Kiwi Curated
When Dream Destinations Cost Less
by Joy PecknoldYou know all those fancy, far flung places you’ve dreamt of traveling to—Maldives, Mauritius, Fiji, Belize—but haven’t yet because they’re on the pricey side. There are certain times of year when luxurious resorts in exotic locales cost less. Check out this general guide of when to score savings on room nights and flights.
When Dream Destinations Cost Less
During much of the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, The Maldives are experiencing their wet season which equates to lower room rates. Go later in the season when the rain typically tapers off—you’ll get the occasional downpour but still have beach time with temps around 80°F, along with fantastic diving and snorkelling conditions. The weather won’t phase anyone staying in The Muraka, a new, partially undersea residence at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island opening later this year.
When Dream Destinations Cost Less
With less intense heat, fewer tourists and more attractive room rates, fall is an ideal time to do Marrakech. There’s no shortage of magical hideaways here, but may we suggest La Villa des Orangers (pictured) in the heart of the historic quarter or rose-coloured Amanjena just outside the bustling city.
When Dream Destinations Cost Less
You’ve likely swooned over the photos, and while a beach chockablock with bodies makes for a great pic, perhaps you’d rather see the Amalfi Coast when it’s less crowded and costly. Opt for autumn or early summer and you’ll still have pleasant weather along with extra spending money for buying rounds of Aperol spritzes. Bucket list spots here include Casa Angelina and NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi (pictured) which both offer astounding views.
When Dream Destinations Cost Less
Whether honeymooning, surfing, fishing or snorkeling, October tends to be an optimal month in Fiji for activities, weather, crowds and cost. Nanuku, an Auberge Resort, offers some of the most affordable luxury in the archipelago. Its location on the main island makes it easier to reach while still feeling wild, exotic and remote.
When Dream Destinations Cost Less
Like most tropical locales, Bora Bora’s summer brings short bursts of rain, but with it comes an even lusher landscape and a lower nighty price tag (just avoid Christmas and New Year). There are certainly worse places to wait out a little weather than inside an overwater bungalow—Le Meridien Bora Bora has ones with glass bottom floors to watch ocean life from inside, with a Mai Tai in hand no less.
When Dream Destinations Cost Less
New Zealand’s shoulder seasons from March to May, and September to November, spell deals on flights and hotels. If you’re not staying in ski towns, there’s deep discounts during the winter month in between too. This is the time to stay at one of the country’s next-level lodges, including The Farm at Cape Kidnappers and Azur (pictured).
When Dream Destinations Cost Less
Prices drop in the Caribbean after the winter hot holiday rush. Book a getaway on the front or back end of the summer season and you’ll be strike a nice balance between weather and rates. If Casa de Campo (pictured) in the Dominican Republic and GoldenEye in Jamaica aren’t on your hit list, they should be.
When Dream Destinations Cost Less
Low season in Belize means the occasional rain shower, but it’s also sunny, warm and way more local. Through autumn, there are a number of national and cultural celebrations to partake in. But if it’s a top-shelf escape you’re after, there’s the seven-suite, all-inclusive, private island resort, Cayo Espanto, where summer through fall rates range from $100 to $1,000 less per night than peak times.
When Dream Destinations Cost Less
The northern and western coasts of Mauritius tend to get the driest, sunniest and warmest weather during low season. Here, the typical daytime highs of 79°F and evening lows of 64°F is pretty darn perfect weather. Up at the top of the island lives the brand new, ultra-cool LUX* Grand Gaube. All the Kelly Hoppen-designed rooms are breathtakingly beachy, but the villas offer extra space and private swimming pools.
During much of the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, The Maldives are experiencing their wet season which equates to lower room rates. Go later in the season when the rain typically tapers off—you’ll get the occasional downpour but still have beach time with temps around 80°F, along with fantastic diving and snorkelling conditions. The weather won’t phase anyone staying in The Muraka, a new, partially undersea residence at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island opening later this year.
With less intense heat, fewer tourists and more attractive room rates, fall is an ideal time to do Marrakech. There’s no shortage of magical hideaways here, but may we suggest La Villa des Orangers (pictured) in the heart of the historic quarter or rose-coloured Amanjena just outside the bustling city.
You’ve likely swooned over the photos, and while a beach chockablock with bodies makes for a great pic, perhaps you’d rather see the Amalfi Coast when it’s less crowded and costly. Opt for autumn or early summer and you’ll still have pleasant weather along with extra spending money for buying rounds of Aperol spritzes. Bucket list spots here include Casa Angelina and NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi (pictured) which both offer astounding views.
Whether honeymooning, surfing, fishing or snorkeling, October tends to be an optimal month in Fiji for activities, weather, crowds and cost. Nanuku, an Auberge Resort, offers some of the most affordable luxury in the archipelago. Its location on the main island makes it easier to reach while still feeling wild, exotic and remote.
Like most tropical locales, Bora Bora’s summer brings short bursts of rain, but with it comes an even lusher landscape and a lower nighty price tag (just avoid Christmas and New Year). There are certainly worse places to wait out a little weather than inside an overwater bungalow—Le Meridien Bora Bora has ones with glass bottom floors to watch ocean life from inside, with a Mai Tai in hand no less.
New Zealand’s shoulder seasons from March to May, and September to November, spell deals on flights and hotels. If you’re not staying in ski towns, there’s deep discounts during the winter month in between too. This is the time to stay at one of the country’s next-level lodges, including The Farm at Cape Kidnappers and Azur (pictured).
Prices drop in the Caribbean after the winter hot holiday rush. Book a getaway on the front or back end of the summer season and you’ll be strike a nice balance between weather and rates. If Casa de Campo (pictured) in the Dominican Republic and GoldenEye in Jamaica aren’t on your hit list, they should be.
Low season in Belize means the occasional rain shower, but it’s also sunny, warm and way more local. Through autumn, there are a number of national and cultural celebrations to partake in. But if it’s a top-shelf escape you’re after, there’s the seven-suite, all-inclusive, private island resort, Cayo Espanto, where summer through fall rates range from $100 to $1,000 less per night than peak times.
The northern and western coasts of Mauritius tend to get the driest, sunniest and warmest weather during low season. Here, the typical daytime highs of 79°F and evening lows of 64°F is pretty darn perfect weather. Up at the top of the island lives the brand new, ultra-cool LUX* Grand Gaube. All the Kelly Hoppen-designed rooms are breathtakingly beachy, but the villas offer extra space and private swimming pools.