As autumn begins to set in over the Northern Hemisphere, its residents might need a spirit-lifting boost from the chilly air and grey skies, especially reaching the middle of the season in November. This can be achieved on sunny escapes to the Caribbean, taking in vibrant festivals in Mexico or Myanmar, art and gastronomic getaways to European cultural capitals, family reunions for Thanksgiving or retreating to gorgeous locations in Morocco or Scotland. No matter what your travel cravings are for the month, we’ve got the best match and the hottest deals for November.
St. Barthélemy
Come September, St. Barth takes une sieste, waking up in mid-October to prepare for the season. This makes it the perfect time to visit, according to our local expert Peg Walsh of St. Barth Properties, whose absolute favorite month on the island is November.
“Villas are being refreshed, chefs are updating menus and boutique owners are stocking their shelves with the latest designer duds,” says Peg. “In November the island ‘raises the curtain.’ Everything is fresh and new, except our sugar-sand beaches – they remain pristine and gorgeous year round.”
Peg recommends their luxurious six bedroom Villa Galaxie with its stunning seascape and sunset views, plus it’s also currently available for Thanksgiving. Located on the quieter side of Gustavia, it’s walking distance to restaurants, shops and Shell Beach.
Architecturally designed to leverage the magnificent view, the main pavilion opens to a sunny terrace with a fantastic infinity pool and is configured to include spacious living and dining areas. The interior features ultra-modern chic décor, an expansive sleek bar and a futuristic kitchen equipped with high-end appliances.
There is a beautiful master suite, housed in a private pavilion whereas the other five comfortable bedrooms, all with baths en-suite, are located in an adjacent, separate pavilion. Outdoor living takes place on the large terraces furnished with a dining table and many poolside lounge chairs. This is an amazing vacation home and ideal for a holiday with your extended family or venue for a group celebration.
Make the most of this perfect time on St. Barth by reaching out to St Barth Properties at this link.
Saint Martin
Squeeze the last out of summer in the Caribbean by scooping up this fantastic special on the L’Oasis Villa in Saint Martin, available through our experts at Villas and Apartments Abroad. November is the perfect time to go before prices double, triple and quadruple starting mid-December, plus the weather is usually extremely pleasant at this time of year, with temperatures from the mid 70s to low 80s on average. Local ambiance is also at a high in November with St. Martin’s Day taking place on the 11th featuring lively festivities, music, parades and sporting events.
“The Moroccan inspired beachfront estate is one of their premier villas on the island,” explains Sylvia Delvaille Jones, director of Villas and Apartments Abroad. “It is among the highest ranking villas in the Caribbean that seem to offer just about everything one could desire on a holiday, like a top class boutique resort within itself. It has hosted big names in the entertainment, top name producers and actors, Wall Street bankers and hedge fund managers.
“From its cliff high position, you can enjoy wide open vistas of the turquoise Caribbean Sea under blue skies, the beautiful Creole rocky coastline, distant specks of islands and verdant mountains. Elegant palm trees stand tall over green grassy lawns, blazing bougainvilleas and the heavily fruited sea grape trees that bow its branches over the sand.”
L’Oasis is that ideal setting for a group of busy friends to be together, families on that special holiday or celebrating a birthday or anniversary with friends. Sylvia and her team can arrange anything from a fireworks display, a beach party with a live band, a fabulous lunch cruise on a yacht or picnic on a tiny uninhabited island. She can also organize excursions further afield like golf on Anguilla or a private plane to go to St. Barth for the day to visit friends for cocktails and a swim.
If you book L’Oasis for a week in low season, you’ll receive one to two nights free (excluding Thanksgiving, conditions apply). Contact Villa and Apartments Abroad here for more details.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Over in the hills of central Mexico, regional expert Pamela Murdock tempts travelers to the charming colonial city of San Miguel de Allende, where the enchanting Quinta Quebrada historic home she represents is located.
“November in San Miguel is a wonderful and really fun time of year to be in this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage town,” describes Pamela. “The weather is lovely (with temperatures ranging from about 80° down to 50°), plus there are fewer tourists and less traffic. In addition to great restaurants, shops and places to see, there are also several holidays taking place in November.”
“The highlight of these takes place across the country on November 1st and 2nd, two days dedicated to remembering deceased family members. The 1st is Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) and the 2nd is the famous Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) when many spend the entire night in the cemetery eating, drinking and welcoming the dead back from their resting place. It’s a fascinating event to experience firsthand, however, if you’re not ready for possibly long lines to get through the cemetery gates, the celebrations take place around the whole town is part which is cast in masses of marigolds. They say the bright flowers help the souls find their way home. Fiesta flags are strung across the Jardín, the main plaza, and adorn most of the shrines.
“Instead of just welcoming the dead at midnight November 1st in the cemetery, San Miguel throws the weeklong Calaca (skull) Festival which features several parades, all-night celebrations and fireworks, among other things. Everywhere you look are people with elaborate face make-up dressed up as ‘muertes’ (dead brides and grooms, banditos, etc.). Think of it as a much much smaller version of the marvelous opening scene in the James Bond movie, Spectre, which was filmed in Mexico City’s grand Zócalo Plaza.”
