Four Seasons Private Residences Announced in Tamarindo, Mexico

Leading luxury hospitality and branded residential company Four Seasons together with Mexico-based Paralelo 19 Desarrollos announce Four Seasons Private Residences Tamarindo, México as the latest addition to their award-winning development in Jalisco, Mexico.

The new collection of 25 luxury villas and estates build on the success of Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, México, which opened in November 2022 and continues its promise of developing just three percent of the 3,000 acre (1,200 hectares) reserve along a coveted pocket of Mexico’s Pacific coastline. Surrounded by lush jungle and undiscovered beaches, Four Seasons Private Residences Tamarindo, México will offer a remarkable homeowner experience with one of the world’s leaders in branded residential, luxury hospitality and personalized service. "Introducing Four Seasons Private Residences in Tamarindo presents another excellent opportunity for homeowners to enjoy our globally renowned service and care on a permanent basis, this time against the exceptional backdrop of Mexico’s Pacific coastline,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. “We are thankful for our partnership with Paralelo 19, whose family has been stewards of this land for generations. Our shared commitment to preserving this extraordinary destination will allow us to provide residents with a luxury living experience that inherently celebrates its connection to Mexico’s natural environment and rich heritage.” “When we decided to develop only three percent of this exceptional natural reserve in Tamarindo, choosing a luxury hospitality partner that aligned with our long-term commitments to people and the planet was of paramount importance,” says Pedro Verea Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer, Paralelo 19. “Four Seasons luxury hospitality leadership naturally extends into branded residential, and we are thrilled to have their expertise on this visionary project, allowing residents to create their own version of paradise in this special part of Mexico.”

Three Stunning Settings for a Bespoke Private Escape

Each Four Seasons Private Residence in Tamarindo is designed by a partnership between three of Mexico’s greatest contemporary architects, Victor Legorreta, Mauricio Rocha and Mario Schjetnan - who together formed LegoRocha specifically for this project. Along with Uribe Krayer and Estudio Esterlina leading interior design, and Mario Schjetnan as landscape architect, these teams have collectively infused each space with elements of pre-Hispanic culture and contemporary Mexican aesthetics. This has been achieved through partnerships with local artisans alongside sustainably sourced materials to create an architectural look and feel that is authentically Mexican, seamlessly blending into the peninsula’s unique topography. Each home boasts expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces designed for comfort and style, beautiful views, and access to the many amenities of Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, México.

Bolstering the stunning design are three intimate enclaves for residents to choose from, each showcasing their own distinct features, with unique vistas overlooking Tamarindo Beach and the sparkling ocean waters. Las Alturas Clifftop Estates will present just twelve 5,800 square-foot (539 square metre) villas perched high along the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean with private terraces and pools overlooking the turquoise waters of Tenacatita Bay below. Las Arenas Beachfront Estates will provide six and seven-bedroom homes ranging from 6,800 to 7,200 square feet (631-669 square metres) with their own ocean-facing pools, media rooms, and staff quarters for an effortless luxury beachfront experience, while the Las Arenas Beachfront Estates Homesites will showcase six custom homesites along Tamarindo Beach. Each homesite enjoys at least 120 linear feet (37 metres) of swimmable beachfront and allows for those with an architectural vision of their own to build customized residences that will be fully serviced by Four Seasons.

A Holistic Four Seasons Lifestyle Experience

With Four Seasons signature service and amenities, homeowners of Four Seasons Private Residences Tamarindo can expect unrivalled resort living and a worry-free ownership experience mere steps from the surf and sand of the destination’s many beaches.

Ideally situated along a serene, swimmable cove, the location of the Private Residences will set the stage for an array of activities to be enjoyed on land and at sea. From paddle boarding and snorkelling to exploring the vast and protected surrounding jungle terrain, adventure seekers can traverse the rolling hills of their new environment with a dedicated team of on-site biologists and conservationists who are wholly committed to respecting the region's rich biodiversity and wildlife. Additionally, residents can enjoy the David Fleming-designed 18-hole championship El Tamarindo Golf Course and Club with winding fairways through the tropical jungle and along the rocky coastline - juxtaposed against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The adjacent Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, México acts as an extension of resident’s home, offering complete access to its full-service spa, wellness centre, fitness and recreation facilities, restaurants, bars, and more.

