Stay Warm in Style at Luxury Resorts This Winter

With the increasing chill in the air, it's only natural to start contemplating an escape to a tropical paradise—someplace with clear water, white sand, palm trees, and a luxurious resort where the staff are ready to pamper you. To help you move from daydreaming to planning, here are some recommendations for upscale warm-weather resorts around the globe.

Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu, Hawaii

Although Turtle Bay Resort is on Oahu, Hawaii's most popular island, the property sits on the tip of the island's more isolated North Shore, and feels world's away from bustling Honolulu and Waikiki. The 880-acre resort has both guest rooms and beachfront cottages as well eight different dining options, a fitness center and spa, two seaside golf courses, an on-site surf school, and miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. Prices for stays in early January start at $269 per night.

(Photo: Turtle Bay Resort)

Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas

More like Disney World with an ocean theme than a mere resort, the Bahamas' Atlantis boasts a vast water park home to sharks, turtles, and more than 50,000 other sea animals, plus an array of water rides. That's on top of 3,000 guest rooms, 42 restaurants and bars, the biggest casino in the Caribbean, and a Mandara Spa. Three-night packages including accommodations and airport transfers start at $499 per person for stays between January 2 and February 29 when you book by December 14, 2007.

(Photo: Kerzner International Limited)

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, South Walton, Florida

Situated on Florida's Emerald Coast between Panama City and Pensacola, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has won numerous awards and acclaim for its golf courses and family programs. This sprawling 2,400-acre resort tries its best to appeal to as many different types of travelers as possible, featuring amenities such as a 7.5-mile beach, four championship golf courses, 15 tennis courts, a 98-slip marina, more than 20 restaurants, and dozens of shops. Nightly rates start at $108 in early January.

(Photo: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort)

Peter Island Resort, British Virgin Islands

If you don't have your own private island retreat, the exclusive Peter Island Resort is the next best thing, set on its own 1,800-acre island in the British Virgin Islands. The resort has 32 oceanview rooms, 20 beachfront suites, and three villas. Double occupancy prices for the winter months start at $920 per night, including three meals per day. Book by November 30 and you can get seven nights for the price of five for stays between December 8 and 19 and January 5 and 31.

(Photo: Peter Island Resort)

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona

Set in the desert resort town of Scottsdale, Arizona, the AAA Four Diamond Westin Kierland Resort & Spa has something for everyone—couples, families, and business travelers. It features 27 holes of championship golf, eight different eateries, a 15,000-square-foot spa, and a water park with a 900-foot lazy river ride and a 110-foot-long waterslide. Prices in early January start at $354 per night plus taxes. If you can stay before December 31, you can book a discounted rate of $279 per night, receive $50 in resort credit, and get a coupon book.

(Photo: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa)

CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, Mexico

Following recent extensive renovations, the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort is now one of Cancun's top hotels, offering an upscale experience with lower prices than some of the area's other high-end options. Nightly rates in early January start around $259 per night.

(Photo: CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort)

Ladera, St. Lucia

Clinging to a mountain slope in the rainforest between St. Lucia's two Piton peaks, the eco-lodge style resort Ladera removes the division that normally exists between hotel guests and the outside environment. Ladera's six villas and 21 suites are completely open on their westward-facing sides (but designed for safety and protection against the elements), allowing nature lovers to see and hear the sounds of the rainforest below. Winter rates at this luxurious Caribbean retreat start at $495 per night, which includes daily breakfast and afternoon tea and shuttle service to the beach.

(Photo: Ladera)

Le Meridian Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

In a town known for decadence, the five-star Le Meridian Mina Seyahi Beach Resort stands out for its all around excellence and good value among Dubai's luxury resorts. Built on a white sand private beach on the Arabian Sea, this Starwood property offers guests eight different restaurants and cafes, a kids' club, a spa, fitness and watersports centers, and, if you happen to be arriving by yacht, a 238-berth marina. Rates for stays in early January start around $600 per night.

(Photo: Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina)

Four Seasons Resort Nevis, West Indies

One of the Caribbean's top luxury resorts, the Four Seasons Resort Nevis makes for a relaxing escape thanks in part to its location on the lesser-visited island of Nevis, a West Indies isle known for its natural beauty and lack of commercial buildup. There's plenty to do here, however. On-site you'll find an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course, 10 tennis courts, and an award-winning spa. Rates from January 5 to February 15 start at $695 per night. You can stay for as little as $475 nightly through December 14.

(Photo: Four Seasons Resort Nevis)

Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa, French Polynesia

With its crystal-clear water, tiny islets covered in palm trees, and emerald green mountains rising from the sea, French Polynesia's Bora Bora looks as if nature intended it to be the ultimate honeymoon destination. Located on its own private islet off the main island, Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa is a top choice for romantic travelers, offering 120 overwater and island-based bungalows, a Mandara Spa, and a half-mile long white sand beach. Prices start at $760 per night.

(Photo: Starwood Hotels and Resorts)