Where to go for a hot holiday in November
If you’re already planning for winter, you’ll be wondering where is hot in November, so for some early winter sun, here are some places that are already/still nice and warm as the weather cools in the UK.
For travellers who aren't ready to say goodbye to the sun until April, a pre-Christmas break is ideal for a party-season tan, not to mention some R&R before the hectic festive season begins.
Ideal if it's too early for you to be browsing where is hot in February, our edit of hot places in November will give you something to look forward to before the year ends and, what's more, these destinations are our absolute favourites – the Red-approved places we love and recommend for your next getaway.
Excellent November destinations include, obviously, the Maldives – the rainy season is on its way out and the crowds are about to arrive in time for the festive season. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands changes up the country’s famous over-water villas to make them more spaceship, less Robinson Crusoe.
Another good idea for a hot holiday in November is Caribbean favourite St Lucia – the island nation’s famous Piton peaks can be enjoyed right up close at Viceroy Sugar Beach.
Or for a shorter-haul option, try Cyprus: still balmy but without the lengthy flight time (it’s under five hours away). At luxe resort Amara, dining options include restaurants by the acclaimed chefs Giorgio Locatelli and Nobu Matsuhisa.
Read on for some inspiration for where’s hot in November and the best November destinations and don't forget to browse our autumn city breaks, if it's a short escape you're after.
St Lucia
The celebrity-favoured Viceroy Sugar Beach has one of the best locations in St Lucia – it’s right between the island’s famous twin peaks, which means a secluded cove for guests to enjoy. The estate was previously a sugar plantation, owned by Lord Glenconner. There are lots of bars and restaurants to try, including Cane for sushi and cocktails and Saltwood, where you can enjoy the finer things in life (ie: Wagyu steak and Dover sole).
The Rainforest Spa uses Tata Harper products, so you’ll be just in time for an all-natural (and amazing) treatment.
The Maldives
If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit the Maldives, November is a great place to start – the high season (December to January) is just around the corner, so you can get in there early. You’ll also be in with a chance of spotting whale sharks at this time of year.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands was one of the final projects by late (and legendary) Australian architect Kerry Hill. Along with super-slick beach villas right on the sand, the island has a series of over-water pods forming a circle with a temple-like spa in the middle. There’s a nightly ceremony involving fire and traditional drums, a Japanese restaurant, and regular lobster and champagne evenings.
Marrakech, Morocco
For a hot holiday in November that doesn’t involve jet-lag and/or a lengthy flight duration, Marrakech is the winter-sun solution for you. The regal Oberoi is within a vast estate of citrus trees and ancient olive groves, with views of the snow-tipped Atlas Mountains and a general palatial vibe, created by dazzling chandeliers, landscaped gardens with obligatory water features and courtyards that riff on 14th-century monuments.
The theme continues at the restaurants, which have high ceilings, frescoes and carved columns – choose from Indian and Mediterranean flavours at Tamimt, and cocktails with a view at Vue.
Cape Town, South Africa
Enjoy sunny days and 25-degree temperatures with a November holiday to Cape Town. The buzzy South African city has an impressive culinary scene and it’s perfectly placed for trips out to the Cape Winelands to the east.
At Future Found Sanctuary, the clue’s in the name – the pair of impeccably designed villas (which can be hired as a whole) are a chic haven in the foothills of Table Mountain. The stylish interiors are the work of the owner, who has some serious fashion credentials, having run both J Crew and Anthropologie.
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Those in the know have swapped Tulum for Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s Pacific coastline, south of Baja California – and there’s even more reason to go, as the region has its own One&Only. A hot November holiday to this destination will consist of sunbathing on sugar-white beaches, swims in the ocean and hikes through the rainforest.
You’ll also be able to go sailing and fishing, or diving in search of sea turtles above the coral reefs – and any budding polo players can sign up for classes at the resort’s equestrian centre.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a great November destination, especially if you book a stay at Nirjhara, on the island’s south-west coast. The hotel was designed around a waterfall, and is close to volcanic-sand beaches and the lively towns of Canggu and Ubud.
