12 Dreamy End-of-Year Escapes to Start Planning Now

No matter how long summer breezes blow, winter getaway season is just around the corner — and you can make a game plan by saving all your favorite and future dream destinations using the Wishlists feature in the Marriott Bonvoy App. 

An end-of-year vacation takes advantage of what is off-season travel in many locales, which can be the best time to go exploring. These dozen destinations around the globe will have you happily settled into high-end properties (chock full of amenities) and ready for adventure. 

So, make your plan for winter junkets when the heat is on pause, the crowds are on mute and the fun is turned all the way up. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip. 

Srebreno, Croatia 

Off-season on the Dubrovnik Riviera is the on season for great deals. Minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik, Croatia, the beachfront Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel is nestled in the idyllic Srebreno Bay on the Adriatic Sea. Its lush gardens run right to the beach, and so will you. 

One of Dubrovnik’s oldest names is, fittingly, Thesaurum Mundi (Treasure of the World). With oceanfront dining, indoor and outdoor pools, the on-site Shine Spa Dubrovnik and even a kids playground, the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel is a modern treasure. 

Day trip into the Old City of Dubrovnik and take in the well-preserved medieval landmarks and historic vistas that will have your socials snapping. 

Maui, Hawaii 

A Maui vacation is a bucket-list goal. Make it reality at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali, an exquisite escape steps from the Pacific Ocean where palm-tree-lined walkways guide you through paradise. Fall kicks off the off-season in Maui, and winter weather is temperate, so bring a wrap for cool nights. 

Nestled against volcanic mountains, the property offers a packed events calendar and endless excitement, from outdoor activities like outrigger canoeing to indoor fun like duckpin bowling. You’ll want to spend all day at the Kawaiola Aquatic Playground, which features an adults-only pool deck and a kid-friendly Keiki Splash Zone. 

Book an oceanfront balcony suite for epic sunset views, and drink in the serenity. 

Cap Cana, Dominican Republic 

Wish-list-worthy Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort, Dominican Republic combines regal design, complete with marble columns and crystal chandeliers, with impeccable service and lavish digs, including oceanfront villas and suites with private pools. 

December is the dry season in the Dominican Republic, so the adults-only all-inclusive resort is at its best when it comes to outdoor activities — think horseback rides along the indigo-blue Pacific, lounging at the beachfront pool and diving into water sports on Juanillo Beach. At the end of an active day, restore your energy with a treatment at Sanctuary Spa. 

Dining is next level, too. With restaurants serving Italian food, international fare, and seafood; an Argentinian-style steakhouse; a coffee house; a dessert bar; and a beachfront grill, there’s no way to leave Sanctuary Cap Cana unsatisfied. 

Jeju Island, South Korea 

December is the off-season on Jeju Island in South Korea, with lighter crowds and lower rates. Follow your winter wanderlust to JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa — a serene clifftop retreat known to appear on a top-hotels list or two. 

Swim lazy laps in the infinity pool, enjoy a hot-stone massage at SPA by JW, and then bliss out to the view of the crystal-blue East China Sea from your balcony. 

Hungry? You’ll have several dining options right on site. Indulge in a delightful omakase with dishes featuring local seafood at Yeoumul or sample Korean barbecue at The Flying Hog. 

New York City 

Start spreading the news … but not until you get your own room at JW Marriott Essex House New York. Perched in the heart of the city on Central Park South, this hotel has art deco rooms and suites looking out onto the park.

Savor the hearty fare, posh vibes and fabulous people-watching of Bourbon Steak New York. Bundle up and walk to renowned Radio City Music Hall (home of the Rockettes), Carnegie Hall, Broadway and Lincoln Center. Book shows in advance, because a winter break in the City That Never Sleeps is on everyone’s list.

And you can’t beat Central Park for a front yard. 

Denarau Island, Fiji

Explore Denarau Island, Fiji, from the luxe Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, and you’ll be immersed in heart-pounding South Pacific experiences. The welcoming beat of the lali (a wooden drum) lets you know you’re in for a rejuvenating stay. 

