Early November is a great time for finding deals. Plan a trip before the Thanksgiving rush and relax at reasonably prices, uncrowded hotels and resorts. If you are looking for the perfect place to visit on your Thanksgiving vacation>, it's a good idea to plan early, especially in popular destinations like Hawaii and the Caribbean. If you are looking for an inexpensive last minute vacation idea, look for specials at resorts within easy driving distance of your home.
Anantara Al Yamm Villas
Anantara Al Yamm Villas is a stunning romantic retreat on the Arabian Sea. A place that Scheherazade could have conjured in one of her stories, this hideaway is set on a stunning white-sand beach. You will be able to watch the ocean right from the bed and lounge on the plush villa terrace. The property is a sustainably-built luxury getaway, surrounded by diverse wildlife on land and sea. Guests will be able to on a morning adventure wildlife drive and see the land up close.
The layout of the resort is inspired by traditional Arabic fishing and pearl diving villages. There are just 30 luxury villas, offering guests plenty of privacy and five star service. On the property, you will find an outdoor pool, saltwater Mangrove lagoon and a unique spa inspired by ancient Bedouin culture. Younger travelers can participate in programs at the Kids' and Teens' Club while the grown-ups play tennis, go horseback riding (there are horses on property) and work out at the gym. In the evening, have a romantic dinner at the signature Italian restaurant, or take advantage of the Dine by Design service with a private chef and butler. You can choose a setting that most fits your dreams, whether it's to make a romantic proposal or celebrate a special occasion. Culinary delights include authentic Middle Eastern flavors, grilled seafood specialties and distinctive African dishes.
Amanzo'e
Amanzo'e , Amanresorts' Mediterranean retreat located on the east coast of the Peloponnese in Greece offers five star service, just 38 designer suites with plenty of privacy, and its own sandy beach. Amanzo'e is situated on a hilltop, a 10-minute drive from the quaint town of Porto Heli. All of the suites have private swimming pools and stunning views of the island of Spetses and the Argosaronic Gulf. The free-standing suites are situated on different levels to maximize privacy and views. If you want an oversized pool, ask for a Deluxe Pool Pavilion when booking your stay. Each suite has a stone-wall courtyard and sleeping and living areas with soaring ceilings.
4- and 5-bedroom villas are also available. Nearby things to do include ancient archaeological sites, summer performances in the Amphitheatre in Epidaurus, museums, local cuisine, nightlife and jazz bars. The Peloponnese peninsula is ideal for day trips, sailing and swimming. amanresorts.com
Uma Paro Bhutan
Uma Paro Bhutan is a relaxing retreat in Bhutan, a landlocked Himalayan country with India to the south and Tibet to the north. Hotel rooms and suites, centered around a courtyard, overlook the scenic Paro Valley. The hotel has just 29 guest accommodations offering guests privacy and luxury. You will be near Bhutan's famous cultural landmarks while staying in one of the most luxurious private villas in the country. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to practice yoga, or go on a camping adventure in the Himalayas, the hotel provides a great base for exploring the area.
Bukhari restaurant serves the flavors of Bhutan, incorporating produce from the hotel's own organic kitchen garden grown in partnership with local farmers from the Paro Valley. Bhutan's royal family stops in to dine at this unique restaurant. Discover COMO Shambhala Yoga and residential Retreat Weeks at the hotel during your stay. The hotel spa offers Asian-inspired treatments and authentic Ayurvedic therapies.
Shangrila's Tanjung Agu Resort & Spa
Shangrila's Tanjung Agu Resort & Spa is a 5-star tropical resort set amidst 25 lush acres of manicured gardens with panoramic views of the bay in Kota Kinabalu City, Sabah, Malaysia. This piece of heaven, just 10 minutes away from the city and the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, offers a wide scope of engaging activities from land to sea. There are 492 guestrooms and suites adorned with designs from Borneo's rich cultural heritage. Guest accommodations come with a private balcony opening up to vistas of the turquoise beach and sparkling coral islands. The Tanjung Wing faces Mount Kinabalu and the Kinabalu Wing overlooks the ocean.
