Every seasoned traveller knows September is the month to move. Peak season has passed, but the beauty and warmth still linger — Kyoto’s sun-dappled temples, vineyards primed for Mendoza’s spring bud break, and shorelines still smouldering in Croatia — all revealed through a more authentic, crowd-free lens. It’s shoulder season at its best: fewer people, softer light, and a slower pace to soak your chosen destination up.
1. Younch Hotel Xi’an, Xi’an – China
When Xi’an’s ancient walls are bathed in a golden autumn glow, Younch Hotel Xi’an makes a serene retreat to watch and welcome the shifting seasons. Its imposing, fortress-like exterior nods to the ramparts outside, but step in and you’ll find soft light, calm tones, and a courtyard sanctuary complete with a meditation pool. Rooms feel cocoon-like and sunlit, perfect for unwinding after exploring lively markets or the fascinating archaeological finds displayed in the Terracotta Army Museum (as featured in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life). With thoughtful touches — from Aqua di Parma amenities to cocktails inspired by the city’s 13 dynasties — the hotel is a modern haven that mirrors Xi’an’s heritage and vitality.
2. Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort, Mendoza – Argentina
September marks the beginning of spring in Argentina, where Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort bursts to life as the Uco Valley awakens under crisp, clear skies and the Andes loom in the distance. Sunlight fills minimalist rooms and villas, each framing expansive vineyard and mountain views, while the estate’s 320 hectares invite immersion in its rich winemaking traditions. Savour signature wines with a gourmet picnic or under starlit skies, unwind at the Uco Spa, or set off on a morning trek through blossoming landscapes. From horseback rides to authentic asados amid the budding vines, the resort blends modern design, breathtaking scenery, and the art of wine into an intoxicating escape.
3. Boutique & Design Hotel Navis, Opatija – Croatia
Boutique & Design Hotel Navis sits on a striking perch above the Adriatic, where warm days linger and sunsets over Kvarner Bay turn the sea to molten gold. Every sleek, glass-fronted room opens to the horizon, inviting you to kick back and watch the rolling waves from a private terrace. By day, slip into the still-warm waters below the cliffs or set out on an island-hopping adventure; by evening, settle on the terrace restaurant where the season’s bounty meets dramatic seascapes. With forest trails, mountain hikes, and Opatija’s storied streets to navigate nearby, Navis is a chic gateway to Croatia’s coast as summer fades into autumn.
4. Camden Harbour Inn, Maine – USA
High on a hill above Penobscot Bay, Camden Harbour Inn offers a front-row seat to Maine’s changing season — where crisp mornings drift over the water and the slopes behind glow in copper and gold. Inside the Victorian landmark, suites pair Molton Brown bubbles with Maine Cuddledown linens, while Natalie’s serves lobster eggs Benedict by day and locally harvested menus by night. Step into the rhythms of the region: haul traps with local fishermen, sail into the sunset, hike and leaf-peep through woodlands, or tour nearby vineyards with a host who brings mid-coast terroir to life. And for a nightcap with a twist, the Candy Lounge brings together vintage sweets and creative cocktails.
5. Hotel Chourakukan, Kyoto – Japan
When Kyoto’s heat simmers down and the first hints of autumn touch the trees in the leafy foothills of Higashiyama, Hotel Chourakukan stands as a graceful hideaway with Maruyama Park on its stately doorstep. Once a residence for visiting dignitaries, this Western-style mansion now blends historic grandeur — stained glass windows, marble fireplaces, Baccarat chandeliers — with the intimacy of just a handful of suites. Linger over patisserie in the tea salon, stroll into the parkland or the cobbled streets beyond, then return for drinks in the elegant bar and a seasonal menu that puts Kyoto’s finest ingredients on pleasingly presented plates.
6. FAUCHON L’Hotel Kyoto, Kyoto – Japan
FAUCHON L’Hotel Kyoto is a decadent retreat where Parisian flair meets Japanese craft. From too-pretty-to-eat patisserie at street level to sunset sake with mountain views at Grand Café FAUCHON, the hotel is a gastronomic hub. Upstairs, suites are dressed in a blush-pink palette with Kyoto touches — Shigaraki-ware bathtubs, Imabari cotton robes, and a gourmet minibar that’s restocked daily with seasonal treats. Step outside to wander temples and teahouses, then return to toast the city from above.
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