Spring is so close we can almost taste it – but sadly, not close enough to bring some much-needed warmth. While London continues to experience single-digit temperatures, it’s fair to say our expectations of an early spring heatwave have been well and truly dampened. So, if your requirement for a healthy dose of vitamin D has become more of a need than a want (we hear you), here’s where to travel in March for some guaranteed sunshine this month – and our favourite luxury hotels to book while you’re there. 

West Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA

Image: Shutterstock

Average temperature in March: 21°C

The Golden State has long been a destination for Londoners seeking a slice of the high life on America’s West Coast. It’s the playground of the rich and famous (so expect price tags to match) but is also home to the nation’s film industry, with attractions such as Hollywood Boulevard and, of course, the Walk of Fame. If it’s your first time in Los Angeles, we recommend the seriously trendy, and walkable, neighbourhood of West Hollywood. Otherwise known as ‘WeHo’, expect high-energy nightlife on the fabled Sunset Strip, from celebrity hangout Chateau Marmont to live music venues like the legendary Whiskey a Go Go. Sandwiched between Beverly Hills and Hollywood, this bustling metropolis is often described as a city within a city; it will take quite a lot for you to tire of the sights here. 

Where to stay: The Sun Rose West Hollywood

Formerly the Pendry West Hollywood, this hotel reopened last summer as The Sun Rose, paying homage to its history and eponymous on-site music venue. Located on the historic grounds of the former House of Blues on the Sunset Strip, this 149-room hotel channels its past into a bold, culture-driven experience, complete with a world-class music venue, rooftop dining, and skyline views. 

Sleek guestrooms and sprawling suites reflect the coastal tones of SoCal skies, while a rooftop pool and serene spa invite guests to unwind above the city buzz. From star-studded performances to sun-drenched afternoons by the pool, The Sun Rose offers a curated slice of Los Angeles – so make sure you get the best deal by signing up to the I Prefer Hotel Rewards programme. Every stay at participating hotels earns points to use towards future travel and access to benefits such as discounted nights and complimentary upgrades – simply click here to sign up for free.

From £310 per night. 

Jamaica, Caribbean

Average temperature in March: 24°C

For those looking to travel further afield for a pre-summer getaway, Jamaica offers an idyllic tropical retreat. It continues to reign supreme as the number one Caribbean destination for UK travellers, and there’s never been a better time to experience the island in all its glory. Travellers can hike or bike through the Blue Mountains and taste world-famous coffee at its source, before heading to Kingston, where locals gather at hidden riverside restaurant Pretty Close 1876, the Bob Marley Museum awaits and historic landmarks like Devon House offer visitors a front-row seat to Jamaica’s music, art and history.

Beyond the capital, Port Antonio captivates with its laidback charm. Nestled between the hills and hidden coves, this lesser-explored corner of the island invites travellers to experience Jamaica at its most relaxed and authentic, browsing local markets, discovering river gorges and soaking up the island’s easy rhythm. Whether you’re lounging on Seven Mile Beach, savouring the island's famous jerk cuisine, or enjoying the reggae beats of a beachfront bar, this is where to holiday in March.​

Where to stay: GoldenEye

GoldenEye, the former home of James Bond creator Ian Fleming, is a luxurious retreat on Jamaica’s northern coast. Owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, the 49-key hotel features stylish beach huts and lagoon-side villas perfect for an early-spring escape. The resort is home to three restaurants celebrating Jamaican cuisine, while The Spa, located in a cottage on the edge of the GoldenEye Lagoon, offers an array of massages and body wraps as well as holistic bush baths. Drawn outside, the experience begins with a dry brush exfoliation and a scalp massage during the soak, as well as a full body hydration treatment after.

Looking for a longer, immersive stay? The GoldenEye Villa ranks among the Caribbean’s most iconic retreats, tucked away within a lush garden, behind tall trees and tropical bush which open out onto a cliff edge. Accessed by a private road fringed by fig trees, the three-bedroom main villa was built to Fleming’s specifications and comes armed with a private butler, housekeeper, cook, and private pool. You’ll also have access to a private beach, media room, and even the original desk where Fleming penned 14 Bond novels. 

From £580 per night. 

