7 Idyllic Winter Escapes—and Every Outfit You’ll Need

Oh, early February: That chilly, dark, and slush-filled time of year when the holidays have passed, you’re back to work, and spring is just far enough away that you’re feeling a little defeated about the wait. But it’s not all bad. This annual lull is ripe for a mid-season escape somewhere fabulous and, naturally, an equally incredible wardrobe to wear on your trip.

Whether you’re in a cold-weather rut, or simply want some inspiration to get out of dodge, the ELLE team is here to assist. Ahead, I’ve gathered the best places to retreat to right now for every type of traveler—from the Europhile to the wellness nut—complete with hotel, itinerary, and outfit recommendations. Find your ideal winter vacation destination below, and exactly what to pack for it.

1. The Mediterranean Paradise: Marbella, Spain

Where To Stay: Puente Romano

This sprawling Spanish resort feels quite intimate, mainly because of its meandering layout: secluded Andalusian-style suites and villas nestled alongside cobblestone paths and lush gardens. All the residences, however, are just a short walk away from the private Mediterranean Sea shoreline, where guests may enjoy everything from cabana lounging to water sports, like yachting and jet-skiing.

What To Do: With its 20 restaurants, multiple nightclubs, an opulent spa, 18-hole golf course, and fully-equipped gym and tennis club, the property provides more to do than most people can pack in one stay. However, Casco Antiguo is worth a trip off campus. The historic Old Town area of Marbella, it boasts picturesque views, charming boutiques, and unforgettable local cuisine.

What To Pack: A bikini (of course), polished-but-casual resortwear, and something you can wear out at night. Keep in mind that Southern Spain is mild and sunny in the winter, but gets cooler in the evenings, so a few long-sleeve pieces are essential.

2. The Snowy Sports Haven: Park City, Utah

Where To Stay: Waldorf Astoria Park City

Situated just steps away from Park City Mountain—i.e. the largest ski resort in the United States—this deluxe Utah-based retreat is an ideal place for snow-sport enthusiasts to fully indulge their passion. It’s also an opulent landing spot for your time off the slopes as well thanks to a glossy spa facility, plushly appointed lounges, and outdoor pool that’s heated to 80 degrees year-round.

What To Do: Along with the opportunity to ski and snowboard over 7,300 acres of terrain, the resort offers options to snowshoe, dog sled, snowmobile, and tour the site of the 2002 Olympics. You can also soak up local culture along the area’s historic main street, which boasts art galleries, specialty boutiques, and a buzzy bar scene.

What To Pack: High-quality winter sports gear is essential for the extreme elements. But you’ll also want snuggly layers you feel good about stripping down to for après-ski dinners and drinks.

3. The Alpine Euro Escape: Gstaad, Switzerland

Where To Stay: Gstaad Palace

A fairytale-worthy castle in Gstaad, this top-tier resort was the first of its kind in the scenic Swiss Alps region when it debuted over a century ago. And while other hotels have opened in the area since, the experience here is unparalleled both in its luxury service and amenities. The latter includes a massive plant-based spa with snowy mountain views, activity-packed kids’ club, and winter sports galore.

What To Do: Unsurprisingly, there are some truly magnificent ski slopes to explore (and private instructors for newbies). But if that’s not your thing, there’s plenty of other fun ways to fill time, including horse carriage rides, snowshoeing, and husky sledding.

What To Pack: If there’s ever a reason to don over-the-top skiwear (like, say, a geo-print all-in-one snowsuit), it’s a Swiss ski palace vacation. You’ll also want some simple-but-chic separates that are comfortable, but are befitting of the hotel’s elevated vibe—in short, this is the moment to break out some shearling-lined designer booties.

4. The Wellness Retreat: Amelia Island, Florida

Where To Stay: The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island

This premium getaway in North Florida sits on a 13-mile stretch of pristine white sand shoreline, and comes complete with a verdant golf course, tennis center, and several fine dining experiences. The real star of the resort, though, is its holistic-minded oceanfront spa, which boasts a dazzling array of programs and treatments centered around the mind/body connection.

What To Do: When you aren’t indulging in a facial or massage, try the resort’s mindful meditation, grounding practices, and yoga Nidra offerings. An even easier way to unwind? By booking a private cabana at the pool to nap, read, and snack on fresh fruit.

What To Pack: This area of Florida is wonderfully temperate in the winter, but can get brisk after dark (especially by the ocean). Account for temperature swings with breezy, easy-to-layer silhouettes and lightweight knits.

5. The Five-Star Shopping Experience: Paris, France

Where To Stay: Mondovi Luxury Suites

Paris has no shortage of incredible places to stay, but the beauty of these upscale suites is that you feel like you’re in a private apartment… but, you know, with breakfast and cleaning service, as well as access to 24/7 concierge assistance. It also doesn’t hurt that the getaway is primely located in the historic 1st arrondissement, close to both iconic landmarks (like the Tuileries Gardens and Place de la Concorde) and some of the city’s biggest shopping streets (Rue Saint-Honoré and Place Vendôme).

What To Do: While there’s plenty of nearby boutiques and museums—including a little old place called The Louvre—within walking distance, the concierge team is also on hand to create custom experiences for your needs. Just let them know what you’re looking for, and they will tailor an itinerary based on your interests, and arrange any reservations and transportation it entails.

What To Pack: Sleek cold weather separates that go straight from window shopping at Chanel to grabbing cocktails and canapés at a local brasserie. If you’re going to do heels, pick chunky, super walkable ones—just in case you hit the stores so hard that there’s no time to change before dinner.

6. The Rainforest Hideaway: Petén Department, Guatemala

Where To Stay: La Lancha

This tranquil retreat, owned by the famed Coppola family, sits within the rainforest overlooking the shores of Lago Petén Itzá, the third-largest lake in the country. With only 10 rooms, each decorated with locally made furniture and art, it’s the ideal place for those looking to be somewhere sunlit and warm, but without a party scene.

What To Do: When you’re done sipping pineapple juice from a hammock on your porch, or enjoying in-room massage service, book a tour of Tikal. Located roughly an hour from the hotel, the area includes over 3,000 beautifully preserved ancient Mayan structures to explore.

What To Pack: A bikini and slip-on sandals you’ll live in most of the trip, as well as items you can throw on for a hike or informal meal.

7. The Cozy City Adventure: Frankfurt, Germany

Where To Stay: The Florentin

This newly opened five-star retreat was built from the bones of a historic 1901 villa. It includes both elements of the original structure as well as a new building, making it a lovely metaphor for the old-meets-new architecture Frankfurt is known for. A brief stroll from the city, the destination is secluded enough that guests can enjoy a sense of escape—be it by way of a Dr. Stumr spa treatment or eating at the property’s flagship restaurant, The Dune, helmed by Michelin-star chef Niclas Nußbaumer.

What To Do: Frankfurt tends to see the most tourism in late summer into early fall when the weather is warm and the area is gearing up for Oktoberfest. But there’s a lot to soak up mid-winter, too, as this is when the area comes alive with vibrant parades and festivals for Fastnacht (the German version of Mardi Gras). It’s also an ideal chance to try Condor Airlines’ premium services for off-season rates: The company exclusively operates out of Germany via candy-striped planes and offers the cutest amenities (like Happy Socks and Marvis toothpaste), and an award-winning in-flight menu (think gourmet cheese plates and flan).

What To Pack: Gritty-cool silhouettes tempered by textural winter extras. The blend of hard and soft feels true to Frankfurt’s blend of old-world architecture and towering skyscrapers. It’s also easy to remix for a night exploring the city’s many vibrant clubs and bars.