Access to a world-class golf and racquet club, lagoon-style pool and kids club will keep your whole crew engaged. Dine by sparkling Nadi Bay on fusion delicacies and artisan cocktails. Then stroll the powder beach where lounge chairs beckon under swaying palms. The resort’s team invites you to share in vibrant Fijian culture with resort experiences that range from chef-led traditional-cuisine demonstrations to a nightly torch-lighting ritual. 

In Fiji, the wet summer season — and the perks that come with the off-season — kicks off at the end of the year, starting around November. Fiji can be pleasant at any time of year, but if you want to maximize your chances of sunny skies on your end-of-year trip, aim to go in September or October. 

Paris, France 

Wishing to stroll the most exclusive avenue in the most fabulous city? Fall and early winter, after the summer crowds have dispersed and before the end-of-year holiday visitors arrive, can be great times to head to Paris. 

You’ll be sitting pretty at the centrally located Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel, which sits on the world-famous Champs-Élysées and offers views of the iconic Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Post up at the Atrium Bar in the hotel lobby and sample Parisian culinary delights paired with local wines. 

Then window-shop at some of the most fashionable boutiques in the world, where the people-watching alone is worth the trip. 

The end of the year is a rainier, cool season in Paris, so pack your chicest coats and scarves. 

Playa Herradura, Costa Rica 

The lush Playa Herradura (Horseshoe Beach) in Costa Rica is the home of the verdant Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. This spot is at its peak in December when the rain forest’s rainy season ends. 

Enjoy Costa Rican chill with a sprawling pool surrounded by lush vegetation, a beachfront spa and breathtaking ocean views. Guests who book swim-up rooms can kick back in their in-room hammock and enjoy exclusive direct access to the adults-only pool. The family-friendly resort offers kids activities and a championship golf course with views from mountain to sea. 

The resort boasts half a dozen dining options to choose from, some of which offer seating with lovely views of Herradura Bay. 

Sant Salvador Beach, Spain 

Nestled on the Costa Daurada just half an hour from Barcelona Airport is Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa, a beachfront gem offering Spanish flair and full-service luxury. The hotel’s treats include wine tastings, fresh seafood with a sea view and craft cocktails in the piano bar. 

Winter is the off-season, so your walks on the beach will be serene, with the backdrop of the property built in 1929 as a wellness retreat. Its Explore Spa is the perfect place to unwind, and its crystal-blue pool matches the Mediterranean Sea. 

Greenville, South Carolina 

The best of both worlds, the unique location of Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection overlooks the scenic Reedy River, with walking-distance access to both bike trails that run past waterfalls and the sites of Downtown Greenville, South Carolina. 

The artsy hotel brings the location’s outdoor beauty in with stunning floor-to-ceiling views and nature-inspired, chalet-style design. During your stay, make sure to pop into the curated on-site art gallery. Grand Bohemian Lodge is perfect for a winter getaway — the lobby’s crackling fire in a massive stone fireplace invites you to settle into the leather chairs for a cozy winter night. The relaxation continues at the library and on-site Poseidon Spa. 

Enjoy a tipple at Spirit & Bower, known for its bourbon selection, or at Between the Trees, with an extensive list of fine wines by the glass.

Nanjing, China 

Vacation in a work of art at Nanjing, Jiangning, Autograph Collection — designed to reflect its history as a cement factory, as well as the mountains of Nanjing, one of China’s ancient capitals. Walking through the stunning property, you’ll find details drawn from both industry and nature, with arched domes above the indoor hot springs pool and variegated lines running throughout the interior. 

Book a treatment at the tranquil Alcove SPA, and enjoy dining at the Cave, the Marble Lounge and the Silo, all intriguing options.

The region may see a light dusting of snow at the end of the year, so book a suite with your own private hot springs tub for warm winter bliss. 

Anse Royale, Seychelles 

Set in the historic town of Anse Royale, laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort offers any view that floats your boat. laïla’s rooms and suites face the scenic village, turquoise blue ocean or lush mountains — there are no bad sightlines at this property. 

Eat your heart out at the buffet presentations of Laroul Restaurant or lounge in daybed seating in the sand at Kafe Kreol Beachfront Restaurant & Bar. Grab drinks at one of the resort’s two bars (one poolside), and nurture your body and soul at the fitness center and laïla Spa.

The high-season tends to peak in July and August. October and November can be a wonderful off-season time to visit, before the seasonal trade winds and wet weather pick up.