Live this experience to the fullest by staying at Quinta Quebrada, the most exceptional and intriguing house in San Miguel de Allende. The magical 16th-century house, is hidden from the town by tall walls which enclose almost one acre of gorgeous grounds where you’ll find courtyards, follies, gardens full of climbing roses and cascading bougainvillea, multiple terraces, loggias, a pool and a hot tub.
The interior is like a living museum, decorated with period Mexican furniture and art with 17th and 18th-century furnishings and decorations from faraway destinations like India, Italy, and Spain. It has with 11 bedrooms and a total of 13,864 square feet of living space over three floors. The property offers the utmost privacy, yet it is only a short walk from El Jardín, the main plaza of the picturesque old city.
If you miss the celebrations of All Saints Day and the Day of the Dead, you could also plan your trip around one of these other November events:
- November 16-20: The International Jazz and Blues Festival
- Last two weeks of November: Feria Nacional de la Lana y Latón (National Wool & Brass Fair)
- November 20-21: The celebration of the anniversary of the 1910 Revolution
- November 21: The Feast Day of Santa Cecilia. Since she’s the patron saint of musicians, people gather at midnight in front of the Oratorio church for an all-night serenade to the Virgin.
- Thanksgiving: Though it’s obviously not celebrated in Mexico, some restaurants serve a “traditional” meal or go more local and have turkey with mole sauce!
Just some of the local insight you can have by booking your trip to San Miguel de Allende and staying at Quinta Quebrada with Pamela Murdock Inc. Contact her here.
Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Further down from Mexico, November is also a fabulous month to visit Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. Our local expert Jane Moore of Papagayo Luxury entices us to this gorgeous area on the country’s Pacific coast:
“The rains have left, and the tropical dry forest is lush and green,” details Jane. “It is a ‘fringe’ season, so there are fewer crowds all the way up until the festive period starts in mid-December. Plus, the rates are low during November. In fact, Papagayo Luxury is offering the 7th night free at any of their condos, from now through Dec 14 (including Thanksgiving!).”
A perfect multi-generational family holiday can be had at their Villa Belvedere which is mostly located on one level (it has two steps down to living room, and the second master is on the second floor). This home has two identically sized master suites (stacked), so it also works well for two families traveling together. It also has two private pools and a hot tub. The smaller pool has large shallow area, ideal for small children. It features a double queen room, so a group of for children can sleep together in one room. In addition, there is a separate entertainment room with Apple TV, which can be closed off for movie night.
Just minutes away is the Prieta Beach Club and Nacascolo Beach, a long beach with flat water (bay side). It has a long shallow entry so no sudden drop offs. This is great for early beach mornings when kids are up before the beach club is open. Further family fun can be had at a nearby putt putt course at the driving range.
Arrange your November getaway to Costa Rica and take up this great special offer at Papagayo Luxury by reaching out to Jane and her team at this link.
Marrakech, Morocco
If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, November usually means cold, grey, rainy short days that depress even the best of us, the only ray of light in the dark winter can be Christmas. However, this is not the case for Morocco and Fiona Guerra of Kensington Luxury Properties reveals why November is the best time to go to the country’s vibrant city of Marrakech.
“After the summer heat and before the winter’s chilly nights, November is one of the best times of the year to visit Marrakech,” elaborates Fiona. “The month features dry, sunny days with perfect clarity and it’s still hot enough to enjoy a refreshing dip in some of the most beautiful swimming pools of the world with the snowcapped Atlas Mountains as a background or to simply stroll around the Medina’s alleys without the high season crowd. It’s also a paradise for golf players who can reign at one of the 15 courses around Marrakech or for those who may like to do some climbing in the Atlas Mountains.”
Enjoy a relaxing and luxurious stay within your Marrakech at Kensington’s Villa Bazina. Designed by one of leading architects in Morocco, the villa offers an oasis of calm and serenity, only 20 minutes away from the busy Marrakech. Blending contemporary style with Arab-Andalusian flare it is spread over 1,700 m² of living areas surrounded by 17,000 m² of grounds showcasing a stunning landscaped garden and the largest private swimming pool in town.
There are six en-suite bedrooms of 100 m² each with their own fireplace, as well as spacious and bright living rooms, a large dining hall, a library, a private cinema room, an English pool, a sky bar, a wonderful hammam with its massage room and a pool house with fully equipped gym room. This property is a perfect balance ensemble, offering one of the most extraordinary settings in Marrakech.
Make your dreams of a relaxing and exotic getaway to Marrakech a reality with Kensington Luxury Properties.
Venice, Italy
According to our Italy expert Katharina Allès Trauttmansdorff, director of excellence.villas by Trust&Travel, November is one of the best times to go to Venice. Katharina tells us more:
“The city is even more magical in November,” says Katharina. “At this time of the year, Venice is less crowded so you may have the opportunity to discover venetian’s residents daily life. Plus, it’s a great time to go world famous Venice Biennale art exhibition which ends November 27th.”
