10 Great November Vacation Spots

 

Beach House Turks & Caicos is a romantic Caribbean getaway surrounded by white-sand beaches of Grace Bay on the island of Providenciales. The resort offers an array of activities, including complimentary Hobie-cats, bicycles and snorkeling equipment. One of the best snorkeling reefs on the island is right next to the Beach House. Guests can work out in the fitness center and lounge next to the freshwater pool. There are 21 luxury suites with ocean and pool views, fully equipped kitchens, washer & dryer, internet access, central air and twice-daily maid service.

Suite interiors are decorated is a casually elegant safari style with custom-made rattan furnishings, natural maple cabinetry and four-poster beds with mosquito netting. Sit outside on the private porch or balcony and relax with a view of the Caribbean Sea. The restaurant will let you taste some of the most delicious Caribbean cuisine around. For lighter meals and tropical drinks, get a table at the Pool Bar. A children's menu is available. The islands are a 75-minute flight from Miami and three hours from New York City. There are many flights to Providenciales. One-bedroom Ocean front suites start at $690 USD per night (649-946-5800).

 

Anantara Al Yamm Villas is a stunning romantic retreat on the Arabian Sea. A place that Scheherazade could have conjured in one of her stories, this hideaway is set on a stunning white-sand beach. You will be able to watch the ocean right from the bed and lounge on the plush villa terrace. The property is a sustainably-built luxury getaway, surrounded by diverse wildlife on land and sea. Guests will be able to on a morning adventure wildlife drive and see the land up close.

The layout of the resort is inspired by traditional Arabic fishing and pearl diving villages. There are just 30 luxury villas, offering guests plenty of privacy and five star service. On the property, you will find an outdoor pool, saltwater Mangrove lagoon and a unique spa inspired by ancient Bedouin culture. Younger travelers can participate in programs at the Kids' and Teens' Club while the grown-ups play tennis, go horseback riding (there are horses on property) and work out at the gym. In the evening, have a romantic dinner at the signature Italian restaurant, or take advantage of the Dine by Design service with a private chef and butler. You can choose a setting that most fits your dreams, whether it's to make a romantic proposal or celebrate a special occasion. Culinary delights include authentic Middle Eastern flavors, grilled seafood specialties and distinctive African dishes. One bedroom villa rates with breakfast start at $410 USD.

 

Amanzo'e, Amanresorts' Mediterranean retreat located on the east coast of the Peloponnese in Greece offers five star service, just 38 designer suites with plenty of privacy, and its own sandy beach. Amanzo'e is situated on a hilltop, a 10-minute drive from the quaint town of Porto Heli. All of the suites have private swimming pools and stunning views of the island of Spetses and the Argosaronic Gulf. The free-standing suites are situated on different levels to maximize privacy and views. If you want an oversized pool, ask for a Deluxe Pool Pavilion when booking your stay. Each suite has a stone-wall courtyard and sleeping and living areas with soaring ceilings.

Rates start at 800 Euro per night, including breakfast for two (amanresorts.com). 4- and 5-bedroom villas are also available. Nearby things to do include ancient archaeological sites, summer performances in the Amphitheatre in Epidaurus, museums, local cuisine, nightlife and jazz bars. The Peloponnese peninsula is ideal for day trips, sailing and swimming. Click here for more incredible villas.

 

At the Sandton Kura Hulanda you won't have to go far to start immerse yourself in everything the ocean has to offer. The hotel's dive shop is the starting point for your island adventures. It offers scuba diving courses, snorkeling and boat trips. Of course you can simply jump in and explore the beautiful coral reef next to the hotel. The sandy bay is ideal for relaxing in the sun and romantic sunset walks.

Another great place for relaxing is the spa which offers a menu of signature treatments influenced by local and international techniques. Enjoy a high level of personal service and treatments tailored to your needs. Choose from elegant villas, suites and guest rooms with terraces and ocean or garden views. Facilities include a fitness center, tennis courts, convenience store and gift shop. If you want to explore downtown Willemstad, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle. Rates start at $149. All-inclusive packages are usually available. Stay at the lodge which is located on the beach and take a shuttle to the spa at Kura Hulanda (the sister property) in Willemstad. The lodge is about 30 minutes from the airport (+599 9 839 3600).

 

The two long sandy beaches and pristine ocean alone are a great reason to visit the Constance Ephelia Resort in the Seychelles. Add to those the luxurious suites, 4 resort pools and an array of dining options and you can be in heaven. Book one of the beach villas with a private pool, especially if you are going on a honeymoon. The property has five restaurants and five bars serving dishes from around the world, giving you plenty to choose from. Head to the tropical Spa Village for pampering and relaxation. There are many activities to choose from, such as pedal boating, catamaran rides, windsurfing and kayaking. PADI diving and snorkeling are not to be missed in the beautiful waters that surround the resort. On your first day there, join a complimentary guided excursion to explore the surrounding area.

The resort is a family-friendly getaway, offering spacious villa layouts and fun programs for kids, such as a climbing wall, swimming, snorkeling and zip lines. There are many complimentary toys, and children's menus in all the restaurants. Click here for more great tropical vacations with scenic pools. The property received the prestigious Gold award in recognition of its superior Landscape Construction. The resort's gardens were designed by Colin Okashimo & Associates in Singapore and created by EarthQuest Management Consultants.

