Trade being bundled up and shivering for a frozen drink and festive treats by the pool at warm-weather getaways all across the globe. Spend the holiday season with a margarita and your toes in the sand in Mexico’s Tulum, or write letters to Santa poolside in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Imagine being one of the first to welcome in 2026 in the heart of summer in Sydney, Australia, or use the New Year to create a resolution centered on well-being and tranquility in Koh Samui, Thailand.
Forget snowflakes — we’ll take sea breezes and sunshine any day. (Photo Credit: @cassandrahartford)
Winter wonderland is all well and good until you’re wrapped up in so much clothing even your layers have layers. So why not trade arctic temperatures for a balmy getaway in one of these dreamy (and warm) destinations.
Vero Beach, Florida
Boasting 26 miles of buttery sand beaches along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Vero Beach is a charming gem any time of year. Explore the adorable downtown full of boutiques, antique shops, and more than a dozen murals, or pop into one of the galleries for an art-filled afternoon. Bring the family on a thrilling airboat ride to look for Florida gators, or get in the spirit of the holidays with the Vero Beach Christmas Parade.
Trade your winter coat for a swimsuit and celebrate the holidays under the sun. (Photo Credit: @mandeenga)
Best nearby beach: Vero Beach has plenty of public beach access. Head to Humiston Beach Park for easy access, or head a bit further to Sebastian Inlet State Park for excellent surfing and birdwatching.
Best beach bite: Start your day off right with homemade corned beef hash or some smokey cheese grits and eggs at The Lemon Tree, just steps from the water. Or savor creative cocktails and classic dishes like Oysters Rockefeller and dry aged prime New York strip at Cobalt.
Can’t miss festive activity: Go beyond the Christmas parade with some special poolside holiday-themed treats at the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, or enjoy some popcorn and a holiday movie in the lobby.
Where to stay: Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Located at the southern end of the Florida peninsula, Fort Lauderdale is a family-friendly destination with 24 miles of beaches, 300 miles of inland waterway, and enough restaurants to satisfy any taste. Enjoy an ice cream sundae or classic root beer float at the old-fashioned Jaxson’s, or revel in the holiday season with the annual Christmas on Las Olas celebration complete with Santa’s Village, a real snow mountain (in Florida!), a free ice skating rink, and more.
This year, skip the mittens and pack your sunscreen. (Photo Credit: @shorebreakresortftl)
Best nearby beach: Head to the Las Olas Beach and the Las Olas Oceanside Park for an expansive green space, a splash pad, weekend markets, and plenty of exciting events to compliment your sunbathing.
Best beach bite: There is no shortage of waterfront restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. Head to Evelyn’s where you can feast on elevated bites like Florida Key West pink shrimp with a harissa cocktail sauce or pomegranate-glazed Ora King salmon, or enjoy coastal Italian cuisine (think — homemade tagliatelle or grilled octopus) at La Fuga.
Can’t miss festive activity: At Las Olas Oceanside Park, kids can drop off letters to Santa and spend time with some holiday favorites like Elf and the Christmas mermaid, or settle in for a festive film.
Where to stay: Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale
Koh Samui, Thailand
A tropical island paradise in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui boasts gorgeous deep blue seas, hidden coves, pristine beaches, and striking temples. Visit local fishing villages and sample fresh seafood, explore the local art gallery scene, or get lost in one of the island’s bustling night markets all before spending the day relaxing on a lounge chair in the sand.
There’s no such thing as too much sunshine — even (especially) in December. (Photo Credit: @tonifscher)
Make this holiday season your warmest yet. (Photo Credit: @tonifscher)
Best nearby beach: Soft sand welcomes travelers to the laid back Choeng Mon Beach, conveniently located just minutes from the Samui Airport.
Best beach bite: Wake up to some iced Thai tea with condensed milk and an inventive pastry from the HOM Baking Company in the Kimpton Kitalay Samui, or head to the Fisherman’s Village Walking Street to sample everything from pad Thai to mango sticky rice.
Can’t miss festive activity: Start the New Year off on the right foot by committing to a wellness journey starting with a New Moon Rebirth Ritual at the Kitavaree spa complete with a detoxing ocean mud wrap, a soothing aromatherapy massage with hot moonstones and jasmine oil, a rose quartz lifting facial, and more.
Where to stay: Kimpton Kitalay Samui
Sydney, Australia
Combining the hustle and bustle of a large city with the easygoing nature of a beach town, Sydney seamlessly blends the best of both worlds. The city comes alive in the summer (from December to February) with popular beaches and oceanside pools, scenic cycling routes, and gorgeous rooftop bars. Enjoy the warm weather on New Year’s Eve as you count down to midnight, becoming one of the first cities in the world to welcome 2026 — and in shorts.
‘Tis the season to trade snow boots for bare feet. (Photo Credit: @clarinta-e)
Best nearby beach: One of the most famous beaches in the world, Bondi Beach, is a sunbathers paradise with buttery sand, all surrounded by adorable cafes and restaurants. Later, head to nearby Bronte Beach to swim in the ocean-fed pool.
Best beach bite: Enjoy a smashed avocado sandwich with poached eggs and zaatar at Speedos Cafe, or cool off with a creamy scoop of stracciatella at the Bondi Beach location of Rivareno Gelato.
Can’t miss festive activity: It may not be a White Christmas, but you can certainly get in the holiday spirit with a visit to the Christmas Festival in Darling Harbour (last year’s celebrations included a floating Christmas tree, Santa’s workshop, and more). Alternatively, ring in the New Year by watching the iconic Sydney Harbour fireworks from several vantage points across the city.
