Where to travel in February

The Dominican Republic has typically been the best place for a budget Caribbean holiday – which isn't to say it's beneath your notice if you're looking for somewhere special. A growing number of upmarket resorts are opening in and around Punta Cana, on the easternmost tip of the island. There’s plenty to keep you occupied: from close encounters with migrating humpback whales to off-road driving in dune buggies. December to February is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic – February being nicest of all, as it’s also carnival month. For an unspoilt wilderness, book an excursion to Isla Saona for the day. It’s a protected nature reserve with swaying palm trees and sandy beaches.

La Yola was designed to feel like you’re dining on a fishing boat (a rather upmarket one in this case) – unsurprisingly, you can expect exceptional fresh seafood with a Mediterranean influence.

For repeat visits to La Yola (plus two oceanfront golf courses, and a swathe of other activities besides) The Westin Punta Cana Resort & Club, is a delightful family-friendly hotel set within the same resort.

Book a holiday in the Dominican Republic

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife also attracts the greatest number of tourists. It’s not hard to lose the crowds though – just head north to a land of jagged mountains, plunging ravines, tiny villages, ruined farmhouses and charming little restaurants. Despite being one of the island’s two coldest months, February still enjoys an average of eight hours of sunshine per day and is generally warm enough for T-shirts. The capital, Santa Cruz, is home to a knockout carnival in February – reportedly, the biggest outside Rio de Janeiro.

Book in advance for the excellent El Calderito de la Abuela in Santa Ursula on the northwest coast and try to blag a table in the window to enjoy the panoramic views of the north coast. For something a little more rustic, hunt down a guachinche, a pop-up restaurant of sorts housed in garages, sheds, barns etc. They’re often attached to vineyards where you’ll be served wine made on the premises accompanied by grilled meat and vegetables.

Hotel San Roque is a converted 18th-century manor house in the historic village of Garachico. There is no beach as such, so bathe like the locals in its amazing lava rock pools, created during a devastating 1706 eruption.

Why not spend Valentine’s in Venice? In February, the historic carnival brings out the city’s coquettish side, with spectacle, wonder and fantastical costumes. You’ll be reaching for a maschera (mask) of your own so you can join in – and maybe even attend one of the city’s famous masked balls in a Grand Canal palazzo. No invite? Get away from busy St Mark’s Square on a boat to the lagoon islands: Murano and Burano. Mask or no mask, whatever you do, you’ll have a ball.

Venice’s culinary scene can be tricky to navigate: there are a lot of expensive tourist traps, and many samey menus. The best things to eat are chichetti: hearty bar snacks. Try baccala (salt cod) or sardines on crostini, preferably washed down with a glass of chilled prosecco. Osteria All’Arco is a tiny, but exemplary example of the kind of thing you’re looking for – and it’s so popular with locals that it’s standing room only.

LaGare Hotel Venezia is out on Venice lagoon, on the island of Murano. This charming four-star hotel is set within a former glass-making factory – an industry that the little island is famous for. When the day trippers leave, you have a quiet sanctuary to yourself – with a shuttle boat service back to the city.

Book a holiday in Venice

February is a great time to go for a dose of winter sun. Luckily, the UAE delivers. A visit to Ras al Khaimah is the insider way to enjoy the country. Cheaper than Dubai, and near enough for day trips to the mall, the northernmost emirate in the country is becoming a sought-after destination for those who want a great beach and a fancy hotel, but don’t want to pay oil baron prices. Ras al Khaimah is just an hour north of Dubai, with a bath-like sea, scorching desert sands and the romantic heights of Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest peak, all right on its doorstep.

Fancy resorts mean fancy dining. The Lexington Grill at the Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah is a firm favourite and gets garnished with awards every year. Expect amazing slabs of Chateaubriand carved at your table, with great wine choices to match.

The Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah is hotel fit for a Sheikh. An 18-hole golf course beams out from the gardens and the rooms themselves are positively palatial. Look out for freshly-made croissants straight from the tandoor oven, and a lovely spa.

Book a holiday in Ras al Khaimah