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Our Favorite Beach Resorts for a Winter Escape in 2023

Nothing cures the winter doldrums like a few days of sand and sea. Whether you’re dreaming of the soft, salty breezes of the Atlantic, the aquamarine waters and pastel-hued sunsets of the Caribbean, or the lush terrain of somewhere further afield—like Belize or the Maldives—we’ve rounded up our favorite beach resorts for a winter escape in the months ahead.

Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer for assistance planning a winter beach resort vacation. Our team can match you with the accommodations and activities that are right for you. For further inspiration, explore our curated list of Indagare’s favorite destinations for all kinds of winter vacations: Best Winter Vacation Ideas for 2023.

CARIBBEAN BEACH RESORTS FOR WINTER

Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla

On a mile-long, white-sand beach that curves gracefully along Maundays Bay, Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel is a perennial top choice for Indagare members seeking a winter beach resort. Guests here sleep in whitewashed Moorish-style buildings, whose domes and archways give the entire resort an ethereal vibe. Days can be spent beachside, under the white umbrellas or in the calm waters offshore. The lack of strong waves mean that even though Cap Juluca is uber-romantic (and popular with couples), it’s also a favorite for families. Other activities include water sports, sailing, tennis courts and a spa. Four restaurants on property (plus an adorable vintage food truck by the beach) mean there are always options for meals,  but we particularly love Pimm’s for Caribbean-fresh seafood and the chic Cip’s by Cipriani for Italian. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

A part of the sprawling, 1,200-acre Canouan Estate, the luxe Mandarin Oriental, Canouan commands the perfect location on Canouan: a quiet curve of lush hillside that looks out over the pristine sands of Godahl Beach. The 33-suite and villa property is undeniably cutting-edge and contemporary, yet its glossy newness is tastefully balanced with elegant European design. On-property amenities include a sleek infinity pool and three-tier terrace, two white-sand beaches, three restaurants (and two more at Canouan Estate), a boutique and a spa that's built into the cliff side and accessed by a funicular. Guests of the hotel also have access to all of Canouan Estate’s amenities, which include the tennis courts, Kids’ Club and Jim Fazio–designed golf course, considered one of the best in the Caribbean. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Related: Indagare Index: Top 10 Beach Resorts

Jumby Bay, Antigua

Set on a pristine private island off the coast of Antigua, Jumby Bay is home to lavish suites, villas and estate homes, strung like precious pearls along white-sand beaches, manicured garden paths and turquoise waters. Jumby Bay occupies much of the island’s west coast, where a large swimming pool, tennis courts and a beach restaurant and bar are situated. There are no cars here (guests drive around its 300 acres on one-speed bikes and golf carts), which contributes an air of timelessness and seclusion, and makes it much beloved by families. Kids feel independent and parents can relax. The water is shallow and calm, ideal for little ones. While the setting is indeed gorgeous, it’s the easygoing, friendly vibe that sets Jumby Bay apart as one of the top Caribbean getaways for a beach resort in the winter. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos

COMO Parrot Cay is exclusive (located on its own cay, a 35-minute boat ride from Provo), and the resort evokes the castaway beach feel more readily associated with resorts in the Maldives or Bali. To many, this property epitomizes what drew people to Turks and Caicos in the first place. Legendary hotelier Christina Ong dreamed up COMO Parrot Cay, which opened in 1998, as a place of understated elegance, where luxury is about lounging on a muslin-draped daybed, or getting hooked on daily yoga lessons at COMO Shambhala and sampling ultra-fresh seafood in bare feet. To really get the COMO Parrot Cay experience, it’s worth splurging on one of the freestanding beach houses or villas, as they offer more privacy, more space and direct access to the glorious sand beach that snakes around the island like a white velvet ribbon. The same minimalist aesthetic prevails in the spacious bedrooms and soaring living rooms. Most units have a wonderful screened-in patio, outdoor shower and a small plunge pool, and the freestanding beach houses come with butler service. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Eden Rock – St Barth’s

In 1951, Rémy de Haenen, who is considered the father of St. Barth’s (and was its first mayor), bought this hilly point. He was the first person to land a plane on the island in 1945, and legend has it that he was greeted by a herd of goats. De Haenen built his home on the highest point of the outcropping, and it later became the island’s first hotel, hosting people like Baron Rothschild, David Rockefeller, Brigitte Bardot, Howard Hughes and Greta Garbo. In 1995, the hotel was sold to David and Jane Matthews, who decided to transform the neglected property from a quirky guesthouse into a 21st-century resort to rival the best in the world. With many expansions and renovations, as well as reconstructions in response to the devastation of Hurricane Irma, Eden Rock now features 37 rooms, suites and villas (with the most palatial accommodations being Villa Nina and Villa Rockstar), as well as one of the island’s top restaurants: Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Sand Bar. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort is a sprawling, luxurious oceanfront resort with 59 villas, eight beachfront bungalows and 11 Sugar Mill rooms. Nestled in the valley between St. Lucia’s iconic Piton Mountains, the resort enjoys the most picturesque and historically rich piece of real estate on St. Lucia, and perhaps in all of the Caribbean. Situated at the base of the island’s volcano, this UNESCO World Heritage site features more than 100 acres of lush tropical rainforest and the only white-sand beach in the surrounding area, bordered by a National Marine Preserve just offshore. Deeply rooted in its heritage, Sugar Beach evokes an almost spiritual atmosphere unlike anything else in the Caribbean. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Rosewood Baha Mar, Bahamas

