Five of the Most Beautiful Mexican Towns

Mexico is home to some of the loveliest towns of the Americas. Visitors can’t help be whisked away by  the charm of narrow cobbled streets, soaring church towers, colorful artisanal boutiques and lively café terraces. Our local experts let us in on their favorite towns to help you plan a perfect, magical Mexican holiday.

Izamal, Yucatán Peninsula

Nestled in the center of the Yucatán Peninsula is this mythical city and a holy place where Itzamná, the Maya god of wisdom, art, language and culture, was born. Our Yucatán expert Angelica Espinosa of Catherwood Travels tells us more about this special town:

“It is thought to have been founded around 600 BCE and was an important pilgrimage site at the time of the Spanish Conquest. The magical convent is one of the town’s wonders. It features one of the most exceptional central courtyards of any church in the world. Izamal is the only place in the Yucatán where there’s a pyramid no matter where you look. In fact, there are more than 140, all which are integrated into the contemporary town, where 30,000 descendants of the ancient Maya see this as no more than a part of their daily life.

“With nearly all its modern and colonial buildings painted an spectacular shade of egg-yolk yellow, and surrounded by the remains of pre-Hispanic constructions, Izamal remains an important ceremonial center and pilgrimage destination.”

Where to stay in Izamal

Catherwood Travels has the perfect historic hacienda in beautiful Izamal. A stay at intimate Casa Azul means you’re living on sacred ground—there’s an ancient Maya pyramid right in the back yard! And that’s just the beginning.

Izamal’s “Blue House” is an enchanting colonial home, just a block away from the cathedral, featuring one air-conditioned bedroom (with a queen-size bed), a full bath with tub and shower, a comfortable living room and a fully equipped kitchen. The house’s quaint courtyard and rear garden at the base of the pyramid and full of charm and intrigue are ideal for relaxation or dining al fresco.

Contact Catherwood Travels here for further information or to book this splendid Yucatan holiday rental.

Puebla

Situated two hours southeast of Mexico City, history lovers adore this delightful town, considered one of the five most important Spanish colonial cities in Mexico. Founded in 1531, its strategically location on the route between Mexico City and the country’s main Atlantic port, Veracruz, brought it much wealth, displayed in its beautiful 70+ churches, numerous bubbling fountains and fine array of extravagant mansions, characteristics which led it to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The city is also known for its delicious mole poblano and chiles en nogada as well as its gorgeous Talavera pottery.

Visitors to the area can include the nearby Great Pyramid of Cholula, also called Tlachihualtepetl. The massive structure is larger than the Pyramid of Giza and features phenomenal views of Popocatépetl, an impressive active volcano found only 50 kilometers away.

Where to Stay Near Puebla.

San Miguel de Allende

Founded in 1542, San Miguel de Allende is one of the most beautiful hilltop cities in Mexico. Located about 160 miles north of Mexico City, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has completely enchanted our local expert, Pamela H. Murdock, she wins us over to the town with her description below:

“It’s truly a gem and I love everything about it. San Miguel is absolutely charming with narrow cobblestone streets and marvelous colonial houses – both grand and fully staffed or small with only a housekeeper/cook. No matter what the size, almost all are hidden behind high walls that conceal courtyards, fountains, gardens and loggias with outdoor dining and sitting areas and fireplaces. Also very appealing is the climate. Most of the year the weather is lovely with warm sunny days and cool evenings. Perfect for sleeping and houses are even more magical at night when their fireplaces are lit.

“There are lots of good restaurants and great shops with wonderful furnishings and decorative objects (shipping is easily arranged so I can justify buying more). There are also quite a few fascinating historical sites within easy reach of town. Plus, every month of the year are holidays, festivals and parades which are celebrated con mucho gusto!

“A little advice: Because of the cobblestones, high curbs and uneven sidewalks wear sensible shoes (I’m not kidding) and if you’re watching fireworks in the Jardín, the main plaza, be ready to run since fireworks sometimes fly every which way. Or do as the locals do and use the metal lid of garbage can as an umbrella/shield. It can be exciting yet totally entertaining. Also, don’t bother trying to figure out the times church bells peal and in some cases, clang. There seems to be no rhyme nor reason.

