Winter Escapes

1. Beaver Creek Resort, Colorado

An easy 1.5-hour drive from Denver Airport and suited to families and skiers who like to be pampered, Vail Resort’s Beaver Creek mountain is the place to be this winter.  Site of the Alpine World Ski Championship this month, the resort is a winter wonderland both on and off the mountain (there’s snowshoeing, tubing, ice-skating, and amazing dining options galore) and it boasts a world-class ski and snow board school. New to Beaver Creek this season is the mid-mountain, ski-in-and-out Candy Cabin, designed to be an old-fashioned candy store. For those who hate to carry their skis, The Ospry at Beaver Creek, A RockResort is ideal lodging since it’s the closest hotel to any chairlift in North America (26 feet-right out the back door). The hotel features rooms/suites right on the slopes with ski valet, fantastic dining for all meals at The Osprey Lounge, outdoor heated pool, hot tub and more. Book a 2-night stay by March 6 (for stays up until March 9) and you’ll get the third night free.  Rates start at $260/night.  Flights to Denver as low as $185/person through Frontier Airlines.

2. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Leave the cold behind and explore the sunny island of Puerto Rico by staying at the Ritz-Carlton, San Juan. Located on eight acres of pristine beachfront property in the chic neighborhood of Isla Verde, this hotel provides an unforgettable escape at one of the most elegant beach hotels in the Caribbean, and is the perfect launching point to explore the quaint cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. The hotel’s spa treatments are inspired by ancient rain forests and the property boasts excellent dining options influenced by local Caribbean ingredients plus a dazzling casino. The resort is running a special “Comfort You” package valid through March 31 that includes: Buffet breakfast for two daily and a $100 resort credit to be used for spa treatments, dining at the hotel’s steakhouse, or beach activities.  Rates start at $439.00/nt.  Round-trip, airfare from Chicago as low as $332pp through JetBlue.

3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Couples and families that want a true escape from the winter weather will find that Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta is the perfect getaway destination with its spectacular views of Banderas Bay, the Sierra Madre Mountains, a gorgeous stretch of beach, and elegant pools. Kids will love the Explorer’s Club with supervised activities including sand castle competitions, arts & crafts, and weekly campout adventures on the beach. Enjoy from a selection of five international restaurants and five lounges for unlimited food and beverages. Located only 20 minutes away from the historic colonial town of Puerto Vallarta, the resort also offers nearby whale watching, golfing, shopping, and nightlife. Book this winter special through Royal Travel for an Apple Vacations Unlimited Luxury® package includes round-trip airfare, 3-nights hotel accommodations, all food, drink, and entertainment for $878.34/pp; good for travel between March 3-April 18.

4. Kauai, Hawaii

The St. Regis Princeville Resort on the island of Kauai, said to be one of the most glorious resorts in the world. The ocean-side property offers endless options for pampering, fun, and relaxation with two championship golf courses, swimming pools, private beach cabanas, and an array of activities from snorkeling and kayaking to horse back riding. The Princeville Shopping Plaza and the town of Hanalei are located within a short distance of the resort, offering a wide range of charming retail opportunities, including art galleries, gift stores, restaurants, and fashion boutiques. Since it’s Oscars week it’s fun to note that many scenes from the movie The Descendants were filmed at this hotel. Book a 5-night package with Royal Travel that includes airfare and hotel accommodations through Apple Vacations for $2,329/pp. Package does not include meals/drinks.

5. Godfrey Hotel, Chicago

The Godfrey Hotel is Chicago’s newest 4 ½ star independent boutique hotel. The Cubist-influenced style adds to the chic feel of each room. Centrally located at the epicenter of River North downtown, just a short walk from Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile. The hotel is offering a “Friends Don’t Let Friends” package when it snows in downtown Chicago. The second it starts to snow, The Godfrey’s Facebook page will post that the package is available and anyone who secures a room at the hotel during the promotion receives 20 percent off. This helps commuters and travelers that might be stuck in the city due to a cancelled flight or anyone that wants to stay warm in The Godfrey while it’s snowing outside. The Winter Blizzard promo rates start at $99/night. The flash sale only takes place when it snows and it is for 20% off the best available rate at the time.