10 Winter Vacation Ideas to Plan for 2024

The long and quiet stretch of winter has officially settled in. While this may be a prime season for Dry January detoxes and cozy nights spent in, it’s also a great time to plot an escape—because that cozy night in feels so much better when it comes with room service, no? Winter jetsetters generally tend to split into two camps. Snow or sun? Skiing or pickleball? The crackle of a fireplace or the crashing of waves? Whatever it is you prefer, whether it’s to take a suitcase full of cashmere and set off in search of fresh powder, or to sprawl out on a beach with a great read, or something in between, this is the perfect time to leave behind reality for a week or two. Below, T&C’s ideas to cure the wintertime wanderlust.

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Gstaad, Switzerland

From Verbier to Courchevel, Europe certainly has no shortage of glamorous ski towns that attract an ultra-high-net-worth crowd, but Gstaad, old world and impossibly gorgeous, just may be the most glittering of the bunch. Monegasque royalty Andrea Casiraghi and Tatiana Santo Domingo got married here back in 2014, while fashion royalty Valentino regularly hosts his A-list pals at his chalet. For those without a standing invite, the only place to stay is at the grandest dame hotel in town, Gstaad Palace, which has been owned and meticulously operated by the same family since it opened in 1913.

Los Cabos, Mexico

There are many stunning luxury hotels to choose from at this celeb-adored Baja California destination but for that perfect mix of wellness-minded zen and beachy fun, the answer is Zadún. Nestled among desert dunes along the dramatic coastline, the property is part of the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio, whose resorts are known for their impeccable service, ultra-luxe digs, and celebration of (and seamless blend with) their natural surroundings. And of course for their incredible spas, which you’ll never want to leave.

Courchevel, France

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Of the many stellar five-star hotels scattered around the tony ski resort, Les Airelles Courchevel takes the cake wh

 

Raton, New Mexico

As the second largest private landowner in America, with 2 million acres of it, Ted Turner is basically a real-life John Dutton. Except unlike the Yellowstone patriarch, the media mogul doesn’t mind sharing. Located on 550,000 acres of pristine wildlife in Northern New Mexico/Southern Colorado is Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve, the largest property within his hospitality brand. There is a deep focus on conservation here, especially in protecting the American bison and Rio Grande cutthroat trout, plus ample creature comforts: five-star accommodations, a world-class spa, and incredible food.

The Dolomites, Italy

So breathtakingly beautiful are the Dolomite mountains that in 2009 they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In San Cassiano, one of the charming Alpine villages nestled underneath the region’s imposing peaks, is the Rosa Alpina, which became an Aman partner hotel a few years ago. That means you can expect all the sleek and ultra-zen-like trappings of the cult hotel brand, coupled with the home-away-from-home warmth that comes from being a family-run property since 1939.

The Berkshires

Constructed in 1893, the Wheatleigh, an elegant Italianate residence transformed into a charming boutique hotel, exudes the ambiance of a European chalet during the winter months. Imagine the allure of roaring fireplaces, cozy wooden elements, and an intimate atmosphere within its mere 19 rooms, complemented by picturesque vistas of the Berkshires. Adjacent trails cater to snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and snowboarders, offering an array of nearby snowy adventures.

Lake Placid, New York

If the nightly s’mores around a campfire aren’t enough to draw you to the picturesque Whiteface Lodge in the Adirondacks, the cozy ensuite fireplaces, warm homemade cookies at turndown, and 80+ trails at nearby Whiteface Mountain will do the trick. After a day in the snow, you can cuddle under a wool blanket and gaze at the stars, while enjoying whiskey flights and hors d’oeuvres by the fire.

Greenough, Montana

Situated along the edge of the 37,000-acre Resort at Paws Up is the Green O, a sister property of just 12 freestanding, fabulously appointed homes. Surrounded by nothing but soaring pine trees and sagebrush, consider this an extravagant way to get in touch with nature, but with the comfort of sleek, modern accommodations, hot tubs, floor-to-ceiling windows, plus access to all of the activities at Paws Up, like horseback riding and cross-country skiing. The best part? It’s adults-only.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

As the winter season descends upon Jackson Hole, it transforms into an unrivaled haven for skilled skiers and devotees of winter sports. Nestled at the heart of Teton Village, Caldera House stands as the ultimate luxurious ski-in boutique hotel, boasting only 8 expansive 2- and 4-bedroom suites lavishly furnished with cutting-edge kitchens, home theaters, and expansive soaking tubs. Within its confines, guests revel in adrenaline-pumping adventures, ranging from skiing alongside Olympic athletes to venturing into the Teton wilderness for exhilarating backcountry heli-skiing escapades.

Alta, Utah

If you’re a skier, skip popular Park City for Alta instead, where snowboarding is verboten. The town, which is located just 28 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, also gets a fraction of visitors as its neighbor (about 500,000 a year compared to Park City, which gets more than 3 million). Stay at Snowpine Lodge, which was renovated in 2019 to become a fully ski-in/ski-out hotel, the area’s first. Your après-ski needs will be covered, too, thanks to a spa, slope-side hot tubs and heated pool, an oxygen bar, fire pits, and heated ski lockers.

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