Do you imagine escaping the winter cold? And wishing that you were someone hot and tropical? So if you are alot like me, as you bundle up in your winter wares. You only wish that you could walk around scantly clad in your bikini, cocktail in hand with blue sky's and lots of sun. It's that time of year again for most of us in the northern hemisphere (god know why we chose to live here), where the winter sets in and so do we.

Well to escape those winter blues, is just a plane ticket away. If you are one who likes to getaway to a warmer destination between the months of December through February. Then you may want to consider a few of the options we have planned for you! So pack that sunscreen lotion, bikini or trunks, and defeat this winter! Find inspiration with these ideas for hot vacation destinations with luxury in mind.

Maui, Hawaii - The Magic Isle (main picture, and above)

Closer to home for alot of Americans. Maui has a rich heritage and is the ideal quick getaway for those who love an island retreat. Nestled quite nicely in the pacific. Maui - also known as the 'Magic Isle' for it's heavenly beaches and its scenic natural wonders. Is a true favorite for many travelers, which gives it plenty of reasons why it has been voted “Best Island” by readers of Conde Nast Traveler for more than a dozen years.

Discover your own reasons to love Maui as you stroll the seaside streets of Lahaina and the lovely beaches of Kaanapali. Feel the mana (power) of Haleakala National Park or discover the arts and culture of Kahului and Upcountry Maui. From championship golf courses to the scenic road to Hana, your vacation on the “Valley Isle” promises to be unforgettable. It’s no wonder why thousands of humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm waters year after year. One visit to Maui and you just might join them.

Zihuatanejo, Mexico

The city of Zihuatanejo belongs to the state of Guerrero and is known as the fourth largest city as well. Zihuatanejo is actually a fishing village and represents the historical region of Mexico. This village is mostly nested in the vicinity of a little bay which features picturesque beaches appropriate for holiday tours.

The five popular beaches in Zihuatanejo offering opportunities for water sports and enjoyment are Playa Las Gatas, Playa La Ropa, , Playa La Madera, Playa Las Gatas, Playa La Madera, La Playa Municipal and Playa Contramar. Playa La Ropa with its medium sized waves is suitable for both swimmers and non swimmers and offers great restaurants.

The tourists in this multifaceted destination of Zihuatanejo can enjoy staying at the luxury and budget hotels like, Arrecife Hotel, Bahia Vista Condominiums, Brisas del Mar Hotel, Bungalows Pacificos, Casa Adriana and Casa Buenaventura. These hotels mostly ensure to provide the guests with the best of the in-house facilities like luxury rooms, beds, suitable bath fittings, in-house restaurants and other sundry necessities like telephone, and toiletries.

Costa Del Sol, Spain

Due to averaging 300 days of sun shine each year and an exceptional climate that moderates its summers, and winters, the Costa del Sol is the mecca for those seeking sea side fun. Stretching along the coast of the Mediterranean from the area of Gibraltar to Malaga, the seaside resorts of the Costa del Sol play host to tourists and is the UK equivalent to Mexico.

Finca Cortesin Hotel & Spa, Costa Del Sol (above) offers a luxurious retreat to weary travelers

The Finca Cortesin, a boutique hotel and resort on the Costa del Sol, has opened an exquisite 23,000 square-foot-spa. Guests can now indulge in a Turkish hamam (or steam bath) and then cool off in the Snow Cave, inspired by the Finnish tradition of rolling in the snow after a sauna as a way to boost immune defenses. There's also a 114-foot indoor pool that bathed in natural light as well as two outdoor pools, one of which is Olympic-size, that offer sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

So it's easy to understand why Costa del Sol is favored for vacations by many Europeans, particularly the British. With exquisite beaches, and lots of activities such as golf and  theme parks. As well as an active night life, this hot little mecca will bring in the young and old alike.