Originally published by Departures. 

When you’re working 10-hour days, winter doesn’t feel particularly romantic. But if you’re able to take a week off, you’ll be reminded that snow can turn cities into romantic, charming escapes, and that cold weather makes a beach excursion all the more exciting. Winter may be when you need a vacation the most, especially after surviving the holidays or getting an unexpected year-end bonus.

Mayakoba, Mexico

Mayakoba is in the heart of the Riviera Maya, and cultivates a high-end look and feel that’s endlessly appealing to the luxury traveler. With chic hotels lining the crystal-blue water, it’s a perfect trip for professionals working long hours who need to relieve the tension building up in their shoulders from bracing the harsh winter wind. Combine relaxation with culture by taking a day trip to Chichen Itza, and then spending a day in the Banyan Tree Mayakoba spa, which has “alternating hot and cold thermal cabins” nestled into the Mayan rainforest. The villas at Banyan Tree come with their own private pools, and many have massage decks set up for in-room spa treatments.