Golden Hour: Four Sun-Soaked Escapes for Winter

When winter settles in and daylight feels in short supply, what better remedy than an escape to sunnier climates? But just picking somewhere random with a coast isn’t good enough to revitalize the soul.

You need spectacular design, exquisite food, and the kind of thoughtful details and experiences that quietly set true luxury apart.

If you’re looking to swap cold mornings for golden days and do it in style, look no further. We’ve compiled a shortlist of the best and hottest hotels opening right now.

Alila Mayakoba

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Tucked within 60 acres of mangroves and freshwater canals in Riviera Maya, Alila’s first property in Latin America and the Caribbean offers guests seeking to escape the noise a more measured, design-forward alternative to the region’s larger, high-energy resorts.

Ideal for travelers seeking sunshine and a return to nature, this newly opened adults-only retreat leans heavily into Alila’s signature ethos: understated luxury, sustainability, and a strong connection to people and place. Architecture is deliberately restrained, and the open-plan interiors are crafted with local stone and timber. Rooms and suites are oriented toward lagoons, jungle, and sea, with many boasting private plunge pools.

Wellness is woven throughout the experience, from temazcal ceremonies led by healers to spa treatments rooted in Mayan tradition.

Dining here is local and seasonal, centered around garden-to-table menus and regional ingredients. Alila Mayakoba is ideal for travelers seeking sunshine without sensory overload.

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena

Cartagena, Colombia

Seeking a different vibe? Four Seasons Cartagena is for those who want warmth and luxury without stepping away from culture, movement, and atmosphere. Rather than retreating to a private beach, the hotel debuting in May places guests at the heart of one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities. The brand’s third property in Colombia occupies a collection of restored historic buildings — former theaters, religious buildings, and a mid-century social club — in the lively Getsemaní neighborhood, an area known for its colorful streets and creative energy.

Relax in the UMARI spa sanctuary, savor culinary delights at any of eight distinct dining concepts, and retire to one of the elegant rooms and suites. For an even more elevated experience, book the three-bedroom Casa Ambrad (House Royal Suite), which boasts its own rooftop plunge pool. Take in views of the city and Caribbean Sea from either of two pools.

By day, guests can explore Cartagena’s Old Town, historic fortifications, and nearby islands. By night, the hotel becomes a glamorous base for long dinners, rooftop cocktails, and late-evening strolls.

Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Rooms, suites, and lavish tents are generously proportioned, with private plunge pools and expansive terraces.
(Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve)

Perched above the Pacific on Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo, Nekajui allows you to fully immerse into nature, with architecture that follows the contours of the land and spoils you with ocean views. Guests can take advantage of the secluded beach club (privacy is paramount at this 1,400-acre paradise), multiple pools, wellness spaces, and diverse dining venues.

Enjoy fresh breakfasts at Chef Lulu Elizaga’s Mirador, Peruvian dishes from renowned Chef Diego Muñoz at Puna restaurant, or fresh Iberian bites at Niri Beach Club. Coffee enthusiasts can find utopia at Café Rincon, a casual eatery serving Costa Rican coffee (including some roasted on property).

Rooms, suites, and lavish tents are generously proportioned, with private plunge pools and expansive terraces that encourage lingering mornings and slow evenings.

Staying true to its name, which means “lush garden,” experiences at Nekajui lean into Costa Rica’s natural assets. Think guided hikes, wildlife encounters, water sports, and sunset rituals that feel genuinely connected to the environment. Nekajui is well suited to travelers who want luxury with depth, a sense of adventure, impeccable service, and thoughtful design.

But don’t even think about departing until you’ve enjoyed at least a sunset cocktail at Ámbar, perched among the trees and begging to be the backdrop to a jealousy-inducing post to social media.

Delano Miami Beach

Miami Beach, Florida

Interior Penthouse Bedroom — **Captivating:** Delano captures the spirit of Miami Beach.
(Delano Miami Beach)

Few hotels capture the spirit of Miami Beach quite like the Delano, and after a long absence, this icon reopens in March following an extensive renovation.

Expect refreshed interiors that honor Art Deco roots while embracing a more contemporary aesthetic: terrazzo floors, white columns, and old Hollywood glamour with a modern refresh.

The hotel boasts airy rooms including the five-bedroom Delano Penthouse, a revitalized pool scene, and six restaurant and bar concepts for lingering afternoons that effortlessly transition into a bustling evening scene. The Rose Bar is Delano’s answer to a perfect gathering spot for cocktails and conversation.

Perfectly positioned between beach and city, Delano is the obvious choice if you want the kind of effortless glamour Miami does best.

The only Miami vice you’ll find here is the annoying little fact that you do eventually have to check out.