February is one of the most rewarding months to travel, offering the best of winter landscapes in the northern hemisphere alongside lively cultural scenes and seasonal events. In this curated selection, you’ll find some of the best vacation ideas for February, from alpine villages at their snowiest to cities filled with festivals and mild-weather escapes, combined with exceptional hotels that elevate the journey.
Megève, France
Megève in February is at the height of its winter season, with consistent snowfall and cold but comfortable alpine temperatures, making it one of the most popular ski destinations in the French Alps. The resort forms part of the Evasion Mont-Blanc ski area, offering over 400 kilometres of pistes suitable for all levels, while the Mont d’Arbois slopes are especially known for their scenic runs and well-maintained trails. Beyond skiing, February is a wonderful time to experience Megève’s village charm with activities including horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy forests, snowshoeing excursions, winter hiking, and relaxed afternoons spent exploring boutiques and cafés in the historic centre. With its traditional chalets, mountain views and lively winter atmosphere, Megève is often listed among the best places to visit in winter in Europe.
Where to Stay in Megève?
Four Seasons Hotel Megève is set directly on the Mont d’Arbois slopes and offers true ski-in, ski-out access, allowing guests to step straight from the hotel onto the pistes. The hotel features a wide selection of rooms and suites, including spacious family suites and larger signature accommodations such as the Mont Blanc Suite, many with balconies overlooking the surrounding mountains. Interiors combine modern alpine design with warm wood finishes, soft textiles and large windows.
The hotel is also known for having one of the largest luxury spas in the Alps, spanning more than 900 square metres and including an indoor-outdoor heated pool, sauna, steam rooms and dedicated treatment areas. Dining is surely an important part of the experience, with Brasserie Benjamin serving refined French cuisine inspired by local flavours, and Kaito offering Japanese-inspired dishes in a mountain setting. A dedicated ski concierge, ski room with heated boot storage, and curated winter activities organised by the hotel make Four Seasons Hotel Megève an excellent base for your February alpine escape.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt in February is another classic high-alpine winter destination, known for reliable snow conditions, clear mountain air and dramatic views of the Matterhorn. The ski season is in full swing, with access to one of Europe’s highest and most extensive ski areas, offering slopes that reach up to 3,883 metres and excellent snow quality throughout the month. February is ideal for skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing, while non-skiers can enjoy winter hiking trails, snowshoe routes and scenic rides on the Gornergrat Railway for panoramic glacier views. The village itself is car-free, creating a peaceful atmosphere with traditional wooden chalets, boutique shopping and cosy mountain restaurants.Where to stay in Zermatt?
Cervo Mountain Resort sits on a sunny hillside just above the village, offering clear views of the Matterhorn and direct ski access via nearby lifts. The resort is composed of several interconnected lodges, with rooms and suites ranging from cozy double rooms to spacious junior suites and multi-bedroom residences. Interiors are warm and contemporary, featuring natural wood, fireplaces in select accommodations, private balconies or terraces, and large windows designed to frame the surrounding peaks.
Cervo is especially known for its strong focus on wellness and mindful mountain living. The Mountain Ashram Spa includes indoor and outdoor hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas and relaxation areas with Matterhorn views, alongside yoga and meditation sessions offered throughout the winter season. Dining at the resort centers around seasonal, locally inspired cuisine, with several on-site restaurants serving alpine dishes and international comfort food in relaxed, design-led spaces. Guests at Cervo also benefit from ski storage, shuttle services to the village, and curated winter experiences.
Venice, Italy (Venice Carnival Season)
February is one of the most atmospheric months to visit Venice, thanks to the world-famous Venice Carnival. During this period, the city fills with masked parades, historical costumes, cultural performances and events held across St. Mark’s Square and along the canals. The cooler winter temperatures and lighter crowds compared to summer make February ideal for wandering through Venice’s narrow streets, visiting museums and churches, and taking quiet gondola rides through misty canals. Cultural highlights such as the Doge’s Palace, Basilica di San Marco and Peggy Guggenheim Collection are especially enjoyable at this time of year.
Where to Stay in Venice?
The St. Regis Venice is set along the Grand Canal, just steps from St. Mark’s Square, and is one of the most elegant luxury hotels in Venice. The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites, including Grand Canal View rooms and signature suites with private terraces overlooking the water. Interiors are bright and contemporary, blending Italian craftsmanship with modern design, while large windows allow natural light to flood the spaces, a rarity in historic Venice.
Dining and social spaces are a highlight of the St. Regis Venice. Gio’s Restaurant serves refined Italian cuisine inspired by Venetian traditions and seasonal ingredients, while the Arts Bar is known for its artistic design and creative beverage offerings. Guests also have access to one of Venice’s largest private gardens, a tranquil green retreat along the canal. The hotel’s central location makes it an excellent base for Carnival events, cultural sightseeing and romantic winter strolls.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Fancy visiting somewhere warm in February? Queenstown is enjoying late summer at this time of the year, with long daylight hours, mild temperatures and clear skies that showcase the region’s dramatic landscapes. Set beside Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Queenstown is ideal for outdoor exploration in February. Visitors can enjoy scenic lake cruises, guided hikes, cycling trails, and day trips to nearby Glenorchy or Arrowtown.Where to Stay in Queenstown?
Rosewood Matakauri is a secluded luxury lodge located just minutes from Queenstown, set on the edge of Lake Wakatipu with uninterrupted views of the Remarkables mountain range. The property offers a collection of suites and private villas, including Lake View Suites, Deluxe Suites and multi-bedroom villas designed for families or longer stays. All accommodations feature private terraces, fireplaces, spacious bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows for guests’ maximum joy.
