It’s not even late December and we’re already over the thick boots and heavy coats. Our minds are somewhere far, far away, where the locals know nothing of wind chills and snow days. Our editors found a host of sun-drenched, warm-weather getaways to fantasize about. These five spots are guaranteed to add some heat to your winter daydreaming.
Capella Pedregal, Los Cabos, Mexico
If you want to head south of the border this winter, there are 24 acres on the southernmost peninsula of Los Cabos that are pretty hard to beat. Capella Pedregal on the Baja Peninsula is a swanky resort laden with luxe amenities—each room has handcrafted Mexican details and a terrace with a private plunge pool. Post up by the oceanfront infinity pool (one of four pools at the resort) with a margarita in hand and keep your eyes peeled for whales in the Sea of Cortez—humpback, gray and blue whales all make this area home during the winter. The resort’s newest restaurant, Crudo, serves incredible fresh ceviche, and the cliffside eatery, El Farallón, features the day’s catch cooked up over an open-char grill.
Amanyara, Turks & Caicos
Amanyara literally means “peaceful place” and this resort in Turks & Caicos more than lives up to its name. Located on the island of Providenciales, Amanyara is designed for relaxation. Its 40 timber-shingled pavilions line the coast—some set back into the lush vegetation overlooking tranquil ponds—and each comes with private terraces for sunbathing, and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs. Adjacent to Amanyara is Malcolm’s Beach, which is also one of the island’s most secluded shores. Here you’ll find the Beach Club and Dive Pavilion that caters to the adventure-seeking bunch interested in sailing, kayaking and other watersports.
Viceroy Anguilla
The Caribbean island of Anguilla is a true tropical paradise, and the Viceroy Anguilla makes the most of its stunning location. It’s all about the water here—the resort overlooks Barnes Bay and Meads Bay, and features a wide array of watersports (boating, snorkeling, scuba). If the crystal-clear azure waters and the white-sand private beaches don’t plunge you into relaxation mode, the saltwater infinity pool located on a seaside bluff should do the trick. On the island there are 33 beaches to explore; on the resort you’ll find a two-story oceanfront spa, five dining options and beachfront villas with private pools.
The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach
Thanks to its sunny Palm Beach locale, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach lures those looking for a much-needed dose of vitamin D. The resort sits on the Atlantic and includes two outdoor pools, seven acres of lush tropical gardens and the 42,000-square-foot Eau Spa. There are watersports by the beach for those who are up for more adventure than relaxing—think snorkeling, kayaking and sailing. Brunch at Temple Orange, the resort’s alfresco oceanfront restaurant, is an excellent way to start the day; dinner at the new farm-to-table eatery, Angle (opened Nov. 16), is a choice way to wrap up the evening.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii
From the open-air lobby at check-in to the Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Resort Hualalai blends in with the volcanic rock landscape along five private coves on the Kona-Kohala coast. The resort is made up of luxury bungalows (all with views of the Pacific) and has seven swimming pools, including a 1.8-million gallon snorkeling pond and an adults-only saline pool with a swim-up bar. Pool attendants are on hand to wait on guests, whether it’s to spritz sunglasses clean or refill mai tais. Those up for extra pampering can get a traditional Hawaiian lomi lomi massage in the indoor-outdoor Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa.
Photos Courtesy of Four Seasons
