Adventurous tropical vacations for people who hate winter

Just because you love the holiday season, doesn’t mean you have to love the blustery, bone-chilling weather that (for most parts of the U.S.) comes with it.

And even if you do enjoy the charm of smiling snowmen, cozy fireplaces and bundling up in oversized sweaters and giant scarves, after a while the novelty and allure of it all starts to wear off.

If you’re like most, you’re left praying for the return of spring and cursing the day the temperatures ever dropped below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

You might even start to find yourself dreaming of white sandy beaches, tall, breezy palm trees and fruity, cold cocktails.

But what’s even better than dreaming is actually escaping the harsh wrath of winter and adventuring to a destination where the weather will treat you more kindly.

From Antigua and Barbados to Colombia and Costa Rica, the following warm weather destinations will help you forget your hatred for winter while you embrace the outdoors and embark on incredible excursions and adventures.

1. Antigua - Curtain Bluff

(Curtain Bluff Resort)

Antigua’s Curtain Bluff resort offers wintertime travelers an all-inclusive island escape. Here visitors are greeted with endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, including diving, snorkeling, fishing, ziplining and water skiing, just to name a few. What’s more, the resort recently partnered with celebrity trainer Adam Rosante to offer guests the Living Well program: a five-day package filled with fitness classes, one-on-one nutrition coaching, rejuvenating spa treatments and adventurous day trips including a catamaran cruise to English Harbour.

2. Kauai, Hawaii—The Lodge at Kukui'ula

(The Lodge at Kukui'ula)

This quaint collection of island-style cottages, bungalows and villas makes an exotic and relaxing escape for all types of adventure-seeking travelers. Guests of The Lodge at Kukui'ula are welcome to enjoy exhilarating amenities such as the Island Pursuits package—a program that offers access to local guides who lead tours on the Kalalau Trail, teach traditional Hawaiian canoe sailing, provide stand-up paddleboard lessons and more.

3. Costa Rica— Tabacón Grand Spa Resort

(Tabacon Resort)

The perfect place to chill out and thaw out all at once, the Tabacón Grand Spa Resort offers visitors one of the most unique and luxurious Costa Rican rainforest experiences. Following days filled with thrilling activities like white water rafting, rappelling, horseback riding and wildlife watching, guests are invited to unwind as they soak in the resort’s natural thermal springs, kick back with cocktails in the Shangri-La garden, or indulge in an open-air spa treatment.

4. Barbados—Turtle Beach

(Elegant Hotel Groups)

Barbados is brimming with adventure, and Turtle Beach resort guests have the unique opportunity to escape winter while immersing themselves into the island’s unique and exhilarating culture. From beach cricket (the island’s signature pastime) and cave exploring to water sports, golf and horseback riding there’s a seemingly endless amount of ways to explore and experience this one-of-a-kind tropical island.

5. Thailand— Multisport Adventure with REI

(REI Adventures)

If it’s a truly action-packed trip you’re looking for, then REI’s nine-day Thailand excursion will easily fill all of your adventurous desires. The all-inclusive package will submerge you into the country’s colorful cultures as you make your way from Chiang Mai to the jungle. Highlights include hiking, biking and kayaking through northern Thailand, visits to remote hill-tribe villages and the chance to taste an eclectic array of the country’s cuisines.

Check out more active adventurous warm-weather vacations.

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