By Donna Heiderstadt, Fodor’s Travel
As we reach the final months of the year, the idea of a winter getaway to somewhere sunny—the Caribbean, Mexico, the Pacific—sounds sweeter and sweeter. But maybe the thought of shelling out big bucks for an overseas flight stops you cold or perhaps your passport has expired. No problem. Pick one of these seven warm-weather destinations (some might surprise you) that don’t require a passport soaking up the sunshine.
HAWAII
HAWAII
Why: It’s as exotic as you can get domestically and there’s a range of stays, from family friendly to romantic five-star—most offering discounted rates through December 20. Plus, Hawaii has year-round sunshine and five major islands, each with a very different vibe: Oahu, home to bustling Honolulu, legendary Waikiki Beach, and award-winning restaurants such as Alan Wong’s; Maui, famous for Kaanapali and Wailea, the secluded hamlet of Hana, and rugged Haleakala (a dormant 10,023-foot-high volcano); Kauai, with it’s photogenic green peaks, dramatic Napali Coast trails, and Old Hawaii vibes; Hawaii, the Big Island, where adventure reigns in Volcanoes National Park, atop 13,803-foot Mauna Kea and on night dives with giant manta rays; and sleepy Lanai, which lures travelers in search of relaxation and golf.
Where to Stay: On Oahu, for a romantic splurge, book historic The Royal Hawaiian (from $350/night). On Maui, the Fairmont Kea Lani in upscale Wailea is an oasis of relaxation (from $529/night), while the recently renovated Makena Beach & Golf Resort is set just away from the island’s bustle (from $229/night). On Kauai, enjoy stunning sunsets at the modern Sheraton Kauai Resort in Poipu (from $219/night) or book the St. Regis Princeville Resort for a five-star setting on picturesque Hanalei Bay (from $465/night). On the Big Island, try the recently renovated Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay (from $169/night). And on Lanai, choose between Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay on the beach (from $397/night) and the upcountry charm of Four Seasons Resort Lodge at Koele (from $329/night).
Insider Tip: Interisland flights are relatively cheap (as little as $69) and quick (25-45 minutes), so divide your time between two islands. Three combos: Oahu and Maui (for spas and dining); Kauai and the Big Island (for hiking and history); and Maui and Lanai (for golf and luxury).
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Why: It’s a three-island playground—and one of the US Virgin Islands will be a perfect match for your vacation style. You can enjoy shopping, dining, and spa-ing on St. Thomas, home to the vibrant capital, Charlotte Amalie; laidback eco-tourism or romantic luxury on idyllic St. John with its crescent beaches and national parks (one is even underwater); or historic charm on St. Croix, with its Danish heritage and rum culture. Yes, it’s the Caribbean with all of its great snorkel spots and exotic allure, but the US flag flies and dollars are the local currency.
Where to Stay: Two options on St. Thomas are the elegant Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas with its serene views of neighboring St. John (from $639/night), and the recently renovated and centrally located Marriott Frenchman’s Reef & Morningstar Beach Resorts (from $259/night). On St. John, couples will love the updated wood-and-stone decor and seven secluded beaches of Caneel Bay Resort (from $539/night), while eco-conscious travelers should opt for the secluded Concordia Eco Resort (from $205/night). And on St. Croix, The Buccaneer mixes colonial architecture with 300 acres of relaxation (from $360/night) while the Renaissance St. Croix Carambola Beach Resort & Spa offers seclusion and great golf (from $237/night).
Insider Tip: If you crave the quiet of St. John or the quaintness of St. Croix but want to spend a day indulging in duty free shopping in Charlotte Amalie, hop a ferry from Cruz Bay on St. John or a seaplane flight from Christiansted on St. Croix.
MIAMI
MIAMI
Why: It’s fun—in so many new-and-improved ways, from the nonstop revelry of South Beach to the recent burst in its restaurant scene. In Miami, you can chill out on the beach or by the pool, treat yourself to a spa treatment, dine at top restaurants like CATCH Miami (creative modern Asian), Michy’s (Latin-meets-Mediterranean), and Yardbird Southern Table & Bar (deep-fried decadence); take an architectural walking tour to appreciate the city’s Art Deco pedigree; or discover the art scene at the edgy Rubell Family Collection and eclectic Margulies Collection at the Warehouse.
Where to Stay: Do you want to party or be pampered? For the former, book a room in a renovated Art Deco hotel in South Beach, like the Surfcomber Miami, South Beach (from $260/night) and The James Royal Palm (from $449/night). To luxuriate at a lower decibel level, opt for a downtown hotel, like the sophisticated Mandarin Oriental Miami (from $499/night).
Insider Tip: While downtown Miami and South Beach are not very family friendly, laidback Key Biscayne is. With its bike paths and beaches, it’s an ideal playground for kids who love to swim, cycle, and interact with nature—and you’ll enjoy the luxurious amenities of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami (from $369/night).
PALM SPRINGS
PALM SPRINGS
Why here: No destination mixes mid-century-mod hipster ambience and contemporary chic quite like Palm Springs, where iconic architecture, desert panoramas, and a cool pool culture make it a great (and often surprisingly affordable) spot for a getaway. Carve out time to ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for stellar views over the entire desert and a visit the Living Desert Palm Springs for its mix of native flora and fauna. Plus, the food scene is on fire—try Birba for modern pizza and pasta, Workshop Kitchen + Bar for seasonal menus and strong cocktails, Purple Palm for great people watching, and The Sandwich Spot for yummy sandwiches on amazing bread. In the intense midday heat, you’ll want to hang by your hotel pool, and the one at the Ace Hotel comes equipped with hilarious floaties and bar service all day.
Where to Stay: This desert playground is home to everything from sprawling resorts to quirky boutique hotels. We like: Ace Hotel and Swim Club for its 1960s vintage vibe and party atmosphere (from $139/night), Alcazar Palm Springs for its sleek white décor and great rates (from $119/night), and Colony Palms Hotel for its historic glamour (it was a favorite of Hollywood stars from the 1930s to 1960s) and vibrant mosaic-tile décor (from $229/night).
Insider Tip: When you get a craving to indulge in dessert, head to Over the Rainbow Cupcakes to sample the day’s made-from-scratch sweet treats.
Read the full article by Donna Heiderstadt from Fodor’s Travel.
