These Southwest resorts want to help keep you warm this winter
Looking for a Southwest resort to keep you warm this winter? Look no further!
Parts of the Southwest are simply breathtaking during the winter. Chill chasers far and wide flock to Santa Fe, Flagstaff, Telluride, Park City and Aspen (as a short list) to experience the beauty and bliss of the winter season to ski, snowboard, sled or simply play in the snow. Then, there are the cold-averse. Some call them snowbirds and others may self-identify as winter-intolerant (or even winter abhorrent). Regardless of the reason, some people prefer the warmer sunshine over a sprinkling — or deluge — of snow. When temperatures start dropping, Southwest travelers start hopping their way to warmer hotspots of the region.
Need more? Read more: Ambiente in Sedona takes luxury getaways to a whole new level
Without further ado, check out some of the favorite Southwest resorts non-winter warriors will appreciate.
Arizona
Miraval Arizona | Tucson, AZ
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, Miraval Arizona has long since been a destination for restful rejuvenation and immersive wellness experiences. There’s no better place to end or start the year than at this iconic well-being oasis, which features 120 complimentary wellness activities. Guests can partake in a variety of “only-at-Miraval” experiences including spiritual, fitness, equine and creative programming options. This winter, this iconic resort will launch its brand new Ultimate Wellbeing Package which includes all fee-based experiences, along with a $175 nightly resort credit to use toward private wellbeing, culinary and spa experiences. Before the end of the year, Miraval Arizona and its renowned specialists will also offer three different immersion weekends with resort mediums and clairvoyants.
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia | Scottsdale, AZ
Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa is a premier destination for luxury, romance, relaxation and recreation. Whether visiting for business or pleasure, guests will find all the amenities befitting of a winter-weather escape. Guests can climb Camelback Mountain, relax at Joya Spa or kick back at one of the property’s three resort pools, including an adults-only pool. For hibernation-worthy appetites, visitors will not want to miss out on the culinary delights inspired by Spain and Mexico at the resort’s on-site restaurants.
Royal Palms Resort and Spa | Phoenix, AZ
Set at the foot of the majestic Camelback Mountain, Royal Palms presents like a desert mirage, with a palm-tree lined driveway and romantic Mediterranean aesthetic upon arrival. Winter feels like a distant memory at this desert oasis, where guests can be found soaking up the Sonoran sunshine by the Mother-of-Pearl-tiled swimming pool; cozying up by one of the resort’s 20-plus fireplaces; or benefiting from a herbal-inspired treatment at Alvadora Spa. For typical West Coasters, this pet-friendly resort welcomes furry companions through its Royal Paws program, an elevated pet program for paw-rents looking to give their four-legged friends the ultimate luxury hotel experience. Each winter, the resort hosts its annual ‘Pawlidays’ party that includes pooch-friendly crafts, human and doggie beverages and more to support neighboring shelter, Almost There Rescue.
The Wigwam | Litchfield Park, AZ
Situated across 440 acres of lush desert grounds just outside of the bustling city scene of Phoenix, The Wigwam offers a sun-soaked oasis to escape to this winter. With nearly a decade of service under its belt, the property immerses guests in its rich history, all while showcasing its multi-million-dollar renovation of its accommodations and grounds. Guests discover their own adventures with a plethora of outdoor recreation offerings: three pools with adult and family areas, new water slides found at Tower Pool, an enhanced golf club with 54 holes of championship golf, and bocce and tennis courts. Guests can take in the beauty and charm of the Southwest over gourmet or casual dining, treatments at LeMond’s Aveda Salon and Spa and festivities on property that engage the local community.
Southern California
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa | La Jolla, CA
This luxury La Jolla outpost just debuted a $26 million renovation, boasting brand new guest rooms, two new culinary concepts, an IG-friendly floral pop-up and new eco-friendly features like an apiary and Chef’s garden. This winter, guests can soak up what’s left of the San Diego sunshine on the refurbished pool deck and enjoy coastal Californian fare at the brand-new pool bar, The Palma, or enjoy a luxurious treatment at Spa Estancia. This winter, the resort’s Greenfinch Bar will transform into the Frosty Saddle, an experiential, winter-themed pop-up bar.
