Our Editors’ Favourite Off-Peak Holiday Destinations

For a true break from normal programming, escape to these luxurious Norwegian cabins this winter. During the day, you can borrow the hotel’s snowshoes and bikes to explore the Sunnmøre Alps – those mountains you can see from your cosy wooden cabins (get one with a fireplace if you can). Or, take the hotel’s private boat to explore Hjørundfjord’s waterfalls, cliffs and spectacular views. When you’re back on dry land, head back to the hotel to warm up with an al-fresco hot tub, sauna and tea and biscuits served in the charming library each afternoon.

If you love the vibe of London haunts like the Covent Garden or Charlotte Street Hotels, you’re in for a treat. Located dangerously close to Glossier and Balthazar in SoHo – the hotel’s bedrooms have high ceilings, loft-style windowed walls and are each totally different with vibrant patterned wallpapers, furniture and anything-but-bland artwork. The bar is loved by New Yorkers and out-of-towners alike and, just like this magical city, the food and room service never sleep.

For a quintessential English staycation, head to the countryside of North Yorkshire and a location that overlooks the county’s moors and dales. Here, you’ll find a beautiful boutique hotel, restaurant and Forest Spa on the grounds of Middleton Lodge’s family-owned 200-acre estate. The place feels luxurious but homely all at once – the restaurant uses produce grown either on the grounds or locally. And the environment is as cared for as the guests – the heating and hot water is powered by renewable biomass. Bring cosy layers for bracing walks, plus your favourite jeans and knits for cocktails at the bar afterwards. Don’t worry about packing wellies – there’s a boot room with Barbours aplenty for you to borrow.

When visiting Florence, you want to stay right in the cobblestoned-heart of the historic district; specifically, at Hotel Lungarno. Lap up views of the river Arno and the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Fine-dine at Borgo San Jacopo, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, with chef Claudio Mengoni at the helm. Drink incredible wine – the in-house sommelier will find the right one from its 900-strong selection. Then, after a day of sightseeing, take a soak using the hotel’s decadent Salvatore Ferragamo bath products.

You’ll find this oasis of comfort and calm nestled in a peaceful pine forest. There are 19 private villas to choose from at Bijal, ranging from romantic one-bedroom options (with freestanding tubs and indoor/outdoor showers, of course) to four-bedroom houses. Each villa comes with its own private pool and walled garden – or you can head to the lush Club House pool, which is perfect for families (yes, there’s a kids’ club and babysitting service). For something a little livelier, take one of the hotel’s bikes for a two-minute spin to the on-site Beach Club, whose residents-only pool boasts an underwater sound system, so you can enjoy the DJ sets while you do your laps or, even better, lounge.