“San Miguel is one of those special places people go back to year after year and I completely understand why!”

Many thanks to Pamela for her vivid illustration of this magical Mexican town!

Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende

Enjoy the best of San Miguel de Allende’s historic ambiance at Quinta Quebrada, the most alluring and luxurious rental property. The unique 16th-century house is hidden by tall walls which enclose almost one acre of graceful grounds where you’ll find courtyards, follies, gardens full of climbing roses and cascading bougainvillea, a number of terraces, loggias, a pool and a hot tub.

The interior is a veritable living museum, decorated in period Mexican furniture and art with 17th and 18th-century furnishings and objets d’art from faraway destinations like India, Italy, and Spain. There are 11 bedrooms and a total of 13,864 square feet of living space spread over three floors. The historic home offers complete privacy while also being a short walk from El Jardín, the main plaza of the picturesque old city.

Learn more about this one of a kind holiday rental by reaching out to Pamela H. Murdock here.

Sayulita

Twenty-five miles north of busy Puerta Vallarta along the Riviera Nayarit you can find this very charming colonial town, a favorite of our experts at In Villas Veritas who specialize in villas in nearby Punta Mita.

“Sayulita that has lovely shops and a ‘surf’ vibe,” describes Laura Blair, director of In Villas Veritas. “The town makes for a great day or half day trip from Punta Mita.”

The true highlight of the laid-back town is its abundance of fabulous boutiques featuring artisanal handicrafts by the Huichol, the local indigenous tribe of this area of Mexico. Plan to go on the weekend when there are extra markets with exceptional textiles and jewelry. Enjoy a refreshing break during your wanderings for some homemade ice cream or tangy tequila cocktail.

Where to Stay near Sayulita

Enjoy the best of this part of Mexico by staying at the splendid Casa Majani, located around 25 minutes from Sayulita in the coastal luxury resort of Punta Mita. Available through In Villas Veritas, this stunning villa was designed by world-renowned architects Manolo Mestre and Juan Collignon who’ve paid homage to the natural surroundings while incorporating the contemporary to create alluring and meditative experience.

A network of pathways through expansive reflection pools connects each unique structure, creating the illusion that the six-bedroom villa is suspended over the Pacific. Nested underneath a palm-thatched roof, is an enchanting living and dining terrace featuring a sustainable tropical wood dining table which seats 12. The two connected pools blend with sea and sky and offer undisturbed views of the blue horizon with over 150 feet of infinity edge. Inside, the family room provides guests with a most comfortable space to watch a movie, listen to music, or enjoy a board game. There is also a yoga and fitness room, adorned with native wood flooring and floor to ceiling windows onto the reflection pools and lush native gardens.

There are two individually decorated king-sized master suites with luxurious en-suite baths, including hand crafted tubs and indoor and outdoor showers. There are four additional rooms located in two different buildings on the property, one with two queen size beds and a seating area, perfect for a family.

Savor the best of Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the enchanting Casa Majani by contacting In Villas Veritas at this link.

Merida

The picturesque capital of the Yucatán can sometimes be overlooked by visitors to the area, however, it’s a go-to favorite of our Senior Account Manager Naomi Clark. The vibrant city is both rich in both Mayan and colonial history and has has served as the American Capital of Culture twice, in 2000 and 2017. The city revolves around the Plaza de la Independencia, overflowing with trees and zigzagged with walkways, its also home to the imposing Mérida Cathedral and luminous Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, colonial-era churches which incorporate relics from ancient Mayan temples. A stroll down its main avenue, the Paseo de Montejo, will take you past many beautiful historic mansions and an annually changing sculpture exhibit. The city also has a great variety of excellent restaurants, boutiques and art galleries.

Where to Stay in Merida.

If you’re looking for more inspiration for exploring the Yucatan, have a look at this great article on Tulum’s Mayan Ruins by the Luxury Columnist. 

Battled over by the British, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and French, South and Central America and the islands of the Caribbean are dotted with remnants of the colonial era and the struggle to control the New World. The colonizers left their mark through splendid Baroque churches, sturdy fortresses and charming European-inspired plazas. Travel back in time to the era of golden conquest by visiting these enchanting towns descending from Mexico to Uruguay.

