5 of the best places to vacation in March
Whether it’s experiencing the restorative ritual of an onsen in Niseko, savoring a perfectly poured Guinness in Co. Kildare on St. Patrick’s Day or antiques hunting in Texas, these are the places to plan for this March
THOTALAGALA Haputale, Sri Lanka
Situated in one of the country’s most famous tea estates, planted in the 1800s by the famous English merchant Sir Thomas Lipton himself, Thotalagala is now a guest house of seven majestic rooms on a vast 8,000 hectares. Staying here is like stepping back to a time where relaxed and convivial house parties were the norm, particularly in the elegant cigar room with its roaring fire, creaking leather armchairs and racks of board games. Despite its old-world charm, this is the most easygoing of retreats, and the views over the valley that spreads out beneath the infinity pool, jutting into sky and cloud and green space, never palls. Book through Wix Squared
THE GREEN LEAF NISEKO VILLAGE Niseko, Japan
Niseko has what professionals consider some of the best ski conditions in the world; the snow falls in deep, powdery layers, especially in March, while the low altitude guarantees a dry texture that doesn’t soak you to the skin. The traditional Japanese ritual of onsen (hot spring bathing) brings a uniquely luxurious dimension to the pleasures of skiing in Japan’s hippest resort, The Green Leaf Niseko Village, where guests have unlimited access to the indoor and outdoor pools. After a day on the slopes, soak up the natural healing properties of the warm, mineral-rich water, then relax in front of one of the cozy fireplaces with a jasmine tea.
VILLA D’ESTE Lake Como, Italy
When the camellias shed their first fat, crimson petals of the year over the immaculate green lawns of Villa D’Este, it heralds the beginning of spring. This iconic villa is the kind of place you have to experience at least once in your life, particularly when Lake Como’s most heavenly garden is in first bloom. With its famous Veranda restaurant, cantilevered swimming pool and sundeck, tennis courts and one of the most difficult golf courses in Europe, the overall effect is one of pure, old-school glamour.
RANCHO PILLOW Round Top, Texas
In late March, the little town of Round Top (population: 90) gears up for a month of world-famous antique fairs, with vendors lining up for miles along the country roads selling everything from battered cowboy boots and yak pillows to tin tables. Get ahead of the crowds and book one of the six unique residences at wonderland motel Rancho Pillow; the Red House sleeps ten and has floral-painted floors with Día de los Muertos artworks dotting the walls, while the air-conditioned Teepee is strewn with jewel-colored furniture and pillows.
CLIFF AT LYONS Co. Kildare, Ireland
Much of the charm of a visit to the Emerald Isle lies in the promise of a creamy, perfectly poured pint of Guinness. And in the month of St. Patrick’s Day, where could be better to raise a glass than in County Kildare, where founder Arthur Guinness was born and set up his first brewery in 1756. Stay at luxurious rural retreat Cliff at Lyons, where rooms range from rose-clad cottages to magnificently sleek loft-style suites and you’ll find Ireland’s most glamorous holistic spa. Indulge in botanical restaurant The Orangery and take a romantic barge trip along the neighboring Grand Canal, following the same route that the first-ever crates of Guinness would have taken en route to Dublin.