Kiwi Curated
Warm Places to Escape Winter’s Chill
by Kim BudziakWhen the merriness of the season has melted away and all you’re left with is blustery winds, chilly temperatures and indoor activities, it’s time to head south to these warm winter destinations.
Warm Places to Escape Winter’s Chill
Private pools or jacuzzis come standard in most of the Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa villas. At this Maldives resort, stilted rooms in the ocean shallows and unmatched sunset views are the cure for winter blues. Four restaurants and bars provide sustenance between hours in the sun, and an extensive wine collection will impress choosy oenophiles. With tennis courts, fishing and water sports options aplenty (not to mention a relaxing, totally-equipped spa), Hideaway is the spot for active vacationers.
Warm Places to Escape Winter’s Chill
Costa Rica’s Hotel Casa Chameleon at Mal Pais is an adult-only property free of noise, distracting televisions and obligations. Stacked amenities throughout the ten-villa resort maximize comfort, including king beds, private plunge pools, strategically-placed hammocks and, of course, breezy air conditioning. Each villa feels like its own oasis, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors sliding aside for the ultimate in indoor-outdoor living, as well as incredible views of the Nicoya Peninsula’s lush greenery and Pacific Ocean beyond.
Warm Places to Escape Winter’s Chill
Come for the sunny serenity, stay for the spa. Set in an oceanside landscape of bright jungle plants and mangroves, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is backed by the indelible reputation of Banyan Tree Spas, yet has a style all its own. The spa uses Melipona Honey from local bees in detox and healing remedies, and The Rainforest Trail is its signature hydrothermal circuit, consisting of eight alternating hot and cold cabanas. Royal Banyan massage is just the thing to increase circulation and slip you into relaxation mode right after you step off the plane.
Warm Places to Escape Winter’s Chill
Outstanding mid-century modern style and red brick architecture offer a nuanced slice of paradise to design lovers the world over. Bali’s Katamama hotel combines the sweeping white sands of Petitenget Beach with total convenience and comfort. Pools, bars, lounge areas and Spanish-style dining complement bespoke artisan decor that is both traditional and timeless. After you’ve had a chance to take in the varied features of this original property, head to the Akademi mixology centre for one of head bartender Dre Masso’s original cocktails.
Warm Places to Escape Winter’s Chill
Brazil’s Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte serves up balance in spades. This ecologically responsible resort blends with the natural environment and Brazil’s exceptional biodiversity. The Salvador coastline it sits on is one of the longest beaches in Brazil, and home to both calm and open inlets that invite swimming, sailing, diving, surfing and a general appreciation for beautiful natural reefs and stone pools. On property, the awe continues, with well-appointed rooms, pools, lounging areas, spa, and adorable kid-friendly amenities.
Warm Places to Escape Winter’s Chill
Traditional luxury service is first and foremost at the Condado Vanderbilt in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since 1919, the hotel has left nothing to chance, and today, attention to detail is still top of mind. From exemplary butler service to fully-appointed rooms with beyond-standard amenities, Condado delivers. Its several restaurants and bars will please foodies, but 1919 Restaurant delivers something extra special. There, Michelin-starred Executive Chef Juan Jose Cuevas brings artisanal flare to local ingredients, making the ocean view that much sweeter.
Warm Places to Escape Winter’s Chill
The vibrant energy of Miami Beach and unparalleled access to good living is right on your doorstep at Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach. A Mediterranean villa is your home base from which to explore white sand beaches, Bal Harbour shopping, multiple fairways and the latest in American gastronomy. The rooms are cozy, comfortable and American classic—impressing with fine furnishings and tasteful art. A trip to the European ESPA spa is must, where the signature body treatment wards off any unwelcome hitches in your golf swing.
Warm Places to Escape Winter’s Chill
The heat, opulence and oasis-like trappings of a United Arab Emirates escape is on full display at the Palazzo Versace Dubai. Here, designer details drip from every railing, pillar and furnishing, and neoclassical Greek decor blends seamlessly with Arabian architecture. Three vast pools and landscape gardens beckon visitors outside where views of the city skyline await. Eight dining venues offer fantastic choice for guests looking to capitalize on relaxation with an extended stay. Be sure to dine alfresco to take in the waterfront splendor of Dubai Creek.
Warm Places to Escape Winter’s Chill
Escape the crush of crowded resorts and sink deeper into serenity. Surrounded by lush rainforest and white sand beaches, Gaya Island Resort in Borneo is accessible only by a beautiful boat ride. Natural surroundings sweep away stress. Here, local materials outfit each of the villas and suites; lush greenery provides total privacy; and, generous acreage makes introspective walks all the more inviting. The resort is primed for romance too with its sunset beach dinners and Spa Village treatments.
