best luxury travel destinations in the month of february

Where are the best places to go in February for a luxurious vacation? If you’re lucky enough to need some new vacation ideas for February (because you’ve actually got the time to get away), we’ve got you covered. These are our picks for the top travel spots in February – the best luxury travel destinations in the month of February.

what are the best places to go in February?

Where will February take you? Where should it?

If you love crowds, there are lots of options this month as pre-Lent revelers take to the streets in cities all over the globe for Carnival and Mardi Gras.

On the other hand, if it’s solitude you seek, consider a trip to Tasmania. Of course, February is the month of love and passion, so a romantic destination should definitely be on your consideration list.

And while it may seem distant, spring is just around the corner, and a visit to one of the world’s loveliest gardens in the Americas, Asia or Europe – or at least to an indoor orchid show — might hurry along its arrival.

Our picks for the top travel spots in February

Attend a pre-Lenten street party 

Shrove Tuesday (the last day before Lent) is March 5, 2019. The weeks and days beforehand will see celebrations and bacchanals, before the Christian liturgical season of restraint and reflection begins. It’s said that the word “carnival” originates from the Portuguese “Carne Vale,” interpreted as “Farewell to meat.” The phrase refers to the Carnival as being the ultimate celebration before a period of abstinence from alcohol, meat and pleasure.

1. Venice

Venice starts the party this year on February 8, 2020 and keeps it going through February 25th. 

The Venice Carnival is three glamorous weeks of masked balls, concerts, performances, historical reenactments, and people on parade in fancy dress in St. Mark’s Square and on the Grand Canal. 

2. Rio de Janeiro

Get your samba on! Carnival in Rio de Janeiro officially begins on February 21, 2020, and runs until February 26th. But there’s no need to wait – you can get there early. 

The coast of Brazil is a good place to rest up for, or to recover from, Carnival – the boutique hotel Ponta Dos Gauchos gets high marks for its bungalows perched above the sparkling Atlantic. Once you arrive in Rio, it’s good to know that the flagship parades take place at the aptly-named Sambadrome. But you’re likely to find a party no matter where you go.

3. New Orleans

Shrove Tuesday is February 25, 2020. But the Mardi Gras parades have already started, and there will be plenty of parades and celebrations throughout the entire month of February. 

The most festive days of all are the weekend before Mardi Gras – meaning you want to arrive no later than February 21st. The “it” place to stay is Hotel Peter and Paul in the Marigny – it’s a compound created from a 19th-century church, schoolhouse, convent and rectory.

Experience an iconic orchid or flower show

For those weary of grey skies and cold, February is the perfect month to go in search of fresh flowers. Happily, it’s orchid show season. And two of the best ones are happening in cities that make for a great winter vacation.

4. London

The first hints of spring arrive at the Kew Gardens London Orchid Festival – this year’s theme is a celebration of Indonesia’s vibrant plant life and culture. The event runs from February 8 to March 8, 2020. 

While you’re in town, whether you have lots of time, or just a little, there are wonderful things to do. High tea, shopping, museum visits and more. Our favorite hotel in town is The Beaumont in Mayfair.

5. New York

If you prefer to be stateside, you can catch the annual New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show beginning February 15, 2020 and running through April 19, 2020. We never miss this show, and it never disappoints. This year, the theme is the dazzling floral creations of Jeff Leatham, famed artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris and floral designer to the stars. For “Kaleidoscope,” each gallery in the conservatory will feature a different color experience and visual effect, like the turn of a kaleidoscope.

While you’re in New York, catch one of the blockbuster art exhibits at the Whitney, the MoMA and the Met. And shop and dine at some of the cool new places that have opened in the past few months. If we were you, we’d stay at The Whitby.

take a romantic escape

6. Tasmania

February is summertime in Tasmania, and the weather is generally dry with very comfortable temperatures. As an added benefit, the heavy tourist crowds from the holidays will have dissipated. Hiking (or “bushwalking”) is a primary draw for visitors – experts recommend exploring the Tasmasian Wilderness World heritage Area, particularly the Overland Track. Visit the lavender fields at Bridestowe Estate, which will be in full bloom. Stay at the ultra-luxurious resort Saffire Freycinet overlooking the wide expanses of Great Oyster Bay — you’ll be able to see migrating whales and dolphins, and dine on fresh oysters, rock lobster, scallops and deep sea fish. The resort’s rooms all have views of the Hazards Mountains.

7. Seychelles

For a truly luxurious escape, there’s no better option than an excursion to a private island. In the Seychelles, there are only 11 villas on North Island, where you can scuba-dive before tucking yourself away on a secluded beach. The car-free island is about the size of Monaco, with four white-sand beaches plus grassy plateaus and granite peaks. East Beach piazza is the site of several heritage stone agricultural buildings have been retooled to house a library, dive center, boutique, bar and restaurant.

8. Harbour Island – The Bahamas

A sophisticated friend says that Harbour Island is the perfect luxury getaway. Only 3 ½ miles long by a half mile wide (at its widest), the peaceful island just northwest of Eleuthera Island offers beautiful pink sand beaches, pastel cottages, quaint boutique hotels and terrific restaurants. Outlying coral reefs like the Devil’s Backbone are home to marine life such as stingrays and turtles. There are also adorable little pigs roaming free all over Harbour Island – what better way to welcome the Year of the Pig? It’s a hidden gem right now – get there before the word gets out.

Our picks for the top travel spots in February

There you have it — eight luxurious ways to revel in February. Of course there’s also luxury skiing, or a wonderful Valentine’s Day escape. The world is waiting. Bon voyage!

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