Sundowner: Autumn/Winter 2018

seasonal
LIE BACK AND WAIT FOR THE LIGHTS IN ICELAND
Few things are more breathtaking than natural phenomena and Iceland plays host to one of the
most incredible. When the aurora borealis passes over, the skies take on a life of their own as
the ephemeral lights shimmer across them. But nature is nothing if not unpredictable, and it is
extremely hard, if not impossible, to guarantee a time and place for the ultimate northern lights
exposure. To give yourself the best chance, plan on staying in Iceland a little while and listen to local
advice. Be prepared to move quickly – generally there is only about two hours notice before the next
sighting. The best times of year are February, March, September, and October, as this is when the
nights are fullest and darkest. But the weather also needs to be kind – a cloudy sky can ruin a perfect
viewing. Plan this trip carefully with expert input, but go with a relaxed attitude – the skies literally
have a mind of their own when it comes to where and when the aurora can be seen.
BOOK BY: Ten months before you want to travel – while we can’t guarantee when the lights
will show, we can guarantee hotels will be busy
BED DOWN: Hotel Rangá
VISIT CAPE TOWN AT CHRISTMAS
South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town is a festive season hot spot. With sunny weather and
little chance of rain, the city tends to be busy from mid-December to mid-January – but most
holidaymakers will head here between 20 December and 5 January. There are so many options to
make this a wonderful Christmas break – such as combining beaches with a journey down the
Garden Route. Temperatures are generally in the high 20s, you won’t lose any time to jetlag, and the
city and surrounding area are vibrant and verdant. There won’t be snow, but there will be great food
and interesting events. Plan your activities early – Table Mountain and Robben Island tickets should
be booked in advance to ensure entry. Cape Town might not feel traditionally like Christmas, but it’s
a present your family will thank you for.
BOOK BY: 13 months in advance, including activities
BED DOWN: One&Only Cape Town
CHERISH THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN JAPAN
Even for trained meterologists, the sakura season of Japan is notoriously unpredictable. If this is the
sole reason for your trip, plan enough time to ensure you’re there to enjoy it. The season typically
lasts two to three weeks from the end of March into April, but climate change has created even more
uncertainty. Sandwiched between the long, bitter winter months and the sweltering humidity of
summer, exact timings vary year to year, so local knowledge is vital. The climate is not only optimal
for the cherry trees but also for tourists – this is when holidaymaking in Japan peaks, from both
a domestic and international perspective. And with good reason: apart from the weather and the
blooms, the atmosphere here is one of revelry and fun. Shops are stacked high with sakura-infused
treats of chu-hai (sweet alcoholic canned drinks), dumplings, KitKats, beer, and crisps. There’s even
a sakura-flavoured Starbucks latte.
BOOK BY: Don’t hang around. Flights and accommodation become available to
book 11 months in advance and traditional Japanese ryokans open their waiting lists
one year ahead
BED DOWN: Ritz-Carlton Kyoto; Mandarin Oriental Tokyo; Hidatei Hanaougi Takayama;
Gora Kadan
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