beach or mountain this winter?

one of the pools at Four Seasons Nevis

The winter months are upon us in the northern hemisphere, although temperatures aren't what we've come to expect. I spent three days this week in Palm Beach, Florida where I thoroughly enjoyed warm, sunny days with highs in the 80's (quite a bit higher than normal). Now I'm back in Berkeley, California where I woke up to temperatures in the low 30's (quite a bit lower than normal).

Where is your next vacation taking you?

Snowbirds will travel to the mountains for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Here are our five most popular winter ski destinations:

   Lake Tahoe, California
   Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado
   Deer Valley, Utah
   Jackson Hole, Wyoming
   Whistler, British Colombia

Sun worshippers will travel to a warm beach destination to swim, play tennis or golf, or just relax on the beach. Our four most popular winter beach destinations are:

   Hawaii
   Mexico
   The Caribbean
   Bora Bora
   Thailand

Whether you want snow or a warm beach, we can recommend dozens of luxury resorts where you will stay in comfort, enjoy great food, and warm hospitality ... with value added amenities that provide you with free breakfast for two, room upgrades, and other amenities that are unique to each hotel. We can save you literally hundreds of dollars for your winter vacation.

copyright (c) 2015 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

it's starting to get cold | winter vacation plans

sunset at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

It's starting to get cold, with colder than usual temperatures cropping up across the country. Where will your winter vacation plans take you?

The tropics offer a respite from the cold of winter. Imagine walking the beach, riding the waves, relaxing with a good book on a new iPad Mini with retina screen (I'm hoping to grab one on Black Friday), or just sitting by the pool. Depending on where you live, you might choose Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, or the Caribbean as your vacation destination.

The mountains take advantage of the cold, offering days filled with downhill skiing, followed by a treatments in the spa, and apres ski socializing. Some of North America's best ski destinations are Whistler, Vail, Jackson Hole, and Lake Tahoe.

You'll find luxury resorts both at the beach ... and on the slopes. Email your Virtuoso luxury travel consultant for ideas, recommendations, and advice, not to mention the added value of free daily breakfasts, room upgrades when available, and even food or spa credits (extra amenities are different at each resort).

copyright (c) 2013 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch | ski out ski in

Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch - ski out/ski in resort

Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch emailed this YouTube video of the great skiing at Beaver Creek (the less crowded side of Vail mountain). With ski out/ski in access to 1,800 acres of diverse terrain, there's plenty to attract enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders. Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch offers a Ski Concierge service that will ensure your ultimate winter escape.

Book through your Virtuoso and Ritz Carlton STARS travel consultant to receive added-value amenities to get the very best value and make the most of your vacation.

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
• $100 USD Resort or Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay
• 4 p.m. late check-out, subject to availability
• customized welcome amenity

Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2013 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.