photo by
Patrick Vollert
Travel
31+ of the World’s Best Tropical Getaways to Escape to This Winter
With winter headed our way, a trip to the tropics is probably on your mind. If you’re looking to get out of the States and onto a beach, into a rainforest or have an island to yourself, we’ve got some incredible getaway...
photo by
Patrick Vollert
With winter headed our way, a trip to the tropics is probably on your mind. If you’re looking to get out of the States and onto a beach, into a rainforest or have an island to yourself, we’ve got some incredible getaway spots for you. From private islands to overwater bungalows to treetop nests, there's something for every beach lover.
Read on for your complete guide to warmer, sunnier days, cool drink included.
Reporter: Alyssa Brown | Location: Kima Tulum
This installment of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand bundles everything we love about Bali into one spot: stunning Indonesian architecture, breathtaking jungle views, and island activities like vintage Volkswagen tours, sunrise hikes and offsite culinary excursions. This special spot is deserving of a fabulous destination wedding, vow renewal, honeymoon or group getaway.
Picture an island paradise that captures the essence of earthly elegance and relaxed sophistication. The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, set on the North Kona Coast of Hawaii, boasts a dramatic mix of white-sand beaches, dazzling oceanfront views, and black-lava landscapes. Spend your days sipping one of their signature Mai Tais at the swim-up bar, relaxing at the spa, or playing a round of golf at the PGA-approved course.
Overwater bungalows, coral reefs, and crystal clear water make this tropical getaway a bucket list topper. Enveloped by lush tropical greenery and azure blue ocean, Bawah offers the true meaning of all-inclusive luxury, by being the only retreat in Asia to include spa treatments, guest experiences, and transport via its new amphibious seaplane.
Nestled within 2.5 acres of private jungle, Kima Tulum is a completely off-grid venue featuring a yoga shala, tropical courtyard, and garden paths. A fun pool party and bbq can be thrown by day while the night transforms this jungle oasis into a lively cocktail and dance party on the plaza. Don't miss the Better en la Sombra mezcal cocktail crafted by the owner, Enzo!
If your idea of winter luxury is total seclusion on a beach of your very own in the Maldives, Coco Privé is practically made for you. Here, you’ll have your very own swanky yacht, exclusive use of five villas, your own private chef, a spa with a dedicated therapist, a huge pool, and -- lest we forget to mention -- an entire island to yourself.
Cannonball right from the deck outside your bungalow into the gorgeous turquoise lagoon below. The views from this luxurious Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora are magical, sweeping the seas and lagoons and the majestic Mount Otemanu.
Woah woah woah, stop the press. This amazing island getaway has an underwater restaurant! What! And an underwater wine cellar with 20k bottles too?! What the what! Rangali Island must be some level of paradise.
Floating atop the Laamu Atoll in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this Maldives resort gives whole new meaning to the term “secluded.” If overwater villas and just-plucked-from-the-sea-seafood are two things you look for in a tropical travel destination, Six Senses has you covered.
This Fijian resort is set within a coconut plantation on the edge of a lagoon. Choose your mid-winter break with a stay on the lagoon, in the rainforest or in the gardens. Koro Sun Resort offers diving packages too, so you can book both your luxury stay and your time out on the reefs together.
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We’ve got overwater bungalows in the Maldives, people! You know you want in on that experience. Check out Amilla Fushi if you’re about pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Deep in the rainforests and treetops of Bali, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is like a zen palace towering over a valley of tiered rice paddies and lush, tropical gardens. Be sure to check out the chakra ceremonies and river stone massages at the spa, or relax and recharge with a yoga and meditation course.
It's hard to decide what you'll like most about this Maldives resort, whether the overwater hammocks or the outdoor jungle cinema. Then again, you'll probably love the setting of floating atop the Indian Ocean best.
With gorgeous waterfalls, hiking trails, biking paths, a yoga Shala, horses, and a sweat lodge on sight your entire friend group will want to attend this one-of-a-kind luxury retreat. Lucky for them, Kinkára has the ability to accommodate groups of up to 45 people overnight so the whole crew can join!
One of the more family-friendly tropical resorts in Thailand, Soneva Kiri has a full-on clubhouse in the treetops for kids. For the adult set, serenity is served in waves at the state-of-the-art observatory and jungleside movie theater.
A dream luxury destination hotel set along the Riviera Maya, Fairmont Mayakoba has all the makings of a tropical Heaven. Arrive to your villa via gondola ride and expect nothing short of the absolute best Mexican hospitality.
Looking for a seaside escape? Look no further. Palmasola is a 9-bedroom private villa that offers you and your guest 25,000 square feet of beachfront property. This dream vacation’s itinerary includes days spent tanning in the 200-foot infinity pool that runs along the edge of the Pacific Ocean, dinner under that star on the rooftop terrace, and tequila tastings at sunset.
Photo by Hamilton Island Enterprises
Get ready for a carefree, secluded destination that provides the ultimate in Australian luxury. Tucked away in an exclusive precinct on the northernmost tip of Hamilton Island, qualia showcases 60 individual pavilions, which all boast beautiful postcard views either of the Whitsundays or the spectacular tropical bushland.
A little retro, a little glam and majorly tropical, Finolhu in the Maldives is a crowd pleasers for couples, families and friends alike. Choose from cozy beachfront accommodations or overwater bungalows and you’ll be relaxing on the sandy white beaches in no time at all.
You could be a real Bali beach babe at this amazing property in Uluwatu. The accommodations are modern, chic and located right on the beautiful beaches of Indonesia.
