When someone says “tropical,” there are a few images that come to mind. Towering palm trees, crystal blue waters, soft white sand… and as winter begins to settle in, when your fingers are ready to fall off and you can feel the chill in your bones, “tropical,” seems to be calling all of our names. Because while the windswept hair and rosy cheeks look pretty good on you, you just can’t take it anymore. We hear you. Which is why we’ve rounded up eight tropical vacations for you to book an escape to.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Tropical Vacations:
- For Seaside Relaxation: Fairmont Kea Lani, Hawaii
- For a Family-Friendly Resort: Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives
- For Vibrant Nightlife: Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort, Los Cabos
- For a Bit of Everything: Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Phuket
- For Something Near the City: Namia River Retreat, Hoi An
For starters, a tropical destination doesn’t necessarily call for a beach or island. (Though don’t worry: We have plenty of those on our list.) More under-the-radar destinations that include rugged adventure and even a slice of city life offer a well-rounded itinerary for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a Caribbean island, a picturesque archipelago in the middle of the Indian Ocean, or an ancient town teeming with culture in Southeast Asia, we’ve got you covered. Now all you need to do is pack that sunscreen, pull those bathing suits out from of the back of your closet, and get ready to soak in some rays. Ahead, eight tropical vacation spots to help beat the cold.
Maldives
The undisputed ultimate luxury when it comes to island escapes is overwater bungalows, and that is exactly what the Maldives has come to be synonymous with. These villas offer direct access to the ocean just steps away from your private terrace; there truly is no other option but to enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the turquoise waters. And the Maldives aren’t just for honeymooners or couples—they’re also great for family vacations or solo relaxation.
Since you’ll essentially be secluded for the duration of your stay, it’s important to pick a hotel that best fits your preferences. If you’re looking for a resort with a focus on wellness, check into Joali Being—the world-class spa alone is worth a visit.
For properties that have a little of everything for everyone, consider The Four Seasons. The family-friendly Kuda Huraa resort is just a short boat ride away from Malé (cutting out the need to hop on a seaplane) and has great surf programs along with wildlife activities, like a turtle sanctuary, spinner dolphin cruises, and opportunities to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays. Meanwhile, at their Landaa Giraavaru resort, an Ayurvedic spa awaits along with the chance to snorkel with elusive manta rays from May to November. Are you after complete seclusion? Book the exclusive-use Voavah, and get an entire island to yourself.
Maui
While Maui is still recovering from the devastating 2023 wildfires, like most other Hawaiian islands, the stark reality is that it depends on tourism to thrive. It’s more important than ever to travel responsibly when visiting destinations like Maui, by supporting local businesses and maintaining respect for the land and the community. The isle is teeming with a variety of farms, which is directly correlated to the amount of great restaurants like Shikeda Bento Patisserie and Havens, as well as local-owned grocery stores like Pukalani Suprette. During your trip, consider volunteering with organizations like Maui Cultural Lands and Kipuka Olowalu to learn more about the beautiful destination, and make a trip to the Maui Historical Society where you’ll find more than 2,000 artifacts that tell the island’s history.
The luxury all-suite oceanfront resort Fairmont Kea Lani aided in the reforestation of Lahaina and Kula following the fires, and has since been cultivating potted trees that will eventually be gifted to the local communities. The property also has an unmatched cultural center run by native Hawaiians who lead guests in immersive and meaningful activities that honor the island’s traditions.
Los Cabos
While Cabo often conjures up images of spring break, one of Mexico’s most beloved destinations offers more than tequila-fueled nights; although there’s certainly plenty of that to go around if you wish. Cabo San Lucas is the heartbeat of the region and is teeming with nightlife options, but the region’s most well-known city also has some fantastic restaurants, like Manta by chef Enrique Olvera (of Pujol and Cosme fame). In vibrant San José del Cabo, things slow down a bit and lean more bohemian, with art galleries, a Saturday organic farmers market, and the farm-to-table Acre restaurant—one of the hottest reservations in town. Whichever side of Cabo you choose, you’re bound to have a great time.
For those looking to be a little more removed from the hustle and bustle, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol is just east of all the action, but offers plenty to do on-site. Since most beaches aren’t swimmable in Cabo, there’s a focus on pools, with this property being one of the best places for both family and adults-only options. It also has its own version of a town square, with an arts and crafts center where you’ll find activities like painting and sculpting along with lively Friday gatherings with a band, cooking demos, tequila tastings, and an idyllic spa centered around a garden-like oasis.
On the San José side of town, Vogue’s Beauty Shopping Editor Kiana Murden favors Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort. “This oceanfront retreat is situated on Los Cabos’ desert coastline where the terrain and sea meet, offering not only idyllic views but a host of culinary and wellness experiences to suit any travel itinerary,” she says. There are eight pools spread across 18 acres as well as an adjoining golf course, and the nightlife is equally enticing. “At night, there's even a lively Prohibition Era-inspired speakeasy bar called La Botica where guests can dance the night away. You'll have so much fun, a trip to the spa the next morning will be a must,” adds Murden. (Her recommendation: the Holistic Twilight Ceremony, a purifying ritual adopted from ancient Baja shaman practices, followed by a massage of your choice.)
