Best winter getaways guide

Winter getaways

Whistler

The hotel: Nita Lake Lodge is an alpine fantasy perched on the edge of—you guessed it—Nita Lake, a five-minute drive from bustling Whistler Village. Food is the focus here: The chefs cure their own meat and source locally with delectable treats like early-season halibut and apple sabayon with saskatoon berries.

To do: Cross-country ski or snowshoe among the towering hemlocks in Lost Lake Park; it even has buggies on skis so you can tote your tots. For downhill, you no longer have to choose between Whistler and Blackcomb thanks to the new Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and the ski school is one of the best in the world—it puts GPS tracking armbands on kids so parents can zip off worry-free!

Après-ski: At the end of the day the village buzzes with style and swish from around the world. Slip into the bijou Alta Bistro for cocktails with hand-crafted infusions and tasty bites. Or indulge in hydrotherapy under the stars at the outdoor Scandinave Spa. —Antonia Whyatt

Sun Peaks

The hotel: Delta Sun Peaks Residences, the ski-in, ski-out hotel at the bottom of the hill, will leave you wanting for nothing. Families should consider a suite, which will serve nicely as everyone's home base. Grab a bite from the full-sized kitchen, sit down to dinner and cuddle by the living room fire. It's like home, only someone else picks up after the kids. Or try the boutique Hearthstone Lodge: It's also ski-in, ski-out, well outfitted and modern.

To do: The only problem with Sun Peaks' short lift lines is that there's less times between runs to rest—much needed after skiing the resort's renowned champagne powder. Soothe sore muscles with a hot-stone massage at the Sun Peaks Spa; a balcony connects the spa to private rooms that have fireplaces and overlook the woods. If the kids get restless, send them down the mountain on a giant inner tube. There's also skating, a bungee trampoline and fondue dinner and dessert up the hill (okay, that one might be more for the parents).

Gold medal coaching: You can literally learn from the best here: Olympian Nancy Greene is director of skiing, and most weekends you'll find her at the top of the Sunburst Express chair offering invaluable tips to help you down the hills. Seasoned instructors lead kids' classes with mind-boggling patience. —Vanessa Milne

Yucatán

The hotel: Club Med Cancún Yucatán, one of the first properties to settle on Mexico's Yucatán coast in the 1970s, laid claim to the finest and longest stretch of buttery sand beach, at the far end of the brash 14-mile hotel zone. Colourful low-slung villas flank the aquamarine sea and outsized pool, while a short stroll leads to tennis courts and a water sports beach area where everything from snorkelling to sailing is part of the all-inclusive deal.

To do: Yoga on the beach, belly dancing by the bar, aquafit in the pool, water skiing in the lagoon, acrobatics, daily windsurfing and catamaran jaunts—even an unofficial family bocce-ball competition. With loads of activities, amazingly fresh and healthy food (sushi was a favourite) and nothing but time, we actually got fit during our trip. Tip: The cocktails here are fantastic; winding down with an expertly mixed sidecar became a nightly tradition.

Pretty as a picture: With the entire family assembled, happy and tanned, there's never been a better time to snap a winning group portrait. Club Med has on-site photographers, and photo sessions are free; you pay just for the disk or prints. —Amy Rosen

Puerto Morelos

The hotel: Azul Beach is a gourmet all-inclusive that's both hyper-kid-friendly (all-day kids' clubs include junior yoga, papier mâché, water balloon fights and self-serve ice cream) and decadently relaxing for adults. The beach concierge will take care of your every need ("Cocktails?") as you luxuriate in your private cabana.

To do: Thanks to its prime location, Azul Beach gives you access to everything the Riviera Maya has to offer: ancient ruins, treetop ziplining, some of the world's most beautiful reefs. That said, you may want to just kick back with a cocktail or two in one of the practically personal pools or enjoy a massage listening to the gentle sound of the waves lapping on the breeze.

Baby red carpet: Azul Beach Resorts bend over backwards to provide a deluxe experience for even the youngest guests: from kiddie cocktails to toy room service (powered by Fisher-Price). Even their poshest restaurants have fully decked-out booster seats at the ready. —Jane Francisco

La Romana

The hotel: Casa de Campo is a resort village like none we've experienced. It is a boutique hotel, a golfer's paradise, a spa destination, a quaint marina town, an artisans' colony and a place to peek into the lifestyles of the rich and famous. And we haven't mentioned the beaches (four) or restaurants (17) dotted about the secluded property.

