The Best Places To Go in March 2020
Let's face it: March can feel like a slog. It's still cold in many parts of the country but not quite spring. Here are over a dozen ideas to get you through until the seasons change.
Craving a late winter getaway or the perfect pre-spring trip? Our list of 14 wanderlust-worthy vacation ideas has you covered by the beach to the jungle to the ski slopes for your March 2020 travel needs.
A shaman, sound healing, and the option of a plant based menu. What more do you need for spring break? The brand new Palmaïa, The House of AïA, located between the pristine white sand beaches of the Riviera Maya and on the cusp of the jungle, this hotel is not your garden variety all-inclusive Mexican resort. The property is family friend but the founder, Alexander Ferri, wanted a place where adults didn't have to sacrifice their interests and wellbeing. Hence the plethora of unique—and very grown-up—offerings such as plant and cacao ceremonies. Naturally, there's a jungle spa, four restaurants, including a rotating food truck. March is a great time to visit because of the the weather is still warm but the crowds have thinned.
Drive in volcanos, pristine white sand beaches, mountains, tropical rain-forests, and a brand new horse racing track and entertainment complex called the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club are all part of the diverse offerings on St. Lucia, one of the Windward Islands of the West Indies Less Antilles in the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. Read: a perfect spring break destination. For an adult only experience, head for the luxe Jade Mountain Resort, where rooms are built with three walls, leaving the fourth open to face the sea. It doesn't get much more romantic than that.
Some hotels are worth traveling for and with a chunk of time over spring break, this is worth the flight to the remote Hawaiian island of Lanai. Get to the Four Seasons Hotel Lanai at Koele—billionaire Larry Ellison owns the island and has partnered his wellness company, Sensei, with the property. Go before everyone else discovers what is sure to become a bucket list destination. The adult-only 96-room hotel focuses exclusively on wellness retreats. But don't worry, that doesn't mean scarce portions of nuts. There's a Nobu on property. Your personal Sensei guide will help you customize your itinerary. And you'll see a different side of Hawaii--landscapes of lush foliage and pine covered mountains.
Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Valle d'Aosta Italy
Usually when think of skiing in the Alps, daredevils racing down the mountain come to mind. But Courmayeur Mont Blanc has partnered with Mountains 4 All, advocates for inclusive health tourism, to make the resort accessible for all visitors. From adaptive skiing with trained, specialist ski instructors and ground-breaking disabled snow sports equipment to wheel-chair curling. But, really, it's great spring skiing for everyone. Stay at the five star Gran Baita, located in the very centre of Selva di Val Gardena and has has sweeping views of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage site. And if you choose to stay indoors, the property has two pools (a connected indoor and outdoor set up), a hay sauna, a snow grotto, and an aromatic turkish bath.
This isn't your typical spa getaway. After all, this is AMAN we are talking where nothing is ordering. Amanemu, which is located on the shores of Argo Bay, is a rustic ryokan-inspired retreat. The modernist property has mineral rich waters from natural hot springs allowing guests to partake in the ancient Japanese tradition of onsen bathing. There are Unesco pilgrim trails and sacred forests. And for those looking to really jumpstart their 2020 health s resolutions, Amanemu has a three day immersion—they are calling it a pilgrimage—to regain wellness that includes everything from a detox cleanse to managing stress.
Epicureans should head to Carmel-by-the-Sea in March for GourmetFest, a “foodie extravaganza” featuring parties, cooking demos, wine tastings, wine dinners, and other experiences featuring top Relais & Châteaux chefs from around the world. Beyond the event, which takes place the weekend of March 14, there’s plenty to do in the one-square-mile village all month long. The Carmel Wine Walk is a highlight: spend the day visiting tasting rooms with your “wine passport” in hand, which, for $100, entitles you to a 1oz pour at up to 10 locations in town. (Ask nicely, and they’ll usually top you off should you discover a bottle you love.) If you’re still standing by sunset, book a table at Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch for dinner.
