November offers a rich blend of culture, sunshine and big city atmosphere, making it a great month for a luxury escape that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Istanbul delivers a captivating mix of history, contemporary design hotels and waterfront dining as the city settles into a cooler, more relaxed rhythm. Antigua brings soft Caribbean breezes, golden beaches and elegant resorts, while Cuba offers vintage charm, characterful stays and a lively arts scene. For an urban break, New York City shines with autumn colours, world-class museums and iconic hotels preparing for the start of the festive season. Travellers seeking variety can pair Mumbai’s vibrant streets, markets and cultural landmarks with the calm beaches and boutique retreats of Goa for a journey filled with contrast and style. November opens the door to an exciting collection of destinations that promise luxury and a vibrant atmosphere.
Istanbul, Turkey
Best for: Stylish city break
Istanbul is a wonderful city to visit in November, when the cooler temperatures create comfortable conditions for sightseeing and the summer crowds have disappeared. The city’s rich architectural heritage feels even more atmospheric at this time of year, with quieter moments inside Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern allowing travellers to appreciate their beauty. The autumn light over the Bosphorus is particularly striking, making ferry rides and waterfront walks a highlight of the season.
The city’s dining scene thrives in November, with comforting Turkish dishes, seasonal produce and warm rooftop terraces providing inviting places to unwind. Neighbourhoods such as Galata, Karakoy and Nisantasi are full of cafés, contemporary restaurants and stylish cocktail bars that suit long, leisurely evenings. Luxury hotels along the Bosphorus and in the historic peninsula offer excellent spa facilities, elegant suites and panoramic views that become even more appealing as the nights draw in.
Cultural life remains vibrant, with exhibitions, live music and artisan markets offering plenty to enjoy beyond the main sights. With a blend of history, modern creativity and refined hospitality, Istanbul in November feels atmospheric, sophisticated and ideally suited to a short luxury break.
Our favourite hotels:
Best for luxurious leisure facilities: Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Best for a contemporary social scene: W Istanbul
Best for high end business and leisure: The Ritz Carlton Istanbul
Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in Istanbul
Antigua, Caribbean
Best for: Chilled out beach vibes
Though it may be considered primarily a summer destination, with November temperatures still in the 20s°C Antigua is the perfect place to catch some sun this autumn. Despite its relatively small size, this idyllic Caribbean island has 365 beaches to its name – one for every day of the year. Expect to find golden sands, crystal clear waters and a range of activities, making it ideal for the whole family to enjoy. The glass-bottom boat trips are a particular favourite of ours, as they allow you to admire Antigua’s beautiful marine life up close – keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins and turtles. Banana-boat rides and jet skiing are also great options to keep teenagers entertained. Given Antigua’s prime location on the Caribbean’s doorstep, it is of little surprise that the island’s cuisine revolves around seafood – Antiguan lobsters are regarded as some of the finest in the world.
Our favourite hotels:
Best for personal touches and attention to detail: Hermitage Bay
Best for elegant escapism and relaxation: Carlisle Bay Antigua
Best for infinity pools and uninterrupted views: The Cove Suites at Blue Waters
Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in Antigua
Cuba, Mexico
Best for: Iconic celebrations
Following the 500th anniversary of Havana’s foundation by Spanish conquistadors and the Cuban capital has invested in the renovation of thousands of buildings and attractions. The most impressive renovation is that of the neoclassical El Capitolio building, which served as the Cuban seat of government until Fidel Castro and Che Guevara’s revolutionary forces famously usurped power in 1959 – the building has recently reopened to the public and is a must-see. Head to the city centre, Old Havana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), to experience the classic image of Cuba – expect to see vintage American cars roaring along streets overlooked by vividly-coloured buildings. No trip to Cuba would be complete without experiencing Havana’s pulsating salsa scene, whilst the island is also a bookworm’s paradise, having been immortalised by the works of Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene – you can follow in the footsteps of these literary heroes by stopping in for cocktails at the iconic Floridita Bar.
Our favourite hotels:
Best for stunning views and rooftop pool: Grand Hotel Kempinski Manzana
Best for all inclusive luxury: Pullman Cayo Coco
Best for adults only and golf lovers: Melia Las Americas
Mumbia & Goa, India
Best for: A trip of two contrasts
Mumbai and Goa create a beautifully balanced journey in November, offering two contrasting sides to a luxury holiday in India. Mumbai emerges from the monsoon season into clear, warm days that suit exploring its historic landmarks, markets and waterfront promenades. The city feels energetic yet comfortable, with the Victorian architecture around Fort and Colaba looking particularly striking in the soft late-autumn light. Luxury hotels provide stylish bases with excellent dining, rooftop pools and spa experiences that frame the city at its best.
After the vibrant pace of Mumbai, Goa provides a calm and restorative counterpoint. November marks the start of the region’s main season, when the beaches are pristine, the sea is warm and boutique resorts begin to buzz with a relaxed early-winter rhythm. Palm-lined roads lead to Portuguese-influenced villages, seafood restaurants and serene coastal hideaways that feel far removed from urban life. The post-monsoon greenery is still vivid, creating a lush backdrop for wellness retreats, long beach walks and sunset dining.
Together, the two destinations create a holiday that blends culture, energy and indulgence. Mumbai offers creativity, history and world-class gastronomy, while Goa delivers barefoot luxury, wellness and coastal tranquillity. It is a pairing that suits travellers seeking both stimulation and serenity within one thoughtfully curated November escape.
New York, USA
Best for: Thanksgiving celebrations
New York City is an exceptional destination in November, as the city begins to embrace the festive season while still enjoying crisp, bright autumn days. Central Park becomes a tapestry of gold and amber, creating beautiful backdrops for walks, photography and outdoor experiences. Attractions such as the Empire State Building, the High Line and the Brooklyn Bridge are particularly enjoyable in the clear, cool air, which adds a sense of clarity and atmosphere to the skyline views.
November is also one of the strongest months for culture in New York. Broadway is in full swing, museums open major exhibitions and the city buzzes with events, concerts and early holiday displays. Luxury hotels feel especially inviting at this time of year, offering elegant lobbies, seasonal menus, spa days and iconic views. It is also the perfect moment to enjoy refined dining, shopping on Fifth Avenue or exploring creative neighbourhoods such as Tribeca, Williamsburg and the Lower East Side.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the city takes on a warm, anticipatory energy, with window displays, ice rinks and winter markets beginning to appear. Whether you come for art, gastronomy, shopping or the sheer thrill of being in Manhattan during this atmospheric season, New York in November delivers a sophisticated and exciting luxury city break.
Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in New York
Our favourite hotels:
Best for suites and social locations: The Ritz Carlton
Best for art-deco design and butler service: The Chatwal
Best for boutique charm and stunning views: The New York Edition