To do: Perfect for anyone who wants to be on the go from dawn to dusk, Casa de Campo has it all. Start your day with sunrise beach yoga, take a dip in the sleek pool, head to the tennis courts for a lesson before lunch overlooking the greens...or the marina...or the beach. Then head up the hill to the archeological museum and a local design school. Tomorrow, you can learn to skeet shoot, ride a horse or kayak.

Hot wheels: Casa de Campo spans an amazing 12 km of shoreline. Every room is kitted out with its own golf cart to get you from beach to marina to hilltop village and back in time for dinner. If you want to head out into the ocean farther than a kayak will allow, just hire a boat to take you cruising or fishing. —Jane Francisco

Santo Domingo

The hotel: The glorious Hostal Nicolas de Ovando is a boutique gem. It's built around three hacienda-style houses, one of which belonged to Christopher Columbus. Today, among the hotel's charming hidden patios and vaulted brick walkways, you'll find five-star treats—from crisp linens and a private pool to the chic cigar bar.

To do: Santo Domingo is a treasure trove of New World firsts (cathedral, monastery, university). Channel your inner pirate at Pat'e Palo, a 16th-century tavern now serving inspired local dishes like lamb osso bucco and yucca dumplings. Or soak up the Latin vibe, sipping dark Dominican coffee or a cool Presidente lager in a sidewalk café. Take home hand-rolled cigars, aged Ron Barceló rum and a chunky piece of golden amber or pale-blue larimar jewellery. Or learn how cacao is grown and harvested on a chocolate tour with local farmers.

Time travel: It's not all about white sandy beaches: Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the New World. Founded by Christopher Columbus' brother Bartholomew in 1496 and governed by his son Diego, the town has narrow cobblestone streets replete with conquistador history. —Cinda Chavich

Miami

The hotel: The Angler's Resort is a boutique hotel transformed from two art deco 1930s buildings into a tropical oasis. Nestled in the heart of South Beach, the hotel has an intimate, friendly feel with luxurious touches. A spa, a pool, close proximity to the beach and a lively hotel bar will keep you entertained.

To do: Indulge in a fabulous gospel brunch at City Hall Restaurant—you're serenaded with each bite. The innovative New World Symphony projects free concerts onto its building, and hosts $3 gigs and the late-night Pulse, where DJs mix along to classical music. For an old-school Cuban experience head to Little Havana and grab a Mojito at Cubo Ocho. On the last Friday of every month a local historian gives free tours starting outside the Tower Theater at 7 p.m.

Buzzing art scene: Miami South Beach is now firmly on the art-party map thanks to Art Bassel (December 6-9), showcasing some of the world's most spectacular art. But year-round, Miami is home to a subculture of emerging artists. Check out the Wynwood Arts District, with outdoor exhibitions from renowned street artists and independent galleries like the Bakehouse Art Complex, where you can talk to artists and attend workshops. —Alex Laws

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Palm Springs

The hotel: Colony Palms Hotel is a seamless mix of modern luxuries with a dash of Moroccan romance and tranquil getaway. The stunning view of the mountains, the incredible pool, the outdoor fireplace and the super-attentive staff make you feel like you are in a land far away from it all. If urban cool is more your thing, check out the brilliantly kitschy Ace Hotel. This revamp of '60s Howard Johnson is a popular spot for young professionals to kick back by the pool or hang out at the bar, where there is always something afoot, like the monthly Full-Moon Party.

To do: Swing by the Ace Hotel's King's Highway Restaurant for breakfast. The chilaquiles are some of the best you will ever eat. A walk down Palm Springs' main street, Palm Canyon Drive, is a must: Don't miss Trina Turk's graphic prints. And keep your eyes peeled for Hollywood celebrities of past years.

Bucket-list bonanza: Plan a day at Joshua Tree National Park and make sure to pack a lunch, or brown bag it from the mom-and-pop restaurant at the park entrance. There's a reason U2 shot its famous album cover there. The views, scale and beauty of the stone formations are stupendous. —Caroline Shaheed