Winter is one of the best times for a vacation. While self-proclaimed snow bunnies are keen to swish down the slopes or jet off to snow-covered wonderlands, other travelers prefer to escape the frigid temps in favor of warm-weather locales like Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean. With ResortPass, you can pick the perfect sun-splashed winter travel destination and enjoy all the perks of a hotel without having to spend the night.
Miami, Florida
One of the most sizzling destinations in the United States, Miami brings the heat year round. Snowbirds flock to this South Florida hotspot for its beaches, nightlife, and stylish hotels. A day pass to The Confidante Miami Beach comes with access to both the outdoor heated family and adults-only pools, lounge chairs, outdoor showers, and plush perks like complimentary fruit-infused water. Daybeds, shaded poolside cabanas, and private bungalows are also available. Speaking of luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami has a European-edged outdoor swimming pool, lounge chairs and shade umbrellas, chilled towels, poolside food and drink service from Water’s Edge, and beach access.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale is a favorite sun-splashed city break on Florida’s southeastern coast with beaches, boating canals, and an oceanfront promenade. It’s also home to many high-end resorts. Located near Port Everglades, B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale is a historic property that’s favored by cruise passengers who splash in the two outdoor heated pools, catch rays on the sun loungers, and savor food and drinks from the Salty Siren. Beach chairs and day-use rooms are also available. Daycationers visiting the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort can choose between passes to enjoy the pool, hot tub, and beach or a more exclusive perch in a shaded cabana.
Orlando, Florida
Florida’s capital of family fun, Orlando has tons to offer travelers of all ages—from world-renowned theme parks (ahem, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios and Universal Orlando) to sprawling resorts. The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate boasts a wave pool, a zero-entry family pool with a 125-foot corkscrew, a kids pool with waterslides, an adult pool, an 850-foot lazy river, tennis courts, basketball, and mini golf. The fun never ends at the Hilton Orlando courtesy of the large resort pool with a waterslide and whirlpool, kids splash pad, 892-foot lazy river, waterfalls, fountains, and water cannons as well as an adults-only pool, and private shaded cabana that are great for groups.
Florida’s southernmost point, laid-back yet lively Key West charms sun-starved travelers with its beaches, coral reef snorkeling, pastel-hued houses, and abundance of bars along Duval Street. Its hotel scene is equally exciting thanks to gems like The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West, which offers the ultimate daytime escape complete with two outdoor swimming pools, discounted poolside food and drinks from Salty Oyster Bar, a hammock, and the option to book fishing trips and dolphin tours that leave from the marina. Another attractive daycation venue for sipping rum cocktails and afternoon catnaps, the Southernmost Beach Resort is a respite in colorful Old Town with three heated pools, poolside food and drinks, a private tanning pier, and beach access.
Located on the south shore of Oahu, Honolulu serves as the gateway to the Aloha State. Picture-perfect weather, plus restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and high-rise hotels along the iconic crescent-shaped Waikiki Beach, make Hawaii’s capital city a standout destination in its own right. Snag a day pass to Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. The expansive 5th-floor sun deck has a stunning saltwater infinity pool, hot tub, family pool, and lounge chairs. Thirsty? Sip on a signature guava Mai Tai. Daytime and evening cabanas are available, depending on how your daycation unfolds. Over at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, travelers can expect a photogenic backdrop to enjoy the outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and private lagoon access.
Maui, Hawaii
The ultimate escape from the winter blues, Maui is a tropical paradise with 30 miles of stunning beaches for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. After all the outdoor adventure, why not kick back at a ritzy resort? Kids and adults will find plenty to keep them occupied at the Fairmont Kea Lani. The family-friendly lagoon-style pools feature a 140-foot water slide, a splash pool, a waterfall, and a swim-up bar. Grownups who want to sip Mai Tais in peace can book an ‘Elua Cabana by the adults-only pool. The Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort has a whopping five pools—three ocean-facing infinity pools, plus a lagoon pool and adults-only pool—plus private cabanas and daybeds, direct access to Mokapu Beach, farm-to-table Hawaiian fare, and tropical cocktails.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Set on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is known for its sandy beaches, crystal-clear tides, watersports, and a raft of all-inclusive resorts. Thanks to ResortPass, you don’t need to stay overnight to play in the sparkling pools, catch rays in a lounge chair, daybed, or cabana, sip tropical cocktails, walk along the beach, try paddle boarding and kite surfing, and take the kiddos for high-flying trapeze fun at Circus School at Club Med Punta Cana. The same goes for the newly-built Ocean El Faro, which provides ample forms of sun-drenches entertainment for all ages—from the giant swimming pools, lazy river with waterfalls, kids’ splash pad, and waterslides to the bowling alley and ice cream parlor to the namesake lighthouse and spa with hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and relaxation lounge.
