Why it's time to secure your perfect December summer holiday now

Why it’s time to secure your perfect December summer holiday now

December is the most sought-after travel window of the year, and the finest suites, villas and private guides are secured months (sometimes a year) in advance.

While we’re all about days unfolding slowly and journeys shaped around your perfect pace, festive season availability requires foresight. If Cape Town or the Indian Ocean islands of Southern Africa are on your horizon for December 2026, now is the time to begin planning.

Below, we share a little more about the tropical island of Mauritius, the Bazaruto Archipelago and the vibrant city of Cape Town. Whether you’d like to visit one or all three in one trip, we’d love to help you plan an exquisite tailor-made vacation.

Crystal-clear lagoons and elevated island living in Mauritius
The tropical island of Mauritius is synonymous with powder-soft beaches and calm, crystal-clear lagoons, yet the island’s richness extends far beyond its shoreline.

Its cuisine reflects centuries of influence from Africa, India, China and Europe. We chatted to Nagessen Valadoo, Sales and Marketing Manager of LUX Belle Mare, about the group’s culinary vision.

“The culinary facet of LUX is something we are very proud of,” says Nagessen.

“For example, in Belle Mare, we have an Indian restaurant, Amari by Vineet, where we collaborated with Chef Vineet Bhatia, a celebrated Michelin Star chef, to create Indian fusion food. We have one of the best Chinese restaurants on the island, called Duck Laundry specialising in Peking duck. We have a unique Peruvian restaurant, Inti, with a Peruvian chef and a Turkish Restaurant, Bodrum Blue, which overlooks the lagoon – the setting is to die for!”

“We also have EAST, with a Thai Chef on site, which was ranked the best Thai Restaurant in the southern hemisphere. LUX is focused on elevating the food experience in Mauritius,” says Nagessen.

In addition to being a foodie paradise, the island is ideal for couples and families. Resorts are thoughtfully designed for privacy and flow. At LUX Belle Mare, you’ll find generous family villas, children’s and teens’ clubs and wide, soft-sand beaches. LUX Le Morne offers romance, including a treehouse that can be reserved for private breakfasts, dinners, yoga sessions or movie nights. LUX Grand Baie features a rooftop infinity pool designed for adults, while LUX Grand Gaube has both dedicated family and adults-only spaces.

Beyond the resorts, your days might include swimming or snorkelling in lagoons, paddleboarding over coral gardens, hikes through Black River Gorges National Park, visits to markets, tea plantations or to the surreal landscape of Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark.

Escape to the exclusive Bazaruto Archipelago
As an alternative to Mauritius, you can retreat to the paradisiacal Bazaruto Archipelago. Scattered off Mozambique’s coastline, this protected marine sanctuary comprises five islands, including Bazaruto and Benguerra. Long ribbons of white sand are fringed by palms and lapped by turquoise water. You could spend your days sailing on a traditional dhow, exploring deserted beaches by boat or riding horses along the shore at sunset.

Below the surface, when snorkelling or scuba diving, you’ll find coral reefs teeming with life. You may encounter butterflyfish, moorish idols, parrotfish and clownfish (made famous in the Disney/Pixar movie Finding Nemo). The archipelago is also one of the few places in the world where dugongs are found, alongside dolphins, whale sharks and, in season, humpback whales.

Luxury lodges such as Azura Benguerra and &Beyond Benguerra Island combine barefoot elegance with a strong conservation ethos, offering private villas, ocean-facing plunge pools and experiences shaped around tides and season, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or a family.

While May to October is traditionally considered the prime season, December holds its own appeal. Rainfall is typically brief and it coincides with turtle nesting season, making it a quietly magical festive escape.

Engage with the cosmopolitan energy of Cape Town
If you want more variety and a dry, rather than tropical heat, December in Cape Town is vibrant and alive with contrast. You might begin the day with a coastal drive along Chapman’s Peak overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, visit the penguins at Boulders Beach and end it sipping chilled Sauvignon Blanc beneath centuries-old oaks in the Constantia Valley.

Beaches such as Clifton and Camps Bay are alive with festive energy and Table Mountain rises against a blue summer sky, inviting early-morning hikes or cable car ascents.

In addition to its scenic beauty, Cape Town also has a superb food and wine scene, with numerous wine farms and acclaimed restaurants catering to every palate. There’s also no shortage of interesting places to explore, from the Sea Point Promenade and the Oranjezicht market to the technicolour streets of Bo-Kaap, the shaded Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the harbour-side restaurants at the V&A Waterfront.

Planning for a December journey
Mauritius, Bazaruto and Cape Town are especially popular during December and availability of the most sought-after lodges, guides and hotels is limited, and flights book out well in advance.

If Southern Africa is calling for December 2026, let’s discuss your itinerary now, so that we can secure the properties, guides and experiences that transform a holiday into something extraordinary.

Happy travelling,

The Leopard Team