Like so many of us, your focus is probably very much on Christmas right now (heads up… just over two weeks to go!).
But it’s not only Christmas on the horizon, 2018 is zooming into view at a rate of knots. After all the excitement, parties and gettogethers over the Christmas period, you can often feel like a holiday is in order. With that in mind, we have selected five destinations which are ideal for a February getaway. If you think you would like to add a holiday to your brand-new 2018 diary then please give us a call on +44 1993 899 430 and we will be delighted to put together a proposal for you.
February is one of the best times of year to visit the Maldives. A wonderfully warm 28°C offers a stark contrast to temperatures back home and ten hours of sunshine a day will help top up those vitamin D levels.
Highlights:
- Diving - The Maldives are a renowned dive location with a plethora of tropical fish, reef sharks and mantas. The waters are suitable for novice and expert divers alike.
- Dining – The food is exceptional at the high-end resorts, with plenty of fresh ingredients used.
- Spas and Relaxing - One of the reasons the Maldives are so popular is they offer a true getaway – it is much easier to relax and unwind when you are on an idyllic island, and many of the resorts offer truly exceptional spa experiences.
Suggested Resort:
Arrive at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa in style via speedboat transfer from Male. The resort is a picture-perfect island surrounded by clear waters and white sand. The traditionally crafted bungalows and suites offer an idyllic private haven in which to unwind, whilst the impeccable service is just as good as you would expect from the Four Seasons brand.
February is one of the cooler months of the year in Thailand making it a great time to visit (not that you will be missing out on sunshine or heat though, with average temperatures hovering around 29°C). The sea is also pleasantly warm and ideal for swimming.
Highlights:
- Bangkok - Vibrant, energetic and exciting, Bangkok offers a city experience with a difference. The capital is also home to some of the most luxurious hotels around.
- Beaches - If it is beaches you are looking for then the island of Phuket is an exceptional choice with over 30 beautiful beaches to choose from.
- Elephant Sanctuary – experience seeing elephants in their natural environment at Elephant Nature Park, one of the best-known conservation projects in Thailand.
Suggested Resort:
The brand-new Rosewood resort has just opened in Phuket. Stay in a luxury private pavilion or villa overlooking the Andaman Sea and settle back to enjoy the high standards of service offered at this luxury resort.
The beautiful hot, dry weather during February makes South Africa a popular destination at this time of year, with a coastal breeze encouraging visitors to the Western Cape region.
Highlights:
- Cape Town - a bustling and vibrant city with notable landmarks, superb cuisine and friendly people.
- The Wine Region - Consider taking a trip to the famous wine producing region of Stellenbosch; producers of stunning reds, this is a ‘must visit’ for wine connoisseurs.
- The Garden Route - Running up the southeast coast of South Africa offers you the perfect opportunity to explore. Stretching from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storm Rivers in the Eastern Cape, you pass through some incredible landscapes and have the opportunity to enjoy diverse experiences including whale watching.
Suggested Hotel:
The One & Only located on the V&A Waterfront is a superb base for your South African adventures. Flanked by two harbours and with views of Table Mountain, this hotel really does boast one of the best locations in Cape Town.
February is a lovely dry and sunny month to visit any of the excellent destinations in the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For a more relaxed holiday, Abu Dhabi is the best choice, or for sheer ‘wow’ factor head to Dubai.
Highlights:
- Louvre Abu Dhabi – The recently completed £1 billion art museum is not only architecturally truly impressive but home to a cultural treasure trove of artefacts, drawn from pre-eminent museums around the world.
- Al Fahidi Historic District, Dubai – A beautifully restored heritage area and home to museums, craft shops, cultural exhibits, courtyard cafes and art galleries, connected by a labyrinth of narrow lanes. Perfect for exploring.
- Shopping – Whether this is at the Etihad Antiques Gallery in Abu Dhabi or the Dubai Mall (the world’s largest with 1,200 shops), shopping is an experience in itself and there is certainly no shortage of choice.
Suggested Hotel:
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi is a majestic and sizeable hotel set on its own stretch of private beach. Lavishly furnished, Emirates Palace offers you a truly luxurious base from which to explore both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Sri Lanka
With endless beaches, incredible wildlife, impressive scenery and welcoming people, it is no wonder Sri Lanka is such a popular destination right now.
Highlights:
- Ella Rock – A 2hr trek up Ella Rock will reward you with far-reaching views, whilst en route you will be able to walk past plantations of one of Sri Lanka’s most famous exports, Ceylon Tea.
- Uda Walawe National Park – One of the nation’s finest national parks, this is the place to come to view herds of elephants, wild buffalo, spotted deer and even giant squirrels. A guided 4x4 tour is recommended; park rangers are extremely knowledgeable and have an uncanny knack of spotting all manner of wildlife.
- Galle – This historic city port is a Unesco World Heritage site and perfect for exploring on foot. Dutch-colonial buildings merge with ancient mosques and grand mansions creating a unique charm.
Suggested Resort:
The world’s first tea bungalow resort, Ceylon Tea Trails, comprises of five restored colonial era tea planter residences. Period furnishings, gracious butler service and gourmet cuisine create an ambience that makes Tea Trails the gold standard for luxury bungalows in Sri Lanka.
We are here to help you plan the perfect February getaway. Please call us on +44 1993 899 430 to discuss any of these destinations or others which you might have your eye on and we will create a personalised itinerary for you. Alternatively, click here for further contact details.
Looking for more suggestions? Read Where To Go In March for more destination inspiration.