A luxury winter break is about being in the right place at the right time, and syncing your holiday perfectly to the season. That could mean arriving in time for the best culinary delights, enjoying exclusive empty beaches or pristine pistes, or experiencing one-off cultural events. Time it right, and the choice is yours.
The Kitzbühel Streif is the ultimate challenge for downhill skiers, attracting visitors from around the world. Local slopes aren’t just designed for pros, however, with many available for amateur skiers and other winter sports and activities.
The town itself is still steeped in the wealth gleaned from local silver deposits. Medieval buttressed walls, cobbled streets and delicate frescoes decorate the charming mountain town, which is filled with luxury cafes, restaurants and shops. It’s no surprise, then, that Kitzbühel is one of the best European ski resorts to buy a second home.
The US golfing Mecca of Scottsdale, Arizona has a lot to offer winter vacationers. In the wider Phoenix/Scottsdale metropolitan area, there are more than 200 golf courses, many hosting PGA and Champions Tour events.
The region rarely drops below 20 Celsius in winter, and that’s a good excuse to enjoy the dramatic desert landscape beyond the golf resort boundaries. From Scottsdale you can book helicopter trips over the Grand Canyon, or get into the Wild West spirit with exclusive equestrian expeditions into remote territories.
On a map, Dubai might look like any other major global city. From the ground, however, the Emirate of Dubai is a stunning architectural playground. The twisting spiral of the Burj Khalifa may dominate the landscape, but lower down the likes of the Dubai Water Canal and the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made archipelago, boast an unrivalled selection of luxury venues and boutique resorts.
Everywhere you look, you’ll find luxuries ranging from traditional Middle Eastern craftsmanship to ultra-modern shopping experiences. At the traditional gold souk you can still find gorgeous local jewellery, while at the iconic Mall of the Emirates you can enjoy snowy ski slopes as temperatures outside soar above 20 Celsius.
South Africa has long been a popular country in which to invest in a holiday home. Its high temperatures, low rainfall and southern-hemisphere sunshine that soaks the countryside during those grey European winters make it an ideal escape. Nowhere is this truer than in Stellenbosch.
The Stellenbosch Wine Route is one of the oldest in the country, and consequently, the region has accumulated over 200 wine producers – with more than 150 offering tasting rooms for visitors. Foodies can also enjoy classic Cape cuisine walks through the historic town, tasting delicacies like indigenous teas and traditional snacks.
Be warned, however: if you travel in the perfect season you might just fall in love with your destination. So prepare yourself to explore second-home options, and get ready to dive deeper into those winter delights.
