If the dark-at-5 pm doldrums are already setting in, grab your sunscreen, kaftan, protective sun hat, and fly like the hummingbirds to a warmer locale. See you in paradise.
Grand Cayman Island
Trip Highlights:
Swim with the stingrays, explore the island’s famed Crystal Caves, and adventure out to the Cayman Turtle Center to learn about the island’s native green sea turtles.
Stay at:
Grand Cayman Marriott on iconic Seven Mile Beach. Rooms come with nautical decor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private balconies, perfect for morning coffee.
Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Trip Highlights:
The Grenadines island of Bequia (pronounced Bek-way) is often called ‘the island in the clouds.’ Pristine beaches (including Princess Margaret Beach), see-to-the-bottom waters, clear skies, and snorkeling are the big draw here.
Stay at:
Hugging the island’s turquoise coastline, The Liming Bequia, is composed of villas and junior suites, replete with private terraces and hot tubs. For ultimate indulgence, book the five-bedroom Gingerlily Mansion House.
Curacao, ABC Islands
Trip Highlights:
One of the ABC islands, Curacao is known most for its colorful buildings, unique architecture, and azure waters. Take a historic city tour, or snorkel at the site of a sunken tug boat alongside sea turtles and parrot fish.
Stay at:
For a romantic stay, head to the 23-room, Baoase Luxury Resort. Built around an 80-year-old Banyan Tree, the Balinese-inspired property features hand-chosen furnishings and art; many rooms come with their own private plunge pools.
Rosemary Beach, Florida
Trip Highlights:
Known for its turquoise waters and stretches of white sand, Rosemary Beach, on Florida’s Panhandle, uniquely features a cobbled-stone downtown and distinctive architecture.
Stay at:
Easy to spot by its signature black-and-white awnings and turrets, The Pearl recently completed a refresh of its 55 rooms, for a chic coastal vibe. Lounge on your own private beach and end the day in the hotel’s speakeasy-style, adults-only lounge.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Trip Highlights:
To really turn winter on its head, fly yourself down to Rio. December to March is summer in Brazil, with average temperatures ranging in the 90sF.
Stay at:
The iconic Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel — forever immortalized in the film Flying Down to Rio — is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2023. Dine in the hotel’s two Michelin star restaurants: Ristorante Hotel Cipriani ( Italian) or MEE Restaurant (pan-Asian). Stay on the hotel’s 6th floor and be privy to the ‘secret black pool.’
