December Vacations

Spend your getaway on the ocean's edge in St Barth at the romantic Hotel Christopher. Start your days with a quick workout followed by a breakfast overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The hotel is a perfect choice for couples who like elegant modern decor, great service and a calm setting. The free-form ocean-front pool provides a beautiful setting for relaxing days in the sun. At Spa Sisley, you can get treatments with stunning views of the ocean. Couples can receive a side-by-side massage right next to the water while listening to the soothing waves. The wellness center specializes in Phyto Aromatic treatments inspired massage rituals from all over the world. Custom made essential oils and plant extracts are used to soothe and rejuvenate the body. If you are not staying at the hotel, try the Ultimate Day Pass which gives you access to the pool sunlounge, gourmet lunch, a 90-minute treatment and other perks.

Ask for a room, Junior Suite or suite facing the water to enjoy the most romantic views. Splurge on a terrace or a balcony so that you can relax outdoors on your island hideaway. The Ocean Suite, located on a high floor, have panoramic views and 947 square feet of living space. Bathrooms overlook private gardens and feature a rain shower and a granite bathtub.

All of the charm that Playa del Carmen has to offer can easily be experienced while staying at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda, from the vibrant nightlife to the delicious local cuisine and pristine beaches.

On the resort itself is the SPLASH water park, which can be enjoyed by the entire family, or guests can swim in the ocean and sunbathe near the crystal blue waters. There are fourteen restaurants to choose from and sixteen different bars to socialize in, and by using the Family Concierge program, families can ensure they have everything they need to enjoy their stay. Get Rates

Quinta Avenida Lote 1 Manzana 569, Luis Donaldo Colosio, 77719 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico, Phone: +52-98-48-77-39-00

Adventure Hotels

Bird watching enthusiasts will love Yacutinga Eco-Lodge in Argentina where numerous species of birds can be observed throughout the year. The eco-friendly property features a wildlife refuge, many tours and eco adventures. The lodge was built using logs from fallen trees and stones, using green principles. Guests are accommodated in rustic-style rooms with private bathrooms. 20 rooms have views of the surrounding jungle through uniquely shaped windows. You will be surrounded by the songs of birds all day long on your adventure. For additional privacy, consider booking Suite Yatei which is surrounded by jungle and slightly removed from the main building. While you are there, you will be able to visit the Yacutinga Biological Station dedicated to preserving the local and global environment. The property is located 2 hours from the famous Iguazu Falls.

Set 6,627 feet above sea level, the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a rustic boutique hotel which is home to the largest collection of native orchids observable in their natural habitat.

Visit the historic Machu Picchu ruins in the Andes Mountains, Peru. UNU spa features mystical Andean touches in its body massages and foot aromatherapy. There is also a unique Andean Sauna to help you relax and unwind. There are 83 guest houses nestled in romantic one or two-story cottages reached by stone pathways.

Mikhuna Wasi or "The House of Food" in Quechua is the main dining room. The restaurant offers guests a view of the Urubamba River and the surrounding green mountains. Located just a few meters from the train station, Cafe Inkaterra Restaurant serves up Andean cuisine which is a must-try. It is possible to explore the ruins for many days but if you want to take a break from the ruins, try bird-watching. There are over 162 different species of bird, 16 species of wild hummingbird, and 111 species of butterflies. The property is located in the Cloudforest of Cusco between the Andes and the Amazon basin, 70 miles from Cusco City. Upon arrival to Cusco (11,100 feet), visitors travel one and a half hours by road to Ollantaytambo train station (9,200 feet) and take a 100-minute train ride up to the mountains, where visitors can comfortably acclimatize to the high altitude. Rates include three meals daily and a private escorted visit to the ruins.

Situated only steps away from the coastal destination town of Playa del Carmen, the Mahekal Beach Resort offers easy access to all of the best features the town has to offer.

From live music on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen to delicious restaurants and wonderful beaches, guests who stay at the Mahekal Beach Resort can enjoy it all. The resort is near to 920 feet of idyllic beaches that lie between the Riviera Maya jungle and the Caribbean ocean, and much of the resort is designed to reflect Mayan culture and history.

Calle 38, Entre Avenida 5A Y Zona Federal Maritima, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo 77710, Phone: 877-235-4452

Unique Hotels for a December Vacation

Resting in the heart of Wanaka Village, the gateway to New Zealand’s spectacular Mount Aspiring National Park, Te Wanaka Lodge is a European-style ski lodge.

Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens with magnificent panoramic views, the comfortable lodge is a haven for skiing in the winter and a beautiful mountain retreat in the summer. Thirteen charming rooms are spacious and light with fresh décor, en-suite bathrooms and private balconies with tables and chairs for relaxing and soaking up the views.

Imported linens and electric blankets keep you warm in the winter, while modern amenities and wireless Internet offer creature comforts. A quaint and cozy guest cottage is also available for extra privacy. A sumptuous breakfast is served every morning in the dining room and a range of in-room spa services can be enjoyed throughout the day. Have traditional Après-ski in front of the crackling fire during the winter or soak in the cedar garden’s hot tub in the summer months and take in the breathtaking views.

Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa is one of the best beach resorts for couples in Southern India. The resort offers 88 luxury cottages just steps from the water. Guest accommodations feature ocean views, private open garden showers and private sit-outs, great for a honeymoon getaway. You can also plan to get married right on the water, whether you want an intimate wedding or a large event (the property can host a party of up to 3,000 guests). You can pick from several themes, including the Pirate Theme, Fisherman Village and Carnival Theme. The Romantic wedding theme is popular with couples, featuring vivid colors, flowers, fabric, lighting effects and a band playing soft romantic music.

The Jiva Spa at Fisherman's Cove offers treatments and therapies inspired by the ancient Indian wisdom, including massages, body scrubs and wraps. If you are looking for romantic spas for couples, this is a great choice. You'll get a chance to try ancient Indian healing techniques combines with contemporary therapies, such as Indian aromatherapy massages, healing body scrubs and wraps. Work out at the 24-hour fitness center, relax at the pool bar and have a gourmet dinner on your getaway. The hotel concierge can arrange sightseeing tours of nearby towns and help you design custom itineraries. Activities include volleyball, buggy rides, catamaran rides, fishing, treasure hunts and more.