Where to stay: Kimpton Margot Sydney
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Small, but mighty, the island of Grand Cayman sits at just about 22 miles long, a hub of nature, shopping, and culture. Explore the sea with hundreds of amazing dive sites, play a round of golf (like at the North Sound Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course), go for a stroll along the water in George Town or just laze away the day relaxing on the island’s white sand beaches.
Deck chairs > decked halls. (Photo Credit: @theholidayist)
Our favorite warm-weather getaways make for a truly festive escape. (Photo Credit: @theholidayist)
Best nearby beach: The famous Seven Mile Beach is popular for a reason thanks to its pristine water and soft sand. Open to the public, the beach is home to several restaurants and beach bars.
Best beach bite: Feast on elote and kimchi pork belly tacos with the sound of crashing waves as the backdrop at the beachfront Coccoloba.
Can’t miss festive activity: Don’t miss the Rotary Club Cayman’s annual Christmas tree lighting in George Town, or go for a drive to see the festive decorations around the island, a Caymanian tradition.
Where to stay: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo boasts picturesque waterfront views, plenty of culture, and amazing historic sites. The city’s Colonial City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the first cathedral, hospital, customs house, and university in the Americas, while Santo Domingo’s adorable neighborhoods are worth exploring all on their own.
Escape winter’s chill and make this holiday season unforgettable. (Photo Credit: @merilioltre)
Best nearby beach: Playa Boca Chica is only about 30 minutes from the heart of the city and boasts the turquoise-colored water the Dominican Republic is known for.
Best beach bite: Celebrate the holidays with a premium cigar amid a restored 500-year-old well at El Pozo Cigar Lounge, or indulge in yuca empanadas and mofongo at El Patio at the Kimpton Las Mercedes.
Can’t miss festive activity: Attend mass at the historic Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, or sample some festive treats like jengibre, a warming ginger tea.
Where to stay: Kimpton Las Mercedes
Roatán, Honduras
Located just off the coast of Honduras’ mainland, Roatán is a Caribbean paradise with clear water, world-class snorkeling, and diving on an incredible coral reef, impressive jungles, and more. Kayak through mangroves, go zip lining through the trees, or soak up the sun on the stunning beaches.
Celebrate the holidays seaside, amongst the glowing turquoise waters of Roatán. (Photo Credit: @_yanisworld_)
Best nearby beach: The West Bay Beach boasts silica sand and gorgeous turquoise water, and is known for its calm waters, making it perfect for the ultimate family getaway.
Best beach bite: Feast on island-inspired bites like coffee-rubbed lamb rack and conch carpaccio at Alera or book a special Christmas dinner with holiday-inspired dishes and live entertainment.
Can’t miss festive activity: Enjoy a festive movie and popcorn on the terrace or take part in some fun holiday egg painting at the Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort + Spa. Then come Christmas Day, Santa will take a break from delivering all his presents to visit guests during the daily complimentary evening social hour.
Where to stay: Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort + Spa
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Set on the eastern tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Cancun has something for everyone from family-friendly beaches and otherworldly cenotes to Mayan ruins, adorable shops to explore, and more. Plan a day trip to the always-impressive Chichen Itza ruins, go swimming in one of the nearby cave pools, shop for unique souvenirs in downtown Tulum, or just relax with everything taken care of at Kimpton’s first-ever all-inclusive resort, the Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya.
Spend the holidays surrounded by sun, sea, and festive cheer this year. (Photo Credit: Roberto Nickson)
Best nearby beach: White sand and perfect water awaits beachgoers at the family-friendly Playa Langosta, which sits in the north of the Hotel Zone. In Tulum, head to Playa Ruínas to combine sand and sea with fascinating ruins.
Best beach bite: Sample char-broiled oysters and slow-cooked short rib tacos with smoked habanero at the open-air Bhanu Sky Kitchen or head to the Michelin-recognized La Casa De Las Mayoras for inventive vegetarian fare (think — chilaquiles and tostadas).
Can’t miss festive activity: Combine festive fun with thrills at Xcaret Park, a water theme park celebrating the holiday season with traditional posadas, which take place before Christmas and “recreate the journey of Mary and Joseph searching for a place for the birth of Child Jesus.”
Where to stay: Kimpton Aluna Resort Tulum or Kimpton Tres Rios Riviera Maya (starting early 2026!)
Baja California, Mexico
Home to fascinating desert landscapes, incredible beaches, and the lively Los Cabos, Baja California has something for everyone. In the charming town of Todos Santos, which is located on the Pacific Ocean about an hour north of Los Cabos, cobblestone streets and art galleries greet visitors, while thrill seekers grab their board and check out the amazing nearby surfing.
Don’t fret — there is a sandy celebration waiting just for you. (Photo Credit: Claire Ward)
Best nearby beach: Playa Los Cerritos is great for swimming and relaxing on the sand, while experienced surfers should head to Playa San Pedrito for fun swells.
Best beach bite: Enjoy fresh oysters and Baja street food at the Michelin-rated Oystera, or take in panoramic views of the ocean while sampling tacos pescados and classic margaritas at Centro.
Can’t miss festive activity: Head to the annual Cabo San Lucas Nautical Christmas Parade where yachts and sailboats float down the bay decked out in twinkling lights.
Where to stay: Kimpton Mas Olas Resort and Spa (adults-only!)
