It’s that time of the year when many of us across the U.S. will be uttering the “s” word… snow. To some, that’s a welcome change from the heat of summer, offering skiing, sledding, snow angels and hot cocoa. To others, they’d rather fly south for sunshine and warmer weather.
If you fall in the latter category and need a summery retreat to get you through the cold, you’re in luck! With hotels on 40 U.S. Army posts across the country, IHG® Army Hotels has several warm-weather locations, each offering a dedicated team and plenty of amenities.
Here’s our 5 favorite destinations to keep you warm during the snow season!
IHG Army Hotels Tripler Medical Center on TAMC/Fort Shafter
Honolulu
Less than 15 minutes outside of Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is a piece of paradise. Say “aloha” to IHG Army Hotels on Fort Shafter, and plan for a sunny retreat like no other. In December, you could be singing “Mele Kalikimaka” under the palm trees with an average temperature topping 80 degrees. Actually, you can anticipate those warm days and cooler nights in the mid-60s right through the end of February.
The white sand beaches and crystal-clear water make for a perfect winter escape to relax and rejuvenate. Oahu is a great destination to sunbathe, snorkel, scuba dive, boat, and fish. Check out an underwater wonderland—about 30 minutes from Fort Shafter—where you can snorkel with exotic fish at Hanauma Bay State Park. This family-friendly park sits atop a volcanic cone that helps to preserve and showcase the area’s beautiful natural elements.
About 15 miles north of Honolulu, enjoy the relaxing waters of the popular Lanikai Beach. The sand is soft, the water is clear, and the beach is less crowded than some other spots on the island. Plus, you can take in the view or kayak to the nearby Mokulua Islands.
And there’s more to explore than the beach. If you’re an early riser, put Koko Crater Trail on your list. This 1.5-mile trek includes more than 1,000 steps to the summit of Koko Head Crater. Start around 5 a.m. so you can catch a stunning sunrise.
Finally, give yourself a full day to appreciate the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Marking a critical moment in U.S. history, the bombing of Pearl Harbor launched the U.S. into World War II. View galleries that bring you closer to the events surrounding that pivotal moment, watch a documentary at Pearl Harbor Memorial Theater, honor those who lost their lives from Remembrance Circle, see the USS Arizona and more.
IHG® Army Hotels Organ Mountains Inn - Historia
White Sands, New Mexico
Don’t worry, you’re not seeing snow—although you might want to pack your sled. You’re viewing the glistening white gypsum dunes of southern New Mexico, where visitors hit the slopes—er, dunes—for a unique sledding experience.
It’s not exactly balmy in White Sands, New Mexico over the winter months, but it does hover around a pleasant 60 degrees. And White Sands provides an outdoor experience not to be missed, with opportunities to bike, hike, ride, camp and more surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
White Sands National Park is about 30 minutes north of Organ Mountains Inn — now a part of IHG Army Hotels’ renowned Historia collection. The White Sands Missile Range was established as a military testing ground in 1945—marking the test of the first atomic bomb at the Trinity Site. Twice a year, guests can take a guided tour.
These rolling white dunes are located in the Tularosa Basin and include several hiking trails that range in difficulty and duration. The trails highlight the area’s landforms, animals and plants—with plenty of informational signs along the way. Check out the family-friendly Hiking Dune Life Natural Trail or dive right into the endless dunes on the more challenging Hiking Alkali Flat Trail.
You can also take to the road and get a tremendous view from a bike or car. Be sure to review safe biking tips about what bikes are best on the dunes and how to share the road. By car, the 16-mile round-trip route takes about 45 minutes from the visitor center. Plan some extra time to take a stroll or snap some photos during your trip.
Holiday Inn Express Abrams Hall
Columbus, Georgia
Columbus, Georgia is just a 20-minute ride north of IHG Army Hotels Holiday Inn Express Abrams Hall. Whether you’re exploring indoor museums or outdoor trails, Columbus is a great year-round destination. From December through February, you can expect comfortable temperatures in the 60s.
