There will be no such thing as January blues if you were smart enough to book a sunny getaway for the famously bleak month. And where better to head in January than Dubai? Guaranteed sunshine, a shortish flight and world-class dining options. A seemingly endless supply of luxury apartments in Dubai will leave you spoiled for choice for where to stay and the huge shopping malls and beautiful sandy beaches will keep you busy. Dubai is developing at such a rate, that every time you visit it will look completely different so get there now for a glimpse into a city of the future.
If January left you feeling sluggish, a ski holiday might be just what you need to get you out of your slump. The Swiss Alps are the perfect place to visit in February and have a more up-market vibe than the neighbouring French and Italian resorts. Rent a luxury ski chalet in Switzerland, grab your friends and family and spend a week skiing fresh powder and indulging in all that the apes ski scene has to offer.
The white, sun-drenched, cliff-top villages of Santorini have been attracting honeymooning couples for the best part of a decade and while Santorini is definitely no secret, there is still so much left to explore. Visiting in March won’t guarantee good weather, but it will guarantee you’ll have the island almost completely to yourself. It will still be T-shirt weather, so you can enjoy al-fresco beers as you watch the world-famous sunsets but without thousands of selfie-stick-wielding tourists. Make the most of the mild weather and walk some of the islands hiking routes and take a boat trip to Santorini’s most secluded bays where you won’t see another soul.
The Dutch capital has shrugged off its seedy reputation to emerge as a contender to Copenhagen for the title of Europe’s trendiest city. And April is the perfect time to visit thanks to the annual King’s Day Parade. This carnival on the 27th of April celebrates the king’s birthday and is a national holiday in the Netherlands. The canals fill up with a blur of orange boats as the whole city turns into one giant street party. Many neighborhoods in Amsterdam truly come alive at this time. There really is nothing else like it. Come for King’s Day and stay for everything else though. In the city you’ll find unique shops, delicious coffee, and world-class brunches. Base yourself in one of these luxury rentals near the Amsterdam city centre for a true taste of Holland. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
While the popular tourist towns of Kuta, Ubud and Seminyak are at risk of becoming victims of their own popularity, the rest of Bali is still relatively untouched. However, the huge influx of tourism in recent years means that infrastructure on the island has been improved dramatically and it’s now easy to get to the more remote parts. Head north to the charming fishing village of Lovina or venture into the island’s interior to climb the imposing Mount Agung at sunrise. If the beach is calling then the Uluwatu peninsular will not disappoint. Visit in May for low rain fall and lower humidity.
The appeal of Paris never really wavers, but a flurry of hip new openings and the resurgence of certain neighbourhoods makes it a top destination for 2020. The area around the Gare du Nord is in the middle of a serious makeover and the nearby Canal Saint Martain is the sight of so many restaurant openings that even the locals are struggling to keep up. Visit in June when the city is in bloom and make the most of this area’s regeneration by staying in a chic apartment near the Gare du Nord train station. Dine with trendy Parisians at one of the best brunch spots in Paris and forego the typical sights like the Eiffel Tower for some more off-the-beaten-track attractions like these beautiful parks in Paris.
With almost 20 million visitors a year, London is the 3rd most-visited city in the world, beaten only by Bangkok and Hong Kong. And while the city may be no secret, there is so much to discover in London that you’re guaranteed to be charmed by the capital of the UK. During July, London is at its most vibrant, with pub gardens overflowing, charming afternoon tea cafes, and city parks brimming with activity. Head to one of London’s best swimming spots to cool off in the heat and check out our guide to what to in London in summer for more ideas. One thing is for certain. You will never get bored here.
While sometimes it’s nice to escape the crowds and discover hidden gems, it’s also sometimes nice to be in the centre of the action. And nowhere is more in the centre of the action than Mykonos in August. The Greek Island is the undisputed party capital of the Aegean Sea and in August the beach clubs come alive with late-night revellers and dedicated party-goers. The beautiful beaches surrounding Mykonos are the perfect place to nurse sore heads and the island’s impressive selection of luxury villas ensure you’ll have somewhere suitably decedent to spend the night.
Lisbon has every element for a successful city break in September. Unseasonably warm weather, delicious food, and plenty of luxury places to stay. Lisbon is unrecognisable now compared to the start of the decade when it was a slightly crumbling city with not much global appeal. Fast forward to 2020 and it is now one of Europe’s most-loved capitals, a tangle of steep streets and classy rooftop bars. It’s also right on the sea, so take a bus or train just outside the city and you can be saying goodbye to summer with your toes in the sand.
If you’re not quite ready to wave goodbye to the warm weather, then get a weekend trip to Barcelona booked in for October. The mild Mediterranean climate means you can be enjoying al-fresco tapas on your very own private roof terrace in Barcelona while everyone back home digs out their gloves and scarfs. The Catalan capital boasts some of the best wine bars in Spain as well as lots of top brunch spots. Situate yourself in the centre of the action and book a luxury apartment near La Rambla.
With a whiff of Christmas in the air, New York really dials up the magic in November. Celebrate Thanksgiving in the city and throw yourself whole-heartedly into the festive atmosphere with ice skating during the day, and at night, as the fairylights twinkle on the trees, sip a cocktail or two at a swanky bar. Nowhere does bold and brash quite like New York. Everything here is bigger and better. The luxury apartments in New York are stunning, the towering skyscrapers hurt your neck to look up at and the sandwiches are truly out of this world.
Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, booking a sunny escape for December can be the perfect antidote to festive headaches and what better place to escape to than the paradise island of Saint Barthelemy in the Caribbean? Sip cocktails at a beachfront bar and visit a world-class spa for a well-deserved massage. If you’re more of an active type, check out our guide to St Bart’s for active holidaymakers. December in Saint Barthelemy is stress-free, sunny and the perfect way to end 2020.