Anyone with an entourage will love the Residence in the jungle, with floor-to-ceiling windows showing off the views of the rice fields, an elevated terrace and its own cabana-enhanced pool. The spa, aptly named the Retreat, offers treatments based on ancient Balinese traditions; and there’s a yoga shala for further relaxation.
Salalah, Oman
The Khareef monsoon will have just ended and the temperatures won’t be too unbearable (they average in the low-30s), which makes November the perfect time for sun-seekers to head to Oman. All the way down south, after the vast desert that is the Empty Quarter, Salalah is the sultanate’s third-biggest city.
A little out of town in Hinu Bay, the Alila outpost here has lots of space, with a huge beach, a spa and two saltwater pools – and guests can set sail on the Arabian Sea in a dhow to go in search of dolphins.
Mauritius
With an average high of 29 degrees and balmy 20-degree evenings, plus tolerable humidity and a sea temperature of 25 degrees, Mauritius is a wise choice as a November destination. And you can feel good about your holiday by staying at Salt of Palmar on the island’s east coast.
The adults-only hotel gives its guests meaningful experiences: you’ll be able to meet locals such as Selva the vanilla grower or Soobiraj at his palm plantation. The hotel’s guidebook is the definition of insider knowledge, since it was created by locals, so you’ll have all the tips you could possibly need for the dream Mauritian itinerary.
Cyprus
You might need a jumper for the evenings, but there’s still plenty of chance of warm, sunny days in Cyprus in November – and the flight time is less than five hours. Amara in Limassol is one of the island’s most luxurious resorts. Unsurprisingly, the restaurants are equally upscale, with establishments by Giorgio Locatelli and Nobu Matsuhisa.
Every room has a view of the Mediterranean and more glimpses of the sea await at the rooftop bar. The spa has a thermal circuit and a salon to fix beach hair in time for dinner.
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Miami, USA
November is an optimal time to visit Florida’s party city, thanks to tolerable temperatures and only a handful of rainy days. The Betsy is one of the best hotels in Miami, and undoubtedly its most elegant (there’s none of the city’s famous showiness here).
The family-owned property, which was built in 1942, is on Ocean Drive in South Beach. There are two buildings, connected by a giant orb that forms a part of the notable art collection (kindly loaned by the family to grace the walls). You may want to channel Will Smith, but for slightly more high-brow activities, sign up for a reading in the hotel’s library or live music in its leafy lobby.
The Red Sea, Egypt
For dry, sunny days with highs of 25 degrees, try Hurghada in Egypt, a former fishing village that is now the Red Sea’s main hub. It’s famous for scuba-diving, with resorts lined up along the sandy shores, an old town for souk shopping and coffee stops, and lively nightlife. Half an hour north along the coast is the resort town of El Gouna, which is popular for snorkelling, kitesurfing and plain old sunbathing.
The Chedi El Gouna is Egypt’s first official Leading Hotels of the World member. The five-star resort has three restaurants, a private beach and a spa.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
It’s almost always sunny in Dubai, but the perks of visiting in November mean that the scorching summer days have eased. Average temperatures of around 31 degrees Celsius may sound scorchio to us Brits, but out here in the desert, it’s positively pleasant. Evening temperatures dip nicely too, and the sea is lovely and warm. Spend your days in the sand dunes, shopping in the souks and super-malls, or, if you’ve come with kids, in the world’s biggest waterpark (105 slides and counting).
Dubai is no stranger to absurdly luxurious hotels and one of its shiniest new stays is Atlantis The Royal. You probably heard about its opening party back in January (that was kind of the point of throwing such a lavish affair). Beyoncé was flown in to perform, for a reported $24 million – and she was put up in $100,000-a-night accommodation, naturally.
Gran Canaria, Spain
For warmer temperatures without a long-haul flight, consider Gran Canaria, where November temperatures average a pleasing-enough 19 degrees Celsius. It’s a four-and-a-half-hour flight from London.
Near Maspalomas in the south of the island is Salobre, a resort with a golf course and an impressive spa. The endless activities on offer also include yoga classes, cycling and running through scenic trails, plus basketball and football.
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