Santa has come and gone, and while we’re grateful for the gifts, we’re also left longing for what he didn’t deliver: a wintertime getaway. If our Forbes Travel Guide editors could ask the man in the red suit for one more present, it would undoubtedly be a trip to one of these five locales.
Puerto Rico: It may not be as glamorous a destination as St. Barts, but super-accessible Puerto Rico has an opulent new resort that tops our list of must-visits — Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Over-the-top luxury (guest rooms with outdoor showers and infinity pools) and a gorgeous location (on a three-mile stretch of beachfront property) make this Ritz-Carlton something special.
Antarctica: It’s summertime near the South Pole, with the warmest temps and most sunlight Antarctica will see all year. December and January mark the height of summer here, and now is the time to see the region’s wildlife, including thousands of penguins, up close.
Cartagena, Colombia: We’d love to get a quick combo of culture and beach, and the Colombian city has both in spades in January, when highs hover around a dreamy 88 degrees. The vibrant Latin energy of Rio de Janeiro can be found here, too, but the flight from North America is much shorter, making for an easy-in, easy-out long weekend trip.
Park City, Utah: Hollywood, epic ski slopes and Old West charm combine with unique effect at the annual Sundance Film Festival (Jan. 17-27). Much of the fest takes place in downtown Park City, where you can see films, eat at fine restaurants and hit the slopes from the convenient town lift.
Serengeti, Tanzania: It’s summertime in Tanzania, and through March is an excellent time to see wildlife crisscross the vast grasslands. Another reason we want to visit now? The new Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania, which recently opened with open-air sun decks, an outdoor infinity pool and even a wine cellar filled with African varietals.
Photos Courtesy of Dorado Beach- A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