Aruba
One of the most popular Caribbean islands for a warm-weather winter escape, Aruba has a well-deserved reputation as a hotbed of beaches, casinos, and family fun. Whether you’re traveling with kids or as a couple, there’s a vacation-worthy resort ready to welcome you for a day of fun in the sun. The Radisson Blu Aruba on the Palm Beach Strip gives off major tropical oasis energy with multiple pools, an adults-only whirlpool, and poolside food and drinks. Traveling with a group? Consider a chic poolside cabana that accommodates eight people. The Eagle Aruba Resort & Casino shows off an outdoor pool with a waterslide and kids’ splash area as well as a waterfall pool, adults-only pool, and hot tubs. Need to get out of the sun for a few hours? Reserve a day-use room.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Ready to bust out your bikini? Montego Bay is a major cruise ship port on Jamaica’s north coast with gorgeous beaches, golf courses, and world-class snorkeling and diving at Montego Bay Marine Park. In search of a place to kick back in between activities or before setting sail? Consider a day pass to the five-star Zoetry Montego Bay Jamaica to float in the Insta-worthy outdoor pools, sip cocktails or do a rum tasting, savor international cuisine, and wander along the beach. Travelers sans kiddos will love the grown-up atmosphere at Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa, a luxury all-inclusive that dazzles well-heeled daycationers with its three pristine pools, hot tubs, endless daytime activities, nighttime entertainment, gourmet dining, and top-shelf spirits.
Cancun, Mexico
Equal parts party destination and family-friendly mecca, Cancun stands out among the many popular vacation destinations on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Whether you’re more into dance-til-dawn nightlife, building sand castles during daylight hours, or learning about Mayan culture, there’s a ton to do for every type of sun-seeking traveler, regardless of age. The all-inclusive Club Med Cancun makes relishing a fabulous daycation a breeze with three oceanfront pools, water activities for kids, and unlimited food and drinks. For a more boutique vibe, hit the sophisticated SLS Cancun Hotel where tranquil outdoor pools, day beds, a private beach club, turquoise waters, breezy hammocks, fire pits, and international cuisine await.
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Playa Del Carmen invites travelers to shed their heavy coats and escape to a coastal paradise in Riviera Maya with palm-fringed beaches, clear Caribbean waters, coral reefs, authentic Mexican food, and winter temperatures in the low 80s. A dreamy daycation takes shape while sipping mezcal-spiked cocktails and eating tacos by the infinity pools at the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort. Want to level up the luxury? Book a private shaded cabana and massages at the Cenote Spa. The exclusive Andaz Mayakoba Resort provides the ideal spot for a sun-kissed day of relaxation with pool time, walks along the white sand beach, fruit smoothies, spicy margaritas, and housemade ceviche.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
A buzzy resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta turns up the heat on a winter getaway with its magnificent beaches, water sports, and a lively nightlife scene. For a day filled with leisure before hitting the bars, lounges, and nightclubs along El Malecón, head to The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta for a spa day filled with time in the sauna, steam room, relaxation lounge, and an 80-minute massage. The daycation offerings at the beachfront Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa mix lively and low-key for travelers of all ages with a renovated infinity pool, a kids pool with a splash pad, numerous restaurants, an ice cream shop, and tequila tastings. Poolside and sea-view cabanas are also up for grabs.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Dreaming of putting your swimsuit, SPF, and sunglasses to good use this winter? Jet off to Los Cabos, on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, for beaches, water-centric activities, al fresco dining, nightlife, and luxurious resorts. Marquis Los Cabos is an adults-only oasis that delivers infinity pools, a white-sand beach, a rejuvenating spa, and handcrafted cocktails. When hunger strikes, treat your tastebuds to everything from fish tacos to teppanyaki. The views of Land’s End from the rooftop at Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences are enough to make the stress of daily life feel very far away. Add to that swimming in the shimmering pool, savoring fresh seafood, and recharging at the superb spa.