 

Uma by COMO, Paro, Bhutan is a relaxing retreat in Bhutan, a landlocked Himalayan country with India to the south and Tibet to the north. Hotel rooms and suites, centered around a courtyard, overlook the scenic Paro Valley. The hotel has just 29 guest accommodations offering guests privacy and luxury. You will be near Bhutan's famous cultural landmarks while staying in one of the most luxurious private villas in the country. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to practice yoga, or go on a camping adventure in the Himalayas, the hotel provides a great base for exploring the area.

Bukhari restaurant serves the flavors of Bhutan, incorporating produce from the hotel's own organic kitchen garden grown in partnership with local farmers from the Paro Valley. Bhutan's royal family stops in to dine at this unique restaurant. Discover COMO Shambhala Yoga and residential Retreat Weeks at the hotel during your stay. The hotel spa offers Asian-inspired treatments and authentic Ayurvedic therapies. Rooms start at $260 per night.

© Karma Reef

The island paradise of Gili Meno, Indonesia is a luxurious sanctuary away from the noise and stress of everyday life. In it lies Karma Reef, a luxury resort filled with clear waters and secluded beaches that guests can explore barefoot and in peace.

The unforgettable setting includes a secret beach, spa treatments, chillout sessions with the resident DJ, and sumptuous island dining. Accommodation comes in the form of a safari tent filled with all of the amenities a guest may need or want, and surrounding the resort is a bird park and a turtle sanctuary.

Karma Reef, Gili Meno, Lombok, Indonesia, +62-0-370-630982

 

Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa is a 5-star tropical resort set amidst 25 lush acres of manicured gardens with panoramic views of the bay in Kota Kinabalu City, Sabah, Malaysia. This piece of heaven, just 10 minutes away from the city and the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, offers a wide scope of engaging activities from land to sea. There are 492 guestrooms and suites adorned with designs from Borneo's rich cultural heritage. Guest accommodations come with a private balcony opening up to vistas of the turquoise beach and sparkling coral islands. The Tanjung Wing faces Mount Kinabalu and the Kinabalu Wing overlooks the ocean.

Cafe Tatu serves breakfast and dinner buffets of Western and Asian cuisines in an open-kitchen ambiance. Coco-Joe's Bar & Grill pays homage to Borneo's heritage with enticing culinary and cultural performances. Peppino is the hotel's chic Italian restaurant while the Shang Palace serves traditional Chinese cuisine. The iconic Sunset Bar, uniquely located at the edge of the South China Sea, offers cocktails and alluring drinks, while the Borneo Lounge and Bar serves snacks and relaxing drinks with live entertainment. Desserts and pool snacks are served at Cool Box Ice Cream Bar.

Get pampered at CHI, the Spa with traditional Asian treatments. The spa is set on its own island within the premises. The spa consists of eight island villas featuring private treatment rooms, saunas, lounging areas, gardens and bathing facilities. It also has a yoga pavilion with views of the South China Sea. Nearby, guests can play golf at The Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club, a 27-hole course built around undulating terrains on reclaimed seaside land. The premier golfing ground has 3 courses of varying difficulty levels fit for novices and pros alike.

The hotel offers adults and children numerous options of recreational facilities. There is a large Water Play Area with water slides, Jacuzzi beds, kiddie's pool and an infinity pool. The Cool Zone Kids Club offers babysitting facilities. Work out at the gym, along the jogging track, play tennis and practice your game on the 9-hole pitching and putting course. Star Marina rents an array of water sports equipment. The romantic setting gives couples the opportunity of living out their dream wedding and honeymoon in a tropical paradise. The Sunset Bar has been noted as an ideal venue for weddings and receptions. Kinabalu Rooms, Tanjung Rooms and ballrooms can accommodate weddings of 8 to 1200 people. Room rates start at MYR 890 per night (60 88 327 888).

 

On your next trip to London, sign up for something different - a round trip on a beautiful OrientExpress train. The train ride lasts about 5 hours and returns you back to Victoria train station where you started. Experience the Golden Age of Train Travel aboard the British Pullman while enjoying a five-course lunch and an entertaining murder mystery game. The train ride is priced at USD $520 per person and available on certain dates throughout the year. Guests do not disembark during the journey and smart attire is expected.

The train offers opulent historic carriages, some of which have been used by the British royal family. The oldest carriage (Ibis) dates back to 1925. Enjoy a ride on this luxury historic train surrounded by the British countryside. Although the murder mystery theme is meant for Agatha Christie fans, the ambiance of the train, combined with countryside views, would be fun for Harry Potter fans as well. The Zena carriage was used in filming of the movie "Agatha" about Agatha Christie 1976. All of the carriages are first class.

 

The very first Fairmont hotel in the Philippines is now open. Fairmont Makati is located in the same tower as Raffles Makati, in the Metro Manila area, one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia. The hotel is located in the heart of the Ayala Centre, Makati's financial and entertainment district, within walking distance to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Ayala Museum and some of the best shopping.

The hotel has 280 guest rooms and suites decorated in modern style with Filipino design influences. Each guest room has stunning floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the city. The hotel has a 14,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa with five treatment rooms, salon, a mineral pool, an outdoor swimming pool with a terrace. Several dining options are offered on-property, including Spectrum restaurant which offers all-day dining. Spectrum serves international cuisine with five 'Culinary Theaters' surrounding the main dining room, bar and lounge seating areas. Fans of baked goods have to visit Cafe Macaron which serves not only freshly baked bread, but also desserts, pralines and pastries. Rates start at USD $240 per night. Grand opening specials are available.