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As the year winds down, November presents a rare opportunity for discerning travellers to explore the world at its most inviting. It is a month when the tropics beckon with perfect weather, when cultural capitals host unforgettable events, and when landscapes shift into seasonal spectacles. For those seeking the best holiday destinations in November, the allure lies in variety: sun-drenched retreats, vibrant festivals, and elegant escapes where exclusivity and refinement are guaranteed.
1. The Maldives
With the monsoon season behind it, November marks the Maldives at its most serene. Calm seas and clear skies create flawless conditions for diving with manta rays, snorkelling above coral gardens, or enjoying sunset sails by private yacht. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort sets the tone with expansive overwater villas and world-class wellness rituals, while Cheval Blanc Randheli remains a favourite for discreet travellers who arrive by private seaplane.
2. Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE
This is the month when the Emirates come into their own, with desert evenings cool enough for private dune dining and days perfect for rooftop cocktails. In Abu Dhabi, the Formula 1 Grand Prix draws a global elite of billionaires, celebrities, and royalty to its trackside suites and yacht parties. Atlantis The Royal in Dubai dazzles with its sky-high infinity pools and Royal Suite, while Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi offers palatial splendour with views across the Corniche.
3. Cape Town & The Winelands, South Africa
November ushers in early summer in Cape Town, bringing long, sunlit days and clear skies over Table Mountain. It is the perfect time for helicopter flights along the Cape Peninsula, afternoons on Clifton Beach, and private tours of the Cape Winelands, where Stellenbosch and Franschhoek estates host intimate tastings surrounded by vineyards in bloom. One&Only Cape Town offers expansive suites at the V&A Waterfront with easy access to the city’s highlights, while Delaire Graff Estate provides a serene retreat where art, wine, and fine dining combine in a spectacular setting.
4. Kyoto & Tokyo, Japan
November is the month when Japan’s temples and gardens become drenched in red and gold foliage. Strolling through Kyoto’s Arashiyama district or experiencing a private tea ceremony among the maples is both intimate and unforgettable. Aman Kyoto offers seclusion within its forested grounds, while The Peninsula Tokyo provides refined city living close to Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury boutiques. Seasonal kaiseki dining, built around autumn ingredients, elevates every evening into a cultural event.
5. St. Barts, Caribbean
St. Barts in November is relaxed yet refined, as the island readies itself for its busy festive season. This is the time for long lunches at chic beach clubs, private yacht charters across turquoise waters, and evenings spent in cliffside villas. Eden Rock remains an icon for its Riviera-inspired glamour, while Cheval Blanc St-Barth offers beachfront suites that combine island style with discreet sophistication.
6. Riviera Maya & Los Cabos, Mexico
November brings both warm seas and cultural vibrancy to Mexico. Along the Riviera Maya, travellers can swim in hidden cenotes or explore Mayan temples before retreating to the lagoon suites at Rosewood Mayakoba. In Los Cabos, Las Ventanas al Paraíso delivers personalised butler service after rounds of golf on championship courses or curated excursions to spot migrating whales. The timing also coincides with Día de los Muertos, a chance to experience the country’s artistry and heritage in colourful private ceremonies.
7. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina
The start of the season in Patagonia means pristine landscapes, wildflowers in bloom, and glaciers at their most dramatic — all without the peak-season crowds. Guests at Awasi Patagonia enjoy private villas and their own dedicated guides, ensuring every trek, horse ride, or glacial cruise is tailored. Explora Patagonia offers dramatic views of Lake Pehoé and evenings of fine dining with wines from the surrounding valleys, making adventure feel as indulgent as it is exclusive.
8. Oman
Oman in November is a refined adventure at its best. Travellers can sail by dhow through the Musandam fjords, wander through Muscat’s souks with private guides, or spend nights under the desert stars with personalised astronomy sessions. Six Senses Zighy Bay sets itself apart by offering guests the chance to paraglide into the resort from the surrounding mountains, while Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, blends Arabian grandeur with beachfront serenity.
9. Sydney & The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Spring turning to summer makes November an exceptional time for Australia. In Sydney, private yachts glide past the Opera House before rooftop dining in The Rocks district. Further north, Lizard Island Resort places guests directly on the Great Barrier Reef, where heli-transfers whisk them to untouched reefs for diving and picnics prepared by private chefs. Park Hyatt Sydney, meanwhile, offers front-row views of the harbour, ensuring both city energy and natural wonder are within reach.
10. Madeira, Portugal
November is one of the most rewarding times to experience Madeira, when the island’s subtropical warmth offers a welcome contrast to Europe’s cooling climate. Days can be spent walking along the island’s levadas with private guides, followed by wine tastings that highlight the heritage of Madeira’s fortified vintages. For those who prefer pure leisure, clifftop pools and spa treatments overlooking the Atlantic make relaxation effortless. Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, remains the epitome of Madeiran elegance, its historic suites and panoramic terraces long favoured by royalty and discerning travellers alike.
11. Canary Islands, Spain
With year-round sunshine and striking volcanic landscapes, the Canary Islands are a November favourite for discreet luxury. Private yachts glide past black-sand beaches, while spa treatments harness the restorative qualities of volcanic minerals. Gastronomy plays its part too, with Michelin-starred dining on Tenerife offering a distinctly Canary flair. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama provides a refined resort setting with views across to La Gomera, while La Isla y el Mar in Lanzarote blends contemporary design with an eco-conscious approach. Together, they frame a region where nature and indulgence sit side by side.
12. Cyprus
Cyprus in November combines cultural depth with the ease of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Warm days make it ideal for exploring the island’s archaeological wonders or venturing into mountain villages where traditional craftsmanship still flourishes. Back at the coast, luxury resorts provide space to unwind, with suites offering uninterrupted sea views and spas focused on thalassotherapy rituals. Anassa stands out as the island’s leading retreat, its blend of classical architecture, exceptional service, and seclusion creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and indulgent.
13. Rajasthan, India
In November, Rajasthan reveals its splendour in cooler, more comfortable conditions. Travellers can ride in luxury trains across the desert, explore Jaipur’s royal palaces, or witness the Pushkar Camel Fair in curated privacy. The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, a vision of white marble floating on Lake Pichola, remains one of the world’s most iconic hotels, while The Oberoi Udaivilas adds lakeside grandeur and discreet service.
From the coral atolls of the Maldives to the palaces of Rajasthan, November delivers a diversity of experiences few other months can match. With cultural highlights, world-class weather, and bases as refined as Eden Rock, Emirates Palace, or Belmond Reid’s Palace, the month becomes not just a time to travel — but an opportunity to live beautifully in destinations where exclusivity and seasonality align.