The culinary delights of Mexico will be on full display with immersive workshops led by the resident chef and culinary director in addition to four restaurants and bars to enjoy. Offerings include Coyul, a collaboration with famed Mexican Michelin-starred Chef Elena Reygadas (voted Top Female Chef of 2023 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants) for all-day dining; Sal, steps from the ocean with a menu of fresh seafood and artisanal cocktails; Nacho, a casual poolside taqueria featuring homestyle Mexican favourites; and Majahua Beach for refreshing coconuts or a delicious meal in a hammock, at a table or on the sand. Each restaurant uses select ingredients sourced from the Resort’s on-site sustainable farm, Rancho Lola.

With each new residential addition, new and existing owners of Four Seasons Private Residences will have the opportunity to discover the thoughtful integration of its legendary service paired with first-class design, hotel-inspired amenities, and a dedicated team led by the Director of Residences. Whether owners are at home or abroad, Four Seasons is on hand to secure and maintain residences, providing added peace of mind for owners and their most valuable assets.

A Coveted Destination

Located between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, Four Seasons Private Residences Tamarindo, Mexico is in close proximity to many major US and international airports. There are direct flights to Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport (ZLO) from Mexico City, Houston, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas, Calgary, and Atlanta. ZLO is also well equipped to welcome private jets, which can be met directly on the runway by Four Seasons representatives to ensure a smooth transfer to Tamarindo. An array of direct flights is also available through Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), with a secondary private air shuttle service to transport owners to Costalegre available, showcasing breathtaking aerial views of the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve during the 25-minute journey.

Four Seasons Private Residences Tamarindo is currently in active sales, with Private Residences starting at USD 8.95 million with select inventory available now. For more information, visit http://tamarindomexico.com/.

About Four Seasons Private Residences

As leaders in branded residences since 1985, Four Seasons currently operates 55 branded Private Residence properties around the world, with three-quarters of future Four Seasons projects including a residential component. All Four Seasons residential offerings combine Four Seasons legendary people and service with exclusive hotel amenities such as spa services, in-residence dining services, housekeeping, concierge services and many more, creating a seamless experience for residence owners.

AAA Inspector's Best of 5 Diamond Awarded to Grand Velas Los Cabos

Resort Received a Rating of 5.4 out of 5 by the Inspector, Putting it in the Top 20% of All Five Diamond Inspected & Approved Properties

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico, -- Grand Velas Los Cabos has been distinguished among the best of the best by AAA, now named among the AAA Inspector's Best of 5 Diamonds collection. Less than 2 years after opening, the resort received a rating of 5.4 out of 5 by the inspector, putting it in the top 20% of all Five Diamond Inspected & Approved properties. Resorts recognized by Five Diamonds have demonstrated "ultimate luxury, sophistication and comfort with extraordinary physical attributes, meticulous personalized service, extensive amenities and impeccable standards of excellence" to an anonymous inspector according to the AAA website.

Grand Velas Los Cabos offers the next generation of all-inclusive amenities and facilities including a selection of gourmet specialty restaurants led by top chefs, including two star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte; oversize designer suites, some with plunge pools; a world class spa; staff ratio of 3 to 1; exceptional meeting facilities, and a commitment to the environment. The beachfront property has enhanced signature facilities and services of Grand Velas resorts including duplex wellness suites with juice bars, wine-based features inspired by the proximity to the region producing Mexico's fine wines, and dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort.

Rates at Grand Velas Los Cabos' all-inclusive resort start at $582 per person per night in double occupancy. Rate includes luxury suite accommodations, 24-hour in-suite service, gourmet, premium branded beverages, nightly entertainment, taxes, gratuity, and more. For reservations or additional information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://loscabos.grandvelas.com/.

