Thaw out from frigid winter at one of these sultry new stays.
Mexico: Hotel Esencia
Since being taken over and given a modernist redecoration by Emmy-winning producer and media honcho Kevin Wendle, this Mediterranean-style boutique retreat on the Riviera Maya — with just 29 rooms, suites and villas on 50 relatively undeveloped ocean-side acres — has recently attracted boldface names such as Gwen Stefani, Diane Kruger, Kate Bosworth and Suki Waterhouse.
From $615 | Hotel Esencia
Key West: Ocean’s Edge Hotel & Marina
How’s a day trip to Cuba sound?
This weeks-old, nautical-feeling 20-acre resort — on Key West’s once-industrial, now-on-the-rise Stock Island — claims the closest US marina to Havana. (Ask the concierge to set you up with a yachting excursion.)
But if you prefer to stay put, the 175 rooms, all with ocean views, and six impressive swimming pools should do nicely.
From $299 | Ocean’s Edge Key West
Costa Rica: Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas
Adding to the appeal of Costa Rica’s Pacific-side coast in the Guanacaste province — which already houses larger Four Seasons and Andaz resorts — are the 21 contemporary villas of this month-old property.
If you can tear yourself away from your private-ocean-view, saltwater infinity plunge pool, be sure to check out the 360-degree vistas from the cliff-top main pool and outdoor restaurant.
From $455 | Casa Chameleon Hotels
Puerto Rico: El San Juan Hotel
Recently reopened as part of Hilton’s Curio Collection (after a multimillion-dollar redo by sought-after New York decorator Jeffrey Beers International), this 388-room, midcentury spot in San Juan’s Isla Verde district sits on two miles of beach.
It boasts a new spa, four pools with 22 cabanas and a restaurant from the chef behind Miami hot spot Barceloneta.
From $399 | El San Juan Hotel