Tucson’s Casino Del Sol Resort. Credit: Casino Del Sol Resort
As snowstorms, bitter cold and ice pummel parts of the country, we’re dreaming of running away to a place where we don sunglasses and flip-flops instead of marshmallow-like down coats and snow boots.
If you need a winter escape plan or simply want to look at photos of warmer destinations to mentally teleport somewhere else, check out these hot spots.
Tucson
Arizona feels pleasant in the winter, but if the desert heat gets to you, duck inside Casino Del Sol Resort to press your luck in the casino, one of the largest in the southern part of the state.
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. Credit: Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende
You’ll fall for the charming city, with its bright terra cotta buildings, vibrant culture and hot springs. The best place to take in the tiered La Parroquia church, spires and bell towers is at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende’s romantic Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
Puerto Rico
We’ve crafted your Zen-filled itinerary at the newly restored Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: pool, alfresco massage in Five-Star Spa Botánico’s treehouse and then back to the pool.
The Inn at Dos Brisas. Credit: The Inn at Dos Brisas
Washington, Texas
Explore the foothills of Texas Hill Country on horseback at The Inn at Dos Brisas, a 300-acre luxury ranch. After your ride, savor a meal onsite at Texas’ only Five-Star restaurant, which uses ingredients plucked from the inn’s own farm and orchard.
Cove Manila. Credit: Okada Manila
Manila
By day, cool off from the hot Philippines sun in Okada Manila’s butterfly-shaped swimming pool. Stay through the evening, when it converts to Cove Manila, a raucous indoor beach party and nightclub with top DJs spinning.
Bulgari Resort Bali. Credit: Bulgari Resort Bali
Bali
Perched on a clifftop, Bulgari Resort Bali gives you mesmerizing vistas of the Indian Ocean. The villas at this utterly stylish Four-Star resort are equally fetching and have their own infinity pool and garden.
Grand Fiesta Americana Monterrey Valle. Credit: Grupo Posadas
Monterrey, Mexico
A backdrop of the Sierra Madres and warm weather makes Monterrey an inviting mountain getaway. Grand Fiesta Americana Monterrey Valle lets you peek at the peaks from your room’s floor-to-ceiling windows, or get closer to them with a zip lining or rappelling adventure.
Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour. Credit: Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour
St. Kitts
At Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour, get a glimpse of Nevis Peak, a 3,232-foot volcano on sister island Nevis, while you kayak, paddleboard and snorkel in the warm Caribbean Sea.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
Cancun
Take an oceanfront cooking class at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun. The Five-Star hotel’s Culinary Center will school you on Mexican, Italian and Mayan flavors in its hands-on courses next to the sand.
The Somerset on Grace Bay. Credit: The Somerset on Grace Bay
Turks and Caicos
It’s a tossup as to whether you should soak in the unbelievably clear waters of Grace Bay or The Somerset on Grace Bay’s 70-foot-long infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. Either way, be sure to make it to the Four-Star hotel’s weekly beach barbecue.
The Inn & Club at Harbour Town. Credit: The Inn & Club at Harbour Town
Hilton Head
Bring the family to Four-Star The Inn & Club at Harbour Town for oodles of outdoor fun, including a 605-acre forest preserve, 23 tennis courts, 15 miles of bike trails, stables, dolphin tours, stargazing, golf, alligator outings and much more.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
Sarasota, Florida
You’ll practically have the sand to yourself at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota’s private beach club on Lido Key. Order a potent Painkiller (rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, nutmeg) and sway from the hammock with the waves lapping in the background.
Grand Fiesta Americana Puebla Angelópolis. Credit: Grupo Posadas
Puebla, Mexico
Stroll down the cobblestone streets and admire at the colonial buildings (look for tiles made of traditional talavera), the historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the food (mole was invented here). See the city from the rooftop Sky Lounge at Grand Fiesta Americana Puebla Angelópolis with some mezcal in hand.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Marana, Arizona
Return to nature at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. The Five-Star hotel leads you through more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails in the Tortolita Mountains, offers tours of ancient Indian petroglyphs and sends you out over the Sonoran Desert in a hot-air balloon.
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Credit: Hilton Worldwide
New Orleans
Have beignets and coffee at Café du Monde, stroll the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in City Park and bar hop along Frenchmen Street to hear live music. Finally, retire to The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel to order one of its famed sazeracs or hang out on the rooftop pool.