Agra, India

Average temperature in March: 32°C

Once the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Indian city of Agra is set on the banks of the sacred Yamuna river and is steeped in history and grandeur. One of the locales which make up India’s famous Golden Triangle route – just four hours from Delhi and then five hours to the regal Rajasthan city of Jaipur (nothing given India’s sheer size) – Agra is famed for being home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During your stint here, visit the iconic Taj Mahal, the majestic Agra Fort and the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri – each a true testament to the architectural brilliance of the Mughal era.

Where to stay: The Oberoi Amarvilās

The Oberoi Amarvilās is located just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal and is the only hotel to boast unrivalled views from every window. Home to 102 keys and a sprawling nine-acre estate peppered with pristine fountains, terraced lawns, pools and pavilions inspired by Mughal palace designs, the property is the perfect place for all-out holidays. Book to avoid the crowds with priority sunrise access to the Taj Mahal, accessed via a private golf car (no cars are allowed near the site), before returning to make the most of the two restaurants, bar, lounge and indulgent spa. 

Looking to push the boat out? The Kohinoor Suite is the jewel in the crown of The Oberoi Amarvilās and is widely considered as one of the best hotel rooms in the world, with interiors such as white marble elephants and golden domed ceilings to mirrored walls and marble columns. Start the morning with a walk-in rain shower which opens onto a private sun terrace with loungers before whiling away the hours by gazing at the Taj Mahal in the distance. 

From £870 per night. 

Sintra, Portugal

Average temperature in March: 18°C

A stone’s throw from Lisbon, March is a magical time to visit Sintra, as spring breathes new life into its lush forests and historic palaces. With comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, plus its anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, now is the perfect time to explore the fairytale landscapes of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Stroll through moss-covered gardens, and admire the pastel-hued mansions that once lured the Portuguese royal family to these hills, before visiting Pena Palace, with its vivid yellow and red towers, which look particularly striking against the fresh greenery. The Moorish castle offers panoramic views over the Atlantic, while, down by the coast, Praia da Adraga and Praia Grande provide dramatic cliff-backed beaches, perfect for a bracing seaside walk followed by a seafood feast with ocean views.

Where to stay: Penha Longa Resort

For those seeking a peaceful retreat with space, nature, and fine dining, Penha Longa is a five-star sanctuary set within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, just a 10-minute drive from Sintra. Originally a 14^th-century monastery and later a royal retreat, the resort has recently undergone a full renovation, elevating its 187 rooms and suites into palatial spaces complemented by balconies overlooking the flora and fauna of this serene patch of Portugal. The award-winning golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, the tranquil spa, and the outdoor pool create a relaxing oasis, while foodies will be well satiated at two Michelin-starred restaurants – Lab by Sergi Arola and Midori – alongside five alternative dining options, ranging from pan-Asian flavours to Italian cuisine. 

From £220 per night. 

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Average temperature in March: 28°C

The first few months of the year are the best time to travel to the island of Phu Quoc, which belongs to Vietnam, but is actually closer to Cambodia. Compared to the monsoon season, which dominates the south of the country from June to August, and the north between September and November, the weather in March is more settled, allowing travellers to enjoy temperatures often reaching 30°C.

Phu Quoc is a beautiful tropical island that’s also an accredited UNESCO biosphere, providing the ideal antidote when twinned with a trip to the bustling cities of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. While the coastline is a huge draw, travellers can also explore the Phu Quoc National Park, visit local farms, wildlife parks or local night markets.

Where to stay: The Regent Phu Quoc

One of the most luxurious hotels on the island, the all-villa-and-suites resort of The Regent fringes the island’s best beach, treating guests to breathtaking views of the azure waters and lush landscapes. Head to the spa for a rejuvenating treatment, ranging from locally-inspired massages to relaxing treatments using Biologique Recherche and Bastien Gonzalez products. Alongside the spa, guests can enjoy the highlife with an excursion on the resort’s catamaran, providing access to coral reefs and the chance to cruise during sunsets. Kids in tow? The Regent caters to all ages with a plethora of activities – think sports, games, crafts – and a mini-indoor cinema to keep them entertained. 

The culinary offering is also a highlight, where guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the history of the island via the Oku restaurant, serving contemporary Japanese-French cuisine, and speakeasy Bar Jade that transports guests back to an era of luxury train travel in south-east Asia. Elsewhere, enjoy sensory culinary experiences like a blind tasting dinner, Bar Jade’s signature cocktail class, latte art workshop, and dinner with a private chef. 

 From £435 per night.

Read more: The world’s best private jet destinations – and the luxury hotels to book