Though the dog days of winter may well be almost fully upon us, a slew of new properties and hotels in veritable hotspots around the globe have either recently debuted or will soon be opening to help chase away the winter blues. Here are but five of the more luxurious options set to heat up winter 2014-15:
Paradise Beach Nevis | Charlestown, Nevis
Average January High Temperature:83°F / 28°C
Snowbirds with a hankering for a healthy dose of Caribbean sun sans the flash and crush of St. Bart's this winter, may find a tamer, yet equally luxurious alternative in the new Paradise Beach villa resort which will open its doors on the island of Nevis in January 2015. A collection of seven three and four bedroom beachfront villas comprised of two king bedrooms, one or two queen bedrooms, a full entertainment kitchen, open living space and outdoor showers, Paradise Beach promises the intimacy of a private home with all the perks of a five-star resort (butler and concierge included, of course).
Complementing each villa's hand-woven thatched roof, 20-foot vaulted ceilings, privacy walls, outdoor dining pavilion and waterfall pool overlooking either the Caribbean or landscaped gardens is the resort's stretch of white-sand beach and private beach bar. That all of these amenities are available as an addendum to access to just about every outdoor activity that winter prohibits elsewhere in the world is a given.
Plus, as an added bonus, St. Kitts is just a short ferry ride away should a surplus of natural beauty be required. - http://paradisebeachnevis.com
Gansevoort Playa Imbert | Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Average January High Temperature:82°F / 28°C
January may generally be the coolest month of the year in the Dominican Republic, but an average high temperature of 82°F and an average low of 67°F, certify the Caribbean island's reputation as a more than palatable option for escaping the doldrums of winter. The December 15th opening of the 48-suite Gansevoort Playa Imbert only further burnishes the isle's credibility in that regard.
In sync with the level of luxe that is synonymous with the brand, the Gansevoort's new Dominican Republic outpost promises one and two-bedroom lofts; three-bedroom apartments with private plunge pools and spacious terraces; and a collection of four-bedroom penthouses equipped with private rooftop Jacuzzis among other indulgent amenities. To round out the experience, the resort has already opened, Baia Lounge, a gourmet eatery showcasing Mediterranean specialties and Asian-inspired fare from Executive Chef Giancarlo Fiori, formerly of the Michelin 3-star El Bulli restaurant in San Sebastian Spain. Meanwhile plans are underway for a fitness center, a world-class day spa featuring a Hammam-style sauna, and a meditation and yoga garden. Bottom line: Paradise may well have found a new home. - www.gansevoortdominicanrepublic.com
Beach House Villas | Nassau, Bahamas
Average January High Temperature:78°F / 26°C
Speaking of paradise...If you happen to be in the market to purchase a warm weather getaway this winter, Beach House Villas, a unique collection of state of the art private beachfront properties on Paradise Island offers a turnkey option unlike any other on the island of Nassau. Proximate to the sprawling mini-metropolis that is the Atlantis Resort, the five premium luxury villas that make up the Beach House Villas community are fully and elegantly furnished with staggering views of either the beach or the harbor. Completing the package that gives the island its name, each villa is equipped with the professional/private services of a chef, concierge, housekeeping, boat (with captain) plus dock, waterfront pool and gym and countless other perks. Price tag: $5.5 to $8M+. - http://www.beachhousevillasparadiseisland.com/
For a less permanent Nassau option, stay tuned for the opening of The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel, a new $3.5 billion gaming resort slated to open in spring 2015 that will include a 1,000-room hotel and 100,000-square-foot Las Vegas-style casino, a 700-room Grand Hyatt, a 300-room SLS LUX, and a 200-room Rosewood Hotel property. - https://www.bahamar.com/
Amilla Fushi Resort | Maldives
Average January High Temperature:81°F / 27°C
Can't seem to warm up? Why not literally head to the equator?
Jolly old Saint Nick won't be the only one spreading holiday cheer this month as the highly anticipated December 2014 arrival of the Amilla Fushii Resort invites glad tidings of its own. Located in the heart of the Maldives Islands on Baa Atoll, one of 26 natural atolls forming an archipelago at the equator in the Indian Ocean, the new 71-room luxury resort promises, not just another hotel experience, but an "island home" amid pristine crystal clear waters, white beaches and rich, lush vegetation.
Because "home" is a very individual concept, within its modest allotment of rooms, the Amilla offers an astonishing range of accommodations that includes five 2-bedroom Tree Houses, ten 2,000-plus square foot Lagoon Houses (the smallest offering) and four 30,000 square foot beach residences. Completing the scene at the fantastical new resort are two restaurants from acclaimed Australian chef and restaurateur, Luke Mangan, one of the largest pools in the Maldives, a spa retreat offering a menu of curated organic treatments from luxury spa provider Ila, and signature retail outlets. There's even a 'Kid's Jungle' for the little tykes. -- http://www.amilla.mv/.
The Club at Kukui`ula | Poipu Beach, Kauai
Average January High Temperature:78°F / 26°C
The Club at Kukui`ula is a private membership club set against a surreal postcard-perfect backdrop where luxury is delivered wrapped up in the laidback spirit of aloha. Fortunately, however, there is no need to sign a new mortgage in order access the privileges of The Club. The benefits of membership at Kukui`ula can instead be readily accessed via a stay at one of the property's sumptuous two or three bedroom club cottages which can be arranged through the Parrish Collection, a local purveyor of vacation rentals across Kauai and the exclusive guest manager for Kukui`ula.
Each of the club cottages at Kukui`ula is a breathtaking new construction boasting a minimum of 2,000 square feet and bursting with all the luxuries of home, right down to wine coolers, state of the art gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and well-stocked fridges for those so inclined to request them in advance. A minimum of two master suites with king beds, walk-in-closets, outdoor lava rock garden showers and pedestal tubs, private backyards with gas lava rock fire pits, flat screen televisions throughout and spacious, open living and dining room plans, seal the proverbial deal.
Some of the cottages even have separate guest cottages with their own private lanais, while others have private pools and all are brimming with exquisite new furnishings, island antiques and objets d'art. If you can think of better way to say 'aloha' to winter, then you are a much better wordsmith than I. - http://kukuiula.com/the-club/