When it comes to spring break travel and destinations there are two main types of people: the sun-seekers and the snow-lovers. 

Both love getting away from home, but in vastly different ways; one prefers ski slopes, the other swimming pools. Neither, however, need look any further for inspiring destinations to book for their next spring escape. 

From ski-centric, cold-weather resorts in Montana and Switzerland to sun-soaked beach retreats in Mexico, Florida, and Hawaii, these seven spring break destinations offer both types of travelers everything they could want in a vacation.  

Spring Breaks for Snow-Lovers 

The Alpina Gstaad
Gstaad, Switzerland 

A picturesque chalet-style resort nestled among the snowcapped peaks of the Swiss Alps, The Alpina Gstaad welcomes European and international travelers into the winter world that, though it did not invent, it certainly popularized one of the greatest post-sport rituals known to man: après-ski. Inside the hotel, warm, wood-paneled rooms with private balconies and stone fireplaces invite guests to rest and relax, while outside a wealth of ski runs beckon, and, thanks to a free ski-shuttle, are just a few minutes’ ride away.  

Montage Big Sky
Big Sky, Montana, USA 

Deep in the mountains of Montana lies Montage Big Sky, one of the American West’s most luxurious ski-in/ski-out lodges just minutes from Yellowstone National Park. Travelers ranging from ski bums with a taste for the finer things in life to families who love to get outdoors and explore in the snow will love the thoughtful mountain amenities that place this resort a cut above the rest, including ski lockers, a ski concierge, a 10,000 sq-ft spa, and 21 private, home-like Residences. 

Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Stateline, Nevada, USA 

Straddling the border of California and Nevada, and directly on the shores of the high-elevation Lake Tahoe, Edgewood Tahoe Resort delivers cold-weather spring breakers a magical experience bedecked in house-size snowdrifts and snow globe like splendor. A classic, log exterior belies a contemporary and bright interior with soaring windows bestowing endless mountain views. Ski-lovers will relish the resort’s ski butlers, ski tune-ups, and ski-shuttles, while those looking for a more relaxed escape can spend an hour (or a day) at the spa.  

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
Zermatt, Switzerland 

Located in the car-free town of Zermatt beneath the shadow of the famed Matterhorn, Grand Hotel Zermatterhof’s historic façade would not look out of place as the main setting in a Wes Anderson film. Behind its symmetrical, rose-hued walls, the hotel houses 69 fairytale guestrooms featuring marble baths and sweeping views. Easy access to more than 200 km of ski slopes sweetens this already almost perfect Swiss confection. For an actual sweet confection, guests recommend Ruden’s Bar for its authentic, homemade hot chocolate. 

Spring Breaks for Sun-Seekers 

Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Playa del Carmen, Mexico 

Enjoying a place of prominence directly on the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s location not only provides guests a pristine beach among dozens of other must-have all-inclusive amenities, it also delivers quick access to every nearby Xcaret attraction or activity, including waterparks, natural cenotes, and ropes courses. On-site, outdoor activities abound with swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more – making Hotel Xcaret Mexico a great getaway for the active family or couple.  

‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 

Flanked by towering palms, the ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach’s main entrance immediately transports guests into a world of streamlined, tropical calm. A fifth-floor infinity-pool invites travelers to while away the hours listening to the sounds of gentle waves lapping on the white sands of Waikiki Beach below. Step outside the hotel directly onto the sand and try your hand at “hanging ten” on one of the world’s best-known surf breaks, or take a more “Island Time” approach via The Longboard Club, which offers private cabanas, exclusive lounges, and delicious breakfast. 

Esmé Miami Beach
Miami Beach, Florida, USA 

A 1925-era block of Old Miami buildings found a new life as Esmé Miami Beach, a glamorous, contemporary hotel paying homage to its history as a winter hideaway for northern mobsters like Al Capone. Just steps from the white sands of the iconic Miami Beach, and surrounded by The Spanish Village with its dizzying array of boutiques, bars, and restaurants, this urban resort revels in a prime location, even offering a rooftop pool and bar to take advantage of the sweet sea breezes and glittering skyline views.