Luxury Autumn Half-Term Holidays: Our Favourite Places to Switch Off

Nolinski Venezia

Opened in June 2023, Nolinski Venezia is Evok Collection’s first hotel outside France. It is located in the San Marco district, a five-minute walk from Piazza San Marco and ten minutes from the Rialto Bridge. Situated at 2032 Calle Larga XXII Marzo, the hotel has 43 rooms and suites, including master suites of up to 82 sq m with private terraces overlooking the rooftops of Venice.

The interiors were designed by the group’s in-house teams, while a fresco by artist Simon Buret in the bar firmly anchors the hotel in the present rather than turning it into a historical re-creation.

An indoor pool overlooking the rooftops of Venice, a spa and Il Caffè restaurant—open for lunch and dinner and serving Italian specialities—make it easy to spend the entire day at the hotel when the morning mist over the Grand Canal tempts you to stay in. Venice has a distinctive quality of light in October: softer, less intense and far more conducive to genuinely switching off than during the busy summer season.

Why it is ideal for switching off

During the autumn half-term, Venice operates at its best pace. The vaporetti are less crowded, the narrow streets around San Marco feel human in scale again, and museums can be visited without queuing for two hours. With just 43 rooms and discreet service, Nolinski Venezia is designed to feel like a home rather than a cog in a large hotel operation. Its indoor pool provides the perfect retreat on November afternoons when mist rises from the lagoon.

The room to book

A master suite with a terrace is ideal for a short stay when you want everything in one place: space, rooftop views and the feeling of being far removed from Paris that only a radical change of scenery can provide.

Practical information

Calle Larga XXII Marzo, 2032 — San Marco, Venice
nolinskivenezia.com

Villa des Orangers

A former early-20th-century riad and a member of Relais & Châteaux since 2001, Villa des Orangers is located at 6 Rue Sidi Mimoun, at the foot of the Koutoubia Mosque between the Royal Palace and Jemaa el-Fna square. Its thirty or so rooms, decorated in an elegant Moroccan style, overlook inner courtyards and gardens planted with the orange trees that gave the property its name.

Three heated swimming pools—including an 18-metre pool—a spa and a restaurant complete the experience. Yet the hotel’s greatest asset is its location in the Medina: you step through an understated doorway on an ordinary street and instantly enter a different relationship with time.

Why it is ideal for switching off

Temperatures in Marrakech range from around 25°C to 28°C in October, after the heat of July and August and before the rainy season. With its intimate size and personalised service, Villa des Orangers is the antithesis of the large resorts in the Palmeraie. You are right in the city, can hear the muezzins from the terraces, and can walk to the Medina’s souks in under five minutes. It offers the kind of complete change of scenery that requires no hire car to enjoy.

The room to book

Choose a rooftop terrace suite to watch the sun set over the Koutoubia—one of Marrakech’s most consistently beautiful views.

Practical information

6 Rue Sidi Mimoun, Medina, Marrakech
villadesorangers.com

Brach Madrid

Located at 20 Gran Vía, on Madrid’s most historic thoroughfare, five-star luxury hotel Brach Madrid is the Spanish expression of the Evok Collection brand, designed by Philippe Starck. The hotel has 57 rooms and four suites in a building whose interiors draw on the 1920s and 1930s, with raw terracotta, dark mahogany and woven leather.

The rooftop’s leafy terrace overlooks the ornamental silhouettes of Gran Vía and the rooftops of central Madrid. Madrid in October shares one of Venice’s greatest qualities at this time of year: fewer tourists, more room in the museums and late-afternoon light that transforms the colour of the Prado.

Why it is ideal for switching off

From Gran Vía, Madrid’s cultural highlights are all within walking distance. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Reina Sofía Museum and Prado form a triangle that can be reached in under twenty minutes on foot from the hotel. For families seeking to combine culture and relaxation, it is one of the city’s most convenient locations. Brach’s rooftop is a natural starting point for an evening before heading down to the restaurants of the Austrias district.

The room to book

Choose a suite on a high floor for views over the grand Gran Vía façades—an architectural spectacle in its own right and one that is rarely showcased so beautifully from inside a hotel.

Practical information

Gran Vía, 20 — 28013 Madrid
brachmadrid.com

Constance Prince Maurice

Set on a private 60-hectare peninsula between the beach and mangroves on the north-east coast of Mauritius, Constance Prince Maurice is the destination in this selection that is both the farthest from Paris and the most unlike all the others. Located in Belle Mare, 45 kilometres from Port Louis, this five-star spa hotel offers 89 suites and villas, including 12 family suites and 12 completely private villas, in surroundings that combine colonial influences with the natural beauty of Mauritius.

The Sisley Spa, with treatments inspired by the island’s spices, the private beach, water sports and cuisine based on local produce provide more than enough variety for a two-week autumn half-term stay without ever feeling repetitive. October and November mark the beginning of summer in Mauritius: temperatures gradually rise, the sea is calm and cyclone season is still some way off.

Why it is ideal for switching off

Travelling to Mauritius during the autumn half-term means a ten-hour flight from Paris that seems to erase the previous three months. Constance Prince Maurice’s private peninsula ensures an exceptionally low density of guests, while its 12 family suites give parents and children the space they need for a stay longer than the usual weekend break. The combination of the Sisley Spa, lagoon and private beach makes this the most complete opportunity to decompress in our selection.