More than 10 years in the making, the 1,000-acre, $4.2 billion Baha Mar development, which opened in 2018, is the Bahamas’ shiny new Emerald City. There is a Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course, a water park and dozens of restaurants, but the real reason to stay here is the Rosewood Baha Mar, the complex’s most luxurious property. Guests of the Rosewood are pampered in quiet seclusion from the rest of Baha Mar, which is reachable by a two-minute walk along the beach. With an elegant spa and several superb restaurants, the resort-within-a-resort benefits from all the amenities at Baha Mar; however, Rosewood guests can easily while away several days within its confines, exploring multiple pools (each surrounded by magenta flowers and peppered with overwater cabanas fit for royalty) or relaxing at the Costa restaurant, which rests on Maldives-inspired overwater villas and serves elevated Mexican cuisine and excellent margaritas. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Related: Indagare Caribbean Islands Matchmaker: The Best Caribbean Islands for Every Traveler

UNITED STATES BEACH RESORTS FOR WINTER

Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Miami, Florida

Twenty minutes north of Miami Beach on a beautiful stretch of nine acres of Atlantic coastline sits the storied Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, which offers the perfect blend of top-notch service and fresh, modern accommodations. The property has been around since the 1930s, when it was the holiday haunt of Elizabeth Taylor, Winston Churchill and Harvey Firestone, among others. Its latest incarnation (the hotel reopened in 2017) hits all the right notes for travelers seeking relaxation, delicious culinary options and lush surroundings. For guests looking for a more secluded experience, the hotel has five cabana studios with lanais, as well as their own dedicated pool. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Related: Top Tables Miami

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Big Island, Hawaii

As you pass through the Mauna Lani gates, the property’s sense of place is immediately juxtaposed against the surrounding natural landscape: vast collections of deep-black volcanic rock lie side-by-side a well-kept golf course, while the coastline greets the hotel’s manicured entryway. The newly renovated resort has kept the bones of the original, with its 29 oceanfront acres, two golf courses, tennis courts, an indoor and outdoor spa and a year-round children’s camp, while the fresh design’s attractive interiors combine Japanese minimalism with breezy, island vibes. There is a beach, but the sand is a combination of soft sand and rocks. Once you pass the rocky entry, however, the water is pleasant and comparatively calm enough for wading or paddle boarding. Guests can also enjoy the family-friendly pool or the adults-only pool for a refreshing dip. Activities on-property are creative and cultural, ranging from sunset catamaran sails to coconut frond-weaving and rock running. The Hale I’ike Sense of Place is a Hawaiian culture immersion activity that shouldn’t be missed by anyone fascinated by cultural exploration, and the Malama Honu Turtle Program has a sustainability focus, designed to spread awareness for endangered sea turtles through education and conservation practice. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Big Island, Hawaii

The ultimate luxury resort on the Big Island, the swanky Four Seasons Resort Hualalai complex is itself a destination. All accommodations also have roomy outdoor spaces, whether it’s a patio, terrace or outdoor shower hugged in lava rock. The resort’s clever footprint snakes along the tip of the 865-acre Hualalai development—it blends beautifully into the lushly landscaped grounds, which surround the property’s different pools (with breezy, blue-and-white canvas cabanas), and 13 on-property ponds that were lovingly restored and restocked by on-site naturalist David Chai. Don’t miss King’s Pond, where some 3,000 reef fish, representing 65 species, mingle, making it a fabulous place for kids to test their snorkeling skills in a controlled environment. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

MEXICO BEACH RESORTS FOR WINTER

Rosewood Mayakobá, Riviera Maya

The Rosewood Mayakobá sits within a high-end gated community that is also home to a championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. Water is the main theme here, as the restaurants, three pools and reception areas are located around a lagoon, and the 128 suites follow a network of canals bordered by mangroves. What are referred to as “suites” are, in most cases, generously sized freestanding villas built with indigenous materials such as limestone and native woods. All Rosewood Mayakobá suites come with private plunge pools and rooftop patios or a private garden. The best rooms are those closest to the beach, as the property is sprawling. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Hotel Esencia, Riviera Maya

