Where will February take you? Where should it? The Winter Olympics kick off in South Korea, so depending on your proclivities, you might want to head there. Or you could celebrate Chinese New Year in any number of luxurious locales. If you love crowds, there are lots of other options, too, as pre-Lent revelers take to the streets in cities all over the globe. On the other hand, if it’s solitude you seek, consider a trip to Tasmania. Of course, February is the month of love and passion, so a romantic destination should definitely be on your consideration list. And while it may seem distant, spring is just around the corner, and a visit to one of the world’s loveliest gardens in the Americas, Asia or Europe – or at least to an indoor orchid show — might hurry along its arrival.
Here are our top 5 five ideas for luxury travel in the month of February.
Attend one of the pre-Lent street parties and festivals happening all over the world. Shrove Tuesday (the last day before Lent) is February 13, which means that the weeks and days beforehand see celebrations and bacchanals before the Christian liturgical season of restraint and reflection. Venice starts the party on January 27; there are three weeks of masked balls, concerts, performances, historical reenactments, and people on parade in fancy dress in St. Mark’s Square and on the Grand Canal. Or you could get your samba on: Carnival in Rio de Janeiro begins on Friday, February 9 and ends on Wednesday, February 14. The coast of Brazil is a good place to rest up for, or to recover from, Carnival – the boutique hotel Ponta Dos Gauchos gets high marks for its bungalows perched above the sparkling Atlantic. You could double down on the festivities by spending part of the extended weekend before Mardi Gras in New Orleans from February 9- 13. The big parades are all held in that 5-day stretch. If you’re in Europe, you could pop over to London for Pancake Day, which is also always celebrated on the last day before Lent.
Mardi Gras Parade
Celebrate the Lunar New Year. Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, is traditionally a time for families to come together and wish each other peace and prosperity. This year, it will be celebrated on Friday, February 16th. The festivities will mark the start of The Year of the Dog, and one-sixth of the world will be taking part in the celebration, greeting each other with gong xi fa cai or gong hey fat choy – “Happy New Year” in Mandarin and Cantonese, respectively. There are many luxurious ways to join in the fun. In Hong Kong, for instance, there’s a stunning flower market at Victoria Park, followed by a night parade the next day, and proceedings are brought to an end with huge firework display over Victoria Harbour on the final day. A couple of weeks later, you could join the luminous annual Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Jie). It’s celebrated on the first full moon and 15th day of the lunar year, marking the end of New Year celebrations. The best-known is the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Yunlin; over 20 million visitors to travel to see the dazzling night sky filled with giant lanterns, explore the festival with handheld lamps, and enjoy live performances. The event will be held on March 2nd this year.
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
Experience a stunning vision of spring at an iconic orchid show. The first hints of spring arrive at the Kew Gardens London Orchid Festival – this year’s theme is a celebration of Thailand’s vibrant plant life and culture. The event runs from February 10th to March 11th. If you prefer to be stateside, you can catch the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show beginning the first week of March this year’s theme celebrates the work of Belgian floral artist Daniel Ost. The 66th annual Pacific Orchid and Garden Exposition in San Francisco will take place from Friday, February 23th, through Sunday, February 25th in the Hall of Flowers at Golden Gate Park. There will also be an opening Gala Preview Night celebration held on Thursday, February 22nd. The theme for the 2018 Exposition is “Curiouser and Curiouser, Orchids in Wonderland.” It plays off the story of “Alice in Wonderland,” and the Mad Hatter Tea Party will be the theme for the Gala. The Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show will have the theme Asia in Bloom this year – it will be held from February 10th to March 25th and will feature sun-lit orchids under colorful handmade parasols, and a Japanese-style dry garden surrounded by burnt cedar in the shou sugi ban tradition.
Orchid Show
Escape to Tasmania. For an exotic and quiet luxury escape in a warm weather climate this month, consider Tasmania. Its summer there, and February is generally dry with very comfortable temperatures. As an added benefit, the heavy tourist crowds from the holidays will have dissipated. Hiking (or “bushwalking”) is a primary draw for visitors – experts recommend exploring the Tasmasian Wilderness World heritage Area, particularly the Overland Track. Visit the lavender fields at Bridestowe Estate, which will be in full bloom. Stay at the ultra-luxurious resort Saffire Freycinet overlooking the wide expanses of Great Oyster Bay — you’ll be able to see migrating whales and dolphins, and dine on fresh oysters, rock lobster, scallops and deep sea fish. The resort’s rooms all have views of the Hazards Mountains. If you have the time, World Expeditions’ Great Tasmanian Traverse is a guided, 38-day trip that fosters active adventure: long-distance walks, mountain ascents, river rafting, yachting, bushwalking and a light aircraft ride. Prices start at $11,675 per person, excluding flights, and launches on February 18.
Tasmania, Australia
Plot a romantic getaway on a private island. For a truly luxurious escape, there’s no better option than an excursion to a private island, and there’s one for every type of vacationer. You and your beloved can spend time together in a secluded haven on Song Saa in Cambodia – and also participate in the property’s conservation and economic development efforts. In the Seychelles, there are only 11 villas on North Island, where you can scuba-dive before tucking yourself away on a secluded beach. If a big house-party is more your style, check out the first exclusive-use private island to be managed by the Four Seasons hotel group, Voavah Private Island in the Maldives. Open only one month, it accommodates up to 22 guests in seven bedrooms, and includes exclusive use of a private yacht (prices starts at $46,360 per night). Or head for andBeyond Mnemba Island, Tanzania. White sand, turquoise waters, ten rustic-chic villas – what more could one want? There are even three daily snorkeling trips for a chance to swim with the wild dolphins.
The Maldives
There you have it — five luxurious ways to revel in February. Of course there’s also luxury skiing, or a wonderful Valentine’s Day escape. The world is waiting. Bon voyage!
