10 great winter getaways from Miami this year

Spain’s hippest city (sorry, Barcelona) is bumpin’ year-round, but it has an extra-fiesta ambiance come winter as Madrid’s Christmas lights are already canopying the streets. Mark your calendars for February, though, as Carnaval, the city's biggest spectacle, runs from February 10-14. It’s a mix of Ibero-American folklore and parades like no other. For Miamians looking to feel at home, The Madrid EDITION rivals our outpost in Miami with a hopping lobby bar, a poppin’ blue pool table and rooftop pool setup.

Travel time: 8 hours and 20 minutes nonstop from MIA to Madrid

Did you hear the big news about Atlantis Paradise Island? 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of this iconic, family-friendly resort, and the royally-themed celebrations are going strong through the end of the year. There are plenty of fresh happenings to enjoy in the months and years ahead including a new restaurant, Paranza, from Michelin-starred chef Michael White; the Caribbean’s first Shake Shack; and recently bedazzled Moon Bar and Sol lounges. For the kiddos, the Aquaventure water park remains a fave, featuring the tallest waterslide on earth, Odyssey of Terror.

Travel time: 50 minutes nonstop from MIA to Nassau

Okay, gearheads. Not only can you learn to drive some Lambos at the Lamborghini Esperienza Acadame Neve... you can do so on ice in Canada! Yes, this is real life. The Italian lux sports car manufacturer has confirmed they'll be hosting this adrenalin-pumping event in Northern Quebec in February 2024, so keep an eye out for full deets on Lamborghini's website. Now, if you’re looking for an earlier reason to visit Quebec, our beloved Panthers visit the Montreal Canadiens on November 30 at the always loud and Bell Centre. And if you need recommendations on what to do and where to go, Time Out Montreal has your back. 

Travel time: 3 hours and 30 minutes nonstop from MIA to Montreal

Now is the time to go to the Caribbean with zero weather-induced worry. Among the island options, St. Lucia should be at the top of your list for its Independence Day celebration. Going down on February 22, it typically includes a military parade, colorful costumes and parties that spill into the streets. Among all the picturesque places to stay, Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort is a great choice for a winter getaway, with its beachfront bungalows and mountainside cottages and whale and dolphin watching excursions.

Travel time: 3 hours and 35 minutes nonstop from MIA to Saint Lucia

If you’re looking to party-hardy in between Art Basel Miami (December) and SOBEWFF (end of February), hit the biggest throwdown in all of the US of A: Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday and all of its bead throwing, float-fill euphoria is Tuesday, February 13 this year. Amid all the culinary goodness, check out Mister Mao, a tropical roadhouse joint selling mojo pork tacos with coconut rice to remember.

Travel time: 2 hours nonstop from MIA to New Orleans

Yes, our world is nuts right now. And, if our beautiful Miami beaches aren't doing the trick of bringing you peace, maybe a cozy mountain retreat will do the trick. Just two hours northwest of Charlotte is Boone, North Carolina, home of the Art of Living Retreat Center. This 380-acre property focuses on programs that bring renewal and inner peace. Among them is a “Happiness Retreat” which focuses on better communication and resiliency. Namaste, friends.

Travel time: 2 hours nonstop from MIA to Charlotte, plus a 2-hour drive

Venture from one peninsula to another this season with a trip to Cabo – and we're not talking San Lucas. If you’re looking to relax, Hotel El Ganzo is quietly tucked in San José del Cabo, approximately 45 minutes northeast of the raucous Cabo San Lucas epicenter. It has a chill music studio, on-site, yoga, five-star-meets-local-artisan vibes and an outdoor terrace overlooking a local marina. On the flip-side, if you’re looking to throw down for NYE, Cabo San Lucas goes hard, as El Squid Roe is in its peak with jello shots, waitresses blowing whistles and an indoor fireworks show, oh my.

Travel time: 6 hours and 45 minutes from MIA to Cabo San Lucas with a layover in Houston

Budapest plays host to the long-time running Budapest Circus Festival, happening between January 10 through 15, 2024. There will be six days of circus performances, a 100-year-old carousel, virtual tightrope walking opportunities, and collections of European relics dedicated to the craft. While you're there, explore more amazing parts of Hungary, like the oldest official wine country on earth (Tokaj) and Alps-like skiing at Síaréna Eplény.

Travel time: 11 hours and 50 minutes to Budapest with a layover in Zurich

Alright you true jetsetters, this is the longest jaunt on the list. Head to the land down under for the Australian Open tennis tournament, which is happening from January 14 through January 28. Sure, the Miami Open is great. But this is one of the four major Grand Slam tournaments of the year, and the one to officially kick off the tennis season. Opt to stay at the recently upgraded Hotel Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, which re-opens in December and overlooks the always sparkling Port Phillip Bay.

Travel time: 24 hours from MIA to Melbourne with a layover in San Francisco

Obsessed with pickleball or know someone who is? Punta Gorda, a sleepy town over on Florida’s west coast, is the place to be February 22-25 for the World Pickleball Championship. And when you're ready to hit the hay after all the racquet-induced drama, check into the soon-to-open Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, which is located right across the bridge from Punta Gorda in Port Charlotte. It opens December 15 with two pools, a gorgeous view of the Peace River and Florida resident discounts.

Travel time: 3-hour drive to Punta Gorda from Downtown Miami