Cafe Tatu serves breakfast and dinner buffets of Western and Asian cuisines in an open-kitchen ambiance. Coco-Joe's Bar & Grill pays homage to Borneo's heritage with enticing culinary and cultural performances. Peppino is the hotel's chic Italian restaurant while the Shang Palace serves traditional Chinese cuisine. The iconic Sunset Bar, uniquely located at the edge of the South China Sea, offers cocktails and alluring drinks, while the Borneo Lounge and Bar serves snacks and relaxing drinks with live entertainment. Desserts and pool snacks are served at Cool Box Ice Cream Bar.
Get pampered at CHI, the Spa with traditional Asian treatments. The spa is set on its own island within the premises. The spa consists of eight island villas featuring private treatment rooms, saunas, lounging areas, gardens and bathing facilities. It also has a yoga pavilion with views of the South China Sea. Nearby, guests can play golf at The Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club, a 27-hole course built around undulating terrains on reclaimed seaside land. The premier golfing ground has 3 courses of varying difficulty levels fit for novices and pros alike.
The hotel offers adults and children numerous options of recreational facilities. There is a large Water Play Area with water slides, whirlpool beds, kiddie's pool and an infinity pool. The Cool Zone Kids Club offers babysitting facilities. Work out at the gym, along the jogging track, play tennis and practice your game on the 9-hole pitching and putting course. Star Marina rents an array of water sports equipment. The romantic setting gives couples the opportunity of living out their dream wedding and honeymoon in a tropical paradise. The Sunset Bar has been noted as an ideal venue for weddings and receptions. Kinabalu Rooms, Tanjung Rooms and ballrooms can accommodate weddings of 8 to 1200 people. (60 88 327 888).
The British Pullman
On your next trip to London, sign up for something different - a round trip on a beautiful OrientExpress train. The train ride lasts about 5 hours and returns you back to Victoria train station where you started. Experience the Golden Age of Train Travel aboard The British Pullman while enjoying a five-course lunch and an entertaining murder mystery game. The train ride is available on certain dates throughout the year. Guests do not disembark during the journey and smart attire is expected.
The train offers opulent historic carriages, some of which have been used by the British royal family. The oldest carriage (Ibis) dates back to 1925. Enjoy a ride on this luxury historic train surrounded by the British countryside. Although the murder mystery theme is meant for Agatha Christie fans, the ambiance of the train, combined with countryside views, would be fun for Harry Potter fans as well. The Zena carriage was used in filming of the movie "Agatha" about Agatha Christie 1976. All of the carriages are first class.
Fairmont Makati
The very first Fairmont hotel in the Philippines is now open. Fairmont Makati is located in the same tower as Raffles Makati, in the Metro Manila area, one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia. The hotel is located in the heart of the Ayala Centre, Makati's financial and entertainment district, within walking distance to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Ayala Museum and some of the best shopping.
The hotel has 280 guest rooms and suites decorated in modern style with Filipino design influences. Each guest room has stunning floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the city. The hotel has a 14,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa with five treatment rooms, salon, a mineral pool, an outdoor swimming pool with a terrace. Several dining options are offered on-property, including Spectrum restaurant which offers all-day dining. Spectrum serves international cuisine with five 'Culinary Theaters' surrounding the main dining room, bar and lounge seating areas. Fans of baked goods have to visit Cafe Macaron which serves not only freshly baked bread, but also desserts, pralines and pastries.
Secrets Wild Orchid, Montego Bay
November is a great time to visit Montego Bay in Jamaica; the weather should be beautiful and the resorts are less crowded than they are between December and April. Also, November is a great time for a little rest and relaxation before the craziness of the Festive Season. Secrets Wild Orchid is a wonderful choice in Montego Bay. The resort is perfectly located on a stunning peninsula which has more than a mile of pristine beach. Secrets Wild Orchid is adult-only and fully inclusive – the ideal way to go for a carefree vacation. Each of the stylish rooms has a hot tub and private balcony, with views of the inviting Caribbean Sea.
