Despite March seeming like a bit of a transition month, it still offers some fantastic opportunities for travelling. Take advantage of the fact it is typically shoulder season, which means less people, better availability and better rates. Fewer people means more access to activities, restaurants and experiences. You are able to choose between a nice warm break or enjoying a winter wonderland before the snow melts. Whatever your interests, we have an idea to tick your boxes.
Enjoy Sunshine & Warmth in...South Africa
South Africa remains one of our favoured destinations, as it really has it all: adventure, great food, even better wine, safari, beach and natural beauty in abundance. Looking for some winter sun? March is a great time to visit, as the peak tourist season & peak summer heat has already passed.
Enjoy all the Cape Town has to offer – spend a day at one of its beautiful beaches (brave the cold water if you dare!); be wowed by a tasting menu at a world class restaurant; delve into the Mother City’s arts scene; or go full on adventure by going snorkelling with seals. Also not to be missed is the penguin colony – best viewed from the water by kayak!
The Winelands are of course the jewel in the crown – each wine farm is more beautiful than the last, and it’s the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning scenery of the Franschhoek Valley. This little wine town is also a foodie’s dream destination, and the restaurants here certainly punch above their weight!
How to end your sunny break? By going on safari of course! Let us recommend the perfect property for you, be it for families, romantic breaks, or perhaps an exclusive use villa for larger gatherings – all in one of the greatest safari destinations in Africa.
Experience the Food & Culture of...Japan
Springtime in Japan – perhaps you will be lucky enough to catch the start of the beautiful cherry blossom season, but there are lots more reasons to travel to Japan in March. Sticking to the southern islands, the weather will become milder and it’s great for sightseeing (up north it’s still winter ski season!). March lies in the shoulder season, so availability should be better, and you are avoiding the peak crowds that come later in the year.
Japan is a wondrous country to visit – steeped in history, there are fascinating temples, palaces and shrines to explore. The food is of course incredible and much more varied than you may think – we highly recommend doing a foodie tour in Tokyo or Kyoto! Get off the beaten track by visiting smaller towns not on the main tourist trail, or perhaps stay in a 200 year old traditional ryokan in the countryside, sleeping on futons around the central fireplace with your Fire Priest host. Take two days to cycle the Shimanami Kaido – a 70km bike route across the Inland Sea to the island of Shikoku; or visit the famous Art Island of Naoshima – featuring multiple art installations, venues and museums.
Reconnect with Family in...Oman
Great for a winter sun break, Oman in March is reliably warm and you avoid the heat & humidity of the summer months. Think Oman is just for a beach break? Think again – there are the Green Mountains, setting of the Anantara Al Jabal resort – with incredible views and dramatic canyon views, or the Alila Jabal Akhdar – which also has a stunning mountain setting, with suites and villas suitable for families (some with private pool). Be as active as you like with exploring & hiking, or just stop to smell the damask roses, which bloom starting in March on the mountainsides!
Want to whisk the family to the beach? Head either to the south of the country to Salalah on the Arabian Sea for beautiful beaches & desert experiences, or northward to the Gulf of Oman and our perennial family favourite destination Zighy Bay by Six Senses. With a range of beachfront villas to choose from (up to 4 bedrooms) and each with a private pool and patio, this is a fantastic resort for kids young and old.
Designed to feel like a village right on the white sandy beach, it’s a secluded and private destination with all the amenities (kids club, teen club, baby sitting, jungle gym, cinema) plus a fabulous Six Senses spa – perfect for the whole family! Even better – in March there is the possibility of observing migrating whale sharks!
Experience the Natural Beauty of...India
When you think of India maybe the Taj Mahal comes to mind, or the incredible palaces of the Rajasthan royalty. While these are unmissable sights, India also has incredible opportunities for wildlife spotting, most notably its tiger population. Ranthambore National Park is the most famous and March is an excellent time to visit – out of the extreme summer heat and monsoon season! Our top pick would be the Sujan Sher Bagh – absolute tented luxury for a safari feel, and with Relais & Chateaux level food and service. It’s the perfect luxury base from which to explore Ranthambore and its ancient forests.
Not as well known, but equally boasting of a wild tiger population is Bandhavgarh National Park – in fact it has one of the highest densities of tiger in India. Not only that, you can potentially see leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears, and over 250 species of bird!
If bird watching coupled with relaxed luxury is your thing, we’ve got just the thing – the RAAS Chhatrasagar is a gorgeous luxury tented set alongside a 19th century dam. This oasis has been transformed with swimming pools, spa, yoga and of course lots of walks and bird watching opportunities!
Take a Quick City Break in...Charleston
Spring into South Carolina with a visit to the delightful city of Charleston. March is when the wisteria is in bloom and temperatures aren’t stiflingly hot – making this an ideal time to embrace the Southern Charm of this historical town.
Make your way around on foot to fully take in the history, charm and architecture of the cobblestone streets, waterfront houses and colonial city walls. Or perhaps jump into a bike taxi to cover more ground! Savour the coastal views from one of the city’s rooftop bars, while making sure to sample the excellent restaurants and outdoor cafes of Charleston. The seafood is as fresh as can be!
Perhaps this visit you want to stay in a restored historic house – some date back to the 1700s, while others are more “recent” dating from the 1920s. Charleston also boasts a number of beachfront hotels minutes from downtown, allowing you to combine a cultural city break with ocean views after your day’s sightseeing. If golf is your thing, this is the perfect area with a number of nearby courses and 5* oceanfront resorts on offer.