I’m a luxury travel advisor based in Los Angeles and I book five-star hotels and vacations for my wealthy clients around the world.
Many of them try to travel to upscale destinations with luxury hotels that feel exclusive without the large crowds of tourists.
These are a few destinations I recommend to my clients looking to get away this winter.
Palm Beach is a solid pick within the US.
I’ve found that this tiny island in the south of Florida is quickly emerging as a popular destination among wealthy travelers for its beaches, shops, and sunshine.
One highlight is Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue, a retail paradise with a range of designer stores and high-end restaurants.
I recommend staying at The Breakers Palm Beach, a historic hotel with a golf course, tennis courts, and four pools. It’s especially great for couples and families with kids.
The area also has exciting developments in the works for 2025. World-renowned chef Thomas Keller plans to open a new restaurant and The Vineta Hotel is set to open in the spring.
St. Barts is a popular escape from cold temperatures.
This French-Caribbean island is where many jet-setters and celebrities vacation during the winter months.
Its many beaches are great for families with kids, and its vibrant nightlife scene can be great for young couples who want to have fun.
I suggest travelers also stop by the nearby Colombier Beach — a stunning white-sand beach and natural reserve that is mainly accessible by boat.
Most of my clients stay at the luxurious Eden Rock St. Barths, a five-star hotel adjacent to Nikki Beach and Gypsea, two lively beachfront lounges.
I recommend the Dolomites for those who want snowy slopes.
For clients looking to hit the slopes, I recommend the Dolomites, a chic Italian mountain town and a great alternative to the Swiss or French Alps.
The mountain range is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 18 peaks.
I’ve also got my eye on the many luxury hotels sprouting up there in the next few years, including The Aman Rosa Alpina, set to reopen in 2025 after extensive refurbishments, and Hotel Cristallo in Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is being rebranded into a Mandarin Oriental.
St. Moritz is also a great choice for skiers.
This small resort town in Switzerland has a monthslong ski season, so I recommend it to clients who love to ski.
A popular spot for celebrities and royalty, St. Moritz is dotted with designer stores, cozy restaurants, and high-end hotels including the glamorous Badrutt’s Palace Hotel St. Moritz and Grace La Margna.
St. Moritz also has plenty of nightlife and entertainment options.
Billionaire St. Moritz — an experience combining fine dining and live entertainment — debuts at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski this season. I’ve also heard the exclusive, members-only club Dracula is worth a visit if you can manage to get an invite.
Lastly, if you’re headed to St. Moritz in February, you won’t want to miss the International Concours of Elegance, where you can watch rare cars zip across a frozen lake.
For those who want to relax on a beach all day, I recommend Costa Palmas in Mexico.
Costa Palmas is the perfect place for travelers who want to lay low and relax.
This exclusive community in Baja’s East Cape is home to nearly 2 miles of swimmable beaches, a yacht marina, and a small village with special restaurants like Mozza by Nancy Silverton and Delphine by chef Ludo Lefebvre.
My clients typically stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Costa Palmas, but an ultra-luxury Amanvari is set to open in 2025, so that’s also on my radar.
Oil Nut Bay is my pick in the British Virgin Islands for larger groups.
This serene private island in Virgin Gorda is perfect for big groups or families with its beautiful turquoise beaches, rentable villas, and range of activities.
Oil Nut Bay has a private marina, heliport, beach club, and resident-owned luxury villas that can be booked for short-term stays.
Villas typically have one to seven bedrooms, and some can accommodate a dozen guests. To make the trip more luxurious and laid-back, you can arrange for private-chef service throughout your stay.
Oil Nut Bay also has water activities, a spa, hiking trails, sunset boat charters, and a nature center so there’s something for everyone without even leaving the property.
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