Lot A59, Freeport, Montego Bay, Jamaica, +1 876 9536600
Canyon Villa B&B, Inn of Sedona
Offering guests some of the best views you can find in Arizona, CCanyon Villa B&B, Inn of Sedona is a very popular destination for visitors to Sedona. November is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year to visit the Red Rocks area – the weather is mild and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities without suffering blistering heat. All the guestrooms have been individually decorated to provide guests with a comfortable and peaceful cocoon from which to explore the outstanding vistas of the area. Your day always starts with a brilliant gourmet breakfast. Other amenities include an outdoor pool with amazing views of Bell Rock and a friendly concierge service to help you make the most of your visit.
40 Canyon Circle Drive, Sedona, AZ 86351, 928 451 7196
The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize
Positioned on the banks of the Macal River, The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize is perfectly positioned to offer guests and extraordinary eco-jungle experience. When you choose to spend your vacation at this resort, you can anticipate enjoying an in-depth experience which focuses on the wonderful Mayan ecology, culture and natural history. Lodge owners Mick an d Lucy Fleming have curated very special experiences for guest including visits to temples, ancient archaeological sites and ceremonial cave. As you unwind in your beautiful accommodation you can rest assured that this eco-lodge always endeavors to leave the smallest possible footprint on nature. The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit Chaa Creek.
Chaa Creek Road, San Ignacio, Belize, 877 709 8708
Hacienda Del Mar, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Yet another brilliant choice for a relaxing November vacation, Hacienda Del Mar Los Cabos Resort combines the best of beach and desert activities. The sprawling resort is located just a few steps from the Cabo Del Sol Golf Course and many of the guest rooms are also just meters from the beach. There is a huge free-form swimming pool, beautiful gardens and a spectacular stretch of beach for guests to enjoy. You can choose from a selection of guest rooms or opt for a 2 or 3-bedroom villas large enough for the whole family to spread out and relax. November is one of the best times of the year to visit Cabo San Lucas.
Carretera Transpeninsular KM 10.5 CSL-SJC, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico +52 624 145 8000
Hotel Ranga, Iceland
Iceland is a very special place to visit at any time of the year. However, if seeing the extraordinary Northern Lights is one of your bucket-list items, Hotel Ranga is the place to head to in November. The comfortable and stylish hotel offers a wide choice of guestrooms and suites suitable for couples or families. Themed Master Suites will transport you to faraway places, while still offering excellent views of the Ranga River from your private balcony. All rooms enjoy complimentary access to the geothermal hot tub, Nespresso Coffee makers and a delicious breakfast. Staying for at least 4 nights in November will greatly enhance your chances of seeing the elusive Northern Lights.
851 Hella, Iceland, +354 487 5700
The Langham, Melbourne
Mild pre-summer weather and a host of fun attractions make Melbourne Australia a great destination for a November vacation. Perfectly located on the banks of the Yarra River, the Langham hotel is surrounded by some of the best tourist attractions in this vibrant city, which is widely acknowledged to be the cultural capital of Australia. The Langham, Melbourne offers a selection of guestrooms and suites designed to provide the perfect home-from-home base from which to explore. Each of the rooms is beautifully appointed and offers superb view of the city. Other winning features include a roof-top pool, a spa and a choice of dining options.
1 Southgate Ave, Southbank, VIC 3006, Australia, +61 3 8696 8888
Hotel Contessa, San Antonio, TX
Hotel Contessa is a luxury all-suite hotel located directly on San Antonio’s famous River Walk. Here, in the lap of luxury, guests can enjoy an elevated Texas experience which includes mouth-watering modern Texas cuisine accompanied by hand-crafted agave cocktails at Ambler Restaurant. The guestrooms and suites are beautifully appointed and all feature Texan inspired artworks by local artists, to remind you where you are. There is a brilliant roof-top spa, indoor pool and hot tub. November is a wonderful month to visit San Antonio, when the weather is mild and pleasant and you can enjoy various outdoor pursuits without the blistering heat of summer.
306 W. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205, 210 229 9222
Tambo del Inka, Peru
Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Tambo del Inka offers a luxurious base from which to explore the ancient Inca culture. The luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites are designed to make you feel right at home and all feature private balconies to immerse you in the surrounding landscape. The hotel is a perfect choice for foodies, offering a variety of immersive food experiences including Ancient Gourmet Menu Tastings, Cookery Classes and Mixology classes. There is an on-site spa and indoor and outdoor pools if you are in need of a little relaxation. Hop aboard the hotel’s private train for your unforgettable ride to Machu Picchu.
