The soft life isn’t a trend but a powerful mindset that focuses on comfort, ease, and peace. Soft life luxury trips are about gifting yourself a stress-free experience that prioritizes wellness and joy, rather than the hustle culture many people have grown accustomed to. January through March is a sweet spot to indulge in this deserved life. Not only is it a time to set your intentions for the year, but it comes with fewer crowds, better service, and quieter luxury that allows you to focus on what’s important.
These soft life luxury trips deliver premium cultural experiences and rest without the typical travel stress. All you have to do is book the trip, pack the looks, and let your restful journey begin.
Slow-Wellness Escape: Lake Como, Italy
When the summer crowds and yachts disappear from the towns surrounding Lake Como in winter, there’s a shift in the energy that invites and promotes wellness and deep restoration. As tourists dwindle in this sought-after destination during the winter, travelers will find they can breathe in the towns spread along Italy’s third-largest and most idyllic lake.
There are more than 60 towns that surround Lake Como, and the first three months of the year are ideal for exploring them. There’s no better time to take part in thermal rituals, long lunches, and lakeside walks.
Why January Through March Works
- There are fewer crowds compared to the spring and summer months.
- Spa culture shines during the off-peak season. The cooler season makes Como ideal for thermal baths, forest walks, and sleeping rituals.
- More affordable prices at luxury properties.
Where To Stay And How To Get There
Hotel and resort rooms book quickly around Lake Como. One town to consider is Varenna. Located a little more than an hour away from Como, Hotel Royal Victoria in this charming town has availability for late February. Prices average between $600 and $2500 per night.
Milan is the best airport to fly in and out of. According to Skyscanner, January is the cheapest month to fly to Milan from U.S. cities, followed by March, then February. Round-trip flights in January average around $400. Keep in mind you may have to rent a car or book a transfer to Como, which is located roughly 60 minutes from the airport. Private transfers to Como are popular.
Best Time To Book For The Winter
- Booking Window: You have more leeway during the winter months, but shoot for 4-6 weeks out.
- Why: Wellness resorts release winter inventory late. Midweek stays often unlock upgrades compared to the weekend.
Quiet Luxury Retreat: Menorca, Spain
Very few people know about the island of Menorca. Located off the coast of Catalonia, Spain, Menorca is a hidden gem of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s quiet and sophisticated luxury compared to its neighbors, Mallorca and Ibiza.
The luxury in Menorca is slow mornings, a relaxed pace, a ton of rich culture and history, and a local Mediterranean diet that nourishes your soul, skin, and overall health. Plus, Menorca has over 100 beaches made up of white-sand coves, red volcanic sands, and incredible turquoise waters.
Why January Through March Works
- Quiet luxury that is often overlooked.
- Right before its peak season, so prices are affordable.
- The weather is mild, so there is plenty to do.
Where To Stay And How To Get There
Stay at Christine Bedfor when visiting Menocra. The resort blends art, nature, culture, and tradition in an intimate setting. Each space was carefully designed with a personal touch, creating an immersive stay that fosters deep connection and tranquility. Rooms range between $200 and $300 per night in March.
The best way to access Menorca is to fly directly from European cities to Mahon Airport, including Barcelona and Madrid. Ferries are cheaper options and great for bringing a car, but the journey can take anywhere between three and nine hours, depending on the departure city. Round-trip flights to Barcelona are the cheapest in February, averaging $400 on Skyscanner for March vacations.
Best Time To Book This Winter
- Booking Window: 6–8 weeks ahead for March only. Most places are closed in January and February during the low season, with a soft opening at the end of March.
- Why: Shoulder season brings better room categories at entry prices.
The Chef Weekend: Kyoto, Japan
Most people visit Kyoto for its iconic cherry blossoms, but there is so much more to Kyoto than its springtime phenomenon. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto is now one of the world’s culinary capitals. It’s famous for its refined traditional Japanese cuisine, Washoku. UNESCO recognizes this traditional Japanese cuisine as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Kyoto is packed with Michelin-star restaurants, one of the highest concentrations globally, along with unique and authentic flavors. Another bonus is that the winter season is when chefs are home and experimental.
Why January Through March Works
- Easier access to tasting menus and kitchen tables since this is right before cherry blossom madness.
- Chefs are in residence and not traveling during the off-season.
Where To Stay And How To Get There
Kanamean Nishitomiya is a luxurious Japanese-style hotel located in downtown Kyoto. The rooms surround a Japanese garden, carefully sculpted to reflect the city’s beautiful scenery. The best amenity this traditional Ryokan offers is its Kaname Tasting Counter Dinner. There are only eight rooms, so book early. Rates start around $995 per night for the bed-and-breakfast option in February. If you are unable to secure a room, guests can book a restaurant-only experience.
For travel, fly into Osaka International Airport (ITM) in January, then take the commuter train to Kyoto. Round-trip flights range between $550 and $900 on Skyscanner. A one-way train averages around $10 if you pre-book, according to Klook.
Best Time to Book This Winter
- Booking Window: As soon as reservations open (often 30–60 days out).
- Pro Tip: Book the table first, then the hotel.
Off-Peak City Break: Accra, Ghana
With the hype around Detty December, it’s impossible to visit Accra, Ghana, without crowds from November through the first week of January. If you hold out just until after the New Year, Accra exhales after the holidays before Easter. This is when hotel and excursion prices drop significantly.
Accra returns to a city that rewards people looking to connect with its rich history, traditions, culture, and food. Leave no stone unturned. Be sure to explore Accra’s art and fashion history at the National Museum of Ghana, historical sites such as Independence Square, and visit the local markets.
Why January Through March Works
- Minimal crowds after Detty December.
- Luxury hotels quietly discount after post-holiday festivities.
Where To Stay And How To Get There
Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra is a luxury hotel that averages $350 – $450 in February and March. The cheapest time to travel to Accra is in February, according to Skyscanner, when flights range between $850 and $1200.
Best Time To Book This Winter
- Booking Window: Between 4–8 weeks out.
Why: Airlines adjust winter fares frequently. Watch for deals on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
A Tropical Recharge: Saint Lucia
There’s a small window that makes this dream Caribbean vacation the perfect destination for a tropical recharge. That window lasts right after the New Year and right before couples and families head back for Spring Break.
Travelers exploring Saint Lucia for a tropical recharge will have access to the peak humpback whale-watching season in February. The weather during this time offers excellent hiking conditions for exploring the Pitons, zip-lining, and visiting the Sulphur Springs.
Why January Through March Works
- Late winter is peak burnout season and tropical shoulder season.
- Fewer families, calmer resorts.
Where To Stay And How To Get There
At roughly $2,400 per night, Sugar Beach Resort’s one-bedroom villa is perfect for rest and restoration. February is one of the cheapest times to travel to Saint Lucia, according to Skyscanner. Round-trip flights average around $500.
Best Time to Book
- Booking Window: 6–10 weeks out.
- Why: Best balance of availability and pre-spring pricing.
The Soft-Life Luxury Trip Mindset
A soft life luxury trip doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with deciding that you deserve the best and then springing your dreams into action. Luxury doesn’t always have to be high-priced and unattainable. Prioritize the shoulder season at the beginning of the year, and let the excellent service define your luxury experience over securing the “perfect dates.”
