Where To Go If You’d Rather The Sun, Not Slopes, This Winter

Getaways

Jan 12

Easing international travel restrictions mean that we can once again travel to exotic destinations this winter. If you delight in sipping drinks fireside after hitting the slopes, you’re going to want to check out our piece on apres-ski culture instead. But if you’d much rather a bikini, white sand and cocktails in coconuts, this list is for you. From the jungles of the Yucatán to the jagged fjords of Oman and the Jacaranda-lined streets of Buenos Aires, these getaways will warm you up from the inside out.

Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Tourists flock to the well-known beaches of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, but the densely jungled interior of the Yucatan peninsula is a hidden paradise. Begin your journey in Merida, where crumbling colonial mansions have been given new lives as shops, cafes, and boutique hotels. 90 minutes to the west, marvel at tens of thousands of flamingos which congregate at the Celestun Biosphere Reserve during their winter mating season. An hour south, explore the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, and swim in cenotes - freshwater swimming holes formed millions of years ago by the impact of the meteor that killed the dinosaurs. Yep, that meteor.

Suitest suggestion: Fly into slower-paced Merida instead of the bustling Cancun airport, then rent a car to explore the area which is widely considered one of the safest in Mexico.

Photos from Coqui Coqui, the tubs photographed by @chelsaeanne & the above from @luumhideaways

Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Still under-the-radar, but not for long, billionaires and resort developers alike are betting on Canouan being the next St. Barts. The island is smaller than five square miles, with a crescent-shaped beach stretching along half of it. Privacy is the draw here; it's not uncommon to run into royalty or celebrities — or at least see their boats here. Although the island’s runway has been extended to accommodate commercial aircraft, most visitors prefer to arrive via private jet or yacht (hair toss).

Suitest suggestion: Channel your inner Jack Sparrow and charter a catamaran for a day trip to picnic at the nearby uninhabited Tobago Cays, where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed.

Photos from the Mandarin Oriental and @discoverwithmichelle

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dubbed the “Paris of the South,” Argentina’s capital city is a lively hub of art and culture. During the day, stroll through Tres de Febrero Park to the recently-revamped Galileo Galilei Planetarium, built on the site of the first football match played in Argentina. Late-night, duck into Bar Los Laureles to enjoy live music and watch the locals dance in one of the city’s OG Tango bars. If you’re eager to hit the dance floor yourself, check out La Catedral. The former dairy factory now houses an eclectic, vibey dance venue offering daily tango lessons and vegetarian grub.

Suitest suggestion: Reserve a seat at a puerta cerrada, meaning “closed door” - a type of pop-up restaurant hosted in the chef’s home. Casa Felix, Casa Coupage, and Casa Saltshaker are some of the more well-known venues.

Musandam Peninsula, Oman

Just a few hours’ drive from Dubai, Oman’s northern landscape is, in many ways, the exact opposite of what you’d expect to find in the Middle East. Yes, the climate is arid and rocky, but the area is nicknamed the “Norway of the Middle East'' because of the jagged fjords that descend into aquamarine water. Between January and March, a 45-minute speedboat ride will deposit you at a dive site where you can see eye-to-eye with whale sharks migrating from the southern bay of Oman to the Straits of Hormuz.

Suitest suggestion: Guests of Six Senses, Zighy Bay can select how to arrive at the property - via jeep, speedboat, or strapped to the resort’s paraglider. We know which we’d choose!

Jaipur, India

The salmon-colored buildings of the Rajasthani capital signify one of the three corners of India’s golden triangle that also includes Agra and Delhi. Once you’ve tired of exploring the numerous ornate palaces and castles, reserve a morning safari in Jhalana Leopard Reserve, the best place in India to see the spotted cats in the wild. In the afternoon, re-energize during “high chai” at the newly-opened Johri Hotel, a haven of understated opulence tucked within the city’s famed jewelry bazaar. If you’re inspired to learn more about the artistry and cultural significance of jewelry in India, pay a visit to the Amrapali Museum.

Suitest suggestion: Plan your visit to coincide with the annual kite festival held each January 14, when thousands of colorful kites dot the skies over Jaipur to celebrate the end of the winter solstice, according to the Hindu calendar.

Lamu, Kenya

Largely unspoiled by mass tourism, Lamu island is a time capsule that easily enchants visitors with its slow-paced lifestyle. Donkeys and traditional dhow boats are the most popular forms of transport around the island, where days begin with the melodic Muslim call to prayer echoing from more than 30 mosques, and end with sundowners at a floating bar. UNESCO considers Lamu Old Town to be the oldest and most well-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, while Shela beach is home to a large European expat community and caters to a bohemian crowd.

Suitest suggestion: Although only a 45-minute walk or 5-minute boat ride apart, each side of the island offers a unique experience. For a true taste of local living, spend a few nights in each.

Ahangama, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s southwest coast is a mecca for surfers of all levels. Beginners flock to the gentle waves of Weligama, but we like to get away from the crowds at nearby Ahangama. Here, sandy-bottomed swells right off the beach are the perfect spot to gain confidence in the sport, while nearby reef breaks cater to more advanced surfers. Several surf schools offer seven-day surf and yoga retreats, including lodging, meals, yoga and surf lessons, and equipment, so all you need to do is show up. Check out Dreamsea, Kima, or Soul & Surf.

Suitest suggestion: When you’re surfed-out (if that’s even possible!) plan an overnight stay to visit elephants, leopards, and crocodiles in Yala National Park, two hours northwest of Ahangama.

Photography @jullie.jeine & @sabrina_schmid

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Jillianne Pierce

Jillianne Pierce is a writer passionate about connecting cultures and promoting sustainability in travel + lifestyle. She lives in Orlando, Florida with her pilot husband and their very talkative cat.