Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya |
Cancun, Mexico
“After months of Vancouver rain, I start to wonder if blue skies are a real meteorological phenomenon. I’m vitamin D-deprived and one dreary forecast away from becoming a Victorian ghost. The cure? Sunshine, a spectacular lounger and turquoise waters as far as the eye can see. Enter Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya, a mangrove-fringed retreat just nine minutes from Cancún International Airport. My suitcase barely has time to hit the floor before I’m back in my natural habitat: poolside. Now all-inclusive, the resort is the first Waldorf Astoria in the world to make the switch, and it’s going adults-only in January 2027. Between two beachfront pools, 100 acres of coastline and JA’O’s Mexican cantina fare, I might just survive another gloomy winter. Pass the tacos.” — Monika Markovinovic, Passport Magazine Editor
VIEW HOTEL
Delano Miami Beach |
Miami Beach, United States
“My winter wish list starts with a front-row view to the ocean and a nice glass of rosé. Delano Miami Beach ticks those boxes, returning to its legendary South Beach address in spring 2026 after a six-year restoration. All the signature details remain, from the columned entrance and billowing white drapes to terrazzo floors and the iconic pool, alongside beach-inspired rooms, poolside bungalows and two new penthouses. I’m especially looking forward to exploring the dining scene, from coastal Italian fare at Gigi Rigolatto to Japanese cuisine at Mimi Kakushi, followed by a martini at the revived Rose Bar. The Source by Delano, opening in January with a communal sauna and sound meditations, adds one more reason to check in this winter.” — Brooke Van Hatten, Vice President, Marketing + Content
VIEW HOTEL
Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa |
South Tyrol, Italy
“Some places make such an impression that you start dreaming about your return before you’ve even left. Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa is one of them. My kids loved every minute of our stay, from the kids’ club to the spa, and I can see us coming back for a winter escape in the Dolomites. The mountain views are breathtaking, with snowy peaks and the charming village of Ortisei right on the doorstep. Inside, spectacular rooms and some of the warmest, most attentive service I’ve experienced make you feel right at home. It’s that rare mix of family-friendly fun and understated luxury that makes a stay truly memorable.” — Federica Lorijn-Antonioli, Global Director of Hotel Programs
VIEW HOTEL
Park Hyatt Cabo Del Sol |
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
“For a winter holiday, I’d choose Park Hyatt Cabo Del Sol for the rare pleasure of having nowhere in particular to be. A few days beside the Sea of Cortés, where the biggest decision is which cabana to claim at the Beach Club, sounds just perfect. Right on the Baja coastline, rooms and villas feature private patios or terraces, perfect for slow mornings and coffee with a view. I’d spend afternoons over fresh Mexican cuisine and something chilled before exploring the resort’s dining scene. With Cabo San Lucas just 20 minutes away, adventure is close by, but I wouldn’t feel any pressure to fill my itinerary. Sometimes, doing absolutely nothing is the ultimate luxury.” — Cynthia Verboon, Vice President, Hotel Programs
VIEW HOTEL
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa |
Raa Atoll, Maldives
“Some trips are about switching off. Others are about finally ticking something off the bucket list. For me, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa would be both. I’ve dreamed of staying in an overwater villa for as long as I can remember, waking up to endless blue and stepping straight into the Indian Ocean. But I’d want to do more than admire the view. I’d love to learn to dive and see the marine life up close, and the resort’s lagoon looks like a great place to start. Certified PADI professionals at the Diving Center can guide aspiring divers like me toward certification. Between underwater adventures, expect me to resurface to bounce around the five restaurants and the Emerald Spa.” — Nicole Havers, Marketing Content Manager
VIEW HOTEL
Le K2 Palace |
Courchevel, France
“European ski culture just can’t be beat, and I live for après-ski. This winter, I’m eyeing Courchevel, where El Niño is forecast to bring above-average snowfall, potentially giving the French Alps a powder advantage over North America. Le K2 Palace would be my pick, nestled in Les 3 Vallées, with ski-in, ski-out access to the world’s largest ski area and a seriously good lineup for post-slope pampering. I’d give my legs some TLC at Le Goji Spa before heading to L’Altiplano, where the Peruvian-inspired cuisine sounds particularly delicious.” — Carla Drake, Vice President, Concierge
VIEW HOTEL
The article’s cover photo features Le K2 Palace.