The lodge experience focuses on privacy, nature and understated luxury. Guests can relax at the spa with treatments inspired by local ingredients, unwind in the outdoor infinity pool overlooking the lake, or enjoy guided experiences arranged by the concierge, such as hiking, scenic helicopter flights or lake excursions. Dining at Matakauri highlights seasonal New Zealand produce, served in an intimate setting with panoramic views. With its peaceful location and close proximity to Queenstown’s activities, Rosewood Matakauri is a refined base for a warm February escape.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of the most appealing warm places to visit in February, as summer is in full swing with warm temperatures, low rainfall and long sunny days. This is the ideal time to explore the city’s beaches, from Camps Bay and Clifton to the calmer shores of Llandudno, while the surrounding landscapes are lush and vibrant. Visitors can hike or take the cable car up Table Mountain, explore the Cape Winelands in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, or enjoy scenic drives along Chapman’s Peak. February also brings a lively cultural calendar, with open-air markets and gallery exhibitions.
Where to Stay in Cape Town?
Ellerman House is a privately owned luxury hotel set on the cliffs of Bantry Bay, offering magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean. The property features a limited number of individually designed rooms and suites within the main house, as well as private villas for guests seeking extra space and privacy. Each room is uniquely styled with South African art, antiques and contemporary pieces, while large terraces and windows bring sea views and natural light.
The hotel is especially known for its extensive art collection, considered one of the finest private collections of South African art in the country, displayed throughout the property and in a dedicated gallery space. Guests can relax at the spa with sea-facing treatment rooms, enjoy the outdoor pool overlooking the ocean, or explore the gardens that descend toward the cliffs. Dining focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients served in an elegant yet relaxed setting, with menus changing regularly to reflect regional produce. With its intimate scale, exceptional views and strong sense of place, Ellerman House is a refined and peaceful base for discovering Cape Town in February.
Marrakesh, Morocco
February is one of the most pleasant months to visit Marrakesh, with mild daytime temperatures and cooler evenings that make sightseeing comfortable and enjoyable. The city’s historic medina is perfect for wandering at this time of year, from the souks and artisans’ quarters to landmarks such as the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. Visitors can spend time in traditional gardens like Jardin Majorelle, explore contemporary galleries, or take day trips to the nearby Atlas Mountains. With its mix of culture, architecture, cuisine and gentle winter sunshine, Marrakesh is a strong choice for travelers looking for somewhere warm and atmospheric in February.Where to Stay in Marrakesh?
Royal Mansour Marrakesh is one of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels, located just inside the medina walls near the Royal Palace. Unlike traditional hotels, the property is designed as a medina within a medina, with guests staying in private riads rather than standard rooms. Each riad ranges from one to four bedrooms and includes its own courtyard, rooftop terrace, and plunge pool in many categories, offering exceptional privacy and space. Interiors are richly detailed with handcrafted zellige tiles, carved wood, silk fabrics and traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.
The hotel’s facilities are equally distinctive. The Royal Mansour Spa spans over 2,500 square metres and is housed within a dramatic glass-and-steel structure inspired by traditional latticework, offering hammams, treatment rooms and wellness programmes rooted in Moroccan rituals. Dining at the hotel includes several restaurants serving Moroccan and international cuisine, with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients and refined presentation. Guests can also enjoy cooking workshops, guided medina tours arranged by the concierge, and serene garden spaces throughout the property.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok enjoys warm but comfortable temperatures in February, with low humidity and very little rainfall. Days are sunny and ideal for exploring cultural landmarks such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, while evenings are pleasant for riverside walks along the Chao Phraya or night market visits. February is also a great time to explore Bangkok’s green spaces, contemporary galleries and shopping districts without the intense heat of later months. With its mix of culture, cuisine, wellness and urban energy, Bangkok is a strong choice among the best places to visit in February, especially for travellers looking for warmth paired with a vibrant city experience.
Where to Stay in Bangkok?
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok officially opened in Spring 2025 and marks Aman’s return to Thailand’s capital with a serene urban sanctuary set within the historic Nai Lert Park estate. The hotel offers 52 spacious suites, among the largest in the city, starting from approximately 94 square metres. Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking either the city skyline or the surrounding greenery, with interiors designed by Jean-Michel Gathy using natural materials and calm, minimalist tones. The Aman Suite, occupying an entire floor, includes multiple bedrooms, private spa facilities and expansive living areas for guests seeking maximum privacy and space.
Wellness is a core focus at Aman Nai Lert Bangkok. The Aman Spa & Wellness centre spans multiple levels and includes hydrotherapy facilities, treatment rooms inspired by traditional Thai healing, a fitness centre, and specialised wellness programmes offered in partnership with Hertitude Clinic. Dining at the hotel includes Arva, Aman’s signature Italian restaurant, as well as Japanese dining concepts and serene lounge spaces set above the park. With its green setting, spacious rooms and holistic approach to wellbeing, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok offers a calm yet connected base for experiencing Bangkok in February.
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January opens the door to a world of extraordinary winter and early-year escapes, from snow-covered peaks in Hokkaido and St. Moritz to sun-soaked African safaris and tropical island seclusion. This hand-picked collection of destinations offers something for every kind of traveller, while each resort and hotel has been chosen for their comfort, unique experiences and ability to deliver magical memories in January. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in winter 2026, these destinations and their luxurious stays promise the perfect start to your new year.