Market Pavilion Hotel. Credit: Market Pavilion Hotel
Charleston
Walk your way through this Southern city. Shop in boutiques (like scented candle purveyor Candlefish) along King Street, snap photos of pastel homes on Rainbow Row and peruse Charleston City Market (buy a handmade sweetgrass basket). Then amble to the elegant Four-Star Market Pavilion Hotel to rest your weary feet.
Hotel Les Mars. Credit: Hotel Les Mars
Sonoma
Tour the rolling vineyards of Sonoma in search of fine wine. Hotel Les Mars, which radiates with Old World charm, will arrange tasting appointments at wineries like Armida and Sebastiani and Chalk Hill.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
Naples, Florida
Pack your clubs for The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples. The Four-Star hotel helps hone your game on two PGA-level, Greg Norman-designed courses that are a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Plus, there’s a golf academy and caddie concierges to tend to you.
Halekulani. Credit: Halekulani
Honolulu
Winter doesn’t exist in Waikiki. Bask in the sun at the sophisticated Halekulani and then watch an unforgettable sunset from the Four-Star hotel’s indoor/outdoor House Without a Key while sipping a mai tai.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Credit: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Anaheim, California
To do Disneyland properly, check into Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Aside from the four pools, mini waterpark and craftsman-style architecture, the property directly links you to Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
Maui
Dr. Beach declared Kapalua to be 2018’s No. 1 beach for its fine coral sand and clear waters. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua sits along the coveted strip, and also impresses with a three-tiered pool and jaw-dropping views of the ocean from the lobby.
The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort. Credit: The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort
Sanya, China
China’s version of Hawaii, Sanya is yet to be discovered by the rest of the world. While the destination waits for word to spread, visit The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort to sun on its private beach, coast on a Segway or explore the surrounding tropical forest.
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Credit: Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
Bahrain
In the middle of Bahrain Bay, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay stands out as the H-shaped building on a small private island. Luxuriate on the 525-foot-long white-sand beach, try an anti-gravity yoga class or get pampered in one of the largest spas among Four Seasons hotels.
Casa Palmero. Credit: Pebble Beach Company
Pebble Beach
Embark on one of the world’s most scenic road trips. Starting from Pacific Grove, the 17-Mile Drive guides you along rocky coastlines, through cypress forests and past sunbathing harbor seals to Pebble Beach. End at Casa Palmero, an intimate boutique hotel with Mediterranean soul.
TRS Yucatan Hotel. Credit: TRS Yucatan Hotel
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Find tranquility in this tony part of Mexico. TRS Yucatan Hotel delivers an all-inclusive, adults-only retreat so you can circulate among its three picturesque pools (an oceanside tiered infinity pool, one ensconced in palms and a saltwater option that blends with the Caribbean Sea) in sweet serenity.
Jade Mountain Resort. Credit: Jade Mountain Resort
St. Lucia
One of the best ways to see the island’s majestic Pitons is at Jade Mountain Resort. The luxurious hotel removes the fourth wall so you’re that much closer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in your open-air accommodations. Gaze in awe at the twin volcanic spires from your own pool.
Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla. Credit: Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla
Playa del Carmen
If you’ve already checked trendy Tulum off of your bucket list, conquer ancient Mayan city Chichén Itzá. After marveling at the still-intact pyramid and other attractions, go to nearby Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla for a tango lesson or a tequila tasting.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. Credit: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Bora Bora
Hide from the ice and snow in a thatched-roof overwater bungalow at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. Surrounded by turquoise waters, the spacious accommodations afford you a fantastic view of Mount Otemanu. The only reason to leave the vicinity of your bungalow is for the daily stingray feeding.
Omni San Francisco Hotel. Credit: Omni San Francisco Hotel
San Francisco
Learn about the City by the Bay and visit some of its top sights with a complimentary two-hour walking tour at Omni San Francisco Hotel on Saturdays. Afterward, head two blocks over to do some more exploring in Chinatown — the largest Chinatown outside of Asia.
Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec. Credit: Grupo Posadas
Mexico City
Frolic in Bosque de Chapultepec, the Western Hemisphere’s largest city park. Its 1,600 acres hold a zoo, top museums (try the modern and contemporary galleries), lakes and even a luxury hotel, Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec.
