A calm turquoise beach in Hawaii with white sand and clear water
← Back to Destinations

Closer to Home

Luxury Beach Escapes, Without the Long Haul

Shorter flights, easier planning, and several with no passport needed. The same beautiful water, closer than you think.

Plan My Retreat

Overview

Why closer to home

Not every celebration needs two days of travel. For a long weekend, an anniversary week or a first trip together in years, these shores offer world-class resorts, warm water and far less time in the air. For U.S. citizens, Hawaii, the Florida Keys, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands need no passport at all.

The Collection

Six escapes, none of them far

Maui's green coastline and reefs from the airNo passport needed

Hawaii

Volcanic peaks, warm Pacific water and some of the finest resorts in the United States. Maui suits couples who want beaches and sunsets; the Big Island adds lava landscapes and stargazing.

  • Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea — For its oceanfront setting on Wailea Beach and recently redesigned rooms.
  • Halekulani, Waikiki — For classic, quiet elegance right on the sand.

Best time to go: April to May and September to October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. December to April brings humpback whales to Maui.

A small island in the clear blue water of the Florida KeysNo passport needed

The Florida Keys

A string of islands with a slower pace, clear shallow water and famous sunsets. An easy flight from most of the country.

  • Little Palm Island Resort & Spa — An adults-only private island reached only by boat or seaplane.
  • Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada — For a relaxed oceanfront stay with a long fishing pier.

Best time to go: December to May is drier and calmer. Hurricane season runs June through November.

Rocky shoreline and gentle surf at Cabo Rojo, Puerto RicoNo passport needed

Puerto Rico

Beaches, rainforest and Spanish colonial history on one island, with direct flights from many U.S. cities.

  • Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — For spacious beachfront residences on a historic estate.

Best time to go: December to April for the driest weather. Hurricane season runs June through November.

The harbor and green hills of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin IslandsNo passport needed

The U.S. Virgin Islands

Quiet bays, sailing and soft white sand on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.

  • The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas — For its calm bay setting and easy boat trips to St. John.

Best time to go: December to April for the driest weather. Hurricane season runs June through November.

Palm trees above a turquoise beach in TulumShort flight

Mexico's Riviera Maya

Caribbean water, cenotes and Mayan history a short flight from much of the U.S.

  • Rosewood Mayakoba — For suites set along calm lagoons with private plunge pools.

Best time to go: December to April for the driest, most comfortable weather.

Loungers and a boat on Grace Bay's white sandShort flight

Turks and Caicos

Some of the clearest water in the Caribbean and long, quiet stretches of white sand.

  • Grace Bay Club, Grace Bay Beach — For a relaxed, upscale stay on one of the region's most admired beaches.

Best time to go: November to May for calm seas and dry weather. Hurricane season runs June through November.

Rates and availability vary by season. I confirm current pricing and options for your dates.

Private planning

Ready for an escape a little closer to home?

Tell me the occasion and your dates, and I'll send a personal plan with resort options and a simple day-by-day outline.

Plan My Retreat

No cost to plan. No obligation.

Photo Gallery

A Glimpse Closer to Home

Hawaii, the Florida Keys, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Riviera Maya and Turks and Caicos — beautiful water, shorter flights.