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A limestone grotto, coconut groves, massive stone facades, overgrown jungles, swaying palm trees and sparkling waters surround this Thai hideaway. Accessible only by boat, getting to Rayavadee Krabi is an adventure in itself, and one that’ll take you far away from your norm and right on into the exotic.
A collection of four island resorts set along an archipelago of over a thousand islands, El Nido is a stunner of the Philippines. Whether you’re into exploring limestone cliffsides, colorful reefs, turquoise lagoons or rainforest trails, there’s something to please everyone at these eco-conscious properties.
Private residences and luxury villas are the name of the hotel game at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. Relax in your own private tropical oasis while gazing at the Indian Ocean and sipping coconut water straight from the source.
Take a deep breath and say it with us now, “I deserve a trip to the Maldives this winter.” Yep, you really, really do. In fact, we can’t imagine a better place to ring in the new year than at the private island resort of Maalifushi by COMO. Swim with manta rays and hammerhead (read: friendly) sharks in the surrounding Thaa Atoll.
Grace Bay Club on the Western side of Turks and Caicos has won numerous awards for being among the best Caribbean resorts and it’s easy to see why. A stay at this posh resort means you’ll be snoozing in a gorgeous suite or villa and relaxing at one of the best beach clubs in the Caribbean.
At Six Senses Yao Noi, you’ll wake to what can only be described as looking like a movie set. A destination so dreamy you’ll think you need to be pinched to snap back to reality, this stunning luxury resort on Thailand's Phang Nga Bay is surrounded by giant greenery-covered mountains.
If you’ve been considering a trip back to Tulum but don’t want to be around the crowds, Mayakoba is an awesome alternative. Located just between Cancun and Tulum, this luxury enclave of Quintana Roo has stunning beaches and a more quiet, exclusive feel. Tucked along the beachfront is Andaz Mayakoba, where the suites are glass-walled and look right out to the Caribbean Sea.
This ultra-luxe resort is home to multiple restaurants and bars, pool decks, lounging zones and sweet spots to watch the sunset over the surrounding turquoise waters.
For the adventure-seeking traveler, kayaking, scuba-diving, biking and snorkeling are the big to-dos of the private island Tetiaroo. Located in French Polynesia, The Brando is all luxury and pristine beaches.
Head to Turks and Caicos for a stay that’s private, luxurious and surrounded by optimal beach and reef territory. The floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor showers and timber cottages are top-notch.
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Photo by Hamilton Island Enterprises
Sure, you’ve been to a million beaches around the world, but have you been to the silica sand beaches of Whitehaven in the Whitsunday Islands? If not, you’re in for a real treat. While you can’t stay at Whitehaven, the nearest beach club with a cool, boutique hotel vibe is Hamilton Island, and we’re pretty sure you’ll love its spacious suites.
Set amongst tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches and crystalline waterfalls, Phulay Bay is a little oasis of luxury. Wander the property’s many gardens and pools, take a walk along the beach or gaze at a colorful sunset from the comfort of your chic lounge room.
New Yorkers will especially like this getaway option, as it’s just a three-hour flight from the freezing sidewalks of NYC to paradise in the Bahamas. For a stay that’s chic, beautiful and perfectly located on Cable Beach, Rosewood Baha Mar is where you’ll want to rest your head.
We’ve been searching for paradise and may very well have found it in the Philippines. A collection of sweet casitas on a strip of white sandy beach, this stunning Aman resort offers the maximum amount of island luxury.
Bali has a little something for everyone who needs to get away from winter, and this resort is one of our all-time favorites. The villas are gorgeous, some with their own private infinity pools, and the rainforest spa is probably the most relaxing place you’ll ever get a massage.
This idyllic Caribbean getaway at Parrot Cay sits on its very own private island. The villas of Parrot Cay Estate each have their own pools, verandas and private beach access, with a sophisticated home-like feel. The award-winning spa is not to be missed!
All you globetrotters out there will know that Ubud Valley is the ultimate Bali destination. Set amongst acres upon acres of rainforest, vibrant flora and wildlife, you’ll be living like a king at this Viceroy property.
Surely you won’t be thinking about the cold weather back home while you’re soaking in your private pool in the treetops of this Phuket resort. Head to Keemala for treetop luxury like no other resort can offer.
Lounge on your deck overlooking the Guanacaste Coast and Catalinas Islands, take a dip in your personal plunge pool and relax in your cozy coastal digs at Casa Chameleon. Winter will feel more than a plane ride away during your Costa Rica stay at this boutique resort.
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When high-end Italian design meets the best of the orient in Bali, you know the resort is bound to be amazing. There’s a clifftop bar, two poolside restaurants, a reflection pool and plenty of Balinese gardens to wander at Bulgari’s Bali resort.
Wash your winter worries away while taking a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean at Le Toiny. Located in the hills of St. Barth, this special tropical getaway is surrounded by coconut groves, tamarind fields and pineapple orchards.
Towering in the lush rainforested hills of Ko Samui, this Banyan Tree property is a collection of tree-top villas and oceanfront bungalows. It’s contemporary and sophisticated, surrounded by turquoise and emerald seas.
If the beaches of Fiji are the first to come to mind when you start thinking about a trip to the tropics, you’ve got to take a gander at The Wakaya Club and Spa. Not only does this luxury destination have plenty of coral reef, turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches, coconut groves, and gardens, but it has a whole golf course too.
Get lost in the 15 acres of tropical gardens at Bali’s Oberoi Hotel. Afterward, settle in with a good book on the beach or poolside while sipping a glass of bubbly and enjoying every single second of life in the sunshine.
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