One of the benefits of timeshare with Hilton Grand Vacations is that you can say goodbye to the snow and take a warm winter vacation to places like Spain, the Caribbean, and Mexico. If white sand beaches are your idea of a winter wonderland, then add these sunny spots to your holiday wish list.
Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
What to expect: The weather in Sint Maarten is especially dreamy in early winter: The end of hurricane season brings low humidity, few showers, and average high temperatures around 80 degrees. Should you catch a flight for a late-winter arrival, plan it for February when Carnival colors the island with vibrant celebrations.
Where to stay: Royal Palm, a Hilton Vacation Club introduces you to the Dutch side of Sint Maarten where you can spend hours barbecuing, taking in the ocean views from your Suite’s private balcony, and paying multiple visits to the swim-up pool bar. Discover more of Sint Maarten’s rhythms at Flamingo Beach, a Hilton Vacation Club, where you can spend your days beneath a beach umbrella and your nights dancing to live music.
Things to do: The weather in Sint Maarten will tempt you to spend your entire winter vacation outdoors. Windsurfing, paddleboarding, flyboarding, and marine hoverboarding on the beach present exciting ways to soak up the sun. Sint Maarten has so many things to do, but so does its neighbor, Saint Martin. This island is split into Dutch and French sides, so take advantage of this convergence of cultures and explore the Caribbean landmass from “einde” to “fin.”
Maui, Hawaii, USA
What to expect: Maui’s winter temperatures range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s, which means a light jacket is all you’ll need to bring for winter weather in Hawaii. Don’t let cloudy forecasts keep you indoors; most travelers aren’t inconvenienced by the localized winter rain storms that these islands experience.
Where to stay: From swimming laps in the outdoor heated pool to working on your tan along the shoreline, Hilton Vacation Club Ka’anapali Beach offers instant ways to embrace the sunshine. For families or multi-generational groups who desire extra space and additional activities, Maui Bay Villas, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club is an all-Suite beachfront resort featuring a super pool, kids’ activities, beach access, and a clubhouse.
Things to do: A list of Maui must-dos includes hanging ten at Ho’okipa Beach Park, hiking through the ʻĪao Valley State Monument, and taking a Maui Pineapple Tour, all under a warm winter sun. If the occasional thunderstorm rains on your plans, substitute the above with indoor activities to do in Maui like visiting the Maui Ocean Center and taking glassblowing lessons at Moana Glass.
St. Philip, Barbados
What to expect: While visiting the Caribbean in winter is always a good choice, the year-round warm climate of Barbados almost guarantees a delightfully tropical trip.
Where to stay: Vacation in Barbados where Caribbean vacations truly began. The Crane, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club is the oldest continuously operating resort in the Caribbean. With a cliff-top pool overlooking the beach, a spa for adults, and a recreation room for children, this tropical retreat is exactly where you want to spend your winter getaway.
Things to do: Barbados will fulfill every wish you had during winter’s coldest days. Play the greens of five fantastic golf courses, dive down to shipwrecks just offshore, and sip rum at the Mount Gay Visitor Centre without a thought of shoveling snow or salting the sidewalk. As an independent British Commonwealth nation, the holiday spirit is wrapped in European tradition in Barbados. Visit the many Christmas markets around the island and pick up gifts for your family and friends.
Lanzarote, Spain
What to expect: Lanzarote’s climate lets you work on your tan without worrying too much about a sunburn. You’ll visit volcanoes, stroll beaches, and enjoy outdoor wine tasting with temperatures hovering around the 70s.
Where to stay: Located along Lanzarote’s famous beachline, Club del Carmen will keep you comfortable whether you prefer finding warmth under the sun in the garden, in the hot tub, or in the heated swimming pool. Alternatively, Jardines del Sol keeps you farther inland with opportunities to play mini-golf, dine at the on-site restaurant, and cycle to the beach whenever you wish.
Things to do: Go beyond the typical beach day and explore Lanzarote’s attractions, including hidden gems like the underwater Museo Atlántico and the live music performances inside the Jameos del Agua caves. Don’t sweat it if these aren’t your idea of R&R: The traditional traveler will have plenty of fun exploring Timanfaya National Park and watching the surfers at Famara Beach.
Los Cabos, Mexico
What to expect: Los Cabos is “cold” in the winter, but any snowbird flying away from the sleet and slush won’t break a sweat over the “chilly” highs in the 70s and 80s. You’ll share the lovely Los Cabos weather with other vacationers, so much so that it’ll feel like you’re on spring break.
Where to stay: Make a beeline for the Baja California peninsula and book a stay at Cabo Azul, a Hilton Vacation Club in Los Cabos. This world-class resort set on white sand beaches is as stunning as its sweeping ocean views. La Pacifica Los Cabos, a Hilton Club offers a peaceful, laid-back stay where you can spend time in the lounge or spa when you’re not shopping and dining around Cabo San Lucas.
Things to do: When it comes to things to do in Los Cabos, take advantage of the wildlife as much as the warm weather. Head out on the water to spot whales and dolphins, take an unforgettable photo of the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, and schedule retail therapy with a shopping spree at Plaza Puerto Paraiso. Bring the whole squad on your Mexican getaway. Family-friendly Los Cabos attractions include ziplining at Wild Canyon Adventures and volunteering to help sea turtle conservation at Tortugueros Las Playitas.
Read “4 Romantic Vacations To Heat Up Your Winter” to make your seasonal getaway even more special.