Top destinations for an elevated warm-weather escape
Enjoy sunnier climates this winter and return inspired, rested and fully charged.
By Paul Oswell | January 2, 2025
Winter weather and the stress of the holiday season can wear you down, but a sun-soaked vacation may be just the antidote you need. Head to any one of these four warm destinations for a chance to wind down and fully recharge your batteries.
Male, Maldives
There’s tropical beauty as far as the eye can see when you visit this remote string of islands in the Indian Ocean. The region is famed for its white-sand beaches, fringed with green palms and surrounded by some of the clearest blue waters you’ll find anywhere. Located on the private island of Ithaafushi, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi welcomes you with particularly exquisite, secluded beaches, plus private pools and overwater villas that provide a unique and tranquil sanctuary. For a more energetic stay, explore the vibrant marine gardens and intricate coral reefs nearby or have the hotel concierge arrange for an exhilarating private catamaran excursion. End the day at Waldorf Astoria Spa with a soothing spa treatment inspired by natural Maldivian elements followed by an unforgettable, seven-course tasting menu at Terra, where you’ll be seated in a private bamboo nests perched high in the treetops.
Anguilla, West Indies
With 33 world-class beaches packed into a small island, it’s no wonder that A-listers love this corner of the Caribbean. Anguilla in winter feels intimate and exclusive, with the allure of its stunning scenery and fine dining waiting around every corner. Stone, the flagship restaurant at Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts, offers seasonal, Asian-Caribbean fusion cuisine in an a la carte menu, elevated by curated wine pairings. Encompassing six lush acres of tropical gardens, the resort provides immersive levels of relaxation, with signature beachside suites overlooking the grandeur of Shoal Bay from their private plunge pools. Thai House Spa is especially evocative, a refined, 306-year-old Thai-style house that welcomes guests to indulge in a menu of globally inspired treatments from Bali, China, North Africa and beyond.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora offers an escape like no other. Surrounded by surreal natural beauty, the small island boasts picture-perfect, sandy islets and a glorious turquoise lagoon with shoals of tropical fish darting about the nearby coral reefs. Conrad Bora Bora Nui is an exceptional retreat, secluded from other resorts in the area and offering sweeping views. While spending your days on the beach is perfectly acceptable, there’s also plenty to experience, especially with the help of the concierge. Tour the area on a private yacht, learn about authentic Polynesian culture with local experts treating you to complimentary lessons in traditional clothing, discover how to play the ukelele and more. Reserve some time to delve into Tahitian and Balinese wellness treatments at the hotel’s Hina Spa, where treatments incorporate the island’s natural organic sea salts and vanilla essences.
Mahé, Seychelles
Out in the Indian Ocean lie these 115 sun-kissed tropical islands, known for their natural wonders with lush natural forests, thriving marine parks and pristine beaches lined with impressive granite boulders. Experience it all with the assistance of the concierge at Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts, an intimate and exclusive resort of only 41 rooms and suites. Take your travels to new heights and take a private helicopter tour for scenic overhead views of Mahé Island or snorkel your way through St. Anne Marine Park for a different vantage point of the Seychelles’ beauty. After a day of exploring, unwind in one of the sea-facing villas that offer direct views of the awe-inspiring Anse Aux Poules Bleues, a beach known locally as the Aquarium of Wonders, or immerse yourself in a peaceful personalized treatment at the resort’s Anpe Spa.
Paul Oswell
Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. He frequently writes about luxury travel and bespoke experiences around the world. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guidebooks/editions, including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and the United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.
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