JANUARY
January: Cabo, Mexico
Is there a better way to kick off the new year than some Baja bliss? Cabo’s perpetual sun, dramatic coastline, and chic, laid-back vibe sets a high bar for the remainder of your new year, but by the time you’re sipping your second tequila cocktail beachside, you won’t be too worried about, well, anything at all. At Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, you can look forward to an afternoon dip in your personal plunge pool that feels like it’s in your living room, thanks to the sliding glass doors in lieu of traditional walls. A half-hour down the coastline, Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort, five star luxury informs every aspect of your stay: from the butler that greets you with a tequila tasting when you walk through the door, eight pools on property, to the luxury beachside cabanas––the only in Mexico to feature plunge pools and Jacuzzis.
January: Rwanda
Nestled in the magical eucalyptus foothills of Rwanda’s Virunga Volcano Range, One&Only Gorilla's Nest pulls out all the stops for a truly unbelievable experience. Guests are invited to participate in once-in-a-lifetime experiences: candid encounters with majestic mountain gorillas, treks to the famous Dian Fossey tomb, local coffee tasting, and infinite stargazing. Combine One&Only Gorilla's Nest with a visit to One&Only’s other enchanted property in Rwanda: One&Only Nyungwe House. Wildlife, a landscape of incredible ancient rainforest, and a working tea plantation, One&Only Nyungwe House is out of this world.
FEBRUARY
February: Palm Springs, CA
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your valentine, Palm Springs embodies that mid-century, Old Hollywood charm. In February, not only will you have perfect weather, but you’ll be able to catch the town’s famous Modernism Week, a must for art and design lovers. For the best chance to live out your fantasy of the swinging sixties, stay at Parker Palm Springs where you’ll find sprawling gardens, shimmering pools, and glamor galore. If you’re looking to ensure you get your heart rate up––snowbird style––stay at the La Quinta Resort which boasts five championship golf courses, a tennis court fit for players like Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova, and forty-one pools to cool off in after a round or a match.
February: Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
If February’s chill leaves you dreaming of crystal clear waters, secluded beaches, and a megadose of vitamin D, it’s probably time to escape to the islands of Saint Vincent & The Grenadines. Postcard perfect beaches, less crowded than other island chains nearby, and most importantly, a February average high of 84°. For a true escape from the stress and frigid weather of everyday life, stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, where all 26 suites and 13 villas have open directly to the beach and the Caribbean’s largest living coral reef.
MARCH
March: Cartagena
March brings perfect spring weather to the city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia’s seaside capital and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the annual Holy Week celebrations which fill the city’s cobblestone streets with floats and festivity. After you’ve soaked up your share of the vibrant street scene and gorgeous colonial architecture, unwind at Hotel Casa San Agustín, where you’ll find richly restored frescoes decorating the authentic 17th-century walls, the friendliest bar in town, a spa that single-handedly makes the trip worth repeating, and access to the hotel’s private beach club on a private island a half-hour offshore.
March: Maui
How does a warm day lounging on one of Maui’s postcard beaches followed by a cool night at a beach bonfire sound? That’s March in Maui. The island isn’t typically too crowded in March, but if you really want to guarantee a locals-only trip, you’ll want to take a drive up the famed Road to Hana––64 miles of sweeping landscapes, coastal charm, and jaw dropping vistas––to Hana-Maui Resort, on the island’s eastern coast. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by fresh baked banana bread and rooms with private lanais that peep out on the Pacific Ocean. For those wanting the “royal treatment,” you’ll definitely want to stay at the hotel credited for bringing luxury travel to the island way back in 1927, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. You’ll feel like one of the resort’s famed guests while gazing out at the sparkling sea from the resort’s iconic pink tower.