About Grand Velas Los Cabos:
The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Los Cabos on Mexico's Baja Peninsula offers the next generation of all-inclusive amenities and facilities with dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort. Located between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the beachfront property features 304 ocean view suites, all over 1,180 sq. ft. with private terraces and some personal plunge pools. Duplex wellness suites have designated fitness amenities, a personal Wellness Concierge and healthy food and beverages in suite. Grand Velas Los Cabos features five gourmet restaurants led by top chefs, including two star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte, complemented by an extensive beverage program and wine based features inspired by the proximity to Mexico's fine wine region. A staff ratio of 3 to 1; 16,370 sq. ft. convention center with the capability for 20 breakout rooms; 35,000 sq. ft. Se Spa with 16 treatment rooms and hydrotherapy facility; three pools; and pool and beach concierges are available. Rounding out the list of amenities and services are a Technogym Fitness Center with personal trainers, exercise programs, yoga, Pilates and meditation; recreational activities program; separate teens' and kids' club facilities and activities program; 24-hour personal concierge service; baby concierge; and 24-hour in-suite service. Opening soon, a gallery of contemporary art will continue the company's commitment to bringing the art, fashion and culture of Mexico to guests. The curved, half-moon design of the hotel catches eyes along the corridor with an iconic grand entrance that's open air, three stories high and over 300 ft. above sea level. All of this beachfront, just 35 minutes from the Los Cabos International Airport which directly services over 40 destinations in the United States, Canada and Latin America. A member of the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Program, Grand Velas Los Cabos was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. For reservations or additional information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit https://loscabos.grandvelas.com/.

SOURCE Grand Velas Los Cabos

Puerto Vallarta 'May Fest 2018' Celebrates Centennial With Music, Art, Culture, Exhibitions and Sports

May Fest takes place May 26 to 31 with concerts by Grammy Award winners La Santa Cecilia and Coachella darlings Bomba Estereo   Puerto Vallarta – A series of artistic, cultural and sports activities make up May Fest 2018, as Puerto Vallarta continues celebrating its centennial as a municipality and 50 years as a city. Organized by the Culture Institute of Vallarta, with the full support of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, the Ministry of Culture of Jalisco and the Municipal Council of Sports, the May Fest 2018 main stage will be located next to the city’s original lighthouse, now on the Malecon seaside promenade.   The lineup will feature a number of local acts, such as the award-winning Xiutla folkloric ballet, the Salty Feet Jazz Orchestra, the Alas singing school and performance trio La Boquita. International performers will take the main stage, as well. Grammy-winning group La Santa Cecilia — which earns critical acclaim for its mix of genres such as cumbia, bossa nova and boleros —  be the closing act the night of May 26, while Colombian group Bomba Estereo, will close out the night of May 30. May Fest 2018 will conclude Thursday, May 31 with the cutting of a double-anniversary cake to the sounds of a mariachi band. Closing honors will go to Mexican superstar Pepe Aguilar, to be followed by a pyrotechnic show and performance by Sonido Satanas, a native Guadalajara group whose mix of cumbia rhythms with other musical genres never fails to get listeners on their feet and dancing.   Other activities also will take place across Puerto Vallarta’s neighborhoods. The Marina hosts the Centenary Expo from May 18 to June 3, with international exhibitors from Algeria, Cuba, Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Russia, Tunisia, Egypt, Panama, Thailand, Iran, Ghana and Ecuador. Visitors will be able to purchase crafts and sample regional and international cuisine. The Museo del Cuale on Cuale Island, meanwhile, will reopen during the festivities with an exhibition of the archaeological remains of a Galeón de Manila, or Manila galleon (also known as La Nao de China, or “China Ship”), which illustrates the anthropological, commercial and cultural ties of Puerto Vallarta and the Far East. The exhibition has the backing of