The Top 5 Winter Getaways Outside The US

An international jaunt is just what all of us need during the holiday and winter seasons! While most of us crave some relaxing beach time to escape the stresses of our everyday, some of us seek to embrace the snowy, romantic winter or to explore a new destination and its culture. Here are my top 5 destinations outside the US that please any and all of your winter getaway desires!
1. IXTAPA, MEXICO | Retreat to the resort mecca of Ixtapa this winter. Located on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, this isolated oasis near the city of Zihuatanejo presents its exclusive visitors with beautiful coastline to discover and enjoy. From deep-sea fishing and scuba diving in the refreshing waters to relaxing poolside and playing a round of golf at your world-class accommodations, there is something for everyone to do in Ixtapa!
FEATURED PROPERTY | CAPELLA IXTAPA

2. PARIS, FRANCE | Say bonjour to the most romantic place to escape to this winter: Paris, France. Paris is absolutely magical this time of year. Ice skating rinks nestled in five-star hotel courtyards,  the Champs-Elysées lined with festive lights, Christmas markets galore… the City of Lights shines oh so brightly! And since winter is “low season” for visitors, popular museums, attractions and cafes will be less crowded. This means you may be spoiled by a moment in solitude with Mona Lisa or your beloved Degas masterpiece. You’re also more likely to be able to spend your morning savoring your pain au chocolat and latte in peace!
FEATURED PROPERTY | HOTEL DE CRILLON



3. SACRED VALLEY + CUSCO, PERU | With it being summer in the Southern Hemisphere, this is the perfect time of year to discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Imperial City of Cusco and the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. With Cusco as your home base, spend a few days exploring the archaeological remains of the city (once the capital of the Inca Empire), tasting the regional Andean cuisine and learning the ways of the Peruvian culture. Then proceed via train to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, for a day trip you’ll never forget.
FEATURED PROPERTY | BELMOND HOTEL MONASTERIO



4. QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND | Imagine yourself breathing fresh mountain air just seconds after stepping off a plane, driving a quick 10 minutes into a picturesque, pedestrian friendly town and finding yourself with an endless amount of outdoor activities to pursue, wine to drink and panoramic views to take in. Yes, this place is real. It’s called Queenstown and it’s one of my favorite places in the world you should venture to this winter.
FEATURED PROPERTY | MATAKAURI LODGE



5. MUSTIQUE, SAINT VINCENT & THE GRENADINES  | Escape this winter to the pristine, white-sand beaches of Mustique, an island in the Caribbean archipelago of Saint Vincent & The Grenadines. This chic destination, just three miles long and one mile wide, is surprisingly low-key for having such a glamorous, glitzy reputation. With its breathtaking turquoise waters, well-preserved coral reefs, warm and hospitable people, cheerful colored shops and homes, it is a paradise worth discovering this winter.
FEATURED PROPERTY | COTTON HOUSE



Which top 5 destination outside the US will you venture to? I’d love to help you plan your trip! Fill out the form on my Travel Services page to get started.
XO, HUTTON B.