APRIL
April: Santa Fe
The high-desert town of Santa Fe is best appreciated in April, as the dry, crisp, early-spring days bring phenomenal weather for hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, touring the town’s many galleries and museums, and admiring the seemingly endless blue sky. For a seamless pairing of rugged adventure and soulful tranquility, you’ll want to stay at Bishop’s Lodge, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection. Originally settled by Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy, the stucco landmark is on 317 acres of land that borders the Santa Fe National Forest and is a quick jaunt from downtown. With decor created by local artisans, the hotel feels totally authentic to the Santa Fe spirit, thanks to touches like traditional kiva fireplaces, woven Navajo rugs, and panoramas worthy of a Georgia O’Keeffe painting.
April: Anguilla
April in Anguilla means no more evening chill so leave your layers at home: all you need to pack is your bathing suit. In the mood for a discreet, romantic hideaway? Stay at Malliouhana, another gem in the Auberge Resorts Collection. The resort is credited for bringing laid back luxury to the island—clearly evident when you enjoy their famous Pimm's, served beachside, with your toes in the sand. For a chance to live out your desert island fantasies, stay at the Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel. The resort sits on a private island, one that just so happens to have a Cipriani’s and a gleaming spa to take care of anything you fancy.
MAY
May: Sicily
Sicily in May is our favorite. It’s the short window where you can soak up the summer weather without the summer crowds, aka, it’s an ideal month to visit the idyllic island. Take a dip in the Ionian sea’s dark blue water, sunbathe in a hidden cove, and wander around the cobblestone streets of the isle’s many ancient towns. For the traveler who prefers the energy of bustling city streets, check out the Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel, located in Palermo, Sicily’s capital. Venture out for your fill of sites that date back to the 12th-century, and return to the serenity of your room’s leafy, private terrace, followed by a soak in your marble tiled tub…there’s a reason you’ll find Sofia Loren and King George’s signatures on the hotel’s guestbook. For the traveler who loves a hotel with a view, try the unmatched San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel. The converted 14th-century convent is perfectly perched on an epic promontory overlooking the Ionian sea, Mount Etna, and an ancient Greek theatre.
May: Bodrum
Bodrum in May is just right: warm, but not yet hot, and lively, but not yet crowded. Considered the “St. Tropez of Turkey,” you’ll enjoy Bodrum’s luxurious hotels, top-notch traditional Turkish baths, and beachfront clubs as an off-the-beaten path alternative to some of its better known neighbors. If your favorite beach game is playing spot-the-celeb, you’ll want to stay at Maçakızı Hotel. The hotel’s origin as an artists’ retreat can still be felt in the hotel’s chic, minimal design—although you’re more likely to see a model or celebrity lounging by the beach than a bohemian painter. Prefer your scene a little more global chic? Stay at the Bodrum EDITION; the laid back vibe, Ian Schrager’s light and airy design, and yoga on the terrace is a perfect siren song for the glam, jet set crowd.
JUNE
June: Newfoundland
If you’re really ready to beat summer’s heat—and more importantly, crowds—Newfoundland is your best bet. Fogo Island Inn is literally perched on the edge of the world. Built on stilts, overlooking the majestic North Atlantic ocean, it might be remote, but it’s certainly not rough and rustic. All of the 29 suites have floor to ceiling windows, and amenities include wood-fired saunas, hand-sewn quilts, rooftop hot tubs, a 37-seat theater that plays everything from documentaries on local craftspeople to cult classics—plus they have created a program to connect guests to locals who show travelers the hidden gems of the gorgeous island. The middle of nowhere never felt so much like home.
June: Ljubljana
June is the start of summer in Slovenia—warm, gorgeous weather, albeit without the crushing crowds of southeastern Europe’s more popular countries. The small nation is quickly becoming a popular destination for travelers in-the-know, and summertime in Slovenia means breath-taking alpine hiking, bustling city streets, and taking a rowboat out for a spin in Lake Bled. Wondering where to stay? InterContinental Ljubljana is located in Slovenia’s picturesque capital city, where you’ll find sleek, minimalist modern comforts like the shimmering, tile-lined, zero-edge pool with nearly floor-to-ceiling windows to peep out on the Alps from the hotel’s 18th-floor.
