September is one of the most rewarding months for a luxury escape, offering warm weather, softer crowds and exceptional value across a wide mix of destinations. Ibiza enters a more relaxed late-season rhythm with upscale beach clubs, calm bays and boutique hotels that shine after the summer peak, while Palma offers elegant waterfront promenades, stylish dining and grand historic stays. Rhodes provides golden beaches, fascinating heritage and high-end resorts in comfortable early autumn temperatures, and the Algarve continues to entice with dramatic Atlantic scenery, excellent golf and sophisticated coastal retreats. For an urban break, London delivers world-class culture, festivals and landmark hotels, while Istanbul blends rich history with contemporary luxury beside the Bosphorus. For something more adventurous, South Africa offers clear skies, superb wildlife viewing and beautiful wine regions. September brings together the best of summer warmth and autumn calm, creating a perfect window for travel.
Ibiza, Spain
Best for: Hidden bays and beautiful beaches
Hailed by many as Europe’s nightlife capital, the stunning Balearic island of Ibiza is the perfect destination for partygoers and there’s no better time to visit than September, which plays hosts to the best closing parties. However, venture off the beaten track a little and you will find that the ‘White Island’ also boasts a wealth of charming pebble beaches and secluded coves, making it ideal for a romantic getaway. The internationally acclaimed nightclubs and DJs of Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni will seem a world away as you settle into one of the island’s spectacular beach restaurants and look on in awe as the sun sets on this idyllic Mediterranean paradise. And if the sea proves too enticing, September is the best time to go scuba diving – expect to see a stunning array of flora, fauna and wildlife, including dolphins, barracudas and turtles.
Our favourite hotels:
Best for sleek sophistication and superb spa – Ca Na Xica
Best for contemporary attention to detail – Bless Hotel
Best for peace, tranquillity and privacy – Can Lluc
Read our Eat Do Sleep Ibiza Guide
Read our Best Luxury hotels in Ibiza Guide
Palma, Mallorca
Best for: Historic charm
Palma is an excellent choice for a September getaway, when the peak summer heat softens and the city settles into a more elegant, unhurried rhythm. The Mediterranean is still warm enough for swimming, and the beaches around the Bay of Palma feel quieter while retaining their lively charm. The historic centre is delightful to explore at this time of year, with its grand cathedral, narrow streets and shaded courtyards offering a beautiful backdrop for relaxed sightseeing.
September also brings ideal conditions for enjoying Palma’s sophisticated dining scene, with seasonal produce appearing on menus and terraces still open late into the evening. The marina area is particularly appealing, offering waterfront restaurants and stylish bars that feel vibrant without being overcrowded. Boutique hotels and converted palacios provide characterful places to stay, many with rooftop pools or serene courtyards for unwinding after days out.
The surrounding coastline and countryside are at their best, inviting day trips to Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller. Scenic drives through the Tramuntana mountains, vineyard visits and coastal walks feel especially enjoyable in the soft early autumn light. Palma blends culture, gastronomy and beachside living in a calm yet atmospheric way, making September a wonderfully balanced time to visit.
Our favourite hotels:
Best for decadent romanticism – Can Bordoy
Best for design led rooftop retreat – El Llorenc Parc de la Mar
Best for breakfast by the sea – Boutique Hotel Calatrava
Read our Eat Do Sleep Palma Guide
Read our Best Luxury Hotels in Palma Guide
Rhodes, Greece
Best for: Island escape
The Greek island of Rhodes is eternally enshrined in the history books as the site of the Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Thousands of years later it has lost none of its appeal, having firmly established itself as one of the leading destinations for an island getaway. Sheltered from the notoriously strong winds, the island’s east coast is brimming with a blend of hidden coves and pebbly and sandy beaches where you can relax at one of the many upmarket tavernas or take a dip in the glistening Aegean Sea. Fancy something more adventurous? You would be hard pushed to find a better location for wind and kite surfing than Rhodes’ south coast anywhere in the world and September is in the middle of the season. Although there are no longer any traces of the Colossus, Rhodes is by no means bereft of cultural interest. UNESCO awarded the island’s Old Town the prestigious accolade of ‘World Heritage Site’ in 1988 and, as the world’s oldest inhabited medieval town, it is certainly worth a visit.
Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in Rhodes
Our favourite hotels:
Best for beachfront luxury – Elysium Rhodes Resort and Spa
Best for private luxury – Amathus Elite Suites
Best for relaxation and rejuvenation – Lindos Blu Hotel & Suites
Algarve, Portugal
Best for: Golf breaks
Located on Portugal’s southern coast, the Algarve is a golfer’s paradise. It is no surprise that many of the sport’s leading professionals use the region as an annual training base, given its unique synthesis of a beautiful, sun-kissed coastline and some of the world’s most highly regarded golf courses. If you want to play like the pros, the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf course is a must: designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, this luscious 18-hole course hosts the European Tour’s Portugal Masters event, which has been won by the likes of Lee Westwood and Pádraig Harrington in recent years. After a day on the fairways and greens, why not indulge in the best of Portuguese cuisine? Its location on the Atlantic’s doorstep means the Algarve produces some of the best freshly caught fish you will find in Europe, whilst the region also has a rich wine-producing history, ensuring your time away from the golf is as pleasurable as your time on the course. With temperatures around 30°C and fewer tourists than July and August, September is the best time to book your trip.
Our favourite hotels:
Best for active families – Pine Cliffs Resort
Best for a tranquil retreat – Anantara Vilamoura
Best for space, swimming pools and spa – Vilalara Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa
Read our guide to the Best Luxury Hotels In The Algarve
London, United Kingdom
Best for: City breaks
London is a brilliant place to visit in September, when the city enjoys mild temperatures, early autumn sunshine and a sense of new cultural energy as summer draws to a close. Parks such as Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are still lush, perfect for strolls or picnics, and outdoor cafés remain lively. With many residents away earlier in the season, major attractions, galleries and museums feel more accessible while still offering world-class experiences.
September is also one of the strongest months for London’s cultural calendar, with exhibitions, theatre openings and design events taking place across the city. Food lovers will find that market stalls, restaurants and rooftop terraces all make the most of the season, with late summer produce inspiring a mix of fresh, vibrant menus. Luxury hotels provide beautiful spaces to unwind, many with spas, city view bars and refined afternoon teas suited to the gentle shift into autumn.
Shopping in areas such as Bond Street, Chelsea and Marylebone feels particularly enjoyable, and river cruises or walks along the Thames benefit from the comfortable weather. With atmosphere, variety and a sense of renewed energy, London in September provides a sophisticated and engaging city break.
Our favourite hotels:
Best for art deco and 20’s period furnishings – The Wellesley Knightsbridge
Best for ultra-hip luxury – W London
Best for authentic London luxury and charm – Dukes London
Read our Eat Do Sleep London Guide
Read our guide to the Best Luxury Hotels In London
Vancouver Island, Canada
Best for: Wilderness and refined hospitality
Vancouver Island is a superb destination in September, when the summer crowds have thinned yet the weather remains warm and dry. The island’s landscapes are striking at this time of year, with calm waters perfect for whale watching, kayaking and scenic boat trips. Forests, beaches and coastal trails offer peaceful days outdoors, and wildlife encounters are common as animals become more active ahead of autumn.
The island’s towns and cities feel inviting, from the characterful streets of Victoria to the laid-back surf culture of Tofino. Luxury lodges and boutique retreats make the most of the season with ocean view terraces, spa treatments inspired by the surrounding nature and menus showcasing local seafood. It is a time when travellers can enjoy the region’s natural beauty in a calm, restorative way.
Vineyards and farms across the Cowichan Valley come into their harvest period, providing opportunities for tastings and long lunches among rolling countryside. Scenic drives reveal quiet beaches, dramatic cliffs and serene coastal communities that capture the island’s unique charm. With its mixture of wilderness, relaxation and refined hospitality, Vancouver Island in September offers a stunning blend of adventure and comfort.
