paths circling the 300-acre secluded resort, or learn to sail with the Jumby Bay Sailing Academy.
Stockholm, Sweden
From late November, the fairytale cobblestoned streets and multicoloured buildings of Gamla Stan are given a festive makeover as Christmas markets start to bring Yuletide cheer to the Swedish capital. If you’re lucky, you might find yourself inside a pretty snow globe. Wrap up warm and enjoy the crisp air strolling through neighbourhoods like upmarket Östermalm. Spend afternoons indulging in the local ritual of fika (spending time in a coffee shop), or winding through the city’s museums covering everything from nautical history to pop culture. The capital’s restaurant and bar scene has garnered international acclaim, serving some of the best of Scandinavian and global cuisine alike.
Stay: Boutique townhouse Ett Hem remains a favourite for those seeking a carefully decorated and lovingly maintained home away from home in the city centre.
Oman
For warm temperatures, clear skies and full days of sunshine, Oman is a safe bet during our wetter and colder months. Head to the Musandam region for dramatic mountainous landscapes, stretches of sandy shoreline and invitingly blue waters, a remote and idyllic setting for some proper downtime. Alternatively, for greater intimacy with Omani culture, Muscat offers labyrinthine souks brimming with artisanal wares, a gleaming, imposing Grand Mosque and views of 16th-century sand-coloured Portuguese forts. Within driving distance from the city you’ll find emerald wadis, sand dunes and caves for memorable day trips.
Stay: Shaded by towering date palm trees and set against an impressive mountainous backdrop, Six Senses Zighy Bay unites pool villas mirroring Omani village-style architecture. A comprehensive wellness offering, incorporating traditional practices such as Hammam, complements the laid-back atmosphere. Over in Muscat, the Chedi is a perfectly manicured beachfront hotel, a corner of serenity despite only being 15 minutes from Muscat Airport.
Iceland
If you’re prepared for the chilling temperatures, November to December is an optimal time to visit the land of winter adventure, as darker days provide the best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights. Outside of chasing blue-green neon auroras, explore the mystical glacier caves of the Vatnajokull ice cap, succumb to the welcome heat of a natural hot spring and let your muscles thaw as the sun goes down, or take in the gentle roar of breathtaking waterfalls such as Skógafoss, which looks lifted from Narnia during the winter months.
Stay: The combination of its central location, and designs interspersing Nordic minimalism with lively bursts of creativity, makes the Reykjavik Edition an ideal base for exploring the capital. If you’re looking to immerse yourself deep within the wilderness of Iceland’s interiors, Highland Base is a thrill seeker's winter wonderland.
Greater Palm Springs, California
Set against cinematic mountain ranges, the golden-hued desert getaway promises hours of uninterrupted sunshine across November and December, with average daytime temperatures of around 24 degrees. From outdoor adventures like canyon hikes, jeep tours and stargazing, to a burgeoning hot spring wellness scene and culinary landscape, there’s plenty to keep you occupied between slow days by the pool.
Stay: The awaited Thompson Palm Springs right in the centre of the Design District offers luxury bungalow-style accommodations (some with private pools) and panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains. For retro-glam interiors, head to the meandering and leafy grounds of Parker Palm Springs.
Seville, Spain
The historic gem of Andalusia is well-known for its beautifully ornate buildings, spanning architectural styles from Moorish to Gothic, and plentiful tasty tapas and beer spots that spill out onto the streets. With less crowds and more agreeable temperatures as European summers get hotter, the autumn to winter period is a good time to explore the city’s abundance. As well as visiting the impressive heritage sites, make time to soak up local culture at impassioned flamenco performances, or simply take in the individual character of the different neighbourhoods on a leisurely stroll – making sure to catch views of the sun setting over Triana along the Eastern bank of the Guadalquivir River.
Stay: The Mercer Plaza Sevilla is perfectly situated for exploring the historical city centre, its discreet facade framed by a pair of voluminous orange trees. It’s easy to relax into the space given the simple and elegant interiors dotted with signature Sevillan touches like mosaic tilework.
Sumba, Indonesia
Known as the quieter, unspoilt alternative to Bali, Sumba is an Eden of tropical scenery, immaculate beaches, thick jungle and natural wilderness that is still home to native species. Whilst temperatures are warm often reaching just below 30 degrees, the tropical climate does mean occasional showers. But this doesn’t detract from the island’s paradisiacal charm. Those looking for a full immersion into natural landscapes can paddle down the Wanukaka River, hike along butterfly trails and amidst secluded waterfalls and caves such as Lapopu and Waikelo Sawah, and cool off in glittering natural pools such as the Waimarang swimming hole.
Stay: NIHI Sumba brings together 28 thatch roofed villas, seamlessly blending into their verdant, coastal surroundings. Enjoy their ‘wild wellness’ offering, enhanced for this year to offer holistic treatments fusing nature and luxury.
