Winter Wanderlust

Travel escapes to cure cabin fever

When the holidays get hectic and winter brings the blues, sometimes we all need a little escape. Presenting four winter escapes that can help melt the heart of the meanest Grinch. Whether you are looking for a winter wonderland in Pennsylvania or an adventure in the rainforest of Costa Rica, we have something for you.

BY JANET KURTZ

Pink Sands, Harbour Island, Bahamas

If the past two years have taught us anything, it is that a little escapism can be the balm for the soul. Located on Harbour Island in The Bahamas, Pink Sands Resort is just such an escape. Accessible only by boat or ferry, this island, also called the Nantucket of the South, is known for its seclusion as well as its 3-mile pink sand beach. Guests have their choice of luxuriously appointed designer homes, cottages or villas offering exquisite views and amenities. While visiting the island, guests can enjoy quiet moments in the Colonial Library, or clear their mind with beachside yoga and massage services. For the adventure traveler, the resort offers any number of exploration activities like bonefishing, reef fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, an Eleuthera island excursion and much more. For dining, from casual, beachside Blue Bar & Kitchen offering breakfast, lunch and sunset cocktails to the top-rated Malcolm 51 offering elegant island decor and dishes like the Stone Crab Salad or Spiny Lobster, guests can find exactly what they are hungry for. Pink Sands resort is an ideal place for visitors to check in so they can check out. pinksandsresort.com.

Four Seasons Costa Rica

Eco-luxury abounds at the pristine coastal resort Four Seasons Costa Rica. This exclusive retreat on Peninsula Papagayo is ideal for a variety of escape seekers. Throughout the resort, guests can find activities to suit their interests. For adventure travelers the Four Seasons offers rainforest guided tours, birdwatching, monkey spotting, sailing, ziplining and more. For the wellnessminded guests the resort offers yoga, healthy cooking, sound therapy, reiki massage and an entire host of activities to bring calm and well-being. The exotic retreat offers expansive culinary offerings as well as immersive cultural experiences. The resort also offers several sustainability practices in which guests can participate such as the coral restoration project and educational tours at local, natural and cultural sites for a deeper understanding of the area. Of course, for those just looking to get away from it all, the temperatures in December and January hover in the high-80s to low 90s and guests may find the perfect spot on the beaches or by one of the pools to relax and unwind — with a cocktail or refreshing drink. fourseasons.com/costarica.

Nemacolin, Farmington, PA

What was originally planned as a fishing retreat for the daughter of lumber mogul Joseph A. Hardy III became a lifelong project that is today Nemacolin. Offering a variety of luxury accommodations, guests have their pick of rooms and suites to choose from. Additionally, Nemacolin offers an extensive amount of seasonal experiences that can thrill and delight visitors. In the winter months, guests can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, outdoor ice skating, dog sledding and holiday specific goodies such as breakfast with Santa. In the more temperate months, the resort comes alive with outdoor adventures like horseback riding, fly fishing, bird hunting and more. Art lovers will enjoy the Art Collection Tour, Falling Rock Art Tour, Outdoor Sculpture Tour or exploring the range of art classes available to guests. Dining at Nemacolin, like all other amenities, is wellrounded. Whether guests are interested in elevated, adventurous menus or something as artfully simple as tavern cuisine, Nemacolin is here to serve. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea in the tea room, an ooey-gooey Sundae in PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor, or an after dinner cigar in The Cigar Bar. Nemacolin offers expansive luxury tucked away in a beautiful oasis. nemacolin.com.

The Grand York, York, UK

Once the capital of Viking territories and later a seat of prosperity during the Middle Ages, York is a popular destination for travelers looking for history, proper English tea and chocolate. Located just across from the original city walls, The Grand York is the ideal spot for those in search of a luxurious escape while being ensconced in medieval British history. With rooms decorated with a traditional look and feel, The Grand York offers visitors a luxurious stay with amenities like afternoon tea and a relaxing spa. History awaits around every corner as visitors explore York Castle, the National Railway Museum, an immersive Viking settlement – where guests can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Viking Age – and a walk down The Shambles, one of the best preserved medieval streets left in existence. After a day exploring York, a stop at York’s Chocolate Story may be just the right treat. Advance bookings are recommended, which allow guests to enjoy experiences like truffle rolling and personalized chocolate bars. thegrandyork.co.uk.

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF PINK SANDS, HARBOUR ISLAND, BAHAMAS; FOUR SEASONS COSTA RICA; NEMACOLIN, FARMINGTON, PA; THE GRAND YORK, YORK, UK