JULY
July: Mallorca
Ah, Mallorca in July. This is when the temperature and the dance floor really start to heat up as many of the beach clubs kick off the summer season with over-the-top opening parties. If you’re someone who likes to be close to the action, albeit without compromising on luxury, you’ll want to stay at Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, where you’ll find a floating, adults-only infinity pool, a terraced restaurant to enjoy caviar and local wine cliffside, and modern Mallorca glitz. If you’re someone who prefers to make an early exit from the party, check out La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel: a collection of revamped 16th and 18th-century manors built hillside in the charming village of Deià. Joan Miró adorns the walls of their Cafe Miró, olive oil from the grove next door is incorporated into spa treatments, and suites boast private plunge pools...under the Mallorcan Sun, indeed.
July: Edinburgh
In July, the rose gardens bloom, the weather is delightful, and the days are long in Edinburg. Scotland’s nearly thousand year old city is a fan favorite of history buffs, but everyone is charmed by the city’s winding cobblestone streets and picturesque pubs. Those already planning out their museum itinerary should stay at InterContinental Edinburgh The George for its central location on George Street plus the hotel’s team of Edinburg insiders who will help tailor your itinerary. If you’re someone who refuses to pick between modern design and Georgian architecture, the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel has you covered. Perched next to one of Edinburgh’s loveliest private garden squares, the hotel seamlessly blends the cosmopolitan, bustling Scotland of today with traditional luxe glamor. Guest rooms look as if they were designed for a modern (and very chic) Winston Churchill and the hotel’s buzzy bar and restaurant, The Garden, is located in a converted greenhouse and always abuzz with locals meeting over G&T’s or classic whisky cocktails.
AUGUST
August: Banff
Banff has year-round appeal but we’re partial to visiting in August, thanks to the long warm––but not hot–––days, plentiful hiking, the smell of mountain grass in the summer sun, and the sparkling waters of Lake Louise. Check-into the Fairmont Banff Springs, located right in the heart of Banff Park, and otherwise known as “the castle in the Rockies,” thanks to its stone stacked lobby, turreted suites, and spiral staircases, for a luxurious base camp for your most idyllic August yet. If you’re more of an alpine explorer that likes easy access to water, you’ll want to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, located just a stone's skip from the famed alpine lake.
August: Maine
It’s only natural that your last bite of summer should be buttery lobster from a freshly baked roll, and that’s precisely what awaits you during an August visit to Maine. Traveling with the family for one last vacation before the kids start back at school? Everyone will love Cliff House––a 255 room hotel that defines coastal charm located atop a seaside cliff and 70 acres of wooded trails, perfect for biking, hiking, and any other -ing your family can think of: tie-dying, lobster-eating, relaxing, movie watching at the movie theater on property, the list––and fun––goes on. If you’re looking for a few quiet moments before the hustle and bustle of the next season begins, you’ll want to stay at the White Barn Inn, a member of the Auberge Resorts Collection. Located in the tony town of Kennebunkport, the hotel has an intimate 26 rooms, one of the best spas in Maine, and offers activities more like a farm-to-table mixology class at the Barn bar.
SEPTEMBER
September: French Countryside
September: Napa Valley
There’s no better time to uncork a bottle than September, the peak month of harvest season. Enjoy Napa’s “cellar-brations,” arguably perfect weather, and stunning fall foliage. The more traditional wine-lover––the chardonnay of travelers if you will––will want to stay at Alila Napa Valley, for easy access to one of Napa’s biggest names: the vineyards of the historic Beringer Estate Winery, which every suite overlooks, plus the hotel’s heavenly spa, located in a converted farmhouse. The wine conserinour partial to a natural red with a bit of funk will want to stay at Montage Healdsburg, the valley’s newcomer, where everything from the bungalow-style rooms to the infinity pool overlooking the vineyard is infused with Napa’s sensibility, but with a modern twist.
