Craving a winter escape to the tropics? From Mexican reef diving, to paddling in Hawaiʻi, beach dining in Barbados and lazing in Puerto Rico, Fairmont has you covered.
Relax on the Riviera Maya
Thick tropical jungle surrounds Fairmont Mayakoba, a sleek retreat on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Renovated casita rooms overlook lush mangroves, lagoons and winding canals, while sophisticated seaside suites with private rooftop plunge pools are steps from the white sand shore. If you’re in the mood for a round of golf, tee off at the resort’s Greg Norman-designed El Camaleón, a challenging par-72 course set amid wetlands. Private yacht charters and scuba diving excursions transport you to the vividly colored coral and fish of the world’s second largest barrier reef. Or unwind in the spa with a “Chocolate, Food of the Gods” cacao body wrap. Top off your day with inventive Mexican plates and mezcal at La Laguna or head to Tauro Steakhouse, which combines Mexican ingredients with classic steakhouse techniques and recipes.
Aloha Hawaiʻi
Lava-carved landscapes, plunging forest waterfalls and phenomenal beaches: Hawaiʻi checks all the boxes for adventure and reinvigoration. On the west coast of the Big Island, Fairmont Orchid, Hawaiʻi sits on the Pacific’s doorstep. Its private lagoon in Pauoa Bay teems with marine life such as darting manta rays and sea turtles. The resort celebrates traditional Hawaiian culture through initiatives that include the Ulu Pono Garden Experience, a weekly tour of the chef’s garden involving native plant harvesting, tasting and storytelling. Over on Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani has a choice of stylish suites and 2-story oceanside villas next to Polo Beach. Whether you’re paddling an outrigger canoe, learning the ukulele or lazing in a poolside cabana, you’ll discover the aloha spirit here.
Winter, Bajan-Style
Facing the brilliantly turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Fairmont Royal Pavilion blends understated elegance with exceptional customer service. Updated rooms and suites are right on the beachfront, and spacious garden villas include luxury airport transfers and daily afternoon tea. By day, you can while away the hours beneath lofty palm trees at the Beach Club, chilling on a lounger and filling up on signature fish sandwiches and coconut mojitos. After dark, you can choose a romantic candle- and tiki torch-lit meal for two on the sand or savor elevated dishes made with sustainably sourced ingredients at the ocean-view Palm Terrace restaurant, helmed by executive chef Tim Palmer.
Playtime in Puerto Rico
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel has been a byword for glamour since opening in 1958, welcoming such superstars as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole to perform on its stage. Only minutes from San Juan Airport, the landmark hotel puts you in the heart of Puerto Rico’s buzzing beach scene with water sports, luxe, seaside cabanas, and four pools featuring comfy day beds and live entertainment. Sunset meditation sessions take place under a mighty, 300-year-old banyan tree, while late-night action includes dancing at chic Club Brava and gaming at Foxwoods El San Juan Casino. The cobblestone streets and brightly painted houses of Old San Juan are a short drive, as are the hiking trails of El Yunque National Park, which weave among the biodiverse rainforest that’s home to more than 200 tree species.