Crisp and cold where the bronze shades of autumn once were, as the winter months settle in at home, most of us fall into one of two mindsets.
December - February
Crisp and cold where the bronze shades of autumn once were, as the winter months settle in at home, most of us fall into one of two mindsets.
The first: our winter evangelists. Skiers bound for chocolate-box charm and awe-inspiring mountainscapes, where a flurry of snowfall preps the slopes while mulled wine flows by the warm crackle of the fire. New Year’s resolutions master the fine balance of adrenaline-spiking winter sports, spa-centred self-care, and a sophisticated take on après ski, in a choice of Rocky Mountain or Alpine destinations peeking through their blankets of white.
Look across the departures lounge, however, and there are those swapping the cosy comfort of woolly scarves in favour of golden sand underfoot. Jetting off for the ultimate escapism, they know the cold can’t reach the likes of the Caribbean, Arabia and the islands of the Indian Ocean. Christmas is spent on sun-kissed shorelines, or a romantic yachting retreat arrives just in time for Valentines. And though the most wonderful time of the year calls from all corners of the globe, an antidote to those post-festive blues can be found as close as the Canary Islands or in the far-flung Mayan relics of Mexico and wandering wildlife of Kenya.
AUSTRALIA | AUSTRIA | BARBADOS | FRANCE | ITALY | KENYA | MALDIVES | MAURITIUS | MEXICO | SEYCHELLES | SPAIN | SWITZERLAND | THAILAND | UAE | USA
'Tis the season of celebrations
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New openings
Uncover enriching experiences at the heart of winter holidaying, due this season.
Botswana
Singita Elela
Meaning ‘to flow’ in Setswana, Singita are preparing to expand to the Okavango Delta in a new lodge concept open year-round.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Seven Seas Prestige
The latest addition to the Regent Seven Seas fleet will set sail in winter 2026, realising the future of ocean travel complete with a rather lavish Skyview Regent Suite.
Windstar Cruises
Star Explorer
The maiden voyage of Windstar’s newest ship will weave along the coastline of southern Spain, beginning and ending in ever-popular Barcelona.
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Early planning & timely travel
Seasonal secrets
Keep ahead of the curve
Mastering an early adventure or end-of-year escape is done long before you arrive at the airport. Snow-filled favourites from the Glacier Express to ski chalets and, of course, the cheerful charm of Lapland take a year in the making, while a winter in Whistler can be designed with six months to go. Flying south for a Cape Town festive season is best planned 18 months in advance, though you can leave the details down to us.
Winter sun without the fuss
For couples ready to escape to warmer climates, finding a quiet spot amid a festive family focus can be quite a challenge. In our expert opinion, Barbados is best for a calming retreat in November and February, while the Seychelles is a particularly picturesque enclave for those looking to spend time in the great outdoors.
Family matters
We’re all guilty of losing count of the days during the long-awaited Christmas break, but as anticipation builds, deciding where’s best to round up the relatives is the most important question. Together again, your nearest and dearest may gather in the crisp cold of snow-capped mountain scenery, or jet off to where golden sands await at any time of year. One thing’s for certain; we can make sure you won’t need to lift a finger to find that fine balance between family fun and much-deserved downtime.
Insights for the curious traveller
Photo op
Elusive and enchanting, the Northern Lights are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity worth taking a gamble on. Trips to the likes of Iceland and Finnish Lapland are best to capture their dance across the night sky, illuminating the darkness with greens, pinks, purples and blues. Hard to predict and impossible to guarantee, yet still the suspense of snapping that magical shot is irresistible.
An alternative arrangement
With its sugar-white sands and waters as clear as glass, those that land on the shores of Madagascar would be forgiven for thinking they’d landed in the Maldives. This under-the-radar destination is far less crowded though, making for a beach retreat that feels relatively undiscovered.
Editor's picks
Skiing is a classic pastime as the colder months set in, though where you go makes all the difference. Close to home, we’d suggest swapping chocolate-box-charm for scenic sophistication in Italy’s Dolomites, where wellness meets adrenaline at altitude. And across the pond, try perfecting Montana’s Big Sky pistes in star-studded company on slopes so expansive, you’ll keep a clear run.
Where to stay in winter 2026/27
Kenya
Mara Bushtops
Located within a private conservancy, this exclusive camp lies in front of the largest, natural salt lick in the Masai Mara attracting an abundance of wildlife all day long.
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Abu Dhabi
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
This impressive resort lies in the Liwa Desert of the Empty Quarter, one of the world’s largest unbroken expanses of desert measuring over 1,000 kilometres long and 500 kilometres wide.
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United Arab Emirates
Glamour and grandeur in the UAE
From the glittering shores of Dubai to the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi, this twin-centre journey with Mandarin Oriental pairs two iconic Emirates.
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Australia
Southern Ocean Lodge
Regarded as Australia’s Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is home to this celebrated lodge.