Puerto Rico
Bad Bunny’s residency in Puerto Rico shined a spotlight on the island this past summer, but even sans concert series you’ll want to visit. In vibrant Old San Juan there’s a flourishing art scene and plenty of places to dine on arroz con gandules, the national dish made of rice, pigeon peas, and sofrito; lechón, roasted suckling pork; and ever-popular mofongo, mashed fried green plantains. Prefer to be a little more active? Hike your way through lush El Yunque National Forest to staggering waterfalls or kayak in one of the three bioluminescent bays, the brightest being Mosquito Bay on Vieques.
The oceanfront Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, not only has a pristine beach, but the resort also boasts a five-acre, apothecary-style spa and a nearby golf course with vistas of the Caribbean Sea. Looking for an adults-only boutique hotel closer to the city center of San Juan? Check into the LGBTQIA+–owned Dreamcatcher for some laidback luxury.
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island has long maintained its title as a go-to vacation spot for sun and sand. You could spend a full week walking around various cultural sites like Wat Chalong temple and sailing around the famed Phang Nga Bay, where dramatic limestone karsts shoot out from the sea. There’s also a well-preserved old town where you’ll find a number of shops and restaurants, a Sunday night market, and photogenic Sino-Portuguese townhomes painted in bright hues. And, divers: You’ll be spoiled with warm waters teeming with marine life to swim amongst.
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is the epitome of a choose-your-own-adventure hotel. On the weekends the pool turns into a full-on beach club complete with a DJ; or, you can transform your holiday into a wellness journey at its new medi-spa, Layan Life, one of the finest in the region.
Hoi An
Not much of a beach vacation person, but want to go somewhere warm that’s steeped in history and culture? Hoi An is a well-preserved city along Vietnam’s central coast that functioned as an important trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries. It’s a popular—and often crowded—tourist destination, but for good reason. From its worldly influenced architecture to the boats and floating lanterns that fill Hoai River at sunset, it’s as picturesque as it gets. Wander through the alleys and keep your eyes peeled for restaurants serving up Hoi An’s signature noodle dish, cao lau, along with other favorites like banh mi and com ga (chicken rice). And if you’re in need of a custom garment, there are tailors on every street who will bring your made-to-measure designs to life. (Find yourself missing waves and sand? There are plenty of beautiful beaches just a quick drive away.)
Nestled on an islet along the Thu Bon River, the new Namia River Retreat is just a stone’s throw away from Hoi An’s old town, but still offers a sense of peace and seclusion. All of the accommodations feature plunge pools, and each stay also includes a 90-minute spa treatment from a menu of therapies rooted in Vietnamese traditions and herbology.
Sri Lanka
After a raging civil war, a devastating tsunami in 2004, and a financial collapse in 2022, Sri Lanka has begun to rehabilitate under new governance, turning into an under-the-radar destination for in-the-know travelers. Now, with improved infrastructure and several luxury accommodations on the horizon, the South Asian island nation is garnering more attention than ever. While safaris are usually synonymous with Africa, Sri Lanka also affords plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities in its national parks like Yala and Udawalawe. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Four: the native leopard, elephant, and sloth bear, along with blue whales.
In addition to being hot spots for whales and dolphins, the country’s bays are also a surfer’s paradise. Make sure to visit cultural institutions like Sri Dalada Maligawa, where the left canine of Buddha is enshrined, and Sigiriya Rock, an ancient fortress that’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For safari expeditions, Wild Coast Tented Lodge, a Relais & Châteaux property, is on the edge of Yala National Park. Uga Resorts also has a number of boutique hotels around the country, including Uga Prava that’s perched on a cliff in Tangalle.
Nicaragua
While many have chosen to descend on Costa Rica to embrace pura vida, others are looking to its northern neighbor Nicaragua for an equally relaxed getaway. Catch epic waves along the southwest coast at popular surf spots like Popoyo and Playa Maderas. Take a boat out on Lake Nicaragua, the largest in Central America, and sail around the 365 islands that make up Isletas de Granada. Scale the extinct volcano of Mombacho while searching for nearly 200 species of birds. Or, simply just relax at a comfortable hotel and admire the breathtaking landscape where verdant jungles meet white-sand beaches.
Tucked away on one of the islets on Lake Nicaragua, Jicaro Island Private Getaway is a nine-key retreat with sweeping views at every turn. For something way up in the hills, the all-inclusive Nekupe, sprawled across 2,400 acres, offers activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, ATV rides, and birdwatching. And if you want to be on a beach, oceanfront Mukul Resort is set along Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast.
