There are places in the world that feel like they belong to a dream — where time slows down, colors shine brighter, and every step feels like walking through a painting. Santorini , that graceful crescent-shaped island in the Aegean Sea , is one of those places. This Greek island doesn’t just exist — it enchants. With its whitewashed houses cascading down cliffs, domed churches painted the color of the sky, and sunsets that make the world stand still, Santorini has rightfully earned its place as the timeless blue gem of the Aegean Sea. 💙 🌊 A Tale Born from Fire and Ash To understand Santorini, you must know its story — and it begins with fire. Thousands of years ago, a colossal volcanic eruption shattered the center of the island, forming the world-famous caldera , a deep lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs. From that fiery chaos emerged beauty — rugged, raw, and breathtaking. The island that rose from the ashes became a paradise floating on the sea. Some even say it could be...
Best holiday destination of
Vacation in February, from the Cotswold's to Costa Rica.
February may mark the month of love with Valentine's Day, but it's still winter in the UK. If there was ever a time to escape the cold, bad days and lift your spirits in the new year, this is it.
From the summer sun in South America to traditional hops in Asia, and chic city holidays in Paris or Copenhagen, here are the best places to vacation in February 2023. Looking specifically for winter sun? See our issue of where it's hot in February.
Maldives
.jpeg "Best holiday destination in February Vacation in February")
Temperature: 29 °C maximum; 25ºC is low
Dry season
Travel time from UK: 10 hours 30 minutes
Time difference: GMT +5
Avoid traveling to the Maldives, even during the monsoon season (May to November). And if you can choose, February is one of the best months to go—when the sky is clear and blue, the days are long, dry and not too wet, and the sun is to turn this water luminous turquoise, and it is hard to tear. Look away. The water is clear for snorkeling and diving, and it is the time of year to see manta rays, tiger sharks and whale sharks.
Sustainable travel tip:
Check the resort's green credentials before booking: Many resorts in the Maldives have marine and wildlife experts on board. Insiders who lead underwater and wildlife conservation initiatives; a garden where they can grow vegetables to supply their kitchen; no plastic or, like Kudos, uses only solar energy.
Where to stay:
There are many hotels in the Maldives that are unusual; it's about finding the fantasy that's right for you, whether you're looking for high-quality cooking or high-octane pursuits, colorful design or lo-fi Crusoe chic. For every little thing, we love Gili Lankanfushi, where all the villas are located on one of the most beautiful lagoons in the country.
For the luxury newcomer, Patina Maldives offers high-tech treatments at its unique Flow Spa, while its entire bar and restaurant collection is outstanding.
.jpeg "Best holiday destinations of Vacations in February")
Courchevel, France
Temperature: 2 °C higher; -6 degrees Celsius is low
Season: Winter
Travel time from the United Kingdom: 1h30 flight to Chambéry; 9 hours by train
Time difference: GMT +1
Courchevel is the largest ski resort of the French Alps. Of its four villages, Courchevel 1850 is the longest, the largest and the most beautiful, attracting the jet crowd and Michelin starred restaurants, super chic chalets and hotels, chic après-ski—yes, and more snow slopes for all.
Ability, on and off-piste, and long and 230 snow cannons guarantee good snow cover. It is good for dancers and beginner skiers, so it is a great choice for the February semester; Families can choose the charming 1650s vibe.
Permanent travel tip:
Take the train to Courchevel - jump on the Eurostar in London, then the TGV in Paris to Moûtiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Or, at least, skip the transfer and take the train from Chambéry to Courchevel (1h 40 m).
Where to stay:
Ski-in ski-out Portetta in Courchevel Morond (1650) is a beautiful mountain retreat. There's plenty of dark wood and wood lighting, a large spa (Bamford facial, two treatment rooms, gym, steam room), Angela Hartnett's Italian-influenced mountain restaurant, and 44 rooms including six bedrooms.
Duplexes and multi-family options with large spaces bed. If you're traveling in a group, the beautiful Chalet Montanum sleeps nine and offers a real ski-in ski-out experience - access to the slopes is possible from the end of the road.
Cotswolds, United Kingdom
Temperature: max 7 °C; 1 °C lower
Season: Winter
Travel time from London: 2 hours by train
Time difference: GMT +0
If there's one thing that can make a British winter beautiful, it's the idea of feeling good in the Cotswold's. In the middle of the English countryside, craft beer brewers brew, eat by a roaring fire. A warm walk past the castles and green hills full of Iron Age ruins. But although it is some of the most beautiful cities in the UK, it is not the England of yesteryear.
Nomads have helped plant a thriving Michelin-starred restaurant culture in the Cotswold's amid organic spas, antique shops and tea houses. Naturally, rates and reservations are more manageable in the winter. Two of the best restaurants of the Cotswold's that define modern country life: Soho Farmhouse (metal bathroom, bottled Negronis) and farm and pioneer house Lady Bamford in Daylesford, where the ethics spread to everything, from farm shops and pubs to health treatments.
Sustainable travel advice:
Don't use exhaust gas and roadblocks to spoil the idyll: take the train and get around by bike. Classic Cotswold towns such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden can be reached from Moreton-in-Marsh train station, and e-bikes great for getting around town are available throughout the area.
Where to stay:
The Lygon Arms, a 16th-century mansion in the heart of Broadway. The rooms are traditional country style and the four rooms in the garden are very spacious. For a private stay, book this charming and stylish cottage in Kingham, one of our favorite Airbnb in the Cot wolds.
All the destinations on my travel list, including a stay at the Lygon Arms.
ReplyDelete