Avenida Ferrocarril, S/N, Sacred Valley, Urubamba, Peru, 08661, +51 84 581778
La Maison Arabe
La Maison Arabe is your home-from-home in the heart of Marrakesh. Located in the ancient medina, this sumptuous hotel seems very far removed from the hustle and bustle which surround it. Each of the luxurious guestrooms and suites is a haven of tranquility, where modern elegance meets the spirit of Morocco. Bathrooms are crafted from local marble and granite and most of the rooms have a private balcony overlooking the gardens or the central patio. Dining at La Maison Arabe is a wonderful experience for all gourmands – the fabled restaurant has been pleasing celebrity palates since 1946. You can enroll in the cookery school to see how they do it. Other activities include Street Food Tours, Quad excursions and much more.
1 Derb Assehbé, Bab Doukkala, Marrakech Médina, Morocco, +212 524 38 70 10
1 Hotel South Beach, Miami
Perfectly positioned along a 600-foot stretch of prime Miami coastline, 1 Hotel South Beach is the perfect base from which to enjoy all the attractions of Miami. Depending on your needs you can choose from a selection of rooms, suites and homes, all of which boast wonderful views of the city or the ocean. On-site facilities include 4 pools, yoga and fitness classes and a wonderful spa where you can enjoy a pamper session. When it comes to dining you will be spoiled for choice – there are 7 restaurants and bars to choose from. November is often referred to as the best month of the year to visit Miami for comfortable temperatures.
2341 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 833 625 3111
Bahia Resort Hotel, San Diego
Perfectly located on a 14-acre peninsula which juts into Mission Bay, the Bahia Resort Hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and beautiful sandy beaches. The resort ambiance will immediately put you at ease and get you ready for a relaxing vacation. Whichever guestroom or suite you choose, you will never be far from the beautiful secluded beach where you can soak up some sun or try your hand at some fun water sports. There is also great cycling available at the resort. One of the must-do activities at the resort is a sunset sightseeing cruise on the Bahia Belle, which offers wonderful views of the aquatic park.
998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109, 858 488 0551
The Leela Kovalam, Kerala
The Leela Kovalam is a Raviz Hotel located on a perfect hilltop site surrounded by more than 60 acres of lush greenery close to Kerala. The resort is undeniably a wonderful base from which to embark on a wonderful Keralan adventure. The Leela stands in what was once a sleepy fishing village surrounded by crescent beaches. Guests can devote their vacation to relaxation and rejuvenation or explore a wide range of activities including snorkeling, paragliding and surfing. On-site activities include badminton, volley ball, yoga and more. The guestrooms and villas are serene and inviting, and most offer excellent sea or garden views. There are several dining options where you can enjoy local and international cuisine.
Beach Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695527, India, . +91 471 305 1234
The Verandah Resort and Spa, Antigua
Nestled in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, the spectacular island of Antigua has so many beaches that you can visit a new one every day of your vacation. The Verandah Resort and Spa is set in a wonderful located on Long Bay, offering excellent on-site amenities and easy access to everything the island has to offer. All the suites and villas have private balconies and all offer beautiful views of the tropical gardens or the azure waters which lap the island. There is a large free-form pool, a spa with indoor-outdoor therapy rooms and a wide selection of water sports. The resort is fully inclusive and guests have a choice of dining options and bars.
Long Bay, Antigua and Barbuda, 866 237 1785
Hyatt Regency Kyoto, Japan
Located in a leafy enclave within the vibrant city of Kyoto, the Hyatt Regency Hotel combines modern elegance with elements of old Japan. There are 187 guestrooms and suites to choose from, all of which offer a serene and luxurious retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Special elements include framed artworks of vintage kimono fabrics and some have traditional over-sized wooded bath tubs where you can soak away your fatigue. There are a few dining options to choose from and a wonderful Pastry Boutique. Local Kyoto attractions include no fewer than 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including temples, shrines and more. November is a wonderful month to visit Kyoto to experience cool temperatures and amazing fall foliage.
644-2 Sanjusangendo-mawari, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan, 605 0941, +81 75 541 1234
