Winter Escapes for Sand & Snow

For some, winter vacation means frolicking through snow and curling up by the fireplace. For others, it means leaving all that behind to thaw under a warm, golden sun. 

Whatever your style, Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts have a seasonal escape perfect for couples, solo adventures, and everyone in between. Check out our top picks for the best winter vacations this year.

Bundle up in Beacon Hill

Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood is bursting with historic charm all year long – but we admit we’re partial to wintertime, when the cobblestone streets and red-brick buildings are dusted with fresh snowfall. 

From Boston Common, the oldest public park in America, to the picturesque alley of Acorn Street, a stroll through Beacon Hill feels like walking through a real-life snow globe; dreamy, romantic, and wonderfully whimsical. 

Couples will especially love this classic winter getaway, made even more magical at The Whitney Hotel. Tucked inside a brick townhouse in the heart of Beacon Hill, this MICHELIN Key guesthouse is luxuriously intimate with just 65 rooms and suites that look out to the Charles River. Kick up your feet by the fireplace, curl up with a book from the hotel’s collection, or warm your soul with a bowl of pasta bolognese from The Whitney’s top-rated restaurant, Peregrine. 

Staying at The Whitney unlocks even more local gems with the hotel’s Neighborhood Passkey, which offers exclusive perks and special discounts across Beacon Hill’s bookstores, boutique shops, restaurants, and more.

Culture Season in New York City

The holiday season in New York City gets a lot of love, rightfully so – but the fun doesn’t stop when the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. Winter in NYC brings a buzzy calendar of concerts, art exhibitions, restaurant openings, and lots of snow-filled fun. 

Skip the crowds in Manhattan for a stay in Brooklyn, home to famous brownstones and beautiful public parks, world-renowned bars, cultural hubs, museums, and more. NU Hotel Brooklyn is perfect for friend groups who want a winter vacation with a bit of edgy adventure. 

Here, loft-inspired rooms reflect the borough’s creative soul with Brooklyn-themed murals painted by local artists – and it’s all a quick walk or subway ride away from the area’s best activities. Stroll across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, sled down Prospect Hill with the locals, marvel at ancient artifacts housed in the Brooklyn Museum, or take the Polar Bear Plunge on Coney Island, a New Year’s Day tradition since 1903.

Some Like It Hot

Looking to hang somewhere warm this winter? Consider a trip to sunny South Florida, the land of tropical drinks, and lazy beach days. From Fort Lauderdale to the Florida Keys, your options for sun-soaked fun are practically endless – but look a bit closer and you’ll find each destination has a style all its own. 

Take for example Delray Beach, an artsy enclave on the southeast coast. Long a hidden gem for in-the-know locals, Delray Beach is fast becoming South Florida’s next “it” spot thanks to the area’s many art galleries, chef-led restaurants, and independent shops; not to mention its picture-perfect beach, a stretch of sugar-soft sand that’s recently been voted the best beach in Florida by USA Today readers. 

For a proper introduction to Delray’s dynamic spirit, check into The Ray Hotel, a chic boutique hotel with two on-site restaurants, a dreamy art collection, and a fabulous rooftop pool. Guests of The Ray are also within walking distance of the Pineapple Grove Arts District, home to Delray’s best bars, local shops, and vibrant public murals.

Perhaps you’re in the mood for a proper island escape? Pack up and head south – way south – toward Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Surrounded by turquoise water and lush green landscapes, Islamorada is a local favorite for ocean adventures. Spend your days jet skiing across the Atlantic, trolling for trophy fish in the Gulf of Mexico, snorkeling underwater parks, or kayaking through mangroves with fascinating wildlife. 

Islamorada is perfect for solo travelers who want to unplug, but equally great for families, too. Wherever you land, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Islander Resort, a newly renovated luxury resort with private beach access, on-site water sports, and glittering pools that look out to the sea. Even more to love, Islander Resort will kick off the New Year with brand-new culinary concepts and beautifully remodeled suites, plus more fun-in-the-sun activities than ever before. This slice of paradise is centrally located to Islamorada’s iconic bars and breweries, BBQ joints, and top-rated restaurants, including Tides Beachside Bar & Grill, a tropical-chic restaurant at Islander Resort.

The Best of Both Worlds

Can’t decide between snow and sand? In southern California, you don’t have to choose. Pasadena is a rousing city rich with history and culture, much like its Los Angeles neighbor. Thousands of sun-seekers flock to Pasadena each winter to wander historic landmarks, hike through nature trails, and dine al fresco beneath sunny skies. January is particularly buzzy in Pasadena thanks to the annual Rose Bowl game which sees the best college football teams go head-to-head.

Yet just one hour north, at the Angeles National Forest, a different kind of winter wonderland awaits. Mount Badly is a classic old-school spot for skiing and snowboarding. Mount Waterman makes a beautiful spot to build a snowman. And for those with tall ambitions, Mountain High’s sky chair rides offer breathtaking views from 8,200 feet above. 

Anchor your adventures in the heart of Pasadena at the aptly named Hotel Dena, a newly-renovated hotel with music and art as its muse. From the retro movie theater to the guestroom artworks, to the writer’s room, Hotel Dena is bursting with creativity and culture, a reflection of its home in Old Town Pasadena. Spend your days poolside at Hotel Dena, discover the area’s world-class museums, then road trip north to catch the sunset over snow-capped mountains. We call that ‘the best of both worlds.’

Wherever you wish to spend your winter, Independent Collection has a unique hotel or resort to bring that dream to life. Explore our special offers page for exclusive room rates, complimentary dining credits, and other holiday perks to book this season.