Kiwi Curated
Shoulder Season Escapes
by Joy PecknoldBetween summer’s end and Christmas, there’s a golden opportunity to see the world while avoiding crowds and higher costs. Here’s the scoop on where to go right now through early December.
Shoulder Season Escapes
The Mediterranean, including the Aegean Islands, Balearic Islands and Southern Italy maintain better-than-average temperatures even after summer has taken her exit. For something atypical in Ibiza, check out Cas Gasí. The boutique hotel is extra chill, with just 12 suites tucked away in the countryside. Hop on one of the complimentary electric bikes to explore the area.
Shoulder Season Escapes
Ferries and flights to Canada’s Vancouver Island are full through the summer, but mid-autumn brings a delightfully slower pace to this sizeable isle. With it’s British sensibilities, Victoria is utterly charming—plus The Empress (pictured) recently received a gorgeous facelift—or enjoy the beach in Tofino with a stay at the seaside Wickaninnish Inn.
Shoulder Season Escapes
Come right before cyclone season and the South Pacific is at its clearest, which bodes very well for water experiences. Speaking of experiences, Nanuku, an Auberge Resort in Fiji offers overnight camping under the stars, wild boar hunting, food safaris, coral planting, creek rafting and more.
Shoulder Season Escapes
Ahead of the peak winter season, the Caribbean is just as nice—nicer even because of the price and fewer people. With its three golf courses, beachfront, natural springs and ecological park, the Dominican Republic’s Tortuga Bay at Punta Cana Resort & Club keeps guests as busy as they want to be.
Shoulder Season Escapes
Similarly, Riviera Maya, Mexico’s cut of the Caribbean, rewards holidayers for making an early escape. At the Thompson Playa del Carmen, choose from either its more buzzy main building, or its cozier 27-suite oceanfront Beach House (pictured).
Shoulder Season Escapes
Ski hills in North America and Europe swell during the Christmas season, but just ahead of it they’re relatively quiet. Park City Mountain boasts the biggest skiable terrain in the U.S., and lots of luxury accommodation, including a Waldorf Astoria. In the French Alps, Aman Le Mélézin (pictured) offers some of Courchevel’s chicest mountainside rooms.