OCTOBER
October: Riviera Nayarit
If you take a trip to Punta de Mita next October, you’ll be thankful for the average daily high of 89 degrees, white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Punta Mita is a private peninsula located on the west coast of Mexico and for those who don’t like to sit still, even at the beach, we’ve got you covered: check-into the Conrad Punta de Mita. The lush, sprawling resort has three pools, activities that range from sunset horseback riding to zip lining, and tequila pairings with a 7-course dinner. If you’re someone who prefers their only beach activity to be taking a siesta, you’ll want to stay at the One&Only Mandarina. Located in a secluded spot on an already secluded peninsula, this is where you can wake up to the sounds of jungle in a treehouse––no white noise machine needed––surrounded by the majesty of 200 year old trees, and visit the only spa to offer a wellness journey designed by Tata Harper, the founder of the brand that put natural beauty on the map, high up in the rainforest canopy.
NOVEMBER
November: Dubai
November is considered one of the best months for beach-going in Dubai, with ten hours of sunshine a day, the oppressive summer heat has finally dissipated, but it’s still plenty warm enough for you to work on your tan. In addition to Dubai’s oasis-like beaches, famously sprawling spice market, and vibrant nightlife, the city’s main draw is its renowned over-the-top approach to luxury travel. Neither the One&Only Palm nor the Atlantis, The Royal, skimp on the wow-factor, which makes deciding between the hotels a matter of one’s preference for their desert oasis. If your childhood fantasy–or your child’s fantasy hotel–includes an onsite waterpark with record-breaking waterslides, aquatic adventures with both sea lions and dolphins, a seemingly infinite number of restaurants—including 8 helmed by celebrity chefs—plus a spa with underwater yoga, stay at the Atlantis, The Royal when it opens, this coming November (if you'd like to book, send us a message and we'll make sure you're first in line). Prefer your oasis to be a little more, well, tranquil? You’ll love the One&Only Palm’s secluded vibe, lounge perched atop the Arabian sea, and service worthy of a Sheik. And no, the private, seaside air-conditioned cabana with views of Dubai’s skyline you see isn’t a mirage: that’s the One&Only Palm.
November: Mauritius
Above the equator, November marks the beginning of autumn, but in Mauritius, November means the start of summer. You’ll beat the beginning of the rainy season—your arrival will be perfectly balmy and teased by a gentle sea breeze. If you’re the type who likes their own (newly built) space, the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius is the place for you: all rooms are located in stand-alone villas––completed by an outdoor shower. If you’re looking to be utterly spoiled by service, tailored to however you like to have fun in the sun––no matter if that’s chartering a yacht, getting massaged with warm volcanic stones or paddling over to the swim up bar for a Mauritian Cosmo––you’ll find it at the One&Only Le Saint Géran. You’ll soon see how it set the standard for elevated luxury in Mauritius—and why the hotel continues to boast a star-studded guest list.
DECEMBER
December: Jackson Hole
Light snowfall, steaming hot chocolate, warming your hands over a roaring fire––Jackson Hole in December is a Hallmark Holiday come true. Ski season begins when November ends, meaning skiers will enjoy some of the freshest powder of the year. For those who prefer the “apres-ski” part of the day, there’s no shortage of holiday activities to choose from. Celebrate the season at Amangani, with festivities beginning on the 20th, for sleigh rides, cookie decorating and easy access to the mountain via the hotel’s private ski lounge.
December: Costa Rica
Why not end your year with one last great adventure with a trip to the lush jungles of Costa Rica? December marks the end of the rainy season, ensuring extra-verdant vistas and balmy weather for your vacation. Costa Rica tends to appeal to two kinds of travelers: adrenaline junkies and wellness enthusiasts. Hacienda AltaGracia, a member of the Auberge Resorts Collection has both types covered with a daily calendar chock-full of activities that include everything from sunrise yoga, expeditions through the jungle, and horseback riding, so you can experience what it means to truly choose your own adventure. More interested in glamping––emphasis on the glam? Stay at Nayara Tented Camp, where tents on stilts don’t come with standard issue camping gear, they come with 1,000 square-feet to sprawl out, four poster king beds, and personal plunge pools fed by natural mineral hot springs. Living Pura Vida, indeed.