Stories

Winter Travel Guide

Go And See

02 January 2026

As January settles in, we find ourselves longing to escape and discover new places. This year, we asked friends of the brand to share their go-to winter getaways, from rural Scotland to Rio de Janeiro – complete with insider tips on where to stay, eat, and après-ski this season.

Brazil with Fernando Jorge

"My favourite destination when winter hits the northern hemisphere is Brazil. Not only do I get to see my family in São Paulo, but I can enjoy the early days of summer and the electricity of New Year celebrations in Rio. It is escapism at its best, the kind that completely shifts your mood and perspective in a matter of days.

Booking flights early and a comfortable hotel in Ipanema or Copacabana is all you need to plan. The rest is best enjoyed the Brazilian way: spontaneously going with the flow, preferably with friends."

Scotland with Indre Serpytye

"Scotland is our favourite winter destination, especially during the festive season, as it’s where we truly switch off and reconnect as a family. Our house is in Angus Glens. It sits between the Lowlands and the Highlands, in a rural, scenic part of eastern Scotland. We spend our days on long walks, regardless of the weather, followed by cosy evenings playing board games in front of roaring fires and listening to vinyl. When we’re craving a little human interaction, we head to the Fife Arms for an indulgent lunch."

Los Angeles with Laurel Pantin

"I think Los Angeles is a perfect place for a winter trip — the weather here this time of year is gorgeous, it can be warm in the day, cool at night, and the ocean is usually still pretty warm — it warms up all summer and I find it best for swimming in December. I love going up to Malibu and spending the day at Point Dume with my family. There's a nice little brewery in Malibu just a ways up from Point Dume called Malibu Brew Co, and we'll go there for lunch and let our kids run around in the grass outside.

In LA, it's great to go to dinner at Sunset Tower and of course Chateau Marmont. Saffy's is also excellent for dinner, and if you go to the Broad, you won't be too far from Quarter Sheets for dinner on the East Side.

For shopping, of course, Earl IRL, my by-appointment store in Beverly Hills (which has a sweet little assortment of Metier!), and ideally, lunch afterwards at E. Baldi. The pasta is terrific!"

Meribel with Maria De Madariaga

"In the winter we love going to the mountains in Méribel, in the French Alps. The crisp clean air upon arrival prompts an immediate reset. Our days on the mountain are quite physical, as we’re still discovering new Narnia-like trails with the family, and the evenings are spent sitting by the big open fire at home, overlooking the valley and listening to French music from the 70s. My husband keeps a diary of what we do each day, as the Trois Vallées is the largest interconnected ski area in the world and there are so many spots to discover. Of course, he uses his Métier diary!"

Mexico with Jules Perowne

"Hotel Esencia in Mexico is my favourite beach destination. I’ve just returned from honestly my best holiday. The hotel is deeply, deeply chic and has everything you need. One of the best beaches in the world, superb food - including my favourite Jason Wu chicken salad - and a fabulous spa. I did lots of Mexican healing treatments that were incredibly relaxing. You have space and quiet, but also a great vibe at night in the restaurants and bars."

Rio De Janeiro with Renata Quaglia

"I love Rio any time of year, but escaping the winter there feels even more special. You must stay in Ipanema (Fasano Hotel) or Leblon (Janeiro Hotel). If on a budget, Arpoador Hotel is great.

Aprazível in Santa Teresa is one of my favorite spots for a sunset dinner. Great food, great view.

Marjórica is my favorite churrascaria (steakhouse) – very old school, not touristy. Best açaí bowl at BB lanches, also a classic local spot.

I highly recommend (Hawaiian) canoeing in Copacabana with Esquilo Sports early in the morning. The cardio combined with the view make endorphins go through the roof!

Niterói Contemporary Art Museum is quite a trip but also a treat to see up close one of Niemeyer’s masterpieces, the one that looks like a very chic floating spaceship."

Japan with Akari Endo-Gaut

"I often go back to Japan for the New Year to visit my family. New Year is a very important event in Japan, with many traditional events and foods. On December 31st, we do the ultimate cleaning to prepare for the New Year, and then eat Soba noodles. Traditionally we watch the singing contest on the national TV channel that night (a less traditional way of spending time with new generations these days). On January 1st, we go to shrine and eat Osechi (numerous small dishes boxed in layers of lacquered box traditionally), along with Mochi soup with sake.

We also love to ski during the winter - either in Europe or Japan. I ski and my husband and son snowboard. The benefit of skiing in Japan in January is that there’s always powder snow, whereas skiing at European mountains can be varied. If we go skiing in Japan, it ends with a hot spring and Japanese food. If we go skiing in Europe, we eat crepes, fondus, raclettes, and tartiflette with wine and cider."

Switzerland with Silka Rittson-Thomas

"Villa Flor would be my favourite place to spend the winter holidays in the mountains. Villa Flor is situated in the untouched village of S-chanf in the maloja region of the engadin. This personable 7-bedroom villa is owned and run by the wonderful Ladina Florineth with her generous and engaged eyes for art and culture.''