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Barbados
Coral Reef Club
Tranquil, secluded and very British in manner, this charming country house hotel in its tropical garden setting stands out for its warm welcome and genuine hospitality, even by Bajan standards.
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Barbados
Private Villas: Barbados
If you’re looking for seclusion on the island of Barbados, look no further; with a selection of private properties on this island paradise, enjoying sun, sea and sand in complete exclusivity is always on the cards.
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Mexico
The magic of Mexico
From misty rainforests to Mayan relics, starry-eyed newcomers can do nothing but surrender to the enchantment of Mexico.
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Ocean & expedition cruising
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Revered for its personalised service, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection marries a refined residential approach with the freedom of sailing the world’s oceans.
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Tenerife
The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
A long enduring, standout hotel in Tenerife, its status on the island has flocks of loyal guests returning to reside in its bold Moorish-inspired pastel walls.
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The Dolomites
Aman Rosa Alpina
Natural beauty is the name of the game at this serenely enchanting Dolomites enclave; placed perfectly for lovers of the quiet life, its authenticity is almost as palpable as the majestic mountain scenery.
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The Dolomites
Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa
A family affair passed down through the generations, this year-round retreat adds a laissez-faire approach to an alfresco alpine lifestyle, appealing to the outdoorsy among us with its mountain vistas and charming village ambience.
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Swiss summer lakes and mountains
Grand Hotel Belvedere
Shouting luxury loud and clear over the quaint village of Wengen, expect an A-star spa, finely finished interiors and even experiences for the culinarily curious at this sophisticated Alpine address.
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Val d'Isère
Les Barmes De l'Ours
At the foot of the famous Bellevarde Olympic ski run, this charming chalet-style hotel characterises the epitome of luxury in Val d’Isere.
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Austria
Gourmet and Wine Hotel Austria
With a Michelin star under its belt and a ‘Best Sommelier in Austria’ under its roof, delivering good food is just as important as a good time slopeside at this sky-skimming hotel in one of Austria’s highest skiing spots.
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The Rocky Mountain States
One&Only Moonlight Basin
Montana’s wild embrace is the setting for this sleek glass-fronted creation that flaunts outdoorsy exploits and lavish luxuries in equal measure.
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Mauritius
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
A tropical entry from an institution entrenched in luxury; here Four Seasons makes the most of the dense mangroves and lush greenery that line the east Mauritian coast.
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Maldives
Go east to the Maldives & Dubai
The best way to shake the longing daydreams? Combine not one, but two Maldivian resorts with the popular layover spot of Dubai.
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Seychelles
Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island
Once frequented only by turtles, this tiny island has been transformed into an indulgent Robinson Crusoe escape — complete with Mother Nature’s finest as far as the eye can see.
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Dubai
Three’s a charm in Dubai
Share sun, stars and stories across beaches, deserts and dinner tables. From star-studded skies to dazzling waters, discover Dubai’s flavour for unforgettable togetherness.
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Thailand
From city lights to island tides in Thailand
From the vibrant pulse of Bangkok’s riverside to the peaceful rhythm of Koh Yao Noi’s island shores, this journey blends Thailand’s cosmopolitan energy with its most tranquil natural beauty.
Step into the magical world of Disney for Christmas and New Year celebrations, complete with a spectacular parade, of course.
European Christmas Markets
It doesn’t get more festive than the warm glow of a continental Christmas market, and there’s many a European city that do them well.
England Cricket Tour, South Africa
Following the white-ball series in Australia, cricket fans will turn their attention to the Test series in South Africa.
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Watch the best of the best in F1 take to the Yas Island circuit for the season finale. TOP TIP: Our contacts add VIP pit garage, media pit and team motorhome access, so you’ll walk among F1 legends, mix with celebrities and see podium celebrations up close.
Australian Open
Kicking off the Grand Slam circuit for the year, the Australian Open will welcome world-class tennis to Melbourne once again.
Winter Sports Season Highlights
A cooler alternative to a quintessential day at the races, see international horse and jockey duos speed across a frozen landscape at White Turf in St Moritz; or watch the Alpine and Nordic World Ski Championships in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.
Fashion Week
Looking ahead to the Autumn/ Winter season of 2027/28, beside the runway will be the place to be in both Paris and Milan next winter.
Super Bowl LXI
Hosted at the home of the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams in 2027, the annual championship game to determine the winner of the USA National Football League always includes a showstopping half-time performance.
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Where will this year
take you?
Where will this year
take you?
With the turning over of new leaves, the start of a new year is loaded with promise and possibility. A blank canvas awaits, ready to be filled with unforgettable journeys, spontaneous escapes, and long-dreamed-of adventures.
Every journey begins with a dream. Discover the world through our eyes in an infinite and sensory escape of inspiration. Watch, read, listen, learn, and dive in to an expanse waiting to spark your imagination.
