Escape The Winter At These Warm And Incredible Retreats

Escape the Winter at These Warm and Incredible Retreats

The winter divides people in two basic categories when it comes to vacations – those who love the snow and those who want to get away from it. You don't have to wait for summer to enjoy the beach, go scuba diving, or embark on crazy adventures that don't involve ice.

Hilton Orlando, Florida

Enjoy the warmth and hospitability of Florida with the 30-Hour Day package. You get to check-in early at 10 a.m., and check out late at 4 p.m. This is especially great because the resort is just 15 minutes from the airport. In case you feel like going out, Universal Orlando® Resort, Wet 'n Wild water park, SeaWorld® and the Orange County Convention Center are nearby. You'll have as much fun if you stay in, too. There are two pools, lazy river, waterslide, whirlpool, cabanas, fire pits, spa and fitness center, 9-hole putting green, jogging track, and recreational courts. thehiltonorlando.com

Active Escapes, Hawaii

Consider a fitness retreat this winter to get back in shape and relax at the same time. You get two training sessions a day which include intense workouts such as TRX, circuit training, boxing, and SUP yoga. In addition, you go hiking a lot. Surf lessons are also offered, which you should take advantage of since Hawaii is home to some great waves. And if that's not enough, you can go horseback riding, golfing or scuba diving. www.activeescapes.com.au

The Villa on Dunbar Rock, Bay Islands, Honduras

If your idea of a perfect vacation is a warm spot with plenty of adventure opportunities and just a handful of other people, think about coming here. The 15,000-square-foot villa is atop a rock off the coast of Honduras' Bay Islands. Scuba divers love it. You'll never have to dress up for dinner; call the concierge dive service and a reef system literally your own; and relax on a personal white sand beach. Go outside and explore the mountainous island. Enjoy waterfalls, hiking trails, kayaking, bird watching, and stargazing. www.dunbarrock.com

Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa, Puerto Rico

The more you stay, the more you can enjoy your stay at Copamarina, literally. You get one free night if you stay at the resort for at least two. Other discounts include: Buy one dinner entrée at Las Palmas Café, get a second at 50 percent off, buy one spa treatment, get the second at half price, and buy one access to Gilligan's Island, get the second free. Puerto Rico is popular destination for all types of vacationers. People are spoiled with an endless list of exciting recreational activities, including hiking and biking trails, "dive-in" movie nights, sea turtle viewing, snorkeling, scuba diving and countless other watersports. www.copamarina.com

Rockhouse Hotel, Jamaica

Stay in a lounge perched upon the scenic cliffs of Negril's Pristine Cove and wake up every morning to a view of the magnificent Caribbean Sea. The hotel has won the "Caribbean's Leading Boutique Hotel" at the World Travel Awards twice. Explore the eight acres of lavish, tropical gardens and make the most of the spa and wellness programs the resort offers. www.rockhouse.com

Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach, Dominican Republic

The all-inclusive resort offers stunning oceanfront bungalows and beachside canopy beds you won't want to get out of. You can also get trapeze lessons absolutely free. There are four sparkling pools and a beautiful white sand beach, with volleyball courts, catamaran rides, and canoeing. The gym has a rock climbing wall so you can work on your skills. The resort also has live entertainment, themed parties, and many kids' activities. www.wyndhamhotels.com

Tree House Lodges, Limón, Costa Rica

This unique tree house is in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast. The wooden structure is completely self-sustaining. It is made from fallen trees and uses solar heating. You can access the property via a hanging steel bridge. Since it's next to the Punta Uva Beach, you can do all kinds of water activities with the most popular being snorkeling and kayaking. www.costaricatreehouse.com

Hotel Saratoga, Havana, Cuba

Now that the restrictions to visit as a tourist have been loosened, you can start planning your vacation to explore the beauty that lies in Cuba. Stay at the historic, and renovated, Hotel Saratoga on the outskirts of Old Havana. Don't miss a chance to enjoy the rooftop pool from which you can see the entire city and its classic beauty. Some of the best adventures in Cuba include zip lining, cave diving, running Malecon, snorkeling, and of course, enjoying the bustling nightlife. www.hotel-saratoga.com

The Body Holiday, St. Lucia

The resort may be in an isolated location but it's very exercise-oriented. Its motto is "Give us your body for a week and we'll give you back your mind." They try to accomplish that with tennis, yoga, Pilates, spinning classes, personal fitness sessions, volleyball and even archery. You get 50 minutes at the spa every day. You can enjoy many water sports. Some of the more physically challenging are windsurfing, tubing and water-skiing. www.thebodyholiday.com

LUX* Le Morne, Mauritius

Few places are more beautiful if you like turquoise waters and white sand beaches with a perfect weather all year-round. Located in the Indian Ocean, the country is known for beaches, lagoons and reefs – all you need for a peaceful winter sun vacation. Le Morne is bordered by the rugged, majestic Le Morne Mountain and miles of sandy beaches. Circled by sheltered coves and sparkling aqua-blue waters, the UNESCO World Heritage site is also known for its spectacular sunsets. The resort is an ideal location for swimming with dolphins, surfing and kitesurfing. www.luxresorts.com

Velassaru Resort, Maldives

Whether you're staying in a villa, lagoon or bungalow, you'll be surrounded by water and have a pool. The spa consists of overwater treatment pavilions set on stilts offering classic therapies designed to revitalize and soothe, while you soak in uninterrupted views of the gorgeous Maldivian seascape. This beautiful tropical island nation is best known for its exceptional beaches and topnotch diving. The Maldives also attract scores of surfers, drawn by the consistent surf breaks off the reefs of the North Male Atoll. www.velassaru.com

Cap Juluca, Maundays Bay, Anguilla

The resort offers one of the finest beaches in the world, three restaurants, and soothing spa services in the small treasure island in northern Caribbean. Vacationers who seek privacy go to Cap Juluca, one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. Serene and secluded, the flat bay has almost no hills ensuring almost constant trade winds. Anguilla is famous for its turquoise ocean, exquisite white sand beaches and wonderful varied local cuisine. www.capjuluca.com

Rancho Santana, Nicaragua

Nicaragua is an unforgettable bucket list trip you can do on a budget. Rancho Santana is a luxurious residential community on the Pacific coast. It boasts 2,700 acres of rolling hills and two miles of rocky and dramatic shore, broken up by five distinct beaches nestled in their own hideaways. No matter where you're staying, you'll always have a view of the rugged, natural beauty of the stunning Pacific coast. ranchosantana.com

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Paradise Valley, Arizona

Desert activities are far more pleasant when the summer heat subsides. Perched above the Sonoran's Paradise Valley, Sanctuary on Camelback offers guided hikes and biking up Camelback Mountain, exceptional local dining at elements, and spa services at the award-winning Sanctuary Spa. After taking a break for the summer, Mixology 101 returns to Sanctuary's jade bar just in time for travelers, offering weekly instruction on cocktail crafting, Saturdays at noon, for $35 per guest. Shoulder season rates start at $529 per night, a nice break from high season's $679. www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com

A cruise

You don't have to limit yourself to one warm and incredible destination this winter. A cruise is one of the best and most inexpensive ways to see several different countries in a short period of time. If you can go between January and March, do so. This is when you're going to see a lot of discounts if you look for them in advance. Cruise lines also often offer free perks if you book a trip during the wave season.