As the festive season approaches, thoughts turn to winter escapes, from island hideaways and ocean voyages to magical family adventures, gourmet discoveries and the destinations shaping travel right now.
Winter escapes and plans for the months ahead take centre stage in our October travel edit. From Christmas enchantment at Disneyland® Paris and the launch of Oceania Cruises’ most ambitious ship yet to the return of St Barths for another season of Caribbean glamour, there’s plenty to inspire your next trip as the festive season approaches.
Elsewhere, discover One&Only Moonlight Basin’s year-round appeal in Montana, explore Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast through a journey of food and wine, meet our latest newcomer in the Turks and Caicos, and uncover why Madeira is a favourite for family adventures in every season.
Christmas sparkles around every corner at Disneyland® Park from 7 November to 6 January. A towering 78-foot Christmas tree and beautifully adorned, twinkling streets set the scene for festive celebrations. Join a sing-song with Mickey and friends, and perhaps even catch a magical snowfall.
And this year, the joy extends beyond Disneyland® Park to World of Frozen at Disney Adventure World. Glide through the Kingdom of Arendelle on a musical boat ride to Elsa’s glittering Ice Palace, while little ones can meet beloved Characters as the story comes alive with music and celebration. Afterwards, gather the family for charming Nordic-inspired dining, steeped in the Kingdom’s rich seafaring history.
With outstanding cuisine at its core, adults-only Oceania Cruises takes a thoughtful approach to discovering the world aboard ships designed as luxurious homes away from home. Elegant surroundings and well-being-focused Aquamar Spa facilities complement its celebrated restaurants, chef-led Culinary Discovery Tours and hands-on cookery sessions. Itineraries delve deeper into the culture and flavours of each destination.
Explore our exclusive Mediterranean cruise & stay offers here
Debuting in August 2027, Oceania Sonata will be Oceania Cruises’ most spacious ship yet, with just 90 additional suites despite being nearly 30% larger than her sister ships. Days on board can be spent unwinding in shaded poolside cabanas, enjoying sweeping ocean views from Horizons, relaxing at Aquamar Spa’s private terrace or settling into elegant lounges including the new Founders Bar. Every stateroom features its own veranda, while new suite categories offer expansive indoor-outdoor living, with butler service available from Penthouse level upwards.
Food lovers will find plenty to savour across 13 dining venues, including the all-new La Table, an intimate 18-guest French dining experience featuring menus created by acclaimed Master Chefs of France, and Nikkei Kitchen, showcasing the vibrant flavours of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. Her inaugural season includes 22 sailings to more than 90 destinations, from the Greek Islands and Adriatic coast to Mediterranean cities and the Caribbean, beginning with a 14-day maiden voyage from Rome to Trieste in August 2027.
St Barths’ luxury hotels are reopening their doors following annual summer closures, signalling the start of a winter season of sun-soaked days, world-class dining, designer boutiques and superyacht-lined marinas. As the South of France begins to cool, the island offers a Caribbean alternative to the Riviera. Peruse the stylish streets of Gustavia or explore hidden beaches by Mini Moke, St Barths offers all the effortless glamour of the Côte d’Azur, elevated by Caribbean sunshine.
Winter flight schedules have now been announced, with connections via nearby hubs including St Maarten, Antigua and Anguilla making St Barths more accessible once again. Explore our collection of St Barths hotels to find your island address for the season ahead.
Agency Sales Account Manager, Amy, swapped city pace for wide-open wilderness at One&Only’s first resort on US soil.
Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks feel almost within reach through vast glass panels at One&Only Moonlight Basin. Deep within the basin, low-rise, timber-clad buildings nestle among towering pines, integrating the resort into its surroundings. Understated yet indulgent rooms feature fireplaces, generous balconies and bathtubs positioned for the views, keeping the landscape in sight throughout the stay.
With seamless access to Big Sky via a private heated gondola, guests can explore one of North America’s largest ski areas, where more than 5,800 acres of pristine terrain await. From open groomed trails to thrilling tram descents, the skiing is as varied as the scenery. Combined with modern heated lift systems and a season that typically stretches into April, it’s a destination that quietly rivals some of the world’s most celebrated ski resorts.
When the snow melts, the landscape transforms into a playground of lakes, trails and endless blue skies. Think hiking straight from your doorstep, kayaking on glassy water and mountain biking adventures through pine forests. With warm summer temperatures, it offers a refreshing alternative to traditional beach escapes – particularly for families and multi-generational trips. Days can be active yet flexible, evenings are slow and scenic, and the sense of space is truly unmatched.
Around an hour from Yellowstone’s West Entrance, One&Only Moonlight Basin offers convenient access to the national park’s geysers, hot springs and wildlife, including roaming bison, wolves and bears. In summer, early starts and guided experiences help visitors explore this dramatic wilderness. Winter offers a different perspective, with visits by snowmobile and snow coach.
For a broader US itinerary, combine One&Only Moonlight Basin with Waldorf Astoria Park City and Sun Valley Lodge for a multi-centre ski holiday. These renowned stays offer access to skiing known for reliable snow conditions and long seasons typically running from late autumn to spring. For a different contrast, follow Montana’s wild beauty with a city break in Seattle, Chicago or New York, bringing nature, culture and luxury into one itinerary.
From exploring the largest city – and capital – of the archipelago, to the lesser-known coastlines across the region, we’ve handpicked some extraordinary experiences to give you a sense of what a luxury family holiday to Madeira could look like…
For most slope-skimmers around the world, their annual ski holiday is the highlight of the year, especially if they’re heading to the winter playground that is the Alps. With the likes of interconnected resorts, a variety of runs and sublime après-ski, life arguably couldn’t get sweeter. Except, maybe, if the base from which to experience it all was a luxury chalet.
When we think about restorative holidays – getaways brimming with relaxation – the image that springs to mind is probably filled with lounging on sunbeds in the summer heat, waves lapping in the distance. But restful trips don’t always need to be sun drenched; sometimes wintry winds and a backdrop of snow are the ideal setting for a wellness reset.
Choosing between morning and afternoon ski lessons can make the difference for your learning experience. There is no one better than the other, but factors like instructor availability, snow conditions, slope crowds and your own fatigue come into play. Our ski school partner, New Generation Ski and Snowboard School, explain what you should consider when deciding between morning or afternoon ski lessons.
Thinking about booking ski lessons for your next ski holiday? While both group and private tuition have their advantages, the right choice will depend on your goals, experience level and how you like to learn. Our ski school partner, New Generation Ski and Snowboard School, explains the key benefits of private ski lessons and who they're best suited to.