Paraty – Brazil

Paraty is a beautiful colonial town between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, only a few hours drive from both cities. It’s a favorite of our local Brazil expert Martin Frankenberg of Matueté Villas, who tells us a little more about this lovely destination.

“Settled in the mid-17th century, when gold was discovered in this region, Paraty became the most important port to transport it over to Portugal,” explains Martin. “Set in one of the most stunning stretches of the Brazilian coastline, it unites great private villas, good hotels and restaurants, vibrant culture and nightlife, great local shopping, tropical rainforest treks, waterfalls, and a bay filled with islands and virgin beaches, which are best explored by private boat.”

Matueté has a range of villas in the town center and also on an island only 10 minutes away by boat from town. Discover their luxury accommodation options in Paraty here.

Colonia del Sacramento – Uruguay

The small, understated country of Uruguay has one of South America’s prettiest colonial towns: Colonia del Sacramento. It was founded in 1680 by Manuel Lobo, the Portuguese governor of Rio de Janeiro, choosing the location for its strategic position across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires, then controlled by the Spanish.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the charming historic center is crisscrossed by cobbled streets lined with charming cafés, boutiques, historic homes and an array of colonial buildings. You can easily trace the ramparts around the city, punctuated by the town gate. The brave who climb the stairs to the top of the El Faro 19th-century lighthouse are rewarded by an impressive view of the Barrio Historico and shimmering waters of the Rio de la Plata. Since the town is set on the north side of the vast river, it’s the perfect vantage point to savor spectacular sunsets.

Colonia is a great day-trip from Buenos Aires or make Uruguay your holiday destination by staying at the beautiful Villa Neptuno, available through Marina Gratsos of Carpe Diem Luxury Travel and situated further up the coast near the lovely seaside resort of Punta del Este.

A description of the villa can be perused in this article and learn more about this fabulous contemporary villa by reaching out to Marina at this link.

San Miguel de Allende – Mexico

Considered one of the most beautiful towns in Mexico, the picturesque colonial city of San Miguel de Allende marvels visitors. Nestled in the Bajio mountains in the center of the country, the colonial city was founded by the Spanish in 1542 and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

“It became an important stop on the silver route between Zacatecas and Mexico City,” explains our local expert Pamela H. Murdock. “This rise in prominence is evident in the splendor of the city’s architecture. One of the reason’s the city remains so special is that it was declared a national monument in 1926 and therefore all new construction must conform to the colonial architecture.”

The old town, with its cobblestone streets and lovely historic buildings, has a magical ambiance. Many visitors start their explorations in El Jardín, the lively main plaza animated by artists, musicians and street vendors. Here you can find La Parroquia, neo-gothic and baroque cathedral with a Moorish bell tower. There’s also a fabulous artisanal market where authentic local handicrafts can be purchased.

The city is also known for its impressive historic homes, like the magical Quinta Quebrada, represented by Pamela. Hidden by tall walls, the 16th-century house is set on almost one acre of graceful grounds encompassing courtyards, terraces, follies, gardens of climbing roses and cascading bougainvillea, loggias, a pool and a hot tub.

Complete your marvelous trip to San Miguel by staying at Quinta Quebrada. Find out more about this one-of-a-kind house here.

Bridgetown – Barbados

One of the best preserved British colonial cities of the Caribbean is beautiful Bridgetown, Barbados – so much so, its Garrison and historic core have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. The charming old town has buildings dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, architectural representations of the power of Great Britain’s colonial empire. It was one of the first fortified ports of the Caribbean, which led it to become one of the most important British trading ports in the region.

A visit to Bridgetown wouldn’t be complete without admiring the famous Garrison. Established in 1780, it’s the largest 18th to 19th centuries garrison of the British Colonies. A walk through the old town will also take you past several other historic buildings like the Parliament buildings, St Michael’s Cathedral and the Georgian era George Washington House. History buffs will enjoy learning more about the early days of the island at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, located in the former Military Prison.

Soak up the colonial spirit and relaxed Caribbean vibe by staying at one of Altman Villa Rentals‘ exquisite collection of properties on the island. Learn more about their opulent holiday rentals at this link.

