Looking for the ultimate holiday-planning guide? From peak perfection in winter to summer's sweet spots, these stays all shine at specific times of the year.
Although travelling is always a joy, every destination around the world has a particular moment when it should take the spotlight. This could be because of a significant annual event – a carnival or natural phenomenon, for example; it may be due to the tourist crowds dissipating (and prices tumbling); or simply that the weather conditions are at their optimum for sightseeing/sunbathing. From Japan's glittering snow festivals in February to Paris in the spring and a Viennese whirl at Christmas, here's where to visit – and stay – throughout the year. 12 months and 12 brilliant hotels... Your wanderlust calendar is sorted.
January
Joali Being, Maldives
Sticking to 'new year, new you' resolutions is a lot easier when bathed in winter sun. Joali Being, on Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, is the first immersive wellbeing island retreat in the Maldives. From the moment you step off the seaplane, the priority at this resort is health and happiness. Drift between the hydrotherapy hall and herbology centre, the neon-aquamarine ocean and your dreamy villa, on repeat. Alternatively, sign up for one of the transformative programmes to aid everything from de-stressing to digestive resetting. The aim is for each guest to achieve 'weightlessness' – a feeling of freedom, lightness and joy – and who doesn't want to kickstart their year with that?
February
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, Abuta-gun
No-one does a winter festival like Japan. They are magical, especially in Sapporo, where the city's Odori Park is taken over by larger-than-life ice sculptures every February. Also embracing the romance of the season is nearby Otaru with its annual Snow Light Path, when the port town is festooned with glowing lanterns and small snow statues. Inspired by the white stuff? Stay at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, a mountain retreat in the Annupuri range that is ski-in, ski-out. After a day on the slopes, sink into the hotel's cosiness – there's a spa and multiple restaurants, including Robata where dishes are cooked over sizzling coals. Karaoke before bed is a must.
March
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Visiting the Rajasthani royal lake city of Udaipur in March means the winter crowds are gone and you'll be able to sightsee before the stifling heat descends. Base yourself at the Oberoi Udaivilas, a palace-hotel set across Bill Bensley-landscaped grounds, on the shore of Lake Pichola. Once you've marvelled at the Moorish-Mughal architecture, unwind in one of the marble swimming pools. Or take a boat across the lake at sunset for unique perspectives on the City Palace and Jag Mandir. Visit this month and you'll also be swept up in the joy of the Mewar Festival, observed to welcome the arrival of Spring – plus, of course, it's Holi.
April
Airelles Palladio Venezia, Venice
Be one of the first through the door at Airelles Palladio Venezia, the latest opening from the chic French hotel group. The property, which has 45 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites, occupies a trio of historic buildings on Giudecca. This long, thin island is frequented by locals seeking sanctuary from Venice's bustle, though it's only a short vaporettoride to Piazza San Marco (which should be less busy than in high season). Pitstop at one of the many cafés or cicchetti bars around the square, before visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or Burano, with its rainbow-hued houses and handmade lace. Back at the hotel, you'll never tire of drinking camparis in the secret gardens.
May
Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris
Audrey Hepburn once fabulously declared that "Paris is always a good idea". In May, when the parks are in bloom, cafés spill outside and the city is bathed in a soft glow, even more so. Yes, there's a busyness to the City of Light but it's less pronounced than in summer. A stay at Mandarin Oriental Lutetia in arty Saint-Germain-des-Prés will have your heart. Once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and Josephine Baker, the hotel's stylishness has in no way faded. This is a place to recline on Hermès cushions and sip champagne, before retiring to your room to soak up the Eiffel Tower views from your private terrace.
June
Argos in Cappadocia, Uçhisar 
Cappadocia in central Turkey is a mystical region of 'fairy chimney' rock formations and villages carved into valley walls, where life has persisted uninterrupted for 11,000 years. At its heart is Argos, a hotel that was formerly an ancient monastery and cave houses, now meticulously preserved and restored into a 71-room property. Channel your inner troglodyte in the new spa or at the farm-to-table restaurant, which boasts the biggest natural underground wine cellar in Europe. Visit in June and you'll be rewarded with sunny days and clear skies, all the better for spotting the famous hot air balloons, which silently float across this otherworldly horizon.
