When the air chills and the leaves change, there are those of us who embrace it and those that escape it for balmier climes. Whichever way one leans, fall is a prime time to check off a bucket list trip as summer’s crowds have dispersed. To entertain where to go next, we polled a few of our permanently traveling friends—Madeline Lu, Jeremy Austin & Angie Villa, Sarah Royall, Jyotsna Shankar, Laura & Nicolas Herbert and Gigi Hopkins—on the places they pine for come autumn.
Tuscany, Italy
Madeline Lu @lumadeline
“Tuscany is renowned for its stunning landscapes and historic towns. With fall comes a fresh air of romance and vendemmia, the grape harvest. The region is also ripe with the dreamiest luxury accommodations. I would enjoy walks through the farm, saying hello to chickens and sheep along the way, at Borgo Santo Pietro (shown left). Housed within a former Franciscan monastery dated back to the 15th century, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel in Florence is equally breathtaking. Another historic stay, Lupaia (shown right) occupies an old farmhouse and serves up a stunning panorama of the Tuscan countryside.”
Fiji
Jeremy Austin @jeremyaustiin & Angie Villa @missangievilla
“Fiji is one of our favorite places on earth. The raw, untouched beauty of the islands, along with the warmth of the Fijian people, keeps us returning any chance we get. We love visiting in October, as it’s quieter and still warm and dry. We’ve explored so many hidden gems and must-see locations in Fiji, from uninhabited isles to secret waterfalls. The water clarity is fantastic too for those looking to enjoy some of the world’s best diving, with colorful, healthy coral reefs to explore. In terms of where to stay, the bucket-list worthy COMO Laucala Island is one of our personal favorite private islands. We also loved the breathtaking Kokomo Private Island Fiji (pictured). Both properties offer the utmost exclusivity and jaw-dropping standalone villas, which feel incredibly intimate and luxurious.”
Seychelles
Sarah Royall @saltyluxe
“When explorers first stumbled on this archipelago of 115 islands, they thought they’d found the Garden of Eden, and what a paradise Seychelles remains to this day, with its nature reserves, turquoise waters and rock formations. Outside the seasonal cycle of trade winds, the months of October and November are one of the calmest periods for truly soaking up the beach life. Completely set amongst nature on the untouched island of Félicité, Six Senses Zil Pasyon is the ultimate luxury escape.”
French Polynesia
Jyotsna Shankar @jyo_shankar
“We get quintessential fall weather in Northern California, so I love traveling to the tropics then. French Polynesia is my favorite destination in the world. I love to visit September through November, after the high season, as the weather is still great and the crowds are minimal. A must-do in Bora Bora is a lagoon cruise to get up close and personal with stingrays, sharks and all the tropical fish. Tetiʻaroa’s lagoon is jaw-droppingly gorgeous—it’s my fave lagoon I’ve ever been to. I’d choose Conrad Bora Bora Nui (shown left), Four Seasons Bora Bora (shown right) or The Brando as my home away from home.”
South Africa
Laura & Nicolas Herbert @laurandnicolas
“Cape Town is great to visit, as temperatures are mild and the beaches are relatively uncrowded compared to summertime. It’s also easier to get bookings at the city’s best restaurants. We love The Silo Hotel when we want to be in the middle of it all, and Ellerman House (shown left) when we crave more quiet. We like to combine a Cape Town visit with a safari in the Greater Kruger area. October is still very much peak game-viewing season as it is the end of the dry season. Our favorite safari lodge is Royal Malewane (shown right).”
Dolomites, Italy
Georgia Hopkins @_itsbeautifulhere
“I have long dreamt of visiting the Dolomites in autumn, largely to experience the surreal beauty of those stunning Italian golden larches against the mountainous backdrop. I would spend my days hiking in the Puez-Odle Nature Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Fanes-Sennes-Braies, as well as lots of time luxuriating in the magic of FORESTIS. I have had many clients and friends visit this dreamy alpine retreat and they all say it is nothing short of jaw-dropping. I can’t wait to visit myself.”