The room to book

A private villa is ideal for families looking for the space and independence of a house within a resort, complete with all the accompanying services. For a shorter stay, a family suite with direct beach access is the most straightforward option.

Practical information

Belle Mare, North-East Coast — Mauritius
constancehotels.com/prince-maurice

FAQ: Luxury Autumn Half-Term Holidays for Switching Off

Where should you go for a luxurious and relaxing autumn half-term holiday?

The countryside, mountains, Atlantic coast and woodland estates are particularly well suited to switching off. A secluded hotel, a lodge surrounded by nature or a property with a spa makes it easier to escape the pace of everyday life.

Why choose the autumn half-term for a luxury getaway?

The autumn half-term is quieter than summer or the festive season. Hotels are often less crowded, autumn scenery encourages relaxation, and prices can be more affordable than during peak season.

What is a luxury digital-detox break?

It is a holiday designed to help you slow down, rest and reduce digital distractions. It may combine a natural setting, a spa, gentle activities, excellent food and screen-free or internet-free spaces.

What type of accommodation should you choose to truly switch off?

Small hotels, woodland lodges, country châteaux and secluded estates are particularly suitable. The absence of televisions, limited connectivity and access to large natural spaces all make it easier to disconnect.

Are there hotels without Wi-Fi or televisions in France?

Yes. Some hotels and unusual places to stay deliberately offer neither Wi-Fi nor televisions in their rooms. Others provide boxes where guests can leave their phones during meals or certain activities.

Does a digital detox mean giving up your phone completely?

Not necessarily. You can keep your phone for emergencies, travel and photos while turning off notifications. The main aim is to reduce habitual checking and the amount of time spent on social media.

How can you successfully disconnect from technology while on holiday?

Tell friends and family in advance, set an out-of-office message and download any useful documents before leaving. You can then set limited time slots for checking messages, preventing your phone from dictating the pace of your holiday.

Can you plan a digital detox with children?

Yes, provided you present it as a family adventure rather than a ban. Hiking, board games, creative workshops, sports and culinary discoveries can naturally take the place of screen time.

How can you keep children occupied during a screen-free holiday?

Bring books, board games, a travel journal, drawing materials or a camera. Activities offered by the hotel, woodland walks and nature observation can easily complete the programme.

What facilities should you look for in a luxury hotel during the autumn half-term?

An indoor pool, spa, fireside lounge and on-site restaurant are particularly welcome in autumn. Indoor activities also ensure that everyone can enjoy the stay when the weather is less favourable.

Is a spa essential for a relaxing break?

No, but it can make it easier to let go. Massages, saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and relaxing treatments help you transition more quickly from the pace of daily life to holiday mode.

Can children use the spa at a luxury hotel?

Rules vary between properties. The pool may be open to families at certain times, while steam rooms, saunas and treatment rooms are often reserved for adults or subject to a minimum age.

What activities can help you recharge during the autumn half-term?

Hiking, cycling, yoga, forest bathing, reading and spa treatments are especially suitable. Some hotels also offer creative workshops, tastings, meditation sessions or guided walks.

Where can you go to switch off within two hours of Paris?

Normandy, the Loire Valley, Champagne and several estates in the Île-de-France region provide a quick change of scenery. These destinations are ideal for a two- or three-night getaway without spending too much time travelling.

Is the seaside a good destination during the autumn half-term?

Yes. Beaches are quieter than in summer, and long walks along the coast are ideal for switching off. A hotel with a spa, indoor pool or thalassotherapy centre allows you to enjoy the stay fully despite changeable weather.

Why choose the mountains for an autumn half-term escape?

The mountains offer wide-open spaces, peaceful surroundings and numerous outdoor activities. As the ski season has generally not yet begun, resorts are quieter and particularly well suited to contemplative breaks.

How many days does it take to truly switch off?

A stay of two or three nights is already enough to slow down and break with your everyday routine. Four nights or more are preferable for settling into a new rhythm, gradually reducing screen use and enjoying activities without an overly busy schedule.

How should you choose a room for a family stay?

A family suite, connecting rooms or a lodge with separate sleeping areas will preserve everyone’s comfort. You should also check the accommodation’s actual capacity and the maximum age permitted for children using extra beds.

Can childcare be arranged while parents use the spa?

Some luxury hotels have a kids’ club or can arrange babysitting. These services should be booked in advance, as they may not be available every day during the autumn school holidays.

What should you pack for a luxury autumn half-term holiday?

Warm, waterproof clothing remains essential, even at an upmarket property. It is also useful to pack suitable walking shoes, swimwear, a few books and games for the evenings.

What budget should you allow for a luxury autumn half-term getaway?

The cost depends on the destination, room category and included services. In addition to accommodation, allow for meals, treatments, babysitting and certain activities. Packages including half board or a treatment may offer better value.

When should you book an autumn half-term holiday?

Booking two to four months in advance will generally provide a good choice. However, family suites, lodges with private spas and hotels close to Paris may fill up sooner.