For travelers who are day-dreaming about escaping the cold, here are some steamy spots perfect for soaking up the sun:
Switzerland
While Switzerland is known for its fabulous winter offerings, it's also a great destination for those who enjoy warmer weather in the winter. Just a few miles from the Italian border on the Switzerland side of Lake Maggiore (a quieter alternative to Lake Como) sits Ascona, the perfect destination for a warm weather winter vacation. Ascona boasts colorful cafe-filled streets dotted with palm trees and the Alps towering in the background. With elegant villas, exquisite restaurants and luxurious boutiques, the town is a truly magical place where travelers can experience year-round warm weather and unparalleled scenic views.
Located right on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Ascona is Hotel Eden Roc, a charming Mediterranean-inspired resort. Featuring a private beach and yacht harbor, guests can relax by the lake in style enjoying boating and watersports, four outstanding restaurants, including Michelin-starred La Brezza, and a 21,528 square-foot Spa and Wellness center. Travelers can spend their days taking a stroll through the Botanical Gardens on the Brissago Islands, jetting around the lake on one of Eden Roc’s two Riva boats, visiting Terreni all Maggia's northernmost rice fields in the world, relaxing with a spa treatment, and more.
Chile
Winter in the US is a fabulous time to visit Chile as it's their Summer season, and temperatures are warm with plenty of sunshine. In Santiago, travelers can catch beautiful, blooming flowers and visit vineyards and plenty of historical sites. Explorers can take a stroll through Chile's largest farmers market La Vega Centra, the city's Fine Arts Museum and Bellavista, the bohemian artsy center of the city, as well as a walk to the top of San Cristobal Hill to take in the panoramic sites of the city. Other popular activities during this time of year include wine tastings at both local wineries, such as Barrica 94, and vineyards just outside the city in the Casablanca and Maipo Valleys.
Before or after a visit to Santiago, travelers can spend some time in Patagonia to enjoy the summer weather with an Overland Jeep Safari from Quasar Expeditions. With activities such as hiking, trekking, kayaking, horseback riding, and navigations across lakes and fjords, travelers can explore Patagonia in the comfort and privacy of their very own Jeep Wrangler. After exciting days zipping around beautiful Patagonia in their Jeeps, guests can unwind with a relaxing spa treatment, delicious meal and luxurious room at some of the area's top hotels and lodges. Travelers get to experience both outdoor adventure and comfort, enjoying South America's summer season in style.
Malaysia
Malaysia is the perfect destination for travelers looking to enjoy hot weather during winter in the US, with tropical climates averaging in the 80s F year-round. Pangkor Laut Resort, nestled alongside the Straits of Malacca and located three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia, is a haven for travelers looking to escape the winter. The paradise wonderland weaves together natural beauty as the resort is surrounded by beaches and glowing evening sunsets, giving off a vibe of serenity and relaxation.
The private island has been two million years in the making, and the resort features 143 chic private rooms that perfectly compliment its romantic surroundings and clear turquoise waters. Guests can spend their days lounging on the private beaches, unwinding with a spa treatment, delighting in a traditional meal, and relaxing on their balcony taking in the unique sounds of macaque monkeys in the background while enjoying glorious sea views.
Serengeti, Tanzania
The temperature heats up doing the summer season at Singita’s Serengeti House, located in the western corridor of Tanzania’s magical Serengeti National Park. With average temperatures of 95°F during the summer season (December — February) and the 72°F during the winter season (June — August), guests will delight in the 25 meter lap pool, the perfect place to cool off after an exciting day spent out in the field.
Set on the slopes of Sasakwa Hill guests at Singita Serengeti House will enjoy in the refined comforts of the classic safari retreat. From its position high on Sasakwa Hill guests can watch all forms of wildlife, from the majestic migration of wildebeests across the wide-open Serengeti planes to the daily activities at the nearby watering hole. Singita Serengeti House is fully staffed, complete with private chef and staff to cater to the discerning travelers every whim. Also included at Serengeti House are a private tennis court, lap pool, and more.
Fregate Island, The Seychelles
The Seychelles are comprised of 115 islands that enjoy a tropical climate all year round. The islands rarely exceed 91 degrees during the day and does not drop below 72 degrees at night, making them a suitable temperature to enjoy all that the great outdoors have to offer.
Fregate Island is one of the most revered hideaways in the Seychelles, offering the privacy and seclusion with 17 beautifully crafted villas throughout pristine nature. Each villa has its own infinity pool for guests to enjoy swimming in during the warm days. Adventurers can also enjoy the island’s seven beaches and water activities such as scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling and boating. In addition to be a luxury getaway, Fregate Island is a conservation sanctuary fully dedicated to sustainability and guests can participate in hands-on experiences such as cultivating sea coral and assisting in turtle hatchlings.
South Africa
South Africa has typical weather for the Southern Hemisphere, with the coldest days being in June–August. December through March in South Africa the climate and temperatures are pleasant and just warm enough with temperatures averaging around low 70° F. Urban cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg or safari regions like the Kalahari are all excellent South African destinations to enjoy during this time of the year to escape the cold.
The ultimate hotel experiences in South Africa celebrating native culture and traditions are Ellerman House in Cape Town, The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa in Johannesburg, and Tswalu Kalahari in Northern Cape. Ellerman House is an iconic hotel located in Cape Town showcasing the best in South African culture through art, wine, and food. The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa is an 5-star, all-suite hotel emulating the essence of the city and country with a property that is a unique blend of rich, cultural history with contemporary touches throughout. Tswalu Kalahari is the largest privately-owned game reserve in South Africa with the highest standards of comfort, aesthetics, design and service and a world-class conservation initiative, where research is integrated into every part of the experience.
Acapulco, Mexico
Hot all year round, Acapulco offers a warm getaway for those looking to switch it up in the fall. Acapulco offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, including beaches, Mezcal tasting tours and a variety of culinary experiences.
After days of exploring Acapulco, travelers can relax at Villas Leo. Villas Leo features 11 bedrooms, an infinity pool with view of Acapulco Bay, outdoor straw huts, and a large outdoor bar. Additionally, the property is fully staffed with a house manager, concierge, chef, barman, waitress, housekeeper, driver, and gated security. The property is available for rent through luxury property and travel club, THIRDHOME.