When summer comes to an end, the transitional months can be a tricky time for holiday planners. To see you through autumn (and into winter sun season), we’ve rounded up a trio of destinations which promise some last-minute, short-haul sunshine in Portugal, shifting into the fall in colour-changing Canada, before tapping into the tropical climes of Bali. Our latest additions will soon have you reaching for your passport…
1. MS Collection Aveiro – Palacete de Valdemouro, Aveiro – Portugal
Sizzling in the summer, Portugal becomes blissfully balmy over the shoulder season – making this the perfect time to visit the country’s west coast. Palacete de Valdemouro has a storied past as the former home of eminent novelist Eça de Queiroz, and you’ll still find the grandeur of days gone by in this historic retreat.
Eça’s literary legacy is palpable too, with suites inspired by his characters, a reading room, and a striking mural connecting past to present. If relaxation is on the agenda, look no further than the atmospheric Moments Spa, where a sweeping colonnade and the sound of water set a mellow tone. From the spa’s swirling waters to the city’s jewel-like canals, embark on a private waterway tour and you’ll soon see why Aveiro deserves the nickname ‘The Venice of Portugal’.
Palacete de Valdemouro | Book Now
2. Monsieur Jean, Québec – Canada
The next few months are known as ‘leaf-peeping’ season in Canada, when the country’s fall foliage turns spectacular shades of red, orange, and yellow – making forest hikes around Québec a must (with many day-trip trails surrounding the city). Set in the heart of the historic quarter with views over the winding St. Lawrence river, Monsieur Jean is a well-placed base for soaking up the sights and sounds of Québec’s vibrant streets – especially from the terraces of its luxury suites.
The interiors are stylish and striped, and every suite comes with a kitchenette for whipping up snacks during your stay. Or you can head to the hotel’s cocktail bar Le Bijou for a light bite, before discovering the old-world charms of Quartier Petit-Champlain (one of the oldest shopping streets in North America).
Monsieur Jean | Book Now
3. La Reserve 1785, Bali – Indonesia
There’s never a bad time to visit Bali, but in-the-know travellers should aim for the off-season (September and October) for some winter sun without the crowds. Close enough to Bali’s legendary Echo Beach to hear the swell on the shoreline, yet away from the hustle and bustle of Canggu, La Reserve 1785 is an exclusive hideaway designed with a hefty dose of French chic. Drawing on its heritage as the former residence of a French antiques collector, the interiors fuse French flair with Balinese artistry – think crystal chandeliers, four poster beds, and, in some cases, private plunge pools.
The hotel’s long and luxurious main swimming pool sits within its lush Purity garden, and is overlooked by Le Café Rouge restaurant, where you can tuck into sustainably sourced, colourful and fresh Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Spend a few ‘do not disturb’ hours in the Secret Spa with a hypnotic Ayurvedic Shirodhara massage, before heading next door to La Brisa, one of Bali’s best beach clubs.
La Reserve 1785 | Book Now
Latest stories
Crowd-free alternatives to our favourite European destinations
Long days with the sun stretching late into the evening. Lazing on the beach after slow lunches of fresh seafood dressed with olive oil and lemon. Following unmarked paths off the map to beautiful views and empty coves. Spontaneous encounters with locals in sleepy villages. Flavourful fruits and vegetables glowing in the
Island swing: Island hopping from Mykonos to Naxos
When travelling in search of slow, sensory wellbeing, the Cyclades islands have much to offer, from small rituals and restorative nature to poignant moments of humanity that are best experienced and reflected on at leisure.
Into the wild: a family safari in Tanzania
Alive with intrepid adventure, breathtaking wilderness and bucket-list wildlife encounters, a luxury safari is an inspired choice for all ages — as one writer discovers on her first family trip to Tanzania, a journey that proves as much a long-awaited homecoming as an unforgettable escape.
Independent Minds: Carmen and Klaus Alber
Having met while studying hospitality management, Carmen and Klaus bonded over a shared dream: to open a small boutique hotel that would attract dynamic international travellers seeking a calm respite from a chaotic world. So when the opportunity arose to take over what is now the Miramonti Boutique Hotel in
