Warm & Tropical Resorts for Winter Travel

As winter settles in across the northern hemisphere, many travelers begin dreaming of clear blue waters, warm ocean breezes, and effortless all-inclusive luxury. To help you escape the cold, we’ve rounded up some of our most loved all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, and St. Lucia — destinations that continue to be among the most sought-after for Caribbean travel.

From family-friendly favorites to elevated adults-only retreats, these resorts offer something for every travel style. Explore our top picks below, and when you’re ready to start planning your warm and tropical getaway, connect with your preferred travel advisor at Emily’s Travel.

Don't forget! Booking with our agency means having a knowledgeable professional in your corner to save you time, money, and the stress of planning — so you can simply focus on the vacation ahead.

---

TROPICAL RESORTS FOR WINTER TRAVEL

Mexico

Xcaret — La Casa de la Playa or Xcaret Destination Resorts

We love Xcaret for its ****unique combination of natural beauty + cultural immersion. Set within the larger Xcaret eco-park ecosystem, guests enjoy tropical beaches, cenote access, and premium dining sourced locally. It’s ideal for travelers who want both adventure and relaxation right at their doorstep. Xcaret’s dining options range from fresh seafood to refined Mexican cuisine, and the resort atmosphere leans upscale yet rooted in nature.

📌 Best for: Culture-focused travelers, families & couples

📌 Vibe: Eco-luxury with adventure options

Dreams Playa Mujeres — Playa Mujeres, Mexico

A perennial winter favorite, Dreams Playa Mujeres delivers unlimited luxury all-inclusive with multiple gourmet restaurants, vibrant lounges, beachfront pools, and dedicated kids’ clubs. Its spacious suites and calm beaches make it easy to unwind whether you’re traveling with kids or as a couple seeking dreamy sunsets.

📌 Best for: Families & couples

📌 Highlights: Multiple dining venues, water sports, kids & teens clubs

UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

As the original Unico location, this classic boutique all-inclusive stands out for its locally inspired experiences and modern design. The focus here is on immersive cultural moments — from tequila tastings to cooking classes — alongside beautifully designed rooms and excellent dining options. It’s a great choice for travelers who want luxury meets local flavor.

📌 Best for: Culinary travelers & couples

📌 Vibe: Stylish, immersive, boutique luxury

UNICO 20°105° — Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The newest location of this incredible boutique adults-only all-inclusive opening in Fall 2025, UNICO 20°105° brings the signature UNICO style to the Pacific coast with 141 rooms, inspired local design, multiple specialty restaurants, and a rooftop pool with sweeping Banderas Bay views. The focus here is on bespoke cultural experiences, wellness, and elevated cuisine that reflects the spirit of Riviera Nayarit, from fresh Mexican fare to world-class mixology.

📌 Best for: Adults & couples

📌 Highlights: Specialty dining, wellness spa, rooftop pool & local-inspired experiences

Other Honorable Mentions of New & Recently Updated Resorts in Mexico

• The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort – undergoing a major multi-million-dollar renovation with refreshed suites, swim-up rooms, and expanded dining and entertainment slated for May 2026. This revitalized property will offer a fresh, contemporary take on all-inclusive beach luxury.

• Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort (renovations) – beloved adults-only option currently refreshing guestrooms, dining, and spa experiences with completion expected in late 2025.

---

Dominican Republic

(New) St. Regis Cap Cana — Punta Cana, DR

Opening in spring 2025, this is the DR’s first St. Regis property and an ultra-luxury landmark. Think elegant design, butler service, refined spa treatments, and nine world-class restaurants. Its private beaches and access to top golf make it perfect for sophisticated travelers craving luxury and leisure.

📌 Best for: Luxury seekers & couples

📌 Highlights: Butler service, golf, fine dining

Dreams Playa Esmeralda — (Opening 2025)

A new family-friendly all-inclusive debuting in April 2025 with 500 rooms, a water park, kids clubs, and multiple dining venues — perfect if you love family travel with plenty of options for adults too.

📌 Best for: Families & multi-generation travelers

📌 Vibe: Active, water-park energy + calm beach time

---

Aruba

The St. Regis Aruba — Palm Beach (2025)

A glamorous new arrival on Palm Beach, this resort elevates Aruba with elegant suites, infinity pools, a big spa, signature restaurants, and a 9,000-sq-ft casino. It’s ideal for couples and luxury travelers who want sophistication right on a classic Caribbean beach.

📌 Best for: Couples & adults seeking luxury

📌 Highlights: Spa, beachfront pool lounges, upscale dining

Secrets Baby Beach Aruba — Adults-Only (2025)

A new adults-only retreat with 304 suites, multiple pools, seven dining concepts, and spa access — perfect for honeymooners or friends traveling together who want a chic, adults-only vibe with plenty of amenities.

📌 Best for: Adults only (no kids)

📌 Vibe: Relaxed sophistication

---

St. Lucia

Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa — (2025)

One of the most exciting new openings in the Caribbean, Secrets St. Lucia reimagines the former St. James’s Club with 355 rooms, panoramic ocean views, gourmet dining venues, multiple bars and lounges, and swim-out suites. Perched on lush volcanic coastline near Rodney Bay, this adults-only retreat blends natural beauty with elevated culinary experiences.

Best for: Couples & honeymooners

📌 Highlights: Multiple à la carte restaurants, swim-out suites, spa

Jade Mountain Resort

One of the most iconic resorts in the Caribbean, Jade Mountain is known for its dramatic Piton views and open-air sanctuary design. Many suites feature private infinity pools and a missing fourth wall, creating an immersive, ultra-romantic experience that feels completely connected to nature. Dining at Jade Mountain Club highlights locally inspired Caribbean cuisine, with sunset cocktails and intimate dining experiences that make this a true bucket-list stay — especially during the winter months.

📌 Best for: Couples, honeymoons, milestone celebrations

📌 Vibe: Ultra-luxury, iconic, romantic

---

Final TRAVEL Tips for Winter Travelers Going to Tropical Resorts

When planning a winter escape, timing and travel style matter. December through March is peak season for sunshine across Mexico and the Caribbean, while late winter—especially January and February—offers warm ocean temperatures with slightly fewer crowds, making it ideal for most vacations. Whether you’re traveling with kids, celebrating a romantic milestone, craving cultural immersion, or seeking luxury suites and standout food, there’s a warm-weather resort perfectly suited to your winter travel style.

Ready to trade winter coats for sunshine? It’s not too late to visit one of these tropical resorts for winter travel. You can still request a vacation by contacting your trusted travel advisor at Emily’s Travel, or simply submit a trip request form to get started. From resort recommendations to personalized planning and exclusive perks, we’re here to make your winter getaway seamless, stress-free, and perfectly matched to your travel style.

---

Emily's Travel Inc. is an award winning team of experienced travel advisors based in Minnesota, dedicated to crafting unique and unforgettable worldwide vacations. With decades of expertise in booking cruises, resorts and international trips for individuals, couples, families, friends, and groups, we are your go-to choice for all your travel needs. Our true specialty at heart is coordinating and managing destination weddings, vow renewals and honeymoons for couples and groups around the world as well. Please visit our website for comprehensive information about our travel options, agency details, or to request a trip with one of our expert advisors. Explore Emily's Travel blog, which features our best travel tips and inspiration! For the latest travel deals and updates, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.