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Slow Travel, Season by Season

Article by

Duncan Greenfield-Turk

Have you ever wondered if there’s another way to travel? One where, by simply doing less, you get to experience more. Slow travel might be what you’re looking for.

Take the time to absorb the rhythm of the place you’re seeing, engage with local people and culture, all the while discovering moments that truly are unique to your experience.

It might be wandering through a sun-drenched vineyard, sipping a cappuccino in a secluded hilltop village cafe, or spending your afternoon in a local market. Whatever it might be, slow travel allows you to connect more deeply with your destination.

If you’re planning your next great escape, consider a slower approach and perhaps let the seasons guide your travels.

Spring: A Time for Renewal in Europe

Where to Go: Provence, France or Tuscany, Italy
Best For: Countryside stays, culinary discovery, cultural immersion

As the flowers bloom and towns begin to come alive, Spring might be the best time to travel slowly through Europe.

In Provence, lavender fields and market towns set the stage for long lunches, wine tastings, and artist-led workshops, while Tuscany’s rolling hills invite morning walks between vineyards and evenings spent in candlelit trattorias. Europe really does encourage you to slow down and experience each place.

Where to Stay:

  • Coquillade Provence is the perfect springboard for a slow-paced Provencal escape, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, with biking trails and spa treatments designed to help you unwind.
  • In Tuscany, a stay at Monteverdi Tuscany offers an artfully restored hilltop hamlet with sweeping views and a deep connection to place. Ideal for days filled with walking, cooking classes, and slow sipping.

Summer: Island Escapes and Coastal Calm

Where to Go: Paros, Greece or Mallorca, Spain
Best For: Sun-drenched days, authentic island life, swimming and sailing

Summer travel can often feel fast-paced, but island destinations offer you the chance to slow down and delve a little deeper.

In Paros, whitewashed villages, family-run tavernas, and hidden coves pull you into the Greek lifestyle, while Mallorca offers you a unique escape from the tourist hubs and the chance to discover mountain hamlets that come alive during the summer months.

Where to Stay:

  • On Paros, Parīlio Hotel embodies Cycladic serenity. An all-suite property with earthy minimalism, a tranquil pool, and an easygoing sense of place.

  • In Mallorca, Son Bunyola, Richard Branson’s new luxury retreat, offers expansive sea views, locally sourced dining, and days filled with nothing but nature, rest, and the occasional vineyard visit.

Autumn: Culture and Colour in the Americas

Where to Go: Oaxaca, Mexico or the Hudson Valley, USA
Best For: Festivals, food, nature walks, and art

Autumn, or Fall to others, is a season of change. As the world around you slowly transforms, it brings out the gentle nature of the place. In Oaxaca, slowing down and travelling thoughtfully matches the city’s culture of craft, cuisine, and celebration.

Try to plan your visit around Day of the Dead for a meaningful, immersive experience. Meanwhile, in upstate New York, farm-to-table dining, art walks, and golden foliage make for autumnal fare that is like no other.

Where to Stay:

  • In Oaxaca, Hotel Escondido Oaxaca offers a sanctuary within the city’s colonial core. A calm blend of modern design, rich textures, and cultural soul.

  • In the Hudson Valley, Troutbeck captures the heart of a heritage estate. Creative energy, local food, and seasonal activities make every moment feel intentional.

Winter: Quiet Beauty and Northern Adventures

Where to Go: Kyoto, Japan or Finnish Lapland
Best For: Restful retreats, snow-filled serenity, cultural depth

Winter tends to be a time of reflection, and nowhere is this more appropriate than Kyoto. Slow down and enjoy visits to snow-covered temples, culturally rich tea ceremonies, or stay in a ryokan to experience another way of living with tatami mats and quiet rituals.

In Finnish Lapland, embrace the Nordic art of hygge. Cross-country ski, sip mulled wine, and experience the true majesty of the Northern Lights in all their glory.

Where to Stay:

  • Aman Kyoto offers a secluded forest retreat with meticulous design, traditional onsen bathing, and a spiritual sense of stillness, especially in the snow-covered months.

  • For those heading north, Octola Private Wilderness in Finnish Lapland blends ultra-luxury with Arctic adventure. Private chefs, reindeer safaris, and complete silence beneath a snowy sky.

Why Choose Slow Travel?

Beyond the dream-like destinations, slow travel offers benefits that linger long after your trip ends. It supports local economies, fosters genuine connection, reduces environmental impact, and enriches your perspective.

Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet winter retreat, a Mediterranean summer escape, or a cultural journey in autumn, we’ll help you plan each detail with care.

Let us curate your next slow travel experience, designed around you, your interests, and the moments that matter most.

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about the author

I’m Duncan Greenfield-Turk, and I’ve spent my life crafting extraordinary journeys that leave lasting impressions. Born in South Africa, my roots are steeped in diversity and adventure, and this inspires my approach to luxury travel design.

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