3 Reasons to get away in November

• South Africa

• Vietnam

• The Maldives

As winter creeps in, we thought that we’d show you the best way to avoid the cold snap. We have 3 destinations which will make you forget the impending sleet, slow traffic and inevitable cold.

We needed places that would offer the climate we’d be craving whilst giving you time to relax and start planning Christmas (too early?)

South Africa

South Africa is quickly becoming one of the finest holiday destinations in the world. With holidays suiting everyone from Safaris and wildlife to opulent resorts it doesn’t matter if you’re David Attenborough or David Beckham, South Africa has something for you.

The increase in its popularity is for obvious reasons and is certainly something worth seeing. The safari parks such as Kruger National Park are some of the most spectacular vistas in the world, let alone Africa.

South Africa’s history offers an exciting blend of African grandeur and European style, creating an atmosphere like no other, this is certainly evident in Cape Town and Johannesburg where the history and culture has carved the city into what is seen today.

The cities are compact and easy to navigate echoing recent modern city design whilst still retaining its joint heritage and often turbulent history.

If cities aren’t your thing then the Winelands and Franschhoek are the way forward, offering exquisite locations for luxury synonymous with fine dining and opulence.

Franschhoek (meaning French Corner) is deep in the wine region of South Africa offering guests the opportunity to sample some of the finest new world wines available on the market today.

Food and drink is a passion in the Winelands with many of the resorts offering world class restaurants, with Michelin star chefs dotted around the hills.

South Africa also offers some of the most beautiful safari locations in the world. A South Africa Safari offers you the chance to witness nature at its absolute best, not only can you see the savannah and the African plains at sunrise and sunset as well as the big 5 as well as birdlife and other animals.

Vietnam

If Africa isn’t your thing, then heading further East will no doubt give you what you are looking for, no more so than in Vietnam.

Vietnam is teeming with a buzz rarely found in other countries, the French colonial influence is still apparent 150 years later, showing a distinctive blend between east and west, what you get is a place with distinctive architecture showing a vibrant history offering temples in Hanoi and Ho chi Minh which live up to your wildest expectation. Ho Chi Minh has a wonderful fusion of old and new, the ancient temples stand tall around modern building yet still retain the mysticism and splendor of hundreds of years ago. This incredible balance gives the city a hustle and bustle like no other, the markets up and down Saigon river offer exceptional fresh foods with small stalls cooking street food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Accommodation in Vietnam is something of a tropical paradise. The beach villas offer exceptional views of the sea and the exclusivity and idyllic atmosphere of a luxury resort. The Hotels in central Vietnam echo the colonial era with French style and design apparent in the styling and décor of the hotels. La Residence is a prime example of the French and Vietnamese stylings. Vietnam accommodates all holiday goers not matter your budget or your group, whether you are a couple looking for a romantic retreat or a family searching for an active Asian holiday, Vietnam has something to offer everyone. Go and discover what Vietnam has to offer. You won’t be disappointed.

The Maldives

A luxury holiday in the Maldives is something that appeals to the majority of people, yet its exclusivity and small size means that only a handful of people can visit the islands each year. The stereotypical white sands and turquoise seas can be said to be inspired by The Maldives. The Islands are set in the most beautiful place on earth, and gives you the feeling that are a million miles away from home, peace and relaxation is a priority on the island with the staff and natives doing their utmost to ensure that your holiday is one that you will remember forever.

The majority of resorts consist of 5-20 individual and secluded villas some offering 180° views of the Ocean, a pure panoramic of the Indian Ocean can be yours.

Resorts such as Hufaven Fushi offer villas that simply surpass expectation as well as holidays past and future, each villa has a private plunge pool that overlooks the Ocean (see above) with private outdoor showers giving you the perfect place to refresh after a hard day soaking up the sun.

November is just before the intense rainy season, but the weather still offers exquisite sunshine and cloudless skies.

If you are looking to get away, I’d seriously consider the Maldives! ……………………………..Why Not?!