Something about the holidays sparks our wanderlust. Some of us are eager to hole up in a cozy, wintry climate, and some avoid the chill like the plague, but now’s the time we all find ourselves dreaming of getting away for a bit. From snow-packed locales to exotic escapes, here are Team Zoe’s favorite places to travel this season.
Lake Tahoe
"There's something about snow that makes celebrating the holiday season extra special. I've been going to Incline Village (and staying at the Hyatt) with my family for as long as I can remember! I love curling up by the fire at the Lone Eagle with a warm drink overlooking Lake Tahoe—for me, it doesn't get any better."
—Kendall Cohan, Product Development Associate
Santa Barbara
"El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara is the definition of glamping—the grounds are peppered with cabins and chic canvas tents built on wood platforms. Each dwelling is fully styled, so you can sleep in an actual bed but still have a s'mores campsite moment."
—Shannon Nash, Fashion & Beauty Editor
Palm Springs
"I recommend Palm Springs to anyone and everyone, anytime, but something about being under the desert sky in the middle of winter feels so romantic. I've stayed at a few Airbnbs, and it's hard to go wrong. I've also been dying to stay at L'Horizon, which looks like a modern dream."
—Jordan Silver, Marketing Manager
Aspen
"My favorite winter getaway is Aspen, because I lived there for a long time and consider it home. I'm an avid skier and snowboarder, and the 4 mountains there are some of my favorite in the world to make turns on. There is also no better on-mountain dining experience than Cloud 9 on Aspen Highlands, where you literally eat fondue, drink Champagne and dance on tables. What could be better? And if I'm not staying with friends, I love The Little Nell or Aspen's historic Hotel Jerome—both are gorgeous properties with so much character and incredible service. Plus, I have to go to Aspen frequently because I need a place to wear all the sweaters and coats I consistently buy for no reason given that I now reside in sunny LA." — Sari Tuschman, Editor-at-Large
Carmel Valley
"I love the Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley. It offers everything a romantic getaway requires: a roaring fireplace in each suite, fine dining, a croquet court outside your door and plenty of local, delicious wine."
—Scott Riddell, Digital Director
"I love the Carmel Valley Ranch Resort. From the smell of the wood-burning fireplaces to the family of deer living on the lawn of your cabin-like suite, it's the definition of cozy."
—Courtney Ross, Executive Assistant
Big Sur
"My boyfriend and I recently took an Airstream up to Kirk Creek campgrounds for our anniversary weekend. I always thought Big Sur was stunning, but actually camping on a bluff overlooking the ocean was beyond incredible. Not only can you hear the waves crashing all day but you can hike down a little trail to where the waves will crash at your feet. You can lounge among rocks to watch the sunset or perch up on a ledge right next to your campground for a picturesque view."
—Alyssa Sutter, Style Director
Telluride
"Telluride is one of my favorite winter destinations because it's fun for die-hard skiers and beginners alike. Rent a cozy cabin on the mountain, take a gondola ride downtown for dinner and drinks, and be sure to spend time at The Peaks indoor-outdoor spa."
—Nicky Deam, Editorial Director
Santa Fe
"Check into Santa Fe's Inn of the Anasazi . Layer up with a chunky knit and walk through the picture-perfect town filled with history and art. Lunch at Tomasita’s . Get your spa on at Ten Thousand Waves . Do dinner at Geronimo . Sit by the fire surrounded by the fragrance of burning piñon."
—Tom Balamaci, General Manager
Asheville
"My husband and I head to Asheville, North Carolina, almost every Christmas to visit his family. It's the most idyllic and Christmasy place to be, especially coming from sunny Los Angeles. You can't visit during the holidays without seeing the Biltmore Estate decked out in decorations or the incredible gingerbread houses at the Grove Park Inn—I love to have lunch on the terrace overlooking the mountains."
—Marisa Runyon, Director of TV and Digital Video Production
St. Barth's
"St. Barth's is the perfect getaway to escape the cold. Stay at Hotel Taiwana or Isle De France, or rent a villa from Wimco."
—Rachel Zoe
Joshua Tree
"As someone who has abandoned all coats since moving to LA, my perfect winter retreat is Joshua Tree. There's nothing better than renting an Airbnb in the middle of the desert, going on a brisk hike in Joshua Tree National Park, then ending the day with whiskey and barbecue at Pappy & Harriet's before late-night hot-tubbing under the stars. I mean, sand kind of looks like snow ... right?"
—Jaclyn Decell, Social Media Manager
