A real must-see, Marrakech offers a mild, sunny climate in winter, perfect for spending the festive season with your family or on a romantic getaway. Stroll through the Médina, savour the local cuisine, take a camel ride through the palm groves, and relax in a traditional riad in the heart of the Red City. For those looking for a city break, Marrakech is a great way to blend urban pleasures with nature.
Our favourite villas and riads in Marrakech for a winter holiday:
Far from the cold of European winters, Mauritius has dreamy beaches, volcanic landscapes and an ideal climate. The island is perfect for Christmas and New Year's beach holidays along the ocean. While the west coast abounds in various landscapes - beaches, mountains, and tropical forest - travellers appreciate the east coast of the island for its long stretches of sandy beaches.
Our favourite villas in Mauritius for a winter stay:
For people who love skiing, snow and fresh mountain air, head to the Northern Alps. With easy access to renowned ski areas, cross-country trails and a lively après-ski scene, the region is a great place for a family winter escape, combining days on the slopes with time in traditional mountain villages.
Our exceptional chalets for a festive Christmas:
Less well known than Marrakech, Essaouira charms with its calm, bohemian atmosphere and mild winter temperatures. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy its beaches, discover the local marine life and make the most of outdoor activities along the coast. Among the best things to do are exploring the medina, walking along the seafront and enjoying the city’s relaxed pace, making Essaouira an appealing year-round destination for a winter break in the sun.
Our preferred villas in Essaouira in the winter:
Looking for beaches, sunshine and vivid blue waters? The Seychelles are an inviting escape during the winter months, with warm temperatures, tropical landscapes and long days by the sea. During the wetter season, warm temperatures and regular sunny spells still make it easy to explore the islands, from palm-fringed beaches to colourful coral reefs and other remarkable natural wonders. Whether travelling as a couple or with children, the archipelago offers a relaxed balance of swimming, nature and time outdoors.
Our heavenly villas in the Seychelles:
The charm of Swiss winters is apparent from the very first snowflakes. With its upmarket resorts, festive villages and cosy chalets, Switzerland offers some of Europe’s most striking winter wonderlands, from elegant cities to mountain villages where a snow-covered cobblestone street or Alpine view makes for beautiful photos. Skiing, snowshoeing and, in selected Alpine areas, ice fishing fill the days, while traditional villages and quieter resorts bring more laid-back vibes to the winter escape.
Our choice of Swiss chalets:
In Thailand, the European winter is an excellent time to discover the country’s southern islands. With sandy beaches, warm seas, tropical vegetation and boat trips between islands, Koh Samui, Phuket, Koh Phangan and Koh Yao Noi offer a variety of settings for a winter holiday in the sun.
Our exceptional villas for a winter holiday:
For an enchanting winter, head to the Austrian Tyrol. Typical villages, plenty of snow, Christmas markets and a mountain atmosphere make for a magical holiday. Tyrol is one of the best winter holiday destinations for discovering Alpine traditions and immersing yourself in a unique festive atmosphere.
Our authentic chalets in Tyrol:
If you want to soak up the sun between December and February without leaving Europe, the Canary Islands are a sure bet. Ideal for the festive season or the February holidays, their mild climate is a real draw. Thanks to the diversity of their coastlines, the Canary Islands offer a multitude of activities, from surfing on the beaches of Fuerteventura to relaxing and walking through volcanic landscapes.
Our top 3 villas in the Canary Islands for a winter holiday:
Even in winter, Provence retains its golden light and welcoming atmosphere. The region's towns are perfect for fans of culture and good food. And for lovers of this rich terroir, the wine route is the perfect opportunity to discover the emblematic wineries of the Luberon and Côtes de Provence. Provence is truly one of the best winter holiday destinations for gastronomy and culture.
Our most beautiful Provençal homes for your winter holidays:
Our local experts have handpicked the most beautiful villas and chalets in ideal destinations for your winter holidays. Choose from homes with a heated swimming pool, sauna, access to the slopes, exceptional views, house staff, an in-house chef, and much more.
Villanovo’s dedicated concierge service supports guests throughout their stay with attentive, personalised support, from the initial preparations through to the stay itself. Drawing on local knowledge and a trusted network of partners, the concierge team can arrange experiences tailored to each journey, whether a private boat trip in the Canary Islands, dog sledging in the mountains or a bespoke day excursion.
For many destinations, guests also receive a curated Villanovo travel guide, bringing together recommendations chosen by our local specialists. From restaurants and boutiques to discreet beaches, farmers’ markets and scenic hiking routes, each address is selected to help guests discover the destination beyond the better-known landmarks.
