Fabrice Moizan, the general manager of Eden Rock — St Barths (#10 Resort in the Caribbean Islands), the legendary red-and-white-flecked property in St. Barts, began noticing the off-season trend in the summer of 2020, when travel restrictions across Europe rerouted many vacationers to the Caribbean. The property had an unexpected surge in bookings from May through August, traditionally a quiet period. In addition to offering more affordable rates, “low season is even better temperature-wise because, although it’s warmer, it’s breezier,” he says. In 2025, Eden Rock was almost fully booked the entire year.

São Lourenço do Barrocal’s seasonal farm-to-table fare

The shift is happening in the southern hemisphere too. Travelers are heading to Cape Town and the surrounding Winelands in winter, a time more typically reserved for safari itineraries. The newly reimagined Spier Hotel, set in Cape Dutch– style buildings on a winery in Stellenbosch, is using a winter wellness package to woo safarigoers to the Western Cape. Guests can steam and sauna on chilly days and, because prices are lower, stay longer to enjoy the “clear skies and crisp mornings,” says brand manager Aimee Raymond. “The atmosphere is gentler.”

This article appeared in the November 2025 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.

Hilton is digging its toes into the sand with its first-ever property in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The brand-new 126-room Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas has started welcoming guests, marking a milestone for the major hotel brand. The property, which overlooks Long Bay, joins about 50 other Hilton properties stretching across the Caribbean from brands like the Curio Collection by Hilton, Embassy Suites and more.

“With the introduction of Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas, we’re proud to bring our Hamptonality service culture to the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Shruti Gandhi Buckley, the senior vice president and global brand head of Hampton by Hilton, said in a statement shared with TPG. “As we expand across the Caribbean, we remain committed to delivering the exceptional stays our guests know and love.”

Related: 10 dreamy St. Thomas all-inclusive resorts and hotels for a stress-free vacation

Like all Hampton by Hilton hotels, the new property will offer complimentary hot breakfasts, including the company’s signature customizable waffles. After breakfast, make a splash on the 2,000-square-foot pool deck or relax on the 3,800-square-foot patio. Guests can also hang out at the bar and lounge, which overlooks the harbor.

Rooms boast views of the pool, harbor or city and feature a light and airy design with laminate wood flooring and pops of blue that fits right into the island vibes of St. Thomas.

The hotel is conveniently located right across from the Havensight Mall and just steps away from the island’s main cruise port. The hotel is also just over a mile from the capital of Charlotte Amalie, which features plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, along with historic sites like the red brick Fort Christian, a 17th-century Danish fort and the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Room rates at the Hampton by Hilton St. Thomas start at $206 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night, according to a search by TPG. The company said Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels will receive perks like free standard Wi-Fi.

Beyond St. Thomas, Hilton operates more than 3,100 Hampton by Hilton properties and has plans to add more, with over 800 others currently in development.

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