Hotel Del Coronado | Coronado, CA
In addition to its beachfront views, lux accommodations and extravagant spa offerings, Hotel Del Coronado is paying special homage to Hollywood’s golden age this winter. For the 2024 holiday season, Hotel del Coronado gives a nod to its rich legacy of filmmaking. In honor of the 65th anniversary of Some Like It Hot starring the legendary Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, the Holidays at The Del will be an unforgettable tribute to Hollywood’s golden age. Throughout the rest of the winter months, the property offers plenty of opportunities for guests to get warm and wind down with several unique packages.
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Tucked away in the emerald hills of Rancho Santa Fe, this 100-year-old hotel feels like a secret garden escape in the center of one of the nation’s most sought-after zip codes. Featuring lively food and beverage options like Bing’s Bar and Lillian’s, residential-style bungalows and a country club-style aesthetic, a stay at The Inn feels reminiscent of a winter weekend away at a friend’s private estate. The Inn’s Mila Moursi Spa offers a variety of selections at its exclusive spa, including beauty, and wellness treatments. For the winter season, travelers can opt to book the resort’s newly launched Residences & Villas collection for a home-away-from-home feel with one to three-bedroom homes.
Kona Kai San Diego | San Diego, CA
Nestled in the secret oasis that is Shelter Island, Kona Kai San Diego is the perfect destination for travelers (and dogs!) to enjoy this winter. Kona Kai boasts two pools, including its family-friendly Tiki Pool and Bar specializing in kid-approved snacks, sweet mocktails and frozen treats. Fur babies can be treated to a “Pawroma Therapy” massage at its in-house spa, along with a dedicated pet menu and other dog-friendly amenities. At night, guests can gather around a bonfire located on the resort’s private beach roasting marshmallows for the ultimate West Coast winter evening.
L’Auberge Del Mar | Del Mar, CA
Located along the coastline of San Diego is L’Auberge Del Mar, a luxury property that overlooks the charming village of Del Mar and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. This classic resort is an idyllic destination for a luxury beach vacation this winter, featuring guest rooms and suites that feel reminiscent of a coastal estate; an al fresco dining experience at Adelaide, offering seafood-forward dining, pairing perfectly with the restaurant’s water views; and a beach house-style spa oasis with ocean-inspired treatments. This winter, guests can live like a local at this charming resort by attending the annual Del Mar Christmas Tree lighting held in L’Auberge Del Mar’s outdoor amphitheater or grab a winter cocktail at the hotel’s lobby bar, dubbed the “Living Room Bar” for its community-first feel.
Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels: Dawn Patrol | Laguna Beach
Laguna Surf Lodge’s “Dawn Patrol” Epic Experience invites guests to immerse themselves in Southern California’s legendary surf culture with an unforgettable half or full-day beach excursion. Departing from the lodge in a vintage 1967 Land Rover, guests will be fully equipped with surfboards and gear for a memorable day of surfing guided by local experts. The itinerary includes surfing at some of the region’s most iconic surf breaks, hand-selected for their ideal conditions and stunning coastal views. Between sessions, guests will enjoy a gourmet beachside brunch featuring fresh fruit, artisanal pastries and freshly brewed coffee. A relaxed lunch by the water, paired with beach games and uninterrupted ocean vistas, enhances the afternoon. Following the surf excursion, guests will return to Laguna Surf Lodge, where a fireside gathering awaits, complete with craft beverages and s’mores. The “Dawn Patrol” Epic Experience is designed to provide an immersive, authentic connection to the coastal lifestyle, showcasing Laguna Beach’s natural beauty and surfing heritage.
Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara at Park Hyatt Aviara | Carlsbad, CA
A leader in transformative wellbeing destinations, Miraval Resort recently launched Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara at Park Hyatt Aviara, a new outpost along Southern California’s picturesque Pacific coastline and the only Miraval Life in Balance Spa location outside the three full-scale resorts in Tucson, Ariz., Austin, TX and Lenox, Mass. This winter, guests and locals can take wellbeing to the next level with the spa’s array of unique, globally-inspired treatments including Vasudhara, an award-winning sensory water experience or Nâga, a Thai deep-tissue massage facilitated by a provider suspended in hanging silks. Other spa experiences range from rejuvenating skincare, traditional and prenatal massage, body renewal rituals, nail care, reflexology, craniosacral and Reiki practices.
San Diego Mission Bay Resort | San Diego, CA
Set alongside Mission Bay, San Diego Mission Bay resort is the perfect destination for a beachside escape this winter. The property offers beautiful views and luxurious amenities like a private beach, s’mores night under the stars and top-notch rooms and suites to enjoy every aspect of this seaside vacation destination. From the shoreline, guests can see nearby SeaWorld’s famous Christmas Tree decorated with more than 5,000 feet of garland and lights. With close proximity to local attractions like Mission Bay Aquatic Center, Belmont Park, Sea World, Balboa Park the San Diego Zoo, and LEGOLAND, the options to have fun this winter at San Diego Mission Bay Resort are endless.
Texas
Hotel Emma | San Antonio, TX
The recent recipient of Two Michelin Key designation, Hotel Emma is a charming place to warm up during the winter, featuring luxurious touches like Spanish porcelain, bronze accents and mesquite-furnished terraces, accentuating the best architecture and design known throughout the Southwest. During their stay, guests can enjoy premium amenities, including Frette linens, Malin + Goetz bath essentials and bespoke, cozy robes. Dining options, such as the on-site restaurant Supper and the Sternewirth cocktail bar, contribute to the hotel’s reputation for providing a top-tier experience
The Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa | Houston, TX
Nestled in the heart of Houston, guests can delight in a unique winter holiday (sans blizzard). The property features a state-of-the-art jogging path constructed out of recycled materials that feed into the local Memorial Park’s more extensive trails. The enchanting amenities of The Houstonian include tennis courts, pools and Trellis Spa — where winter-weary visitors can choose from a robust list of massages, facials, body treatments, hair and makeup services and more. The hotel’s concierge can help direct guests to nearby destinations such as The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, the 600-acre Memorial Park Golf Course (the home of the PGA TOUR Houston Open golf tournament) and more.
The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas | Irving, TX
Just a stone’s throw from Dallas Forth Worth (DFW) Airport and Downtown Dallas, The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas has some of the things we love most about the Ritz Carlton brand. In addition to gorgeous, spacious accommodations, the Las Colinas offers special Club Lounge access for enthusiasts of daily breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres and more throughout the day. When not cozied up in the club, Las Colinas vacationers and staycationers can hole up at the spa, get their tennis and pickleball game on or participate in an aerial yoga class.
The San Luis Resort | Galveston, TX
Tucked along Galveston Bay, The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center is a 32-acre, beachfront hotel and spa and recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award® (since 1999). In addition to special winter programming, the snow-aversed can find refuge in mixology classes, bike riding, pickleball and more. The property has several dining options, a tropical pool and luxury cabanas to read, relax and refresh. For added revitalization, the onsite spa offers luxurious treatments such as their winter Holiday Spice & Vanilla Bliss treatments.
Woodland Resort | Woodlands, TX
For those wanting a cozy, woodsy feel without the winter-snow backdrop, the Woodland resort is a retreat for Southwest travelers who don’t mind a bit of chill in the air, but not to a freezing degree. After enjoying a day on the greens at one of the property’s two golf courses or hiking and biking on nearby trails, guests can soak in the hot tub or enjoy an in-room spa service to soothe sore muscles. For noshes, diners can grab a table at The Woodlands® Resort, Back Table Kitchen & Bar just off the golf course to relish in refined Southern-inspired cuisine for dinner and Harrison’s for breakfast and brunch, overlooking the resort’s lakefront and forest landscape.