Need Inspiration for Your Winter Escape? Here are Ideas from Santa Barbara to Saint-Tropez

EDITED BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

Need some inspiration for your next winter escape? Perhaps a wellness vacation? A ski holiday? Escape to a beach destination? Or be really whimsical and choose based on your astrological sign. BCPM, a travel marketing company, offers these ideas: Wellness Trips for 2023 Immerse in the Winter Wonderlands of Switzerland: Switzerland is an unparalleled wellness destination full of fresh air, healing activities, and stunning nature. Guests can warm their bodies and souls within their snowy surroundings at Tschuggen Grand Hotel, the perennial favorite among discerning travelers. The onsite Tschuggen Bergoase Spa features incredible design by architect Mario Botta, where natural materials and intentional design come together to promote stillness and grounding. Over 5,000 square metres of space spread over four floors, guests can find indoor and outdoor pools, a mountain sauna with snow terrace, a biosauna, steam room, rooms for treatments with expert therapists. Guests at Tschuggen Grand Hotel can also book experiences like ice bathing, where they’ll dipping in icy waters to deliver stress-relieving endorphins, stimulate the circulatory system, and boost the immune system, and firm the skin. (https://tschuggencollection. ch/en/hotel/tschuggen-grand-hotel)

Experience a Complete Reset in a German Wellness Retreat: Designed by renowned architect Christoph Ingenhoven, Lanserhof Sylt fully opened in August 2022 as a distinctive health resort on the German island of Sylt. Sylt’s program is overseen by a team of health experts who deliver a wellness experience grounded in medicine and science. Lanserhof Sylt is the ultimate destination for results-driven guests as they embark on journeys to transform their lifestyle habits in a secluded environment. (lanserhof.com/en/ lanserhof-sylt/)

Snowbird Destinations Trancoso, Brazil: A small beach town on the Bahia coast in Brazil, Trancoso’s appeal lies in its tranquility away from nightlife and busy resorts. As the epitome of tropical relaxation, Trancoso boasts a variety of sprawling beaches, as well as artisanal shops and dining on the Quadrano in the center of this old fishing town. Stay at Hotel Fasano Trancoso, where guests find paradise in the expansive and private bungalows, five-star spa, and plunge pools overlooking the Bahia sea. (www.fasano.com.br/hoteis/fasano-trancoso)

Geminis are social, curious and energized by the urban bustle. They’d thrive in New Orleans, ripe with museums, live music, and historical sites to get lost in. Here, an impromptu band on Frenchman Street © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Miami, Florida: Beyond beautiful beaches and a buzzing social scene, Miami is a great destination for art lovers. From exploring the outdoor murals and galleries of Wynwood to the new exhibits and restaurants in the Design District (Cote Miami is a must-try for Korean barbeque), travelers will be inspired by the creative energy at every corner. The theme continues at EAST Miami, the stunning hotel with Feng Shui-inspired room design, infinity light elevators and dining concepts that excite the eyes as much as the palate. (www. easthotels.com/en/miami/)

Saint-Tropez, France: With its sunny and mild climate and natural beauty, the French Riviera is an unexpected destination to find reprieve from the cold. Travelers can troll through the colorful streets and glamorous beaches without the stuffy crowds and enjoy al fresco dining and wines on the cobblestone streets. Guests at Hotel Lou Pinet, the boutique hotel from French hospitality group Maisons Pariente, can make the most of their vacation as they relax by the picturesque pool and immaculate gardens. (www.loupinet.com/)

José Ignacio, Uruguay: Snowbirds will find their sunny escape in Jose Ignacio, with the premiere experience at Posada Ayana, an idyllic 17-room luxury hotel in the vibrant Uruguayan town, steps from the famous Mansa beach. The hotel – opened in November 2021 – is home to James Turrell’s first freestanding Skyspace in South America, aptly named Ta Khut (the light). (www. posada-ayana.com)

Winter Wonderlands Arosa, Switzerland : Winter sports aficionados know to visit Arosa – the largest interconnected skiing area in the region of Graubünden – for nearly150 miles of flawless trails. Even those who are sports-averse can find winter magic with ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and après-ski dining. The Tschuggen Collection has two properties in Arosa, perfect for getting the most out of the region at Valsana Hotel and Tschuggen Grand Hotel. Both hotels are completely carbon neutral and feature unique experiences such as a gondola straight to the ski mountain, private ski shops, holistic wellness spas, outdoor butlers to curate regional experiences, and Michelin-starred restaurants. (tschuggencollection.ch/en/ hotel/valsana-hotel)

Méribel, France: With its charming chalet-style buildings and pristine forest surroundings, Méribel is a charming ski destination for travelers of all ages. For the ideal ski-in ski-out experience, five-star boutique