When most of the US is stuck in winter's icy grip, it’s a relief to know there's somewhere warm and breezy to escape to. Our guide to the top warm-weather getaways—our 80 degrees’ beach-finder tool—will help you find the perfect beach based on your interests. In no time at all, you'll be ready to head off to where beaches, warm waters, and outdoor adventures await. Be sure to pack your swimsuit and suntan lotion, and leave the coat, turtlenecks, and gloves at home!
Why we love it: Like a vision from a storybook, this village of bone-white, Greco-Moorish dwellings clusters exotically along the intimate crescent of Maundays Bay.
Where to stay: A sophisticated and stylish hideaway surrounded by 180 lush acres with more than 60,000 flowering plants, Cap Juluca features 70 impeccably refurbished beachfront guest rooms and suites with louvered doors that open wide to oceanfront terraces. (Villas come with private swimming pools.) The 1,800-square-foot pool flanked by columns is a freshwater alternative to the aquamarine carribean.
Why we love it: With five beaches along Nicaragua's dramatic Pacific coast, the luxury resort of Rancho Santana has a stretch of sand for every kind of warm-weather lover. But what we really love about this place is its embrace of yoga and surfing, making it a great spot to reboot your passions (or acquire a new one).
Where to stay: The ranch's 17 room inn features private terraces and cozy furnishings made at the property's millworks. The 25 beach-view villas are available for families and groups. 310-929-5221 or ranchosantana.com.
Why we love it: Just a few hours south of Lima, this undiscovered coastal village of Peru is home to high cliffs, miles of sand dunes, and the Ballestas Islands, which are as filled with wildlife as the Galápagos. Plus, this is the home region of Pisco, so there's lots of good cocktailing to be found.
Where to stay: With two swimming pools and a spa, the 120-room Hotel Paracas is a perfect luxury basecamp. In addition to guided journeys to the Ballestas Islands and into Paracas National Reserve, the resort's list of adventures includes sandboarding to a tented dinner in the middle of the dunes, and sightseeing flights above the famous Nazca Lines.
There is nothing better than a fabulous getaway to help you escape the cold. What’s your top favorite destination?