Hotel Esencia, which sits hidden down a dirt road and through a jungle in between Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Tulum, is a discreet, one-of-a-kind, 43-room barefoot-luxury resort—formerly the estate of an Italian duchess. The spacious rooms and suites are scattered in small whitewashed cottages throughout the jungle, each furnished simply with floor-to-ceiling doors that slide open to a terrace. Expansive bathrooms stretch outdoors as well, with private plunge pools, and some have outdoor showers. Families should book the three-bedroom villa or one of the two two-bedroom cottages, which come with their own full-size pool as well as living and dining spaces. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos

The standout feature of One&Only Palmilla is that it offers access to one of the few swimmable beaches in Cabo—but the setting is also beautiful: adobe Mission-style buildings on 25 lushly planted acres house 174 large, lavish guest suites, all of which overlook the sparkling Sea of Cortez and are outfitted with handmade furniture from Guadalajara. Part family-friendly enclave, part indulgent adult playground, One&Only Palmilla maintains a delicate balance between laid-back and über-chic, mostly thanks to the welcoming and caring staff. The property was built around a traditional Mexican hacienda, complete with a whitewashed chapel and bell tower dating back to 1956. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Rosewood Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Los Cabos

Las Ventanas al Paraíso, meaning “the windows to paradise,” is an iconic, romantic resort that lives up to its hype. Sleek, chic and undeniably sexy, the Rosewood resort has 71 sumptuous guest suites, most of which are housed in seven three-story buildings with balconies spilling over with pink bougainvillea. All are huge (the smallest is 960 square feet) and some come with outdoor showers, private plunge pools, rooftop patios and al fresco Jacuzzis. Details throughout are exquisite and, for the most part, handmade in Mexico, including beautiful pebble-inlaid floors and headboards and wrought-iron accents. Thirteen luxury villas have their own infinity pools, massive bathrooms with outdoor showers and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass bedroom and living room doors that can be utilized to make the entire villa open-air. The most recent addition to the villa repertoire is the Ty Warner Mansion, unveiled in June 2016, with its prime beachfront position and more than 28,000 square feet—and it includes a 328-foot-long beachfront infinity pool that wraps around the front of the property. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Related: Indagare Picks: The Most Romantic Hotels in the World

Cuixmala, Jalisco

The late billionaire Sir James Goldsmith bought this 25,000-acre parcel of pristine Pacific Coast just to the south of Costa Careyes and fashioned his own private reserve (complete with zebras) that is now a lavish hotel, with three unique villas and nine casitas, as well as the standout main building, Casa Cuixmala, which offers individual hotel rooms. Emulating a Moorish castle, this improbable structure on Mexico’s rugged Pacific coast is a sight to behold. Every part of Cuixmala is so tasteful and fun, and yet so unusual and unexpected. The massive building is set on the cliffside, with a pool down on the beach, and there are endless alfresco entertainments on offer. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit

This jungle-meets-beach retreat opened in November 2020, and instantly became a hit with Indagare members. Two beach clubs and five dreamy pools—each in a gorgeous setting—mean there is ample space for lounging. (Plus, every villa or treehouse has its own private plunge pool.) But there is also plenty of opportunity for adventure, and anyone who gets easily bored sunbathing can enjoy horseback riding at a world-class equestrian center, surfing, kayaking, zip-lining through the dense canopy or hiking to see 500-year-old trees, Pre-Columbian petroglyphs and crocodiles. Kids love the massive OnlyKids club, inspired by Neverland and created by an Oscar-winning set director, while parents appreciate the soothing spa with multiple treatment casitas and a temazcal dome. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Related: The Best Yachting Destinations in the Caribbean to Book Now

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA BEACH RESORTS FOR WINTER

Matachica, Belize

Named after a particularly elegant species of petite palm tree, Matachica has grown over the years to include 31 thatched-roof bungalows, all just steps away from the warm, calm water of the Caribbean Sea. Each bungalow features white walls, mosaic tiling and art collected from around the world. Families with older children (the minimum age requirement is 14) or couples traveling together will appreciate the 1,700-square-foot, two-bedroom villa with a kitchenette that’s also available. Conveniently located just a 15-minute boat ride from San Pedro, Matachica is an elegant retreat for relaxation and indulgence. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Turtle Inn, Belize

From Francis Ford Coppola and his daughter Sofia, Turtle Inn is a Robinson Crusoe–style island hideout fit for royalty, with 19 thatched-roof, Bali-inspired villas and cottages that range from 600 to 1,500 square feet. The laid-back atmosphere is the real luxury at Turtle Inn. Craving coconut water? One of the beach attendants will scurry up a nearby palm for a coconut, hack a hole in the top and stick a straw in it for you. Guests relax in hammocks strung up between palm trees. And as you’d expect from Coppola, a celebrated winemaker as well as a celebrated moviemaker, the Italian-inspired restaurant does not disappoint and features wonderful wines from his Napa vineyard. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Related: The Benefits of Going Private