Cockburn Town – Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

The capital of the Caribbean archipelago of the Turks & Caicos, Cockburn Town is said to be where Christopher Columbus first set foot on the “New World” in 1492. Visitors to the small city of 5,500 inhabitants will travel back in time as they stroll past the rows of colorful colonial buildings along narrow streets like Duke and Font Streets.

In your wanderings, seek out the Lighthouse, Fire Hill and the Hawks Nest Anchorage. Along your way, you’re likely to spot some donkey carts, still in use on the island. Stop in at the National Museum to delve further into the country’s history, a focal point of the exhibit is on the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck discovered in the Western Hemisphere (from around 1505).

Our experts at In Villas Veritas have a multitude of wonderful villas scattered around the islands of the Turks & Caicos. Let them assist you to plan the perfect trip here.

Dunmore Town – Harbour Island, The Bahamas

The Bahamas is also rich in Caribbean colonial history. A lesser known pearl is the charming town of Dunmore on Harbour Island, crowned by Travel + Leisure as the “Best Island” in 2015. It was founded in the late eighteenth century and named after the governor of the Bahamas from 1786 to 1798, John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, who had a home on the island.

“The pretty town is lined with pastel colored clapboard cottages with picket fences and gardens full of colorful bougainvillea, oleander, hibiscus and other flowers,” describes Pamela H. Murdock, our local expert for the Bahamas. “Life on the island is laidback and peaceful, helped by the fact that there are no cars—only golf carts.”

For a small town of less than 1,800 inhabitants, Dunmore has a fabulous variety of authentic and delicious dining options from fancy bistros to tasty food shacks. Pamela shares her favorites in this article.

Enjoy planning a wonderful trip to Harbour Island with the help of Pamela and her immense knowledge of the destination. You can contact her at this link.

Sometimes travel can come from a surprising twist of fate. That’s exactly what happened to Pamela Murdock, an UltraVilla expert for Harbour Island in the Bahamas and San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. Read on to discover how an unexpected envelope in the mail allowed her to start traveling and eventually led her to create her bespoke villa rental company.

“When I was 20, “my” bank in New York made the innocent mistake of sending me a credit card. It was a miserably hot summer, I was dying to escape and, as usual, was short of funds. And then the MasterCard arrived. I’d barely opened the envelope when I realized I was holding the solution. Not only could I charge the airfare, I could also rent a small house so that my Labrador could come too. Because Lulu and I loved the beach, I started renting on Caribbean islands that allowed dogs to visit as well. When she became too old to travel, I branched out to other locations including the Bahamas and Mexico.

“After years of various jobs, 18 of them as a publicist in New York City, I decided to turn something I loved doing for myself into a business: finding vacation house rentals. I was sure if I liked the property friends would too and happily they always did. Those friends referred their friends and my business continued to grow. My goal has never been to have as many listings as possible. I prefer to keep my company small and customized. It also doesn’t matter to me whether someone would like a simple beach shack or a grand villa with staff, the effort put into finding the right place remains the same. And once on holiday, the only thing I want my clients to have to think about is what fun thing to do next.

“Now 16 years later, I still look at each prospective house as though I was taking it for myself. I still want to know what surrounds the property, what the views really are, whether the bathroom has a tub or shower and what size beds are in each room (reading “double bedroom” on a website doesn’t work for me.)

“In destinations like Harbour Island, Bahamas (pictured above), I’ve developed an extensive list of contacts and am happy to be able to offer clients the following services: arranging golf cart rental, advance grocery shopping, extra maid service, a cook (managing all details), in-house massage, personal training, restaurant reservations, special events and boat charters for diving, snorkeling, picnics and fishing (deep sea and bone) as well as organizing a taxi from/to the airport and round trip water taxi service. Very detailed information about any location is also provided.

“By the way, over 40 years later, I’m still renting vacation houses for myself and yes, still using that MasterCard to pay for them (albeit making much larger monthly payments for which the bank is happy)!” – Pamela H. Murdock

Discover more about Pamela’s repertoire on Harbour Island here as well as a special property she represents in the charming Mexican colonial city of San Miguel de Allende, Quinta Quebrada, the enchanting historic home pictured above. You can also get an idea of the fabulous local insight Pamela can provide by perusing her tips in this article on San Miguel in November and on Best Watersports in the Caribbean.

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 7^th 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

Like 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.