WHEN you travel is becoming as important as where to go. With 71% of Virtuoso advisors recommending alternative seasons and 30% of clients choosing fewer but longer or higher-quality trips, 2027 is set to reward travelers who time it right - from Bhutan in bloom and an eclipse over the Balearics to white truffle season in Istria and whale shark encounters in the Maldives.
JANUARY: The Ultimate New Year Reset In Dubai
As Dubai’s infamous New Year celebrations draw to a close, January brings warm winter sunshine and the chance to reset for the year ahead. Balmy temperatures are ideal for beach days, alfresco lunches and desert escapes, while the city’s world-class spas offer plenty of opportunity to recharge.
Where to Stay: For a restorative start to 2027, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab offers four outdoor pools overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the three-storey TALISE Spa, where cryotherapy, infrared therapy and hyperbaric oxygen sit alongside traditional spa rituals. The Fore, bringing together four dining concepts around a central bar, adds a touch of indulgence. Alternatively, start the year at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the iconic wave-shaped property designed with families in mind.
FEBRUARY: Carnival in the Canaries
February brings carnival season to the Canary Islands, with warm skies and nights filled with music, dancing and celebration. The islands’ mild climate makes it easy to combine the festivities with days by the pool, on the trails or exploring local traditions.
Where to Stay: On Tenerife, Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora offers Europe’s longest infinity pool, a 2,000 m² spa and suites enhanced by the exclusive RedLevel experience. On Gran Canaria, Paradisus Gran Canaria brings the islands to life through its Destination Inclusive® concept, with curated experiences including guided hikes through the “Sacred Mountains” and tastings at artisanal coffee and rum plantations.
MARCH: Estonia’s Secret Fifth Season
March marks the beginning of Springrise, Estonia’s distinctive fifth season between winter and spring. Longer days and the first thaw reshape its forests, islands and coastlines, offering a quieter time to explore the country’s nature, historic villages and cultural traditions before summer.
Where to Stay: Set on remote Hiiumaa island within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Eha is a new Nordic wellness retreat with eight suites and three forest cabins. Its seasonal approach comes to life through renewal-focused treatments and nature-based rituals including lymphatic flow, sap collection and herb workshops.
APRIL: Race Into Spring In London
In April, the London Marathon transforms the capital into one of the world’s biggest sporting stages, as thousands of runners take on the 26.2-mile route from Greenwich to The Mall. On race day, London comes alive, with cheering crowds, live music and an infectious sense of community filling the streets as the city rallies behind runners from around the world. Beyond the race, parks burst into bloom and terraces and rooftop bars begin to reopen for spring.
Where to Stay: COMO Metropolitan London sits opposite Hyde Park, ideally positioned for a pre-race run or post-race stroll. In Knightsbridge, Jumeirah Carlton Tower’s three-storey Peak Fitness Club & Spa features a 20-metre pool, Jacuzzi and thermal suite for post-marathon recovery. Alternatively, The Savoy’s Strand address places guests close to the final stretch and the celebrations that follow.
MAY: Into The Wild In Sri Lanka
On Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Yala National Park is renowned for its leopards, alongside elephants, sloth bears, wild water buffalo and rare birdlife. Visiting in May brings fewer crowds and strong wildlife-viewing conditions, while the nearby coast offers whale watching, snorkelling and diving.
Where to Stay: After a day on safari, return to Shangri-La Hambantota, an oceanfront retreat with an 18-hole golf course, three pools and Chi, The Spa, where Hela Ayurveda treatments draw on ancient Sri Lankan wellness practices. A night at Shangri-La Colombo before travelling south can pair the safari with a city break.
JUNE: Football Fever In Madrid
European football’s biggest night takes over Madrid on Saturday 5 June, when Atlético de Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano hosts the 2027 UEFA Champions League final. Alongside the match, long evenings, busy terraces, museums, tapas bars and late-night dining set the scene for a lively city break.
Where to Stay: Newly opened in the heart of Madrid’s Las Cortes district, Nobu Hotel Madrid is the brand’s first address in the capital, offering 50 rooms and suites and a tri-level Nobu restaurant, bar and lounge, topped by a rooftop terrace. For a post-match wellness extension, ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea offers clinically led programmes combining diagnostics, medical expertise and personalised treatments for recovery and regeneration.
JULY: Bhutan In Bloom
July transforms Bhutan’s valleys, rice terraces and forests into vivid shades of green, while farms and markets fill with seasonal vegetables and herbs. With fewer visitors than in spring and autumn, it is a quieter time to explore the country’s monasteries, temples and villages, while connecting with its food and rural traditions.
Where to Stay: Bhutan’s first locally owned and managed luxury hotel group, Pemako Hotels offers a close connection to the country’s landscape and culture. At Pemako Punakha, 21 tented villas overlooking the Mo Chhu River place nature at the heart of the stay.
AUGUST: Chasing the Eclipse in the Balearic Islands
On 2 August 2027, Spain will once again lie in the path of a solar eclipse. From the beaches of Mallorca and Ibiza, viewers can watch the moon cover approximately 90% of the sun before returning to long beach days, clear turquoise waters and the islands’ lively summer calendar.
Where to Stay: Jumeirah Mallorca is a cliffside retreat above Port de Sóller with sweeping Mediterranean views and restorative wellbeing facilities. In Ibiza, Ibiza Gran Hotel combines serene luxury with easy access to the island’s summer parties, while Amante Ibiza and Aiyanna Ibiza bring laid-back dining to its eastern coast.
SEPTEMBER: Toronto Rolls Out the Red Carpet
The Toronto International Film Festival has long served as a launchpad for some of awards season’s biggest films. With tickets available to the public, travellers can join the screenings and events when the festival returns in September 2027, while also exploring Toronto’s cultural attractions in the early autumn.
Where to Stay: Shangri-La Toronto sits on University Avenue, within walking distance of the CN Tower, Art Gallery of Ontario and theatre district. Its Miraj Hammam Spa also offers a restorative retreat from the festival buzz.
OCTOBER: Hunting For White Gold In Istria
October brings Istria’s prized white truffle season, alongside the olive harvest and the first wines of the season. As forests, vineyards and olive groves take on autumnal hues, visitors can explore the peninsula through truffle hunts, olive oil tastings, vineyard visits and long seasonal lunches.
Where to Stay: Set in the ancient town of Motovun, Roxanich Winery & Design Hotel is surrounded by vineyards and close to Istria’s truffle-rich forests. Its organic wines and focus on local produce offer an immersive taste of the region at its most abundant.
NOVEMBER: Swim With Whale Sharks After Dark
November marks the start of whale shark season in the Thaa Atoll, as calmer conditions, clear water and abundant marine life create rewarding conditions for snorkelling and diving. Beyond the reef, white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons offer a slower island rhythm.
Where to Stay: Set in the Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi pairs secluded villas and overwater suites with COMO Shambhala treatments, yoga and seasonal cuisine. Its Whale Shark Night Snorkel gives guests the opportunity to encounter the Maldives’ gentle giants after sunset.
DECEMBER: A Mediterranean Christmas In Cyprus
December brings a festive glow to Limassol, as the Mediterranean coast swaps summer crowds for twinkling lights, seasonal treats and Christmas markets. The Limassol Christmas Show: Festive Magic at St George Havouzas brings together handmade gifts, decorations, music, food and drink in a family-friendly setting.
Where to Stay: Come evening, retreat to the beachfront Mediterranean Beach Hotel, where indoor and outdoor pools alongside the Aquum Spa offer time to unwind. Italian cuisine at Il Tinello and Pan-Asian flavours at Shumi complete a warm, family-friendly Christmas escape by the sea.
