Sand or Snow, Hot or Cold?

BY STACIE STANDIFER

In any family, there usually is a conflicting vote when choosing the climate for vacationing during the winter and early spring months. Even those who love to ski often long for warm weather and sunshine during the dreary season. Our advice is to do both. With so many options in transit being better than ever with BNA’s latest flight additions, it’s easy to have the best of both worlds this winter- even if it’s only for a few days. Here’s what’s on our list of top spots to book now.

BAHIA BEACH RESORT, PUERTO RICO

It was Hurricane Maria that ripped through this part of the Caribbean, with devastating damage that many are still recovering from. But for this piece of paradise on the northern side of the island in Rio Grande, things may be even better than they were before the storm. A $60 million renovation took care of all damage and also involved a redesign of many areas including the rooms and suites. Having visited prior to the damage, I can report that it is one of the most exquisite ocean front developments of anywhere that I have visited. The grounds are gorgeous, the views spectacular and the St. Regis amenities and service stellar. Based on the reports of the accommodations being even more luxurious than before, this is one property that I highly recommend, and it is such an easy transfer with the U.S. affiliation and only a thirty-minute jaunt from the area’s primary airport. Being whisked to the remote setting on over 400 acres filled with tropical rainforest foliage and wildlife feels like being transported to another world. This jungle-like environment just happens to be adjacent to sprawling lawns, beaches and a championship golf course. After experiencing a few days here, tensions melt away and complete pampering ensues. It is family friendly with activities for all ages that also provides an abundance of romantic and private quarters for those seeking a quiet escape by the sea.

marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjuxr-the-stregis-bahia-beach-resort-puerto-rico

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

Those seeking incredible adventure on the slopes flock to this unparalleled location for its natural beauty, challenging sport and the interaction with like-minded travelers seeking the most pristine natural setting. Powder-seeking visitors flock here annually for phenomenal views and all-day action with ski-in/ ski-out access close to a familyoriented collection of dining and entertainment options. While luxury-loving visitors cannot go wrong with the Four Seasons, which is beyond impressive even without the ski-worthy location, there is also a new option for groups who like things a bit more basic and pared down but without compromising on modern bells and whistles. Just in time for this season, Continuum Hotel has opened in the former location of the lack-luster Inn at Jackson Hole. This fresh concept is described as being more millennialfocused, promising a lively staff attitude and bar environment along with modern fitness center. If the parents are enjoying their suite at the Four Seasons, their young-adult children would be perfectly suited to piling into one of the brandnew lofts at Continuum. Complete with kitchens and sleeping quarters for four, the set up for fun-loving groups is ideal, and the setting in Teton Village, where you can still walk over to the Four Seasons and indulge in a luxurious spa treatment or two at the end of your day on the slopes.

fourseasons.com/jacksonhole innatjacksonhole.om

LITTLE DIX BAY, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

If you haven’t been to Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, this is the year to book the reservation. One of the Caribbean’s most treasured resorts is revealing a renovation unlike any other since its inception more than 50 years ago. The situation is unique as the resort had closed in 2016 to the dismay of many repeat visitors with plans to reopen with a fresh look and feel within 18 months. After damage from raging Hurricane Irma, those original plans were delayed adding years to the original schedule. Fortunately, the long wait is over as they are taking reservations beginning for stays in early January and have plans to dazzle guests with the transformations and improvements to the very special retreat. It is perhaps one of the most well-positioned and secluded locales in all of the islands, providing a serious escape from the rest of civilization. Spa enthusiasts have a great deal to look forward to as are those seeking adventure, from culinary experiences to countless ocean endeavors. The suites here are breathtaking, with views to match. On my visits to Little Dix Bay in the past, the sheer beauty of the surroundings has always seemed a bit hard to believe. It is that beautiful. The added bonus of having all of the best that the acclaimed Rosewood brand has to offer is even more of a reason to book a visit here, whether it’s for the first time or getting reacquainted with the historic and beloved site.

rosewoodhotels.com/en/little-dix-bayvirgin-gorda

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

Purists flock to this location annually for a more rustic getaway. You won’t find the social scene's fashion emphasis or nightly restaurant hopping that is prevalent in places like Aspen. While it is a celebrity destination, it isn’t a partycentric area. People headed to Sun Valley most typically come for the powder and the pristine skiing. Sun Valley was actually the site for the first ski-lifts to be operated on slopes, making it a place of note to skiing buffs. The resorts have also been closely held by family owned companies, so the invasion of big chain business is less prevalent here. Relaxed but

well-appointed accommodations after serious renovations are easily found at The Sun Valley Lodge. We like the idea of researching the multiple residences available for rent as there are some spectacular options in every size, many coming with local staff for helping with all possible details. When not on the slopes, there is plenty of opportunity to explore other traditions including sleighriding or ice-skating, shooting, horseback riding and a slew of other winter-fun traditions.

visitsunvalley.com/places-to-stay/ short-term-rentals/#stay

EDEN ROCK, ST. BARTHS

This ultra-chic destination has long been a favorite of international rock stars, fashion personalities and jet-setting influencers. The celebrations held on the grounds are legendary among travelers and locals alike. After incurring inconceivable damage along with the rest of this small island, the resort was closed for nearly two years. But after the rebuild Eden Rock has emerged stronger and more enticing than ever, with a number of added bells and whistles not previously enjoyed by their long list of VIP guests. The owners (who just happen to be in-laws to Pippa Middleton) were devastated by the destruction left in the path of Hurricane Irma but committed to making it even more legendary than before. The ‘new’ Eden Rock has all of the elements that visitors love, but with newly added top-tier suites, dining and cocktail spaces, a fantastic art collection and private villas, for the ultimate in privacy. A full-service onsite spa is also new to the resort, which previously lacked this amenity outside of in-room services. It looks like this winterseason’s parties, at what many consider the ‘hub’ of the action on the island, will be back on track and even more impressive than in the past. Eden Rock is joining a number of other high-end resorts in bringing this very special island in the French West Indies back to its formal glory, so visiting this year is an excellent choice. The entire area will undoubtedly be flowing with Champagne and welcoming the world’s most luxurious yachts throughout the season.

oetkercollection.com/hotels/eden-rockst-barths

DEER VALLEY, PARK CITY, UTAH

What’s not to love about a ski destination that is so easy to access. With direct (and relatively inexpensive) daily flights on both Delta and Southwest Airlines in and out of Salt Lake City, getting to the resort upon landing will take less time than driving across Nashville on a typical weekday. This is such a fun trip to book over a long weekend without the transfers or long drive post-flight that many destinations involve. It is also home to dynamic opportunities for all types of wintersport seekers, including those looking for challenge. The Winter Olympics 2002 took place in Park City, which also boosted the local area with a nice collection of fine dining, shopping and entertainment options. While staying overlooking the quaint village is a treat, especially at the luxurious St Regis Deer Valley, we also love the spacious grounds and sprawling residence-style accommodations at Montage Deer Valley. No matter which location that you choose, you can’t misstep. Montage is our top choice for larger groups and families, especially if you want the option of cooking or added fun for young children. The St. Regis seems a bit more cosmopolitan (in a Utah/Ski Vacation kind of way), with a dramatic cocktail program including a replica of the famous King Cole Bar in New York City.

montagehotels.com/deervalley