Baby, It’s Cold Outside…

Do you feel in need of a warm holiday this winter with a difference, as oppose to being in a main tourist area? Well, we may have just the trip for you below. Here, we select some of the best destinations for a less obvious autumn and winter getaway.

Sardinia

Winter on the coast of Sardinia tends to be very mild, with average day temperatures of around 12°C, which usually drop at night to around 5 to 8°C. During the month of December, on sunny days, often peaking as high as 22°, making it a popular destination for this time of the year.

Costa Smeralda in picturesque Sardinia on the corner of Northern Gallura is home to the world-renowned and exclusive Pevero Golf Club. As one of the world’s most “picturesque golf courses”, the 6,107 meters long 18-hole course is surrounded by otherworldly wind sculpted granite rocks and natural lakes with sweeping fairways throughout. 

Nestled in between the glittering emerald waters of the bay of Cala di Volpe and the Gulf of Pevero—in the very heart of the fabulous Costa Smeralda. 


The Mistral—the northwest wind of the region as it’s been nicknamed by locals—increases the challenge of each shot, creating a thrilling and unrepeatable golfing experience. As the weather cools and the crowds lessen, autumn and winter makes it an ideal time to go for golf lovers and beginners, looking to hone their skills. Pevero Golf Club offers a full calendar of golf tournaments and a program of activities organised by the Pevero Golf Academy including dedicated courses for adults, but also for teenagers and children, who want to get closer, even for the first time, to the world of golf. All under the aegis of the Pevero Golf Academy led by Alessio Cocchi, Federal Master and Head Pro of the Club.

 The golf course features an expert putting and pitching green, a bunker, chipping green and a driving range with 20 outdoor and five indoor spaces perfect for instruction and practice. A golf pro is available for private lessons. Worth noting, the club is also open to non-guests and rates start from €100 for 18 holes in the low season.

Pevero Golf Club

 Cervo Hotel , part of The Luxury Collection, remains open during the low season for guests staying for a golfing break. The emphasis there is on privacy and seclusion with two private beaches and a clubhouse with an infinity pool. Rates start from £240 per night

www.destinationcostasmeralda.com

Mexico

Two new properties in Mexico as featured by Audley travel, make an interesting trip away from the main tourist areas.

The remote El Cuyo, and the eight-kilometre-long Isla Mujeres, near Cancun. Both locations are the ideal spots for relaxation at the end of a tailor-made itinerary exploring Mexico’s Mayan ruins, highland towns and cities as well as seeing the wildlife and sampling the cuisine.

LunArena, El Cuyo. Mexico

LunArena Boutique Beach Hotel is far from mass tourism in the picturesque fishing village of El Cuyo and is nestled between ocean, lagoon and jungle. The property owners have carefully designed its four rooms to take advantage of its unique positioning giving clients sunset and sunrise views over the water. The onsite restaurant offers a fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine, prepared with ingredients sourced from local producers.

A 10-day trip to Mexico including five nights at LunArena costs from £4,950 per person (based on two sharing). The price includes flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions. 01993 838670 www.audleytravel.com/mexico

Casa del Jaguar, Isla Mujeres. Mexico

An all-suites luxury property in Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte, Casa del Jaguar has been redesigned and opened in January. It is an excellent choice for clients wanting to relax in comfort and privacy on the white sands. Accommodation is in beachfront Junior Suites for two, Family Suites for two adults and two children and Master Suites for two with a terrace or balcony.

Clients can eat at the beachfront Oceanus Beach Club and Restaurant, opt for healthy choices at the Green Demon juice bar and wraps palapa and enjoy a special celebration at the adults-only Guru Beach Club and Restaurant in a secluded north beach location. 

The owners are planning to open a new spa at the property in the autumn with six treatment rooms, an indoor jacuzzi and anti-aging specialised treatments.

A 10-day trip to Mexico including five nights at Casa del Jaguar costs from £6,600 per person (based on two sharing). The price includes flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions. For bookings, contact: 01993 838 670 www.audleytravel.com/mexico

The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection

the debut of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, marking a significant moment for the iconic hospitality brand as it makes its foray into the luxury yachting space. Envisioned to perfectly blend the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton resorts with the casual freedom of a yachting vacation, Evrima, the first of three custom-built yachts from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, set sail on October 15, 2022, with a voyage from Barcelona, Spain, to Nice, Italy, delivering highly tailored getaways for travellers seeking to wholly immerse themselves in the culture of each destination. 

Unveiling unique itineraries and immersive experiences, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection carves out an exclusive space within the industry while exemplifying the brand’s forward-thinking approach to luxury hospitality. 

Stopping at both intimate and signature ports of call, most voyages range from 7 to 10 nights, with no two journeys alike so that guests can combine itineraries without repeating a destination. Depending on the season, Evrima visits the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Destinations along the way range from Spain’s Balearic Islands and coveted havens along the French Riviera, to the aquamarine shores of Aruba and the tropical coastlines of Costa Rica. The intimate size of Evrima also allows unique access into some of the most sought-after ports of call, delivering yacht-style cruising in destinations such as Mykonos, Saint-Tropez, and St. Barts.

The Evrima- part of The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection

The yachts of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter. For more information, please visit www.RitzCarltonYachtCollection.com. For reservations, contact a Reservations Services Agent at +1 833 999-7292 (U.S. & Canada) or contact your travel professional. Voyage prices vary based upon the itinerary and season. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is also a part of Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s travel program.