4 Winter Escapes to Banish the Cold-Weather Blues
Warm up and recharge at these dreamy resort destinations
There are moments when winter feels like it will never end. When the gloomy skies and chill seem endless, I dream of blue skies, sunshine, and the warmth of a beach. If you’re craving the same kind of winter escape, I’ve rounded up four of my favorite warm-weather resorts where you can bask in sun-kissed beaches or soak up the glow of desert skies.
The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton
Key West, Florida
When you arrive in Key West, you immediately feel your worries melt away. This island, with its carefree “live and let live” spirit, invites you to unwind. The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton is the perfect extension of this vibe—a beachfront haven devoted to relaxation and rejuvenation.
Located on Key West’s only private natural sand beach, this 150-guestroom resort reflects the nautical roots of the Conch Republic—the nickname embraced by those who reside in this quirky paradise at the southernmost tip of the US. With a spa, oceanfront pool, and an array of water sports, this Key West resort offers a refreshing escape that will banish your winter blues with its no-shoes-required lifestyle.
I could spend hours relaxing with a good book on their quiet sand beach here on the southernmost tip of the US.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a desert oasis that draws sun-seekers from all over the country—especially during the season’s darkest days, making it an ideal winter escape. A short distance from this vibrant town, nestled within an expansive desert landscape, the AAA Four Diamond JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa features 884 guestrooms, five pools, 10 restaurants and two golf courses, all surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and serene lakes.
The resort’s large pools, which have scenic views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, are the perfect place to soak up the sun while enjoying the great outdoors.
The Spa at Desert Springs, an impressive 38,00-square-foot space, offers an extensive treatment menu and unique amenities such as an Aromatic Hammam, Finnish Sauna, and Turkish Steam Room. I recommend their Desert Hot Stone massage. This ancient Native American art uses heated basalt stones to massage the body, leaving you completely relaxed.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Kaua‘i, Hawaii
Hawaii boasts many stunning resorts, but the AAA Four Diamond Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa stands apart with its lush tropical gardens, pristine pools—including a saltwater lagoon—and its oceanfront setting. Located on the white sands of Poipu Beach on the island of Kaua‘i, the 605-guestroom resort invites you to wander its open courtyards, where timeless Hawaiian architecture blends seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty.
The resort’s Anara Spa is a must-visit. Nestled in a serene, open-air setting and adorned with flowers celebrating Kaua‘i’s beauty, the spa offers traditional healing methods and island-fresh botanicals so fragrant that I couldn’t resist bringing some home. As my family has found, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a place you’ll want to visit again and again. My kids couldn’t get enough of the meandering river pool and action pool with its 150-foot-tall water slide.
We spent hours swimming and snorkeling in the resort’s large saltwater lagoons, where we saw sea turtles and fish of all shapes and colors.
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands
Sometimes, all you need to unwind is a tropical cocktail under the Caribbean sun. At the AAA Four Diamond Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, you can do just that—whether it’s at the island’s only swim-up bar, in its largest pool, or on the expansive Seven Mile Beach.
This 343-guestroom luxury resort offers relaxation beneath the sway of palm trees, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the sea. For an ultra-luxurious experience, consider booking a private oceanfront cabana, complete with a dedicated attendant, or indulging in the Caribbean Breeze Oceanfront Massage at the full-service Hibiscus Spa.
The resort provides a unique setting that caters to both families and couples. Kids’ activities such as making S'mores on the beach and water sports keep the whole family entertained, while couples find the resort to be a stunning venue for weddings, honeymoons, and anniversaries. Here, sunset catamaran cruises and romantic beach dinners can set the stage for unforgettable moments.
Dining with my husband at a private table on the beach with Westin’s Toes in the Sand restaurant experience was so romantic.
Whether you’re craving sun-soaked beaches, a tranquil desert escape, or a luxuriously lush retreat in which to rest and recharge, these resorts provide the ultimate winter escapes. Don’t let winter hold you hostage; seek out the sun, the serenity, and the relaxation to melt away those winter blues.