The Reach, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Photo Courtesy of Hilton Worldwide
There’s more to February than candy hearts and Valentine’s Day cards. The month is also perfect for a midwinter getaway. Even better, this February contains an extra day just begging to be spent on vacation. So whether it’s a romantic couple’s trip, Leap Day excursion or spontaneous escape from icy city life, use the next 29 days to see one of these fabulous destinations.
Los Angeles
Relieve midwinter stress like the Angelenos do — with some evening yoga and fresh-pressed juice. Sunny L.A. is the ultimate location for a winter getaway and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star The Beverly Hills Hotel offers a relaxing alternative to navigating beach-bound traffic. Wednesday nights throughout February, the hotel’s Upper Terrace is playing host to poolside yoga.
The rejuvenating vinyasa class is set to soothing music and includes poses for those of any experience level. Taught by famed instructor Amy Rose, the class focuses on connecting the mind and body through building physical endurance and mental strength. The hour-long sunset class is open to the public and yoga mats, blocks, juice, water and fresh fruit will be provided for all yogis.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Photo Courtesy of Solaya Hotels & Resorts
Dominican Republic
Eastern point city Punta Cana has so much more to offer than stunning Caribbean beaches. The Dominican Republic hot spot is also a center for art and design. This month, waterfront Eden Roc at Cap Cana invites visitors to celebrate contemporary creativity with “Art in Cap Cana,” an exhibit of more than 30 works from master Latin American artists and up-and-comers on display throughout the property.
The show (through March 22) includes pieces from prestigious galleries worldwide, including Galería La Cometa in Bogotá, Colombia. Reserve the resort’s Stay 4, Pay 3 package and you’ll not only have enough time to appreciate all of the art but you’ll also receive 25 percent off the four-night stay.
Florida Keys
The vivid landscapes of the Florida Keys are mirrored by Peter Max’s colorful stint as the artist on display at the Key West Gallery from February 8 to 14. Located in the charming downtown of the southernmost island in the Keys, the gallery features collectible fine art from around the world. But on February 13 and 14, Max will make appearances at VIP gallery events showcasing his brightly hued mixed media pieces.
Nearby, Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Reach, A Waldorf Astoria Resort serves as a convenient home base to return to after a day of art viewing. That the property provides its own private access to a picture-perfect beach makes things that much more appealing.
Skijoring at Triple Creek Ranch, Photo Courtesy of Triple Creek Ranch
Montana
If you think you’re an expert on winter sports, think again. This month at Four-Star Triple Creek Ranch’s Wisdom Winterfest (February 25 to 29), take an adventure-filled lesson in “skijoring.” A Norwegian word that translates roughly to “ski-driving,” the actual experience is a bit more intense. Almost like an extreme version of water skiing, a skier is towed behind a wrangler-ridden horse at speeds varying from a gentle walk to a pounding gallop.
During the weekend, you’ll be escorted to skijoring races in the classic Old West town of Wisdom. Be ready to steal some of the competitors’ skiing style because Triple Creek Ranch will host its own race, too.
St. Barts
If one of your 2016 goals is to live more in the moment, a tropical trip to this stylish Caribbean isle will prevent the typical February slide back into old habits. St. Barts is teeming with spa, beach and nature-filled activities. When you’re not hiking to deserted coves or splashing about, head to Four-Star Le Guanahani to recapture your inner peace.
From February 4 through 7, author and wellness expert Dave Romanelli will lead yoga and mediation seminars at the hotel. Instead of a weekend of intense chaturanga exercises, though, Romanelli will focus his workshops on incorporating mindfulness into modern life. The daily sessions will all be about positivity, peace and living passionately through the best things on earth: yoga, chocolate, food and wine.
London
Only 45 minutes outside the English capital city lies the charming town of Ascot. Famous for horse racing, the posh place leaps onto the culinary scene this month when chefs from London’s Five-Star 45 Park Lane join forces with sister property Coworth Park’s culinary staff to create exclusive menus. Chefs Wolfgang Puck and David McIntyre designed meals combining Asian influences with English staples and signature CUT dishes.
From February 19 through March 6, look for items such as organic chicken and black truffle “pot pie,” lobster Cobb salad, and grilled marinated Szechuan steak with bok choy and shitake mushrooms to delight from the kitchen. Expect fine California wines to be paired with the collaborative menu.
