Here are locations with incredible accommodations that are the perfect escape from the cold.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Home to inviting crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches and the unforgettable Caymanian hospitality that makes it unlike any other island in the Caribbean– the Cayman Islands provides a remarkable getaway for a relaxing and luxurious trip. Rightfully recognized as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean,” travelers looking for an unforgettable epicurean jaunt can savor and delight in a variety of international and local cuisine.
Where to stay: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Kimpton’s first luxury property and Caribbean hotel, Seafire Resort + Spa is located on Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach. Sophisticated-yet-playful, Seafire incorporates local and regional elements from Grand Cayman’s culture and personality, giving guests a distinct sense of place. The property features four culinary outlets, two beautiful pools, a kid’s water park and an exceptional spa with the island's only Hammam. Seafire is also home to Red Sail Sports, where there are countless activities to enjoy from parasailing and snorkeling to kitesurfing and flyboarding.
Miami, Florida
Miami’s beautiful beaches, great weather year-round and photo ready art-deco buildings everywhere make for the perfect winter destination. It also offers travelers the opportunity to explore a variety of diverse cultures and decadent foods while having access to an impressive nightlife experience.
Where to stay: Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel
Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel is located in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco District on historic Collins Avenue. With direct beach access in this lively destination, the fully renovated hotel offers guests a distinctively relaxed, yet worldly guest experience. Unlike other South Beach hotels, Kimpton Surfcomber allows guests to take advantage of its DAYLIFE Activities – a weekly program of activities ranging from relaxing beach yoga classes and meditation sessions, active beach boot camp circuits and even aqua Zumba classes! Guests also have free access to uber-instagramable house-bike rentals for a spin around town. Surfcomber’s newly renovated private poolside cabanas and restaurants ( High Tide Beach Bar & Grill and The Social Club) are the best way to enjoy delicious food under the sun. Plus, the ever-growing repertoire of events happening at any given moment in the area are the perfect way to leave all your worries behind and enjoy an unforgettable winter escape.
St. Thomas, USVI
Located in the Lesser Antilles between the Atlantic and the Caribbean, St. Thomas is a mountainous island with shimmering bays, powdery white beaches, flowing green hills, and a near-perfect climate year-round. As an American overseas territory, St. Thomas is also an easy getaway from the U.S., especially for those still waiting on their renewed passports.
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Situated on 30 acres of cascading grounds filled with lush tropical plant life, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas will bring holiday cheer to its tropical paradise for a best-of-both-worlds experience. Throughout the holidays, those looking for a warm-weather escape can book the resort’s “Pre-Holiday Prep & Pamper Package,” available from late October to early December. The package is designed to alleviate the forthcoming holiday stress and provide a productive, yet relaxing pre-holidays reprieve. A local expert will shop for all the perfect gifts, while guests indulge in their daily spa treatment of choice and learn how to master signature dishes through cooking classes with the resort’s executive chef. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas also always puts together an exciting programming for the holidays – this year’s highlights include decked out pool-side cabanas for a very tropical Christmas morning gift unwrapping, Christmas carol-themed karaoke competitions at its newly debuted Top Golf Suite, daily resort-wide Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt for the kids, Caribbean-inspired dining experiences, spa specials, and much more.
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota is both an exciting urban destination and an elegant coastal retreat. Between its colorful history and enticing natural landscape, the destination attracts visitors to sunny paradise year-round. Here, white-sand beaches give way to emerald fairways and Spanish architecture, and the museums and art galleries are as alluring as the turquoise waves on the horizon.
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
This holiday season The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota invites guests to their very own winter wonderland, offering countless unforgettable experiences from November through January including in-room holiday decorations, Santa meet and greets, holiday-themed spa treatments, much more. Located in the white-sand beaches of sunny Sarasota, this elegant coastal retreat is the perfect getaway for those looking for a warm winter getaway. This year, the return most treasured holiday tradition returns – a life-sized Gingerbread display. Step into the lobby and be mesmerized by the pastry team’s most intricate and edible creation. Guests also have the opportunity to learn from these world-class pastry masters during the special gingerbread house decorating experience.
Tampa, Florida
With a flurry of new restaurants, cultural attractions and white-sand beaches, Tampa is the perfect destination for a luxurious U.S. getaway.
Where to stay: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
After opening its doors in February 2021, the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street introduced sophisticated luxury to the area with its modern design and diverse accommodation options including: a resort-style pool with a sun terrace, a full-service 6th floor terrace restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, and a spectacular atrium lobby lounge that allows guests to soak in Water Street’s irresistible energy. Additionally, the luxurious Spa By JW® boasts a relaxation lounge, 10 treatment suites, and a retail boutique. In terms of dining options, the hotel debuted a new rooftop bar this month. Located on the 27th floor of the property, Beacon Rooftop Lounge is Tampa’s newest cocktail destination. Additionally, the hotel offers two unique restaurant concepts - SIX and DRIFTLIGHT. One of the many attractions in the area is just steps from the hotel, the Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6-mile walkway that has revitalized the city’s riverfront.
Los Angeles, California
With its mild and pleasant weather, Los Angeles becomes an ideal destination for those seeking a break from the winter chill. The city retains its vibrant charm with fewer crowds, making it easier to explore its iconic attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach, and Griffith Observatory. Additionally, winter is the perfect time to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Southern California, from the snow-capped mountains just a short drive away to the lush, green hiking trails within the city.
Where to stay: Westin Los Angeles Airport
With convenient proximity to the LAX airport, The Westin Los Angeles offers guests a haven of modern wellness with easy access to the top outdoor and cultural attractions around the city. Each of the 747 rooms and suites feature refined comforts designed to encourage balance with spacious workspaces, plush Westin Heavenly Beds and signature bath products including the Sleep Well Lavender Balm. The hotel experience is elevated with the state-of-the-art WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio offering Peloton bicycles, the outdoor heated pool and whirlpool and the RUNWESTIN® program. In 2024, the hotel will have a brand new look, completing renovations in late 2023. The centerpiece of The Westin Los Angeles renovation is the re-imagined lobby and lounge area offering guests a refreshing and stylish oasis through natural design features. Connecting guests to nature, the biophilic design used throughout the property will include water elements, native Southern California plant life and organic, natural materials.
New Orleans, Louisiana
While much of the country is enthralled in snow or experiencing under 40-degree weather, winter in New Orleans offers sunshine, delicious food and the return of festivals like Mardi Gras. I would even say winter is the best time to visit since the weather is so perfect you won’t experience the excessive heat from the summer months. Additionally, take full advantage of the city’s endless outdoor activities like kayaking down Bayou Saint John or biking through the French Quarter.
Where to stay: Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
From the unexpected allure of Bourbon Street, exceptional dining amid The French Quarter and beyond, the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel provides the perfect base for a NOLA getaway. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the hotel also offers a wide range of stunning and expansive guest rooms or suites, as well as diverse culinary options (six restaurants total between the Sheraton and sister property next door, New Orleans Marriott) and seamless access to notable NOLA points of interest (including nearby restaurants and bars, NOLA’s famed French Quarter, House of Blues, Harrah’s Casino, Outlet Collection at River Walk, among many others). Additionally, the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel has a new holiday package. The Winter Wonderland Escape Package transforms the hotel’s spacious Executive Suite into a cozy holiday getaway. The package is perfect for those looking for the best of both worlds: holidays away from home without missing out on the home-feel and festive decorations.
