Snowbirds, we get you. When sweater weather arrives, it’s time to start planning a jaunt to a warm weather locale to escape the frigid winter temperatures. Although travel may be tricky, you can still find the sun-drenched days and sandy beaches you crave at these six resorts known for their summer-vacation vibes.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, Florida
Miami Beach has long been a favorite destination of sun chasers thanks to sugar-soft white sand beaches, palm trees and sizzling nightlife. For those in need of heating things up at a luxurious sanctuary, look no further than The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.
The 216-room property overlooks the sparkling blue ocean and boasts a 1,000-foot stretch of beach with private cabanas, two sleek infinity pools and the tranquil Remède Spa for extra pampering.
After days spent beachfront, indulge in exclusive luxury shopping across the street at the world-renowned Bal Harbour Shops.
W Punta de Mita, Mexico
Nothing will snap you out of a case of the winter blues like a trip to W Punta de Mita. Yes, the location on one of Mexico’s most gorgeous beaches is nice (OK, it’s more than nice), but it’s the property’s “Camino Huichol” walkway — a vibrant stretch of mosaic tile “carpet” depicting characters from traditional Huichol legends — that will brighten any mood, as well as any photos for the ‘Gram.
You’ll breathe a sigh of relief while taking in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and recenter your energy at the nature-inspired AWAY Spa. Guest rooms feature indigenous Mexican design and nods to laid-back surfing culture with colorful throw pillows, woven screens and surfboard decor.
While dining options are plenty, we suggest donning flip-flops and grabbing a stool at Chevichería, a cheeky beach shack serving signature ceviches.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Aruba
With its tagline of “one happy island,” Aruba is a no-brainer when booking a winter getaway. Azure Caribbean seas and an island dotted with natural wonders is the perfect backdrop for a trip that will recharge all of your senses, and there’s no better home base than the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.
One unique property feature is the Tradewinds Club — the exclusive, adults-only hotel within the resort, complete with a private check-in experience, private beach, the H2Oasis pool and deluxe suites.
Try your luck at the 24-hour Stellaris Casino. Then — win, lose or draw — unwind with a Balinese-style couples massage at the Mandara Spa.
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage; California
You’d be remiss to overlook the California desert during your hunt for a warm-weather getaway. While nights can get chilly, desert settings are pleasantly warm in the daytime and offer relatively no risk for overheating during winter months.
Take in the style and glamour of Palm Springs from The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, perched above the breathtaking Coachella Valley. Winter days are meant to be spent outdoors, hiking, golfing or hot-air ballooning, but if you’d rather perfect the art of doing nothing, lounge at one of two swimming pools in a VIP-style cabana.
The on-property spa is a worthy destination on its own, with stone and wood surroundings; 16 treatment rooms, many with private terraces; plunge pools; and treatments utilizing locally sourced ingredients and botanicals.
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaʻanapali, Hawaii
The shimmering Pacific Ocean meets majestic volcanic mountains at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaʻanapali, a 12-acre paradise. The 770-room beachfront resort features spacious guest rooms in a calming color palette of gray and white with floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as the massive, 87,000-square-foot Kawaiola Aquatic Playground with six outdoor pools overlooking Kaʻanapali Beach.
Learn how to hang 10 at Kaʻanapali Surf Club where you can take surfing or stand-up paddleboarding lessons, or get your workout in at a beachfront yoga class at the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio.
Enjoy an impressive Hawaiian sunset over a handcrafted cocktail at the Hale Moolelo bar, where each of the seven cocktails is tied to a moolelo, or story, about Maui culture and paired with local cuisine.
JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, Arizona
Arizona’s Sonoran Desert is said to harbor healing properties — according to metaphysical wellness practitioners, at any rate — making Scottsdale the ideal place for true rest and rejuvenation.
Located at the base of Camelback Mountain, the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is the sort of zen, otherworldly setting you need to experience to fully understand. Think flourishing gardens filled with palms and cacti, heated outdoor pools and cozy casitas with wood-beamed ceilings, all set aglow by a fiery orange desert sunset.
Active travelers will love the two on-site 18-hole championship golf courses, but the true heartbeat of the property is the 32,000-square-foot therapeutic spa. Restore mind, body and spirit with a transformative clay purification body treatment, saltwater baths or a vigorous swim in the lap pool.