Tropical destinations are in higher demand than ever and luxury resorts from the Caribbean to Mexico to the Hawaiian Islands are the ideal escapes for families and couples alike looking for a holiday celebration with tropical fair. Book your tickets and pack your beach attire for these seven incredible destinations as a last-minute excursion or to kick-off 2022.
CALIFORNIA
The Malibu Beach Inn, a five-star boutique resort positioned along a strip of coastline famously nicknamed “Billionaire’s Beach,” is a 47-guestroom property offering panoramic ocean views, coastal inspired design, and a revered art collection from owners Mani Brothers Real Estate Group. This Leading Hotels of the World and Virtuoso property is also home to CBC-Malibu (Carbon Beach Club), which serves locally sourced California cuisine, world-renowned wine selections, and cleverly crafted cocktails.
Consider ending this year with a wellness journey and welcome the next with a sense of renewal with Malibu Beach Inn’s Meditate in Malibu. The wellness journey begins upon arrival with a nutritious spread from CBC restaurant delivered to your room. Come morning, greet the day with a 45-minute session of guided meditation combined with sound or energy healing with a guru from The Mindry, a local Malibu meditation studio. When the time comes to return home, continue your journey with a complimentary bottle of CURE VITA-CE anti-aging serum. Guests can choose from two experiences: the Energy Healing and Guided Meditation or Guided Meditation with Sound Element.
Park Hyatt Aviara
Park Hyatt Aviara is a chic coastal resort situated on more than 200 lush acres in Carlsbad, California. The resort, which unveiled an enhanced look following a $50+ million property-wide transformation, is home to the Aviara Golf Club, an Arnold Palmer signature-designed golf course and location of the LPGA Kia Classic. The resort also offers immersive dining experiences at Ember & Rye (led by award-winning celebrity chef Richard Blais), Ponto Lago, serving inventive Baja California cuisine with a local influence, and the reimagined living room, named Pacific Point.
In an effort to promote holiday cheer and make spirits bright (Santa and Mrs. Claus sure look happy), Park Hyatt Aviara’s lobby will feature a spin on a classic gingerbread house design with a gingerbread village, standing roughly 5’ tall, with a charming, whimsical theme. The gingerbread village will be on display until December 27. Additionally, the resort will host a Teddy Bear Tea and gingerbread classes.
THE CARIBBEAN
A quick flight from the East Coast and with balmy weather, pink sand beaches, and miles of scenic coastline, Bermuda is an iconic tropical getaway with unexpected British charm. Rosewood Bermuda, the island’s premier ultra-luxury resort, is perfect for families looking for a warm-weather getaway this winter, with plentiful activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, golfing on the 200-acre Tucker’s Point Golf Course, or a pro-led tennis lesson.
Families traveling for the holidays can enjoy the Rosewood Explorers Club, offering a host of activities from tennis to science experiments to locally inspired arts and crafts. This festive season, guests can participate in a toy drive and caroling in partnership with the Salvation Army and a variety of celebratory events from a Winter Beach BBQ with entertainment from the island’s own DJ Felix to festive tunes from Mike Hind on Christmas Eve and a four-course Christmas Day lunch at the Island Brasserie. For those staying through the New Year, celebrations include a family-friendly New Year’s Eve gala dinner at the Island Brasserie with performances from Mike Hind and Steve Crawford, or an adults-only party at Sul Verde, with DJ Felix, Jesse Seymour and Silver City. Start off the New Year with the first swim of the season at the annual Tucker’s Point Plunge, followed by a warm cocktails and a beachside barbecue.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay, BVI
Escape to an enchanting Caribbean hideaway this holiday season at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, BVI. Guests who book the property’s Holiday in Paradise package can enjoy festivities ranging from sunset dining and rum tasting, to a New Year’s Eve beach party and more. The festivities kick off on December 13 with the lighting of the resort’s grand Christmas tree and continue throughout the month with activities including the unveiling of a model gingerbread house of the resort’s Pavilion. Following a four-year renovation that was unveiled in early 2020, Rosewood Little Dix Bay is consistently recognized among the world’s most renowned resorts. Facilities and amenities include 81 ultra-luxury accommodations, each featuring direct views and access to the beach along with dedicated butler service; four open-air dining outlets, a cliffside spa, six tennis courts and two pools. During the festive season and year-round, the resort is home to a robust list of ongoing programming offerings including the Rosewood’s Explorers program, that offers a range of fun-filled activities for younger guests making this kid-friendly Caribbean resort a superb destination for families. The resort also offers access to destination activities including full-day or half-day sail on a luxury catamaran, beach drops, snorkeling trips, hiking trails, and more.
HAWAII
Situated on the south shore of the Garden Isle, there is perhaps no better place to take in jaw-dropping views on vacation than at The Lodge at Kukui’ula in Kauai, Hawaii. From the comforts of a private Club Cottage, Club Bungalow or Club Villa, guests will find views of the legendary Spouting Horn framed by the lush, tropical landscape, and white sanded beaches without having to leave their lanai. With close proximity to Poipu Beach Park, Na Pali Coast (think Jurassic Park!) and Waimea Canyon (“Grand Canyon of the Pacific”), The Lodge at Kukui’ula is a gateway to some of the most stunning views in the world. The Lodge at Kukui‘ula on the stunning island of Kauai is comprised of luxury residential accommodations, located at the entrance to The Club at Kukui‘ula. The Lodge Homes include Club Cottages, Club Bungalows and Club Villas, that offer one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom options with room for the entire family to gather. Each well-appointed home boasts generous living spaces, gourmet kitchens, dining areas, spacious lānai, private outdoor garden showers, and are within walking distance to The Club.
This year, holiday programming highlights include a Christmas fair and festival, parade of lights, Christmas Eve buffet dinner featuring a visit from Santa, and one of their most popular golf event of the year, Glow Golf, taking place on December 29. Full holiday line up available here.
MEXICO
Perfect for a holiday getaway, Los Cabos allows travelers to escape to 80-degree weather and miles of sandy coastline – the best part being that the destination is a quick direct flight from major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and NYC. Christmas at the luxurious Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort is perfect for families looking for a warm-weather getaway filled with unique adventures and bespoke holiday programming.
Throughout the holiday season, guests can expect the resort to transform into a holiday wonderland with festive treats for all ages, including a special Christmas Eve dinner, a traditional celebration for Santa’s arrival and a complete Explorer’s Club program featuring kids’ activities such as decorating gingerbread houses, watching movies under the stars and painting traditional Mexican ceramics. On December 31, a celebratory bash will take place along the expansive Las Ventanas beach with festive live music, dancing and dining under the stars, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Just 45 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport, Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos features 141 guest rooms including 23 suites, five dining experiences, and six expansive pools. It is the first resort to open within the thousand-acre exclusive resort community of Costa Palmas, which offers Four Seasons guests and residents a Robert Trent Jones II designed 18-hole golf course and 18-acres of organic farm and orchards.
The ultra-luxury beachfront property welcomes family and friends through an array of curated experiences and culinary programming ahead of the holidays. The programming pays tribute to Mother Nature’s four elements: water, earth, air, and fire beginning December 21, 2021 through January 1, 2022. Guests will be treated to four nights of live dinner performances, each honoring one natural element through a hybrid show of acrobatics, circus, and dance. Executive Chef Fabio Quarta will be serving a four-course menu mirroring the them at the property’s award-winning restaurant Casa de Brasa.
KEEP EXPLORING
For more warm weather escapes, read “5 Must-Do Activities in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii” and “From Reef to Rainforest: Explore Belize.”
Image Credits: Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort.