Summary of Beach Destinations
To maximize value in these beach destinations, it’s all about mastering the art of timing.
Seasoned travelers know that the shoulder season is a time to embrace. Prices for flights and hotels plunge, crowds of tourists dissipate, and a more authentic representation of local life can be experienced. And as enticing as Instagram makes summer in the Med and Christmas in St. Barts look, what you won’t see are the people lining up to take the exact same shot, the rates that can easily double (if there’s even availability), and sun loungers that get whipped up before breakfast.
If you want to maximize value without risking bad weather and complete social isolation, consider traveling in the months just outside of the high season. These time frames vary by destination, but whether you’re seeking a quick weekend escape or a trip further afield, ahead are some excellent options.
St. Barts
The international jet set descends on St. Barts over the holiday season, and hotel inventory becomes limited (as do restaurant reservations). However, plan a trip between June and August and you’ll have options aplenty, from the supremely stylish Cheval Blanc to the candy-colored Caribbean villas at Rosewood Le Guanahani. If you’re there for the scene, check into the famously hedonistic Eden Rock. Flights also have more availability before the New Year’s Eve peak, and since you’ll need to take two to get there, that can be a big advantage. The most popular route is Tradewind Aviation from San Juan — the closest thing you can get to a private jet experience on a scheduled flight (plus, you can add on a side trip; and if you really want to splash out, it has private options available).
The French Riviera
Known for its glamorous hotels and picturesque scenery, the French Riviera is enchanting in any season. If you go at the end of September or in May, you can experience the best places for less, with fewer crowds. Historic icons like Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat and Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc remain the hottest tickets along the coast (and anywhere, really), alongside glossy newcomers like La Reserve Ramatuelle and The Maybourne Riviera, which remains open year-round. Getting there is also a breeze – Air France has multiple flights from JFK to Nice via Paris year-round.
The Hamptons, New York
Beat the notoriously congested traffic, and enjoy prime time at the best restaurants, while docking your beach umbrella wherever you please. Like clockwork, the crowds in the Hamptons dissipate after Labor Day, making weekend excursions an effortless affair. Many key hotels remain open into the fall, including EHP Resort & Marina (home to some of the best nightlife), The Reform Club, The Roundtree, and the revamped Pridwin Hotel on Shelter Island.
Sicily
The White Lotus has fans clamoring to visit the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace — the site where season two was filmed. Nevertheless, although there are many stunning hotels in the region (including Belmond’s Grand Hotel Timeo and its beachfront Villa Sant’Andrea), summer is completely crowded. Therefore, in the shoulder seasons, the sea is still warm enough for swimming and you can evade the tourist circus. Everything from getting arancini and gelato on Corso Umberto to securing a fabulous suite becomes a whole lot easier.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is one of New England’s most popular summer destinations, which means everything from ferries to restaurants to ice cream parlors are in high demand. Consequently, hotels often fill up months in advance, but in the final weeks of September or May, you’re more likely to receive accommodations at a much better rate. For the ultimate experience, consider the centrally located White Elephant, which unveiled beautifully refurbished rooms to commemorate its 100th anniversary this year.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The cascading rainbow of villas and trattorias that define the Amalfi Coast are just as beautiful in the fall. Moreover, demand has been so high that many hotels are extending their season into October. For a Slim Aarons moment, check into the iconic Il San Pietro Hotel, built into a dramatic cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. Count on Le Sirenuse for a close-up of the quintessential postcard views of Positano, or explore the new Anantara Convento di Amalfi. If time permits, consider a day trip to Capri, easily accessible by boat and offering the seaside glamour of stylish beach clubs, such as La Fontelina or Da Gioia, which recently opened as part of the vibrant new Hotel La Palma.
Antigua
British travelers frequent Antigua over the summer, which is technically the shoulder season. This is a smart move as they travel just before hotels close for the hurricane-prone months of September and October and before the crowds fleeing winter arrive. The most luxurious and sought-after resort, Jumby Bay, is also likely to have more availability during this period, and that’s beneficial since its all-inclusive program includes activities ranging from motorized watersports to rum tastings and island boat cruises.
Turks & Caicos
The beauty of Turks & Caicos lies in its consistent warmth and sunshine, boasting an estimated 350 days of sunshine each year. Similar to other Caribbean islands, the shoulder and low seasons span from April through September, making it an excellent opportunity for great deals. Consider Amanyara to immerse yourself in luxurious, tropical splendor. This stunning resort is set on a secluded 18,000-acre nature reserve, perfect for those seeking leisurely bliss, where your movement is mainly from the beach to the restaurant and back to your pavilion.
Bodrum, Turkey
Many travelers prefer to visit the Turkish Riviera in spring or fall to avoid the intense heat prevalent in the summer months. This area enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, and swimming in the sea is a common activity well into November. Additionally, this region has welcomed several luxurious hotels over the past decade, including the Mandarin Oriental and the Bodrum Edition, which brought its playful brand of glamour to the Aegean Sea.
Santa Barbara, California
Fall is a magical time to visit what is known as the “American Riviera.” While summer can be hot and crowded, the shoulder seasons allow you to enjoy many activities such as wine tours, sailing expeditions, and the thriving culinary scene at a much more relaxed pace. For accommodations that serve as a destination in themselves, consider Rosewood Miramar Beach or Belmond El Encanto, both of which offer luxurious experiences in Santa Barbara.