Falkensteiner Resort Lake Garda |
Lake Garda, Italy
“I’ve visited Lake Garda before in the fall, and it left me intrigued about experiencing the region in winter. I’m imagining quieter lakeside towns, mountain scenery dusted in snow, crisp walks along the shore and the Sentiero del Ponale, and leisurely espresso stops along the way. I picture festive markets and twinkling holiday lights throughout the charming streets, and returning to Falkensteiner Resort Lake Garda to warm up in one of their five pools, followed by a sauna session overlooking the lake in their adults-only rooftop spa. I’d finish the day with a sunset aperitivo at their new House of Negroni.” — Olivia Betts, Digital Marketing Specialist
VIEW HOTEL
Park Hyatt St. Kitts |
Christophe Harbour, St. Kitts and Nevis
“For a winter escape with the whole family, I’d head to St. Kitts, where white-sand beaches set the scene for memory-making. Park Hyatt St. Kitts keeps everyone happy, from its lagoon-style pool and gentle Caribbean waters to the Island Fort Kids Club, where little ones can try tie-dye and jewelry making. I’d make the journey part of the fun, arriving by water taxi from neighboring Nevis for a spectacular first glimpse of the island. Between beach days, I’d sneak away to the Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary for some well-earned Mum time.” — Anna Cort, Global Director of Hotel Programs
VIEW HOTEL
Zendaya Resort |
Búzios, Brazil
“While winter settles across the Northern Hemisphere, summer is just getting started in Brazil. I’d take that as my cue to head for Búzios, where 23 beaches give me plenty of reasons to go beach-hopping. Zendaya Resort, a sprawling coastal retreat facing Manguinhos Beach, would be my home base for kayaking, paddleboarding and boat trips to nearby islands. When I’m not out exploring, the resort’s two outdoor pools offer another way to soak up the sunshine. Come evening, I’d head to Rua das Pedras to browse open-air shops, find a great spot for dinner and follow the music into the night. That sounds like my kind of winter break.” — Karina Fuentes, Account Manager, Hotel Programs
VIEW HOTEL
The Leela Palace Udaipur |
Udaipur, India
“For a winter escape that feels royal, The Leela Palace Udaipur belongs at the top of my wish list. Arriving by boat across Lake Pichola would be a pretty spectacular way to start, especially with the palace’s ornate facade coming into view. Inside, I’d be taking my time admiring the intricate silver accents and opulent interiors that make every corner feel special. I’d love to wander the marble pathways of the Guava Garden, then spend cooler evenings enjoying delicious Rajasthani food before returning to my room for a cozy turndown. With Udaipur’s lakeside beauty and the hotel’s extraordinary sense of grandeur, this is one winter escape I’d find hard to leave.” — Dabira Chhabra, Account Manager, Hotel Programs
VIEW HOTEL
Villa Igiea |
Palermo, Italy
“Working on the visuals for our travel partner Cherrie Lynn’s Sicily diary put Villa Igiea on my wish list, and I’ve been dreaming of a visit ever since. With Belle Époque grandeur, frescoes, antique furnishings and rich fabrics overlooking the Mediterranean, I’d love to experience the elegance beyond the beautiful images that first caught my eye. Winter feels like an especially appealing time to explore Palermo, when mild temperatures make wandering the city a pleasure without the summer crowds. As someone who loves a good swim, I’d happily trade the chilly Pacific Northwest for a dip in the Mediterranean. Evenings would be made for a cocktail at Igiea Terrazza Bar, where I could channel my inner White Lotus guest.” — Julia Kaplun, Design + Brand Lead
VIEW HOTEL
COMO Shambhala Estate |
Ubud, Indonesia
“If there’s one thing I need when winter rolls around, it’s a proper reset. COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali sounds like just the place, tucked into a lush jungle where birdsong and flowing water provide the soundtrack. I’d trade my everyday routine for sunrise yoga, guided meditation and Qi Gong, plus restorative wellness treatments to help me recharge. The health-focused approach is a big draw, especially when it comes to the food. I’d dive into Indonesian flavors at Kudus House, venture into Ubud to explore its vibrant dining scene or try my hand at a cooking class alongside the estate’s talented chefs. All that, plus the chance to spot monkeys roaming the jungle? Count me in.” — Brent Arentsen, Director, Distribution
VIEW HOTEL
About Kiwi Collection
Since 2003, we’ve handpicked the world’s best hotels and resorts—the kind of places that stay with you long after your stay is through. From celebrated icons to little-known boutique hotels, we help you find and book somewhere exceptional, with personalized advice from our Hotel Specialists and Kiwi Perks to make your stay even better.
GET INSPIRED →