Sometimes the best kind of winter getaway involves fresh, powdery snow, a suitcase full of warm oversized sweaters and thick socks, and a cozy cabin equipped with a crackling fireplace, looming tall trees covered with snow. For some its just a few days without being connected to emails, texts or simple daily routines. For others, it’s being sprawled out on a beach in a tropical locale with a good book and stiff drink. Whatever your preference, we have a few ideas to help cure the wintertime wanderlust.
ALPS, SWITZERLAND
Where to Stay: The new jewel in Verbier’s crown, W Verbier was the first Starwood hotel to open in the Alps and the second 5 Star establishment to open in the region. In the heart of the town, it is just meters from the ski lifts allowing you to go from piste to luxury bar within minutes. For tired bodies after a day on the slopes, the 800m² AWAY Spa wellness center will soothe any aches and pains and the W Verbier also includes two bars, two cafes, two restaurants and even a nightclub to party the night away.
MARTINIQUE
Who doesnt want to vacation in the rum capital of the world? The French Caribbean island, known as the Isle of Flowers, boasts beautifully unspoiled beaches and 80 miles of hiking trails. Plus, it’s a top spot for diving.Definitely the place to be.
JOSÉ IGNACIO, URUGUAY
November marks the beginning of Uruguay’s summer season. This beach bohemian destination is afishing village turned upscale resort, José Ignacio is a flashy, lively extension of Punta del Este’s social scene, drawing wealthy visitors and celebrities to beaches like Brava, also popular for surfing, and Mansa. Yoga studios, cocktail bars, and terraced grill restaurants, often connected to hip hotels, dot the grassy peninsula.
BALI, INDONESIA
Stretch out on isolated beaches, stroll through paddy fields or indulge at luxurious spas – Bali is as romantic as it gets. Where to Stay: If you’re in search of a private paradise, The Mulia is a dreamy all-suite hotel with stunning uninterrupted views of Nusa Dua Bay. In addition to breathtaking views of the ocean, this seaside oasis lets you take in Bali from the sky, thanks to their private helicopter tours. Guests can soar over iconic landmarks including temples, volcanoes, rice fields and untouched beaches. Aman devotees take note: Amanusa is only a short stroll from The Mulia. While it’s not right on the beach, it is ultra-luxurious, private and secluded.
COURCHEVEL, FRANCE
An ever evolving winter destination full of championship sporting events, fine dining and unbeatable entertainment, Courchevel has been the place to go for royalty and celebrities for decades and it is still one of the most exclusive resorts to visit. Also new to the area in recent years was Aquamotion a 15,000m² water complex with a state of the art wellness center, countless pools and water sports facilities to make a holiday to Courchevel even more adventorous.
ASPEN, COLORADO
Where to Stay: Little Nell Hotel The jewel in Aspen’s crown is The Little Nell Hotel, with the city at its front door and the mountain at its back door, this 5 star, 5 diamond hotel offers slopeside luxury, legendary service and feted cuisine. The only ski-in, ski-out access hotel in Aspen, Little Nell was so named after the historic mine which once sat in the same location. Opened in 1989 it took the hotel just two years to win a grand slam of hospitality rankings which they have earned every year since.
VAIL, COLORADO
When the snow blankets Vail, you’ll find there’s more to do than just ski and ride. there are a plethora of art galleries, eateries world renown spas as well as shopping all while enjoying beatiful mountain views One of the largest ski resorts in the world, Colorado based Vail has more than 5,200 acres of developed ski and snowboard terrain, seven legendary Back Bowls reaching over 7 miles and the most groomed pistes on the planet.
THE MALDIVES
Dream of relaxing in a beautiful overwater bungalow? Then head to The Maldives. Dream of balancing all that relaxation with a healthy dose of activity? You should still head to the Maldives. Where to stay: Velaa Private Island where it boasts oasis somehow contains a José Maria Olazabal-designed golf academy with nine tees, six greens, seven bunkers, and a lake; a grass tennis court and squash court; and water sports from wake-boarding to kite surfing. or The new resort on Muravandhoo Island, Joali Maldives, is the Maldives’ first and only “art immersive hotel,” with each piece commissioned specifically for the property and based on the island’s natural environment. In addition to luxury over-water bungalows and white sand bike paths, walking around the 98,000- square-meter island in the Raa Atoll is like wandering through an outdoor art gallery.
ZERMOTT, SWITZERLAND
With the majestic Matterhorn always in view, Zermatt boasts unparalleled scenery at every turn and dates back over 500 years. Full of romantic neighborhoods and quiet corners, it is the quintessential Alpine resort visitors fall in love with again and again. A peaceful yet wild mountain world, it is completely car free and the shops, cafes, bars and sumptuous hotel lounges make Zermatt pulse with life. Where to Stay: First formed when the local parish priest decided that the old families of the town should build their own hotel, the Grand Zermatterhof was built entirely by Zermatt citizens. An iconic landmark at the heart of the Zermatt village, the oldworld glamour of the Grand Zermatterhof makes this luxurious hotel one of the most decadent choices in the area and the perfect escape after a long day of wintry adventures.
