As winter's chill settles in, our thoughts naturally turn to the perfect vacation. Snow-lovers fixate on piles of powder, steaming hot tubs, and thick down comforters; sun-seekers dream of bright desert sunshine, secluded strands of white sand, and crystal-clear waters. How about youprefer to point your toes down the steepest, snowiest slope you can find or dip them into a warm, tropical bay? Click here to book a winter getaway.
Québec World's "coolest" getaway The Ice Hotel really lives up to its namethe 4-foot-thick walls, bar, nightclub, wedding chapel, and furniture (yes, even the bed) are all carved from ice. Bring a friend and share the warmth. No cuddling companion? No worries, the gift shop sells long johns! More details
Whistler, B.C. The suite life: Mountains and mushing The all-suite Pan Pacific offers all the après-ski comforts you could want: heated outdoor pool, soaker tubs, and a day spa. But if it's excitement you crave, try dog sledding! You'll learn about the dogs, help harness them for the trip, and even ride the rails and learn to mush, if you like.
More details: Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside + dog sledding
Val d’Isere, France Winter (Olympics) wonderland One of Europe's top resorts, Val d'Isère hosted events for the 1992 Olympicsso it's the perfect setting for your next alpine adventure. Stay in a traditional chalet steps from the mountain and don't schlep your skis on the planerent high-performance equipment online before you go.
More details: Hotel Kandahar + ski rental
Banff Snowy slopes, icy adventure Ski to your heart's content at Banff's three ski areas, then retire to your plush digs at the Fairmont Banff Springs, built in 1888 and modeled after a Scottish castle. Explore icy Johnston Canyon via steel catwalks on an Ice Walk; discover a natural ice cave and gigantic ice pillars.
More details: Fairmont Banff Springs + Ice Walk
Vail, Colorado Ski all day, then kick back in comfort You'll love the ski-in, ski-out access at the Vail Cascade Resort, as well as the heated outdoor pools, cushy mattresses and fluffy down comforters, movie theater, and the free shuttle to town. Get your lift tickets online, and you'll be ready to hit the slopes the moment you arrive!
More details: Vail Cascade Resort+ lift tickets
North Shore, Oahu From sea to sky on Oahu Discover a little slice of heaven called Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s lush North Shore. Spectacular beaches provide challenging surf or undersea serenity for snorkeling in calm, reef-protected Kuilima Cove. Soar over Oahu in a helicopter and get down to earth with a coconut-pineapple body scrub at Spa Luana.
More details: Turtle Bay Resort +
Oahu Helicopter Tour
Riviera Maya, Mexico Caribbean adventure in Mexico Go! Go on! Get away on a much-needed sunshine break to the Yucatan. Relax and recharge, splashing through 5 dazzling swimming pools and the gentle surf of the Caribbean. Explore ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum and snorkel at Xel-Ha, a spectacular natural aquarium created by the Great Mayan Reef.
More details: Fairmont Mayakoba + Tulum & Xel-Ha Sightseeing Tour
Negril, Jamaica Action times two in Jamaica Jamaica’s couples-only hideaway is a romantic, all-inclusive resort. You can do it all: windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, and more. Even learn to scuba dive! Enjoy boat tours, excellent golf, delicious island specialties, and frothy drinks. The possibilities are endless in paradise.
More details: Couples Negril + Ocho Rios and Dunn’s River Falls Tour
Paradise Island, Bahamas Sharks (and more!) in Paradise Go nose-to-nose with Caribbean Reef Sharks, an unforgettable event for certified scuba divers. Not-so-audacious family members thrill to water slides, tube rides, and a seven-acre saltwater pool with snorkeling gear and kayaks, plus lovely beaches, Mandara Spa pampering, and casino excitement.
More details: Atlantis Paradise Island Royal Towers + Stuart’s Cove Shark Adventure
Los Cabos, Mexico Spa resort or resort spa? Serenity and minimalist style are integral to this unique retreat, perched on the Pacific in Los Cabos. Contemplate the shimmering ocean from your private balcony sanctuary and immerse yourself in the mystical experience of a Temazcal native-inspired ritual with healing herbs.
More details: Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa + Los Cabos Sunset Dinner Cruise
Photos: Cosmo Condina/Getty Images/The Image Bank, The Ice Hotel, Corbis, Hotel Kandahar, Discover Banff Tours, Getty Images, Vallarta Adventures, The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, Rose Hall Resort & Country Club, Sebago Watersports