There are those who love to bask in the arctic chill of winter, head to the mountains, ski all day, and hunker down by a roaring fire all night. That’s one of our favorite ways to spend the winter, but we also understand that others want warm weather vacations that provide an escape and a gorgeous beach hotel. That’s also one of our favorite ways to spend the winter (we’re allowed to have more than one favorite, and you are too).
But this year has been unique. We have spent months locked down and many, understandably so, did not get to enjoy their summer as it’s supposed to be enjoyed. Now, the world is looking toward the holidays and the ensuing frozen tundra beyond (lookin’ at you, month of February) and wondering where the warm months went.
Don’t worry. There’s still a way for you to reclaim those lost months and escape the winter cold with at these warm weather beach hotels.
If you’re up for it, Mexico offers some of the most epic options around for warm weather vacations in December and beyond. If you’re looking to stay stateside, we’ve got some of the best boutique hotels that will shake the chill from your bones in no time as well. Check it out.
9 Beach Hotels for Perfect Warm Weather Vacations
1. Encantada
Hidden among a quiet strip of Tulum beach, surrounded by the sapphire Caribbean Sea and emerald jungle-scape, you’ll find Encantada. It’s comprised of only eight guest rooms, each of which are only steps from the surf and sand. This is the true definition of a boutique hotel, one that exudes a sense of intimacy, sensuality, and exclusivity.
The ethos of Encantada is service: their staff stands in opposition to the traditional hotel mode, investing in the smallest details of comfort for your stay and forging bonds with you that truly make it feel like home. Get ready to step out of the cold weather and into a private Tulum paradise.
2. La Valise
Much like Encantada, La Valise was made to be a sexy and exclusive private oasis. In fact, all of the properties we work with in Tulum carry this common thread (you’ll see it in NEST as well). It has a lot to do with the town’s position on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. But it also has to do with the small amount of available rooms.
La Valise only offers nine rooms, and each one is juxtaposed between lush jungle greenery and azure sea waters. This makes it feel less like a crowded property and more like a retreat. Spend the day on the serene, pristine white-sand beaches or watch the waves from the salt-water infinity pool only steps from the Caribbean Sea. Here, you can enjoy beauty and stillness all from the magic of a private beachfront bungalow.
3. NEST
NEST might be one of the most true-to-form boutique hotels in Tulum, and that’s because it was one of the original properties built there. In fact, it’s known as one of the most authentic Tulum experiences in the area thanks to the minimalist, yet modern, design that harkens back to traditional Mayan civilization and spirituality.
You’ll find this reputation is very well-deserved as you let the cares of the world wash away taking in ocean views on a rooftop deck, lounging in a luxurious living room, or basking in private beach accommodations. The best part is that, no matter where you are at NEST, you’re only steps from the best of Tulum’s native beach setting.
4. Sanará
Sanará was designed, like its other Tulum cousins on this list, to provide you with a conscious setting that will recharge your soul in harmony with nature. In fact, the word Sanará literally means: “you will heal.” And heal you will among the brilliantly blue waters of the Caribbean and the warm white-sand beaches.
Each space on the property, from the beach-side suites and garden villas to the wellness center and ocean-front yoga studio, is a sanctuary for deep introspection and physical healing. The chances are very high that you’ll return year after year, truly becoming one of the Sanará family.
5. Viceroy Los Cabos
Viceroy Los Cabos might not be in Tulum, but it’s every bit as amazing at the tip of Baja on the Sea of Cortés. In many ways, it feels as if you’re sitting at the edge of the world as you gaze out over the vast horizon—it’s like no other place on Earth.
That feeling of uniqueness is strengthened by visually stunning architecture: floors are made of water, restaurants are shaped like bird’s nests, and blazing white buildings erupt from the ground. Plus, there are five restaurants, lounges, and a rooftop bar that will give you an unforgettable Mexican experience. Mezcal, margaritas, and mariachi await—don’t forget to enjoy it all with fish tacos.
6. Viceroy Riviera Maya
The Viceroy Riviera Maya is right near Playa del Carmen, and it’s the perfect blend of laid-back and luxurious that travelers have come to love about the area. One of our favorite parts is that it’s an adults-only getaway, so you don’t have to worry about high school kids getting plastered on their senior trips (let Cancun deal with them).
Actually, we take that back. The best part are the 41 residential-style private villas, each with its own private plunge pool, sun deck, and outdoor shower. It’s all set to an unnamed and wild backdrop of lush jungle and ocean views. Honestly, you’re probably never going to want to leave and head back to the cold weather, and we don’t blame you.
7. 1 Hotel South Beach
If you’re looking to stay stateside, but you still want a slice of paradise during the winter months, 1 Hotel South Beach, in Miami, is a perfect option. It sits directly on 600 feet of Grade-A white sand beachfront, which guarantees some of the best beach views and beach access around.
Each of their rooms is inspired by what surrounds the hotel on all sides, from the cityscape of Miami and Biscayne Bay to the vast ocean and beach nearby. You’ll notice it in the driftwood accents, sharp room designs, and the colors that are woven throughout the hotel. Make sure you take advantage of the rooftop pool and sundeck.
8. Ranch at Laguna Beach
Aside from Miami, the other obvious destination to escape the cold winter months is Southern California. And as much as we love San Diego, Laguna Beach is probably one of the best locations in SoCal to explore. If you’re heading this way, The Ranch at Laguna Beach is not to be missed.
It’s a rustic, boutique property that’s made up of ranch-style cottages dropped in the middle of sun-soaked canyons. You’re only 350 yards from the beach itself, which you can shuttle to or walk along a scenic beach path. Grab a surfboard, go kayaking, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, snorkel, skimboard, explore the tide pools, or lay out all day with some drinks, preferably margaritas. Nothing fights the winter blues like a beach margarita.
9. Hotel Joaquin
Hotel Joaquin is another super hot Laguna Beach property, one which carries a California surf-swagger throughout its entire property. Each of the rooms feels more like a surf bungalow, decked out with individual touches like furniture from French flea-markets to reclaimed terracotta, and more.
It’s situated right above Shaw’s Cove, one of the many beaches on the seven-mile stretch that makes up the entirety of Laguna Beach. The cove feels a bit more private than other sections, and it’s perfect for days of relaxation, surf, and sand. Although, we think you might have a hard time tearing yourself away from the pool at Hotel Joaquin.
Spend Your Winter In Warmth
You’ve been cooped up inside for too long, it’s time to get out and see the world again. Reclaim some of your lost summer, plan a few warm weather vacations, and head to these hotels when the weather starts to get too cold for comfort. You’ll be glad you did.
Reach out to us today and we’ll get your warm weather vacations booked for December, January, February, and all the way through until next summer. Let’s go!