The ideal place to stay in the center of Venice is at Ca’nova, featuring three recently renovated apartments in a private palazzo located right on Venice’s Grand Canal and within a stone’s throw of the glorious Piazza San Marco. The apartments have been redecorated in a pure, classic style with a contemporary twist. Surrounded by comfort and beauty, you will feel spoilt and privileged.
The apartments include access to a welcoming terrace shared by all guests of the Palazzo. There is also daily maid service in the mornings and a private secretary is available to give you pointers and assistance, as well as open doors for you if need be.
There are plenty of excellent restaurants and shops in the vicinity, among which the well-known Harry’s Bar, declared a national landmark in 2001 by the Italian Ministry for Cultural Affairs.
Enjoy la dolce vita in Venice without the crowds by reaching out to Trust & Travel / excellence.villas at this link.
Paris, France
Paris, FranceLike Venice, November is a time when you can skip the crowds in Paris as well as catch some of the city’s best art exhibits and cultural events such as the annual Paris Photo from the 10th to the 13th or the much anticipated Rembrandt in Confidence at the Jacquemart André Museum (on through January 23rd). Paris is also a favorite destination for American Thanksgiving. To make the month even sweeter, our expert at Haven In are offering a special discount for November bookings.
Couples can enjoy the delights of November by staying in their Odeon apartment. Situated just above the famed Boulevard Saint-Germain and decorated with a fantastic selection of designer furniture and artwork, it is the ultimate stylish base for experiencing Paris as a true insider. The apartment is a short walk from La Grande Epicerie at Le Bon Marché and the bi-weekly organic market on boulevard Raspail, so finding quality local fare for an autumn meal is a breeze. Plus the area is teeming with phenomenal dining options.
If you’re planning a Thanksgiving trip for the whole family than their sprawling, 200m2 Republique apartment is the ideal choice (depicted above). Located on the top floor of a majestic Haussmanian building, the apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, almost made for preparing and enjoying a Thanksgiving feast in Paris.
Learn more about these beautiful apartments and their November special offer by contacting Haven In here.
Scotland, the United Kingdom
Take in the last of the fall colors on leisurely country strolls while holidaying in November in Scotland. The best place to enjoy the season or enjoy an exceptional family holiday around American Thanksgiving is at the spectacular The Glenapp Castle by our UK experts Loyd & Townsend Rose.
“The night skies in November are amazing,” reports Andrew Loyd, co-director of Loyd & Townsend Rose, who’s been spending quite a lot of time at Glenapp already this autumn. “There’s no light pollution and meteor showers galore. It’s a great time of year for windswept walks, roaring log fires and a wee dram.”
Situated not far from the coast in the southwest of the country, this vast 19th-century castle was built for the Earl of Inchcape and has been opened to guests since 2000. As you approach, you’ll immediately be struck by its stunning exterior and once inside, you’ll marvel at the Victorian splendour exuded through the beautifully decorated interiors.
Each of the castles 17 guest rooms has been individually and luxuriously styled with a unique combination of fabrics, furnishings, antiques and art and include open fires, which will be just being lit in November. There are a variety of suites with magnificent views over woodland and the surrounding sea, a perfect retreat after outdoor adventures or a gourmet dinner at their award-winning restaurant.
The 36-acre grounds are completely secluded and private, for the exclusive use of the castle guests. They encompass an Italian Garden designed by 19th-century world famous garden architect Gertrude Jekyll. You can spend hours meandering their laneways and savoring the changing leaves and crisp autumn air.
Make the most of the last days of fall in Scotland at the gorgeous Glenapp through experts Loyd & Townsend Rose at this link.
Myanmar
It can be very challenging to travel to Myanmar when it’s too hot or during rainy season, however, from October the rains begin to subside, making the month of November an excellent time to visit. In November visitors can also beat some of the crowds around Christmas time and the New Year. This month you you can also experience the Shwezigon Pagoda festival in Bagan, held from the 13th to the 18th. Over these five days the compound converts into a vibrant marketplace when pilgrims and villagers from near and far come to pay homage to Buddha whose relics are enshrined in the Pagoda.
An amazing way to experience this festival as well as the various facets of Myanmar is on a private cruise with Amara River. They have a small fleet of beautiful traditional teak river boats which can hold up to 10 or 14 passengers and are available for private charter. These traditional wooden boats were custom built for Amara and feature modern luxury amenities in their bedroom cabins as well as on their relaxing upper deck from where you can observe the gorgeous sites you float by on the Irrawaddy River.
Since the cruises are private you can design your desired route with the help of their local expertise. A six-day cruise could start in the centuries-old city of Mandalay, journey past the amazing heritage sites of Bagan, past typical Burmese villages, stop in at the capital city of Yangon before ending at the Indian Ocean in the Gulf of Martaban.
Find out more on the special cultural cruises by Amara River.