Bahia Vik & Playa Vik, José Ignacio, Uruguay

These sister properties bring museum-quality art and Michelin-level dining to the beach of Uruguay’s boho-chic resort town, José Ignacio. Playa Vik is the older, more intimate of the two, with three suites and six casas, each overlooking the South Atlantic. There’s a fabulous pool that faces west (towards Punta del Este), making for an excellent sunset spot. A short walk down the beach leads guests to Bahia Vik, a younger and more spacious waterfront option.  Guests in its 10 suites and 15 bungalows can relax in four pools. Both resorts promise plenty of fun in the sun in one of Latin America’s trendiest beach escapes that’s beloved by Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo urbanites. (And 15 minutes by car inland, Estancia Vik is Vik Retreats’ original property, a relaxed, art-filled estate that makes for an ideal day trip.)

MALDIVES BEACH RESORTS FOR WINTER

Cheval Blanc Randheli

Wanting a tropical beach alternative for their deep-pocketed guests when they tired of too much snow in the Alps, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy secured an island in the Noonu Atoll, which they have outfitted with 45 deluxe “maisons” planned to feel like lofts on the beach. Interior designer Jean Michel Gathy (also the visionary behind One&Only Reethi Rah) worked with the craftsmen in the LVMH stable to fashion furniture and accessories that showcase the artisan traditions behind the storied LVMH labels. The attention to detail begins as soon as guests board the Cheval Blanc seaplane for their 40-minute flights to the resort, and continues with “experience alchemists,” who focus on tailoring every holiday. The contemporary architecture of the villas makes the most of the scenery with enormous glass doors and cathedral ceilings. In addition to the standard array of Maldivian water pursuits like diving, snorkeling, dolphin cruises, yacht trips and private picnics, there is a Guerlain Spa with an exclusive sun skin treatment. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

One&Only Reethi Rah

The biggest island resort in the Maldives and arguably its most indulgent, One&Only Reethi Rah has been raising the bar for celebrities and loyal repeaters every year since it opened in 2005. A Rolls-Royce of a beach hotel, the One&Only lays its indulgences on thick (guests are collected from the Malé airport in a plush 55-foot yacht, complete with on-board air-conditioning and Wi-Fi, and the tone is set). Reethi Rah, which means beautiful island, encompasses 109 acres and has six kilometers of white-sand coastline and a lush, tropical interior. Guests are whisked through tunnels of tropical greenery on golf carts to their private villas, where butlers manage their stay. Among the 130 villas are 32 overwater villas and a variety of beach villas (the lowest category without a private pool and the largest with two bedrooms). They are scattered along 12 different beaches. Privacy is key here, and each villa (aside from the overwater ones) is tucked away in thick vegetation that opens to a marvelous swath of meticulously raked white-sand beach and turquoise sea. Outdoor living space around the villas include dining and lounging areas, outdoor showers as well as a hammock on the beach. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

FRENCH POLYNESIA BEACH RESORTS FOR WINTER

The Brando, French Polynesia

Marlon Brando’s private island paradise has been transformed into an eco-luxury resort, and every element of The Brando, from the sumptuous villas to the beautiful landscape and warm local staff, is top-notch. Visit, and you’ll see that the sheer natural beauty of this atoll in the South Pacific, just 33 miles from Tahiti, is enough to make a hermit out of anyone (after shooting the film Mutiny on the Bounty nearby in 1962, Marlon Brando married his Polynesian co-star, bought the atoll and spent much of the next few decades living there in relative isolation). Brando insisted that the resort preserve the atoll’s rich ecosystem and promote scientific research through a non-profit organization—and the level to which The Brando takes its sustainability is truly remarkable (it was bestowed with LEED Platinum certification in 2016). The hotel has just 35 accommodations: 30 one-bedroom villas and five two- and three-bedroom villas, all of which are located on the beach. The villas are located in two areas of the island: the sunset side of the cove, which is steps from a coral garden (great for snorkeling), and Mermaid Bay, which sits on a stretch of taupe sand (best for swimming and wading). The rooms are massive and feature handsome mid-century furniture, plunge pools and garden areas. The Brando has an all-inclusive pricing model, which, while steep at first glance, is a great value, considering rates include top-shelf alcohol, vintage wines and gourmet cuisine. Thanks to the all-inclusive system, guests have anything (and everything) available to them at no additional cost: a seamless luxury that exemplifies the overall Brando experience. Contact us or your Trip Designer to book now.

Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer for assistance planning a winter beach resort vacation. Our team can match you with the accommodations and activities that are right for you. For further inspiration, explore our curated list of Indagare’s favorite destinations open to U.S. passport holders for winter vacations: Best Winter Vacation Ideas for 2023.

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