This tiny Middle Eastern country isn’t widely known amongst American travelers, but wealthy Europeans (Prince Harry included) have considered it a secret hideaway for years. Oman is ostensibly the anti-Dubai: rather than glitzy skyscrapers, you’ll find charming 17th century villages that appear to be frozen in time, and a stunning landscape comprised of deserts, mountain ranges, and beaches—all in close proximity to the capital city Muscat. With unmatched hospitality, spectacular luxury hotels (like The Chedi Muscat, Al Bustan Palace, and Alila or Anantara in Jabal Akhdar) and a rich culture unlike anything else in the region, Oman truly lives up to its nickname as the Pearl of Arabia. March is a particularly perfect time to go, as it falls just after the winter rush and just before the oppressive summer humidity. The best way to experience the country is through a travel company like Mountain Travel Sobek. (We recommend requesting Naheed, one of their top local guides.)
"The first half of March is an ideal time to visit Patagonia, Chile. It’s the tail end of their summer, tourism is slowing down just a bit and the weather is only just beginning to change," recommends Tamara Lohan, the founder of travel club Mr & Mrs Smith. "Tierra Patagonia, in the Torres del Paine National Park, is architecturally stunning and remote enough to make you feel like you’re at the edge of the world."
For a culturally rich vacation, consider India. "March is the very end of the dry season in India and also marks the start of Holi, the Hindu holiday that celebrates the beginning of spring," says Lohan. "It’s also known as the festival of colors so a very vibrant time to visit the cities and towns in India." Lohan recommends staying at The Lodhi, which offers a tranquil escape in the middle of Delhi’s festivities.
Head to Ireland’s capital for the ultimate bucket list experience in mid-March: St. Patrick’s Day. The city comes to life with a five-day festival that kicks off on Thursday, March 14. On Sunday, March 17, central Dublin’s Temple Bar neighborhood plays host to the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade—a decidedly raucous event complete with costumes, overflowing pints, and packed pubs. While you’re in town, pay homage to Irish tradition by visiting the Jameson Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse. For those who prefer a quieter trip, book a room at The K Club’s Straffan House, a 19th century chateau-style villa just 30 minutes outside the city.
"Peak season in the Caribbean means many islands are almost entirely booked up, but Belize has still remained somewhat under the radar for easy beach getaways from the US," says Lohan. "The jungle/beach combo trip at Gaia Riverlodge and Matachica is the perfect mix of adventure and flopping on the sand in the sun."
“It’s both a modern and eclectic city boasting high-end dining and shopping, as well as colorful souqs and adventurous excursions,” says Tom Stein, Vice President of American Express Travel. Stein suggests checking out the Qatar International Food Festival, which takes place from March 15 until March 25, as well as The Pearl-Qatar, a manmade island located off the West Bay coast that’s often referred to as the Arabian Riviera. “Plus, right outside the city, travelers can experience unique adventures such as sandboarding, camel rides, and explore the Ras Abrouq Rock Formations,” he adds.
The Caribbean island’s tourism heyday was undoubtedly at its peak in the 80s, but Bermuda is officially making a comeback. Last year saw the opening of The Loren, a boutique property that was Bermuda's first new hotel in a decade, and several other properties—like The Hamilton Princess—underwent major renovations in preparation for America’s Cup. Though it won’t quite be warm enough to swim in March, the weather is still pleasant for beach trips and ideal for golfers. Plus, you’ll find great deals on rooms at the top hotels, since March falls just before peak season. If you're really looking to splurge, check out The Residence at The Loren, a palatial 7-bedroom villa that comes with a private pool, private beach, a tennis court, chef's kitchen, and screening room.
If you’re on the hunt for a winter wonderland, look no further than the Canadian Rockies, where snowfall reaches its peak in March. The best part? With average temperatures in the low 30s, you’ll be able to ski without freezing your face off. Book a room at the cozy Post Hotel in the heart of Banff National Park. The Relais & Chateaux property is home to a fantastic spa, crackling fireplaces, and indulgent après ski comfort food (like traditional Swiss fondue).
/ Source: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/
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