With August upon us, it’s perhaps sad but true, that colder temperatures aren’t too far off – but so is less crowded travel (thanks to kids being back in school) and beautiful warm weather in some of the world’s most tropical destinations. Here are five luxurious escapes, including Thailand, Bali, Cancun, Puerto Rico, and St. Croix, that travelers can book for fall to keep the summer energy alive.
Koh Yao Yai, Thailand
Where to Stay: Anantara Koh Yao Yai
Why: This Fall travelers can be among the first to experience the brand new Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas. Sitting on a lush island in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, where limestone islets dot the horizon in every direction, this beach resort is the height of tranquility and luxury, just a 20-minute boat ride from Krabi and 45-minutes from Phuket. With peak weather starting in November, guests can enjoy an array of adventurous outdoor activities such as journeying via kayaks to Koh Nok, cruising via long tail boat to a natural sand bank for a twilight candlelit dinner or diving to explore the captivating underwater world.
Bali, Indonesia
November is the start of off-peak season in Bali, making it a great time to visit the island due to lower prices and fewer tourists. Travelers can stay at Viceroy Bali, a luxurious 40 villa retreat in a secluded ridge above Bali’s Valley of the Kings. With mesmerizing views of the serene valley below, and once a favored retreat of royals, the resort offers six categories of expansive yet intimate pool villas, attentive discreet service, bespoke facilities including an infinity pool and cardio and resistance training gym, an onsite helipad, and convenient access to the many wonders of the region. Gastronomes can find fine dining experiences at Viceroy Bali including carefully designed degustation menus at the award-winning Apéritif Restaurant and Bar, led by Chef Nic Vanderbeeken, as well as signature cocktails inspired by 1930s Bali curated by Head Mixologist Panji Wisrawan. The newest offering is a Chef’s Table experience in the private dining room suitable for parties of up to 12 seated guests for an exquisite culinary journey, personally curated and presented by Chef Nic himself. Further new experiences include IV-style infusions and regenerative therapies from the reimagined Akoya Spa in partnership with Fusion Wellness. Should you happen to get caught in any rain, other than the spa, there are ample indoor activities such as cooking classes, squash and yoga.
Cancun, Mexico
Where to Stay: Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla
Why: One of the best times of the year to visit Cancun is fall, when the weather is sunny and warm but not as hot as summer. TripAdvisor even rated Cancun as the #1 destination for American travelers this fall. Travelers who opt for a Cancun escape can explore the destination while staying at Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla, which offers a more boutique experience in a destination dominated by mega resorts. The heart of the property is Wander Rooftop, which features a stunning rooftop pool and hot tub where guests can enjoy fresh cocktails, elevated cuisine, live music, and unparalleled views of the destination. The property is also located in the popular La Isla Shopping Village, which features endless entertainment options inclusive of high-end shopping, dining, an aquarium, ferris wheel, and more.
Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico
Where to Stay: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Why: Situated on the Northern coast of Puerto Rico, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a sanctuary of tranquility, surrounded by ocean views. Located on 1,400 acres, all 96 beachfront suites and residences offer a true sense of barefoot elegance, and in the fall travelers will still enjoy warm weather – perfect for enjoying the surrounding natural landscape. The estate offers a bevy of one-of-a-kind lifestyle activities, like experiencing authentic Puerto Rican culinary culture through the freshest ingredients at COA, Italian cuisine with a unique emphasis on the flavor profile of salt at Flor de Sal or local omakase while sitting on the beach at POSI+IVO. Guests can also connect to the surrounding environment at the award-winning Spa Botánico, allowing guests to experience a holistic sense of well-being through Puerto Rican ingredients and soothing indigenous traditions, or with one of the many curated jungle, sea, and hands-on wildlife excursions. For those looking for a deeper connection to the surrounding environment, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment invites guests to connect with the world around them in hopes that they will work towards preserving it for future generations. The on-property program highlights Puerto Rico’s rich native culture and unique ecosystem through immersive experiences for ages four through adulthood.
St. Croix, USVI
Where to Stay: King Christian Hotel + Waves Cane Bay
Why: From late summer to early fall, St. Croix visitors can experience slower island life during the tourist off-season while still basking in warm temperatures. Fall is also filled with events on the island, including the annual Coral Reef Swim Race, an island-wide Halloween celebration with costume contests and events, the West Indies 5k Run, and much more. King Christian Hotel, which sits directly on the Christiansted waterfront and Christiansted National Historic Site, offers visitors stunning architecture, duty-free shopping, and historical sites all steps from the wharf. The hotel was renovated in summer 2022 and offers 46 fully remodeled rooms featuring custom designed terra cotta flooring, bespoke furniture and floor to ceiling marble clad bathrooms. The property features an array of F&B venues including a tiki bar, called Breakers Roar, located on the ground floor of the hotel, Carolines, a tropical oceanfront restaurant overlooking the Christiansted harbor, Cream & Co, which serves homemade ice cream made with local seasonal ingredients, and Virgin Islands Coffee Roasters. For an even more boutique experience, travelers can opt for Waves Cane Bay, an 11-suite, eco-friendly hotel overlooking the water. Both properties work with local excursion groups for exciting activities including snorkeling the only underwater trail in a US national park, nighttime kayaking through bioluminescent bays, ATV tours, visiting the Nature Conservancy’s Coral Innovation Hub, and more.
