Where are the best places to go in February for a luxury vacation? If you’re lucky enough to need some new vacation ideas this February (because you’ve actually got the time to get away), we’ve got you covered. These are our picks for the top places to go – the best, most popular, luxury vacation travel destinations in the month of February.
what are the best places for a luxury vacation in February?
Where will February take you? Where should it?
If you love crowds, there are lots of options this month as pre-Lent revelers take to the streets in cities all over the globe for Carnival and Mardi Gras.
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.
Here’s where to book a luxury vacation in February at the best, most popular places and travel destinations in the world. Harbour Island, Bahamas.
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.
Our picks for the best luxury vacation destinations in February
Attend a pre-Lenten street party
Shrove Tuesday (the last day before Lent) is February 13, 2024. It’s also known as Pancake Day, as if anyone needed an excuse to have breakfast for dinner. And this year it falls on Galentine’s Day! The weeks and days beforehand will see celebrations and bacchanals, before the Christian liturgical season of restraint and reflection begins. It’s said that the word “carnival” originates from the Portuguese “Carne Vale,” interpreted as “Farewell to meat.” The phrase refers to the Carnival as being the ultimate celebration before a period of abstinence from alcohol, meat and pleasure.
1. Venice.
Venice starts the party this year on January 27, 2024 and keeps it going through February 13. The Venice Carnival is three glamorous 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. Our favorite places to stay in Venice are the Hotel Bauer Palazzo (currently closed for a major renovation) and the Danieli.
Here’s where to book a luxury vacation in February at the best, most popular places and travel destinations in the world. Carnival in Venice.
2. Rio de Janeiro.
Get your samba on! Carnival in Rio de Janeiro officially begins on February 9, 2024, and runs until February 17. But there’s no need to wait – you can get there early.
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. Once you arrive in Rio, it’s good to know that the flagship parades take place at the aptly-named Sambadrome. But you’re likely to find a party no matter where you go.
3. New Orleans.
As previously mentioned, Shrove Tuesday is February 13, 2024. The Mardi Gras parades will start even sooner, and there will be plenty of parties and events throughout the month of February.
The most festive days of all are the weekend before Mardi Gras – meaning that you’ll want to arrive around Thursday February 8, 2024. The “it” place to stay is Hotel Peter and Paul in the Marigny – it’s a compound created from a 19th-century church, schoolhouse, convent and rectory.
Visit an iconic orchid or flower show
For those weary of grey skies and cold, February is the perfect month to go in search of fresh flowers. Happily, it’s orchid show season. And two of the best ones are happening in cities that make for a great winter vacation.
4. London.
The first hints of spring arrive at the Kew Gardens London Orchid Festival. this year’s theme is a celebration of Cameroon’s vibrant plant life and culture. The event runs from February 3 to March 3, 2024.
While you’re in town, whether you have lots of time, or just a little, there are wonderful things to do in London. High tea, shopping, museum visits and more. Our favorite hotel in town is The Beaumont in Mayfair.
5. New York.
If you prefer to be stateside, you can catch the annual New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show beginning February 17, 2024 and running through April 21. We never miss this show, and it never disappoints.
While you’re in New York, catch one of the blockbuster art exhibits at the Whitney, the MoMA and the Met. And shop and dine at some of the cool new places that have opened in the past few months. Stay at one of the top luxury boutique hotels, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for midwinter bliss.
take a romantic escape
6. Tasmania.
February is summertime in Tasmania, and the weather 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.
Here’s where to book a luxury vacation in February at the 10 best, most popular, places and travel destinations in the world. Tasmania.
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.
7. Seychelles.
For a truly luxurious escape, there’s no better option than an excursion to a private island. In the Seychelles, there are only 11 villas on North Island, where you can scuba-dive before tucking yourself away on a secluded beach. The car-free island is about the size of Monaco, with four white-sand beaches plus grassy plateaus and granite peaks. East Beach piazza is the site of several heritage stone agricultural buildings have been retooled to house a library, dive center, boutique, bar and restaurant.
8. Harbour Island – The Bahamas.
A sophisticated friend says that Harbour Island is the perfect luxury getaway at this time of year. Only 3 ½ miles long by a half mile wide (at its widest), the peaceful island just northwest of Eleuthera Island offers beautiful pink sand beaches, pastel cottages, quaint boutique hotels and terrific restaurants. Outlying coral reefs like the Devil’s Backbone are home to marine life such as stingrays and turtles. There are also adorable little pigs roaming free all over Harbour Island. It’s a hidden gem right now – get there before the word gets out.
the most popular places for a luxury vacation in February
There you have it — 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!
