LOOKING FOR A SPA GETAWAY, A FITNESS RETREAT, OR A FAMILY TRIP? WE’VE GOT THE PERFECT SPOT—AND YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY.
IDEAL FOR: FAMILIES
Destination: St. Pete/Clearwater, FL
Why Go There: Avoid the crowds in Miami and Orlando and venture to an often overlooked warm-weather winter destination. Home to more than 360 days of sunshine per year and some of the best beaches in the U.S., St. Pete/ Clearwater is a perfect place to escape the winter blues. From sand dollar-hunting in a tidal lagoon to setting sail in a pirate ship, there’s a lot to keep the little ones entertained both at the beach and nearby. Don’t miss Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), home to famous dolphins Winter and Hope, from the Dolphin Tale movies. More than just an aquarium, CMA is a working hospital for rescued marine life. Curious kids will get a close-up look at dolphins, otters, sea turtles and manatees at the brand new Manatee Rehabilitation Exhibit coming this winter.
Where to Stay: Stay at the TradeWinds Island Grand or its nearby sister property, RumFish. At night, roast s’mores by the fire or watch dive-in movies in a beachfront pool. And speaking of diving, you can get right up close to local sea life in the 33,500-gallon tank at Rumfish, thanks to the resort’s “swim with the fishes” experience.
IDEAL FOR: SKIERS
Destination: Beaver Creek, CO
Why Go There: It has some of the best skiing in the country.
Where to Stay: The Osprey, a RockResort boasts the closest location to a chairlift in North America at 26 feet. This slope side hotel welcomes guests with a sophisticated, alpine-chic ambiance that continues into the 45 luxurious accommodations and two penthouse residences. The boutique hotel features an outdoor heated pool with lounge seating, a fire pit and full-bar service in addition to a premier après scene, and posh yet playful services and amenities. Another good option is the Pines Lodge, a RockResort. The cozy ski-in/ski-out property not only has access to some of the best skiing in Colorado, but is also immersed in the world-class shopping and entertainment of Beaver Creek. The lodge provides a warm, intimate experi- ence, with just 60 rooms and a selection of deluxe condominiums and townhomes.
IDEAL FOR: SPA AND NATURE LOVERS
Destination: Austin, TX
Why Go There: It boasts warm weather all year long with plenty of outdoor activities (like hiking, kayaking and SUP).
Where to Stay: Lake Austin Spa Resort has an amazing spa and wellness program that leaves you pampered and rejuvenated. You could easily spend the whole time at the amazing spa or taking wellness and fitness classes, but this resort has plenty of seasonal activities like charcuterie classes, festive cocktail demos, cookie decorating, make-and-take ornament painting and gift tag making, tree decorating, lakeside cocoa and carols, polar express boat cruises and polar bear cozy cocktails. There will also be fireside chats with guest authors and speakers, and themed wellness events like holiday nutrition tip classes, holiday HIIT training, nature bathing and more.
IDEAL FOR: FOODIES
Destination: Charleston, SC
Why Go There: Charleston is a culinary town and people come from all over the world to experience the foodie scene. From oyster roasts and grits, to high-end restaurants and dockside seafood spots, you won’t go hungry here.
Where to Stay: The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina has the ideal location across the water from downtown Charleston. Spend a day on the cool harbor water with the College of Charleston Sailing Team, located just down the boardwalk from the hotel, and then warm up by one of two fire pits with s’mores and hot chocolate. The Beach Club is a 92-room LEED- certified hotel with an amazing pool (with private cabanas). Plus, the popular Charleston Harbor Fish House restaurant is only steps away and offers some of the best fish dishes and unique culinary meals around.
IDEAL FOR: ROAD TRIPPING IN THE AREA
Destination: Lake Placid, NY
Why Go there: If you don’t want to leave the tri-state area, Lake Placid is the perfect spot. You’ll feel like you’re far away without actually having to get on a flight. Lake Placid has a little bit of everything: good skiing, yummy food and fun outdoor activities like ice skating.
Where to stay: Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa. This property overlooks Mirror Lake and has a European spa with pool, sauna, jacuzzi and extensive spa treatment menu with a variety of massages and facials. Be sure to eat at The View, the property’s upscale restaurant, or The Cottage, a hip lakeside pub great for après ski. They also have an in- house ski shop (leave your gear at home and have the experts set you up).