July
The Homestead, Nambiti
July is optimum for safari-ing in South Africa, as the cool, dry weather means prime wildlife-spotting – herds amass around the remaining water holes and their predators are easier to spy through thinner vegetation. The Homestead, the last lodge permitted to open in the Nambiti Reserve, welcomes its first visitors in 2026. Hewn from local stone, its roof planted with indigenous grasses, the 12 suite-property combines ultra-luxe with eco-conscious. Swap stories of the Big Five (or the other 50 mammal and 300 bird species that call this region home) over dinner in the elevated central structure, which houses a restaurant and bar, infinity pool and that all-important viewing platform.
August
Four Seasons Koh Samui, Surat Thani Angthong
Many people visit Koh Samui during the dry (more expensive) months between December to April, but August can be very pleasant. You may get the occasional rain burst but the average temperature is around 29°C. Stay at the villa-only Four Seasons Koh Samui, where complimentary kayaks, paddleboards and zayaks (for children) are available to take into the calm, warm waters of the Gulf of Siam. Landlubbers might prefer a back-to-nature treatment at the rainforest spa, breaking a sweat at a Muay Thai class or simply swinging on a beach hammock beneath the palms, a refreshing Mango Tango cocktail in hand.
September
Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro
Everything about Rio sizzles, from its energy to its beauty. Spring (September to November in the northern hemisphere) is a good time to pack your Havaianas, when there is little humidity and less crowds. Stay right on the beach at Brazilian grande dame, Copacabana Palace. Commanding prime position on Avenida Atlantica, this spirited five-star has been seducing its guests since it opened in 1923; it has lost none of its allure, ranking No.11 on The World's 50 Best Hotels 2025 list. Do as the Cariocas do: work on your suntan at the pool by day, before sipping caipirinhas and sambaing into the early hours.
October
Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
The turning of the leaves is one of nature's finest performances, not least in Massachusetts, which is ablaze with burnt oranges, russet reds and vivid yellows at this time of year. The foliage peaks from mid-September to late October, first in the northern parts of the state before rippling towards the south. Boston is the ideal gateway to New England's fiery woods and forests, though the city's own parks also put on a show. After a brisk stroll through Back Bay Fens and Beacon Hill, return to the comfortable elegance of downtown landmark the Fairmont Copley Plaza, where golden age decor meets nothing-is-too-much-trouble service.
November
Gran Hotel Taoro , Tenerife
The largest of Spain's Canary Islands has shaken off its package holiday reputation, with travellers now seeking out Tenerife's dramatic scenery, cobblestone villages and ambitious restaurants. One thing that hasn't changed is the 'tee-shirt climate', with the thermometer averaging 24ºC in November. Now, the isle can add another feather to its cap with the renaissance of the Gran Hotel Taoro in Puerto de la Cruz. Once the stomping ground of the jetset, including author Agatha Christie, a three-year renovation brings a new chapter: 199 elegant rooms, six restaurants and bars, the Sandára Wellness Centre and a dedicated concierge team.
December
Rosewood Vienna
'Tis the season to add sparkle to your shopping. Vienna's Baroque backdrop lends itself beautifully, with the city's annual festive markets retaining an authenticity that is sadly ever more rare. In December, snow-dusted squares and streets are lined with wooden chalets selling hand-crafted ornaments and spicy glühwein to rosy-cheeked visitors. In the midst of it all, Rosewood Vienna radiates bonhomie. The former 19th century bank on merry Petersplatz is always a vision of imperial glamour; during yuletide, it's even more bewitching. Settle in the velvety plushness of the lounge for Viennese coffee and apfelstrudel or ascend to the rooftop for cocktails and the twinkling city below.
Discover more fantastic restaurants, bars and hotels with 50 Best Discovery, and start planning your next adventure.
