Seek The Sun
Feeling a bit run down? Need to use your much-deserved vacation days before the year’s end? Revive your soul and gain a new outlook on life with a winter getaway. Now’s a great time to pack your flip-flops and swimsuit and head off to a sun-filled destination packed with idyllic beaches, sizzling cuisine, and fascinating culture. Read on to discover our favorite destinations for winter escapes.
Photo: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Dominican Republic
As with most islands in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is a destination where each town, beach, and rainforest has its own rhythm and beat, culminating in metaphorical music that captivates both locals and tourists. You’ll find nearly 20 miles of beaches and shimmering turquoise waters in Punta Cana, where intricate coral reefs call you to dive in while numerous beach bars try to keep you on dry land. Thrill seekers will love Bavaro Adventure Park, home to horseback riding, zip line tours, all-terrain buggies, and the park’s famous waterfall pool. Puerto Plata hypnotizes you with its surrounding mountains, lush valleys and waterfalls, and nearby Kite Beach in the resort town of Cabarete dazzles your imagination as kite surfers capture the wind to skip across the waves.
Photo: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Jamaica
The sugar-white-sand beaches, azure sea and rum-loaded cocktails are three major reasons many travel to Jamaica, but the country’s adventurous side should not be overlooked. There are activities here for all ages. Climb over boulders as you ascend the 600-foot-long path to the top of Dunn’s River Falls, enjoy the views as you gently bike down from the peak of the Blue Mountain, race across the rainforest canopy zip lining at Mystic Mountain and splash in the waves from atop a horse. However high your heartbeat races during such escapades, there’s always a gorgeous beach nearby to relax and recover.
Phoito: Jamaica
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is the star attraction on a 20-mile corridor lined with world-class resorts and championship golf courses. Here you’ll find a wealth of worthy pursuits, starting with a hike to the top Mount Solmar for an awestriking panorama of Cabo City, Lovers Beach, the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. Once you have your bearings, it’s easier to plan your next adventure. Will it be a boat ride to El Arco, aka the Arch, to take pics of the inspiring rock formation and nearby sea lions basking in the sun? Or maybe a leisurely stroll to La Coyota, a shopping village filled with handcrafted art and beautiful ceramics? Or maybe whale spotting during a sunset catamaran cruise is more your speed? Whatever you wish for, Cabo will have a decadent way to make it come true.
Photo: Cabo San Lucas
Getting there is half the fun
Why settle for one sun-and-fun destination when you can visit several during a Caribbean or Mexican cruise vacation? On a Celebrity Cruises® voyage, you’ll enjoy spacious accommodations, Michelin-starred crafted menus, chic hangouts and nightly entertainment. Whether it’s a quick getaway or a weeklong detox, you can expect to return from a Celebrity Cruises voyage revitalized and restored — perfect for shaking off any winter blues you might have.