Trending: off-season travel

Why off-season holidays are hot right now and where to go outside of the peak season

Off-season travel is steadily rising, and for the luxury traveller, it's particularly appealing. The desire for a more exclusive holiday, characterised by fewer crowds, authentic experiences, and often better value, has been a significant driver. This is coupled with the greater flexibility and more relaxed planning that allows for spontaneous itinerary changes that make an off-season holiday ever more appealing.

Travelling outside of the peak season is also a more sustainable way to travel, helping to support local communities year-round while lessening the impact of the overtourism that can take place during the most desired months.

Leading hotels have swiftly caught on to the rising demand for off-season travel and many have adapted to discerning travellers' needs by either opening outside of their traditional peak season, or by extending their summer operations to cater for the growing number of shoulder-season travellers.

Consider Villa d’Este, for instance, which established its winter season a couple of years ago, inviting you to experience Lake Como’s glamorous shores during the festive period, and crucially, without the summer hordes. Then there's Marbella Club in southern Spain. With Marbella renowned for its 320 days of sunshine and the hotel open continuously, you can easily plan for spring, autumn or winter sun escapes. And if the allure of the South of France without the fashion crowd resonates with you, then Lily of the Valley, celebrated for its wellness offerings, is available to book all year round.

Mallorca, too, is a destination truly worth discovering in the off-season. Hikers, in particular, will adore the conditions in October and November. Grand Hotel Son Net stands out as one of the few luxury hotels on the island open throughout the year. Its setting within the Tramuntana Mountains makes the hotel perfect for enjoying the great outdoors without the intense summer heat.

From Lake Como to Thailand, these are the best off-season destinations and the places to stay when you arrive.

Mallorca, Spain

Summer sees Mallorca’s coastal resorts at their most animated, when it becomes a haven for sun-seekers from all around the world. However, outside of the peak season, a tranquil and pleasant island awaits. From October through to November, and again in spring, the island sheds its summer intensity. This is prime time for hiking through the Tramuntana Mountains to ancient monasteries like Lluc, or cycling along scenic coastal routes, experiencing the island's authentic character in blissful serenity.

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Son Net in Puigpunyent offers bespoke wine tastings from its private vineyard and spa rituals amid mountain views.

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech in the height of summer can be an overwhelmingly hot experience, with the Djemaa el-Fna square at its most frenetic. For a truly enchanting visit, embrace the cooler months from autumn (September-November) to spring (March-May). The mild climate is wonderful for getting to know the intricate alleys of the Medina for artisan finds, discovering the quiet beauty of the Jardin Majorelle, or sipping mint tea on a rooftop terrace as the city's unique energy unfolds below.

Where to stay: Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech has spacious villas with private pools set within 49 acres of fragrant rose gardens and olive groves. Or Kasbah Tamadot, in the Atlas Mountains is a majestic retreat offering authentic Berber experiences and stunning mountain views.

Lake Como, Italy

Peak summer transforms Lake Como into a lively spectacle, with its famously scenic roads and iconic ferries often packed with visitors. Yet, outside these months, a more intimate and atmospheric side emerges. Spring (April-May) unfurls gardens like those at Villa Balbianello in gorgeous bloom, while autumn (September-October) paints the surrounding hills in rich, warm hues, ideal for quiet lakeside strolls and exploring Bellagio’s charming lanes without the throng. One of our favourite ways to see Lake Como is during the winter when the peaks are covered in snow and there is a tranquil ambience.

Where to stay: Villa d’Este where the Christmas and New Year's festivities transform the historic Cernobbio villa into a dazzling spectacle of lights and gastronomic events.

Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos, during its high summer, is a busy hub, with its ancient sites and beaches drawing large crowds under the blazing sun. For an alternative visit, consider spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). The weather is comfortably warm, making it ideal for unhurried exploration of the Tombs of the Kings or the Paphos Archaeological Park's Roman mosaics. The sea remains inviting for a relaxing dip, and the local tavernas continue to offer a warm welcome.

Where to stay: Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort affords a 130-metre private beach and bespoke treatments at its expansive Cleopatra Spa.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali's dry season (May-October) is consistently sunny, attracting a huge influx of visitors to its spiritual heartland and beaches. The green season, or rainy season (November-April), presents a quieter, more breathtaking experience. While brief, cooling showers are more frequent, they intensify the emerald landscapes of the rice paddies around Ubud, making temple visits to Tirta Empul feel more contemplative. Waterfalls, like Tegenungan, cascade with renewed vigour, and the island exhales with a palpable sense of calm.

Where to stay: Capella Ubud is a secluded tented camp where each private pool villa is a luxurious haven, blending beautifully into the rainforest.

Crete, Greece

Crete’s summer months are synonymous with vibrant coastal resorts and sun-drenched beaches. To uncover the island's real soul and ancient history, the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best times to visit. The climate is excellent for exploring ancient Minoan palaces, like Knossos, without the crowds, or hiking through the dramatic Samaria Gorge. The sea is pleasantly warm, and local culinary traditions can be savoured without haste.

Where to stay: Minos Beach Art Hotel in Agios Nikolaos is a minimalist design spot where bungalows and villas provide direct sea access and an inspiring open-air art gallery.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui's peak dry season (December-April) attracts a significant gathering to its shores. For a more exclusive and peaceful Thai experience, consider the shoulder months of May to September. While occasional showers occur, they often give way to clear skies. This period means quieter beaches like Choeng Mon, more serene boat trips to the Ang Thong Marine Park, and the chance to indulge in a traditional Thai massage in seclusion, all with an enhanced sense of personal space.

Where to stay: At Six Senses Samui, every villa comes with a private infinity-edge pool and beautiful Gulf of Thailand views.