Warm Places to Escape Winter’s Chill
It doesn’t get any more far-flung than a completely private Fijian island. Take a float plane or boat over to the secluded Vomo Island Resort, situated on a non-tidal speck of paradise: Vomo Island. Warm ocean breezes wash through palm trees surrounding your beach or hilltop villa where effortless, modern beach decor complements your private pool. Between afternoons on the beach, fit in some reef diving, a round of golf or a trip to a neighbouring island for even more alone time.
Private pools or jacuzzis come standard in most of the Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa villas. At this Maldives resort, stilted rooms in the ocean shallows and unmatched sunset views are the cure for winter blues. Four restaurants and bars provide sustenance between hours in the sun, and an extensive wine collection will impress choosy oenophiles. With tennis courts, fishing and water sports options aplenty (not to mention a relaxing, totally-equipped spa), Hideaway is the spot for active vacationers.
Costa Rica’s Hotel Casa Chameleon at Mal Pais is an adult-only property free of noise, distracting televisions and obligations. Stacked amenities throughout the ten-villa resort maximize comfort, including king beds, private plunge pools, strategically-placed hammocks and, of course, breezy air conditioning. Each villa feels like its own oasis, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors sliding aside for the ultimate in indoor-outdoor living, as well as incredible views of the Nicoya Peninsula’s lush greenery and Pacific Ocean beyond.
Come for the sunny serenity, stay for the spa. Set in an oceanside landscape of bright jungle plants and mangroves, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is backed by the indelible reputation of Banyan Tree Spas, yet has a style all its own. The spa uses Melipona Honey from local bees in detox and healing remedies, and The Rainforest Trail is its signature hydrothermal circuit, consisting of eight alternating hot and cold cabanas. Royal Banyan massage is just the thing to increase circulation and slip you into relaxation mode right after you step off the plane.
Outstanding mid-century modern style and red brick architecture offer a nuanced slice of paradise to design lovers the world over. Bali’s Katamama hotel combines the sweeping white sands of Petitenget Beach with total convenience and comfort. Pools, bars, lounge areas and Spanish-style dining complement bespoke artisan decor that is both traditional and timeless. After you’ve had a chance to take in the varied features of this original property, head to the Akademi mixology centre for one of head bartender Dre Masso’s original cocktails.
Brazil’s Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte serves up balance in spades. This ecologically responsible resort blends with the natural environment and Brazil’s exceptional biodiversity. The Salvador coastline it sits on is one of the longest beaches in Brazil, and home to both calm and open inlets that invite swimming, sailing, diving, surfing and a general appreciation for beautiful natural reefs and stone pools. On property, the awe continues, with well-appointed rooms, pools, lounging areas, spa, and adorable kid-friendly amenities.
Traditional luxury service is first and foremost at the Condado Vanderbilt in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since 1919, the hotel has left nothing to chance, and today, attention to detail is still top of mind. From exemplary butler service to fully-appointed rooms with beyond-standard amenities, Condado delivers. Its several restaurants and bars will please foodies, but 1919 Restaurant delivers something extra special. There, Michelin-starred Executive Chef Juan Jose Cuevas brings artisanal flare to local ingredients, making the ocean view that much sweeter.
The vibrant energy of Miami Beach and unparalleled access to good living is right on your doorstep at Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach. A Mediterranean villa is your home base from which to explore white sand beaches, Bal Harbour shopping, multiple fairways and the latest in American gastronomy. The rooms are cozy, comfortable and American classic—impressing with fine furnishings and tasteful art. A trip to the European ESPA spa is must, where the signature body treatment wards off any unwelcome hitches in your golf swing.
The heat, opulence and oasis-like trappings of a United Arab Emirates escape is on full display at the Palazzo Versace Dubai. Here, designer details drip from every railing, pillar and furnishing, and neoclassical Greek decor blends seamlessly with Arabian architecture. Three vast pools and landscape gardens beckon visitors outside where views of the city skyline await. Eight dining venues offer fantastic choice for guests looking to capitalize on relaxation with an extended stay. Be sure to dine alfresco to take in the waterfront splendor of Dubai Creek.
Escape the crush of crowded resorts and sink deeper into serenity. Surrounded by lush rainforest and white sand beaches, Gaya Island Resort in Borneo is accessible only by a beautiful boat ride. Natural surroundings sweep away stress. Here, local materials outfit each of the villas and suites; lush greenery provides total privacy; and, generous acreage makes introspective walks all the more inviting. The resort is primed for romance too with its sunset beach dinners and Spa Village treatments.
It doesn’t get any more far-flung than a completely private Fijian island. Take a float plane or boat over to the secluded Vomo Island Resort, situated on a non-tidal speck of paradise: Vomo Island. Warm ocean breezes wash through palm trees surrounding your beach or hilltop villa where effortless, modern beach decor complements your private pool. Between afternoons on the beach, fit in some reef diving, a round of golf or a trip to a neighbouring island for even more alone time.