Editor's note: In collaboration with INSIDE HOTELS, twice a month we will showcase destinations worthy of your travel dollar.
WINTER SUN RESORTS When winter hits, I trade the cold for sun-drenched days in paradise—whether it's the white-sand beaches of Mexico, theme parks and recreation of Florida, or the lush tropical beauty of Hawaii. There's nothing like feeling the warm breeze, sipping something cold, and knowing that back home it's snowing. Escaping to a warm resort isn't just a vacation—it's a reset, a reminder that winter doesn’t have to mean gray skies and heavy coats. |
|
|
OUTRIGGER Kā’anapali Beach Resort
Lahaina, HI
A stay in beautiful Maui that blends beachy relaxation with exhilarating activities, OUTRIGGER Kā’anapali Beach Resort has something for every kind of traveler to enjoy. The beachfront location and central swimming pool invite you to take a dip or lounge in the sun if you’re looking to relax. Complimentary cultural classes like lei-making, hula dancing, and Hawaiian language lessons are perfect for those hoping to deepen their understanding of the islands. Stay active with paddleboard, snorkeling, and bodyboard rentals from Aqualani Beach & Ocean Recreation, or play a round at world-class golfing just a short walk away. Kā'anapali Golf Courses offers 36 holes of some of the most beautiful golf you’ll play, with views of the water, natural lava rock boundaries, and coconut tree-lined fairways. As evening falls, head to the beachside restaurant, Maui Brewing Company, where island-inspired bites and local beers round out the perfect day in paradise.
|
|
|
Viceroy Los Cabos
San José del Cabo, Mexico
Step into a world of luxury at Viceroy Los Cabos, an architectural masterpiece set along the breathtaking shores of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. Designed by renowned architect Miguel Ángel Aragonés, the resort’s sleek, white structures float above shimmering pools, creating a mesmerizing blend of sea, sky, and minimalist design. Take advantage of the Unlimited Luxury Experience offer to fully indulge in the resort’s top-tier amenities and dining. Enjoy a la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner and house beverages at any resort restaurant, whether that’s at Nido, the nest-shaped restaurant surrounded by water, or overlooking the ocean at the rooftop bar, Cielomar. The offer also includes minibar snacks and drinks refilled once a day to keep you fueled in between daily activities, whether that’s pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying curated experiences. Whether relaxing in the infinity pools or exploring the vibrant local culture, Viceroy Los Cabos promises an unforgettable escape where every detail is pronounced.
|
|
|
Moon Palace Cancun
Cancun, Mexico
For a Mexican getaway that truly has it all, Moon Palace Cancun checks every box. This all-inclusive resort is just ten minutes from the airport, yet it feels worlds away from the crowded bustle of Cancun’s hotel zone. Unwind in luxurious rooms with gold-toned accents, quilted headboards, whirlpool tubs, and private balconies with ocean or resort views. Days here can be as active or relaxed as you like—swim in sparkling pools, lounge on the beach, or catch a wave at the FlowRider®. Sports lovers can shoot hoops, play volleyball, or hit the tennis and pickleball courts. Golfers will appreciate the 27 holes spread across three scenic courses, plus a full-service clubhouse with a spa (featuring a unique golf ball massage) and a well-stocked pro shop. Dining is just as impressive, with 17 restaurants, 11 bars, and the buzzing NOIR Nightclub. Whether you're here to chill, explore, or indulge, Moon Palace Cancun is the ultimate escape.
|
|
|
Casa Yati
Mazunte, Mexico
At Casa Yati, culture sets the tone. Locally crafted furniture and Oaxacan art give the minimalist suites their edge, while the beachfront restaurant spins tradition into something fresh with seasonal coastal ingredients. Step outside and Playa Ventanilla is more than just a stretch of sand, it’s a living conservation site where turtles nest and hatchlings make their break for the Pacific under the watch of the Mexican National Turtle Center. A quick hike brings you to Punta Cometa, once sacred ground and still the best seat in the house for sunsets. After dark, nearby lagoons light up with bioluminescence, turning a simple boat ride into a natural spectacle. Casa Yati threads it all together, design, cuisine, heritage, and ecology, into a stay that feels distinctly of Oaxaca, yet entirely its own. |
|
|
Legacy Vacation Resorts, Lake Buena Vista
Orlando, FL
This resort trades theme park frenzy for something steadier, just two miles from Walt Disney World and a quick hop to Universal. Fall’s slower rhythm suits the setup: mini-suites and one- or two-bedroom layouts provide families and groups with ample space to spread out, complete with kitchens designed for quick breakfasts before heading to the parks or for longer stays where laundry piles need attention. Outside, the pace feels more neighborly than touristy. A pool cools things down, the hot tub restores tired legs, and grills with picnic tables turn dinner into an easy affair when restaurant lines feel endless. The tennis court adds a touch of movement without demanding a full day’s itinerary. The location does the heavy lifting, close enough to Orlando’s blockbuster attractions but with a quieter edge that lets guests reset between outings. It’s a functional retreat that keeps the fun going long after peak season fades, grounded in comfort rather than spectacle.
|
|
|
|
