The St. Regis Princeville Resort, Hawaii

(Annie Schlechter)

Set on 9,000 acres of lush landscaping along the shores of Kauai’s Hanalei Bay, none of the rooms at the St. Regis are far from the water. The resort’s 251 rooms and suites have views of the gardens, mountains, and bay, and the sleek, comfortable accommodations are outfitted in ivory and taupe with splashes of color. The 300-thread-count linens make naps a priority, but the infinity pool is hard to resist, as is the afternoon tea ritual served poolside. Dine in one of four restaurants, and visit Halele’a Spa for treatments infused with local flowers and fruit. The on-site Young Voyagers Program for 5- to 12-year-olds offers daytime activities.

DON'T MISS: an exclusive Princeville Ranch Adventure through the resort to try kayaking, hiking, or zip lining through private acres on the North Shore; 877/787-3447 or stregisprinceville.com.

The Reefs, Bermuda

(Courtesy of The Reefs)

Bermuda is wonderful around the holidays, when the pink beaches are deserted, and the temperature hovers around 70 degrees. Blissfully situated on a limestone cliff, The Reefs is a complex of pink buildings that cascades down the hillside to a private beach. At the top, 19 new pastel-washed club suites are ideal for larger families, with two or three bedrooms, a spacious living room, kitchen, dining room, and private balcony with hot tub. The bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open to long balconies overlooking coral grottoes, surf-lapped beach, and blue ocean. Bounteous breakfasts and dinners are served in Ocean Echo, a semicircular glass-fronted restaurant with sweeping views. If you feel adventurous, rent a moped and explore Hamilton, the island's capital, and picturesque St. George's, its oldest town.

DON'T MISS: relaxing at La Serena Spa before joining other guests for caroling and eggnog; 800/742-2008 or thereefs.com/CoastalLiving.

Porto Cupecoy, Caribbean

(Courtesy of Porto Cupecoy)

St. Martin is shared by two nations (the Netherlands and France), so it oozes Dutch solidity and European flair. At the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, the 37-square-mile island boasts white-sand beaches and important historical attractions including Fort St. Louis, which overlooks Marigot Bay on the French side and dates from 1767. St. Martin boasts accommodations of every category, but Porto Cupecoy is the newest: Situated around a cove on the western side of the island, the Mediterranean-style ivory- and ochre-colored buildings have balconies and covered terraces with plunge pools, gardens, or sitting areas, and there are 184 chic and sophisticated one- to four-bedroom units. Relax in the pool, play tennis, or head for the beach across the road.

DON'T MISS: duty-free shopping in neighboring Philipsburg or Marigot Bay; 888/412-9922.

Grand Solmar, Land’s End Resort & Spa, Mexico

(Courtesy of Grand Solmar, Land's End)

The new Land's End resort opened in Cabo San Lucas in May with stunning water views from all 119 luxury suites. Take in the scene from the spacious private terrace, or keep your sliding glass door open while relaxing in the king-size bed. All suites have flat-screen TVs, sitting areas, and marble flooring. Head to the family-friendly swim-up bar for a gourmet burger, or enjoy unobstructed ocean views from the adults-only infinity pool. The resort is within walking distance to town, and shopping on Luxury Avenue is a five-minute taxi ride away. Later, you can wind down with a casual libation in the grand lobby at the Infinity bar.

DON'T MISS: swimming with the dolphins at nearby Cabo Dolphins, or riding a camel by the sea on Cabo Adventures Outback & Camel Safari (both set up through the resort); Contact Eugenia Montes at 011/52/624/145-7528 or e-mail [email protected].

Omni Amelia Island Plantation, Florida

(Courtesy of Omni Amelia Island Plantation)

When Omni bought the 1,350-acre Amelia Island Plantation last year, they revamped the 249-room hotel with new decor and kept the spacious living areas in the one- to four-room villa options. The grounds include three golf courses, a private beach, 23 tennis courts, a fitness center, three pools, and nine restaurants. The on-site Kids Camp has games and a sea turtle program. To pick up last-minute gifts and see Santa, swing by the shopping village's 11 boutiques.

DON'T MISS: the town of Fernandina Beach, a vision of gingerbread houses and casual seafood restaurants; 888/444-6664 or omnihotels.com.

© Copyright 2009 Time Inc. Coastal Living is a registered trademark of Time Inc. Used under license.