The area’s claim to fame is Fort Moore, which covers 182,000 acres and is home to more than a quarter of active U.S. Army service members. But have you explored beyond the post? Columbus boasts art, entertainment, museums, restaurants, sports, family fun, outdoor recreation and more.
Enjoy the outdoors with a leisurely stroll on the Chattahoochee RiverWalk. This 15-mile park is steeped with history and provides plenty of water recreation, as visitors enjoy fishing, boating and water skiing. Amp up the excitement with a whitewater rafting or kayak adventure.
Explore 2,500 acres of natural beauty as you hike or bike through Callaway Gardens. Book a round of golf, check the entertainment schedule or try some water sports on Robin Lake. And check out the 40-acre Columbus Botanical Gardens, a vibrant retreat featuring rose, herb, vegetable, cottage, wildflower and camellia gardens.
If you need a day indoors, add Coca-Cola Space Center to your to-do list. Grab your seat for a simulated mission in the Challenger Learning Center, view hands-on exhibits and visit the planetarium. Then head to the Columbus Museum to see a diverse collection of American art and regional history. The artwork includes paintings, sculptures and decorative art while the museum features 14,000 artifacts telling the stories that make up the area’s history.
IHG Army Hotels Buildings 366 & 367
Monterey, California
Escape winter and head to the Golden State for a trip full of sunshine and outdoor entertainment. Here, you can take advantage of world-class golf, view local marine life and taste the area’s finest wines during bright 60-degree days.
As Dory tells us from the Disney movie Finding Dory, the aquarium is the jewel of Monterey Bay. Dive into nearly 200 exhibits that include a kelp orest, penguin splash zone and the stunning Open Sea exhibit that features sting rays, sea turtles, tuna, hammerhead sharks and more. You can even view whales in the wild right from the shoreline or on a boat ride along the Big Sur Coast.
Also along the coast is the convenient Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This 18-mile paved path is a traffic-free way to get to the aquarium and other popular destinations like Cannery Row. Take in the amazing views, stop for the area’s best seafood and top it off with a tasty glass of local wine.
If you’re a golfer, you surely know Monterey boasts some of the world’s best golf courses. Save time to play on one of 26 public or private courses, including Pebble Beach Golf Links or the historic Del Monte Golf Course.
IHG Army Hotels Foulois House—Historia CollectionTM
San Antonio, Texas
When you’re planning a vacation, we think you should go big or go home—and things don’t get much bigger than Texas. Plan your trip for San Antonio and stay at IHG Army Hotels Foulois House—Historia Collection. This stunning building in IHG’s historic collection features beautiful details from the 19th century and sits just 4 miles from downtown San Antonio.
With average temperatures in the mid to high 60s over the winter months and more than 250 days of sunshine a year, you can enjoy the area’s history, entertainment, and recreation all year round.
Start your adventure at The Alamo, where you can watch Texas history come to life. Take it all in at the Alamo Church—the site’s most recognizable structure—then head to the 300-year-old Long Barrack and living encampment. San Antonio Missions National Park is another scene that shares the stories of Texas. This 300-year-old National Park Service site features the San Antonio Missions, where the Spanish worked to convert indigenous people to the Catholic faith. Daily programs and tours discuss the history and culture of the missions.
No trip to San Antonio is complete without exploring the San Antonio River Walk. Covering 15 miles in the heart of downtown, it offers 300 years of heritage, popular restaurants, annual festivals, trendy shopping and more. Add the annual Ford Holiday River Parade to your calendar and be wowed by the hour-long event showcasing nearly 30 illuminated floats and more than 100,000 lights.
Or enjoy entertainment at the nearly century-old Aztec Theatre, a beautiful Meso-American structure situated in the heart of downtown San Antonio.
Wherever you choose to take off the chill, our IHG Army Hotel team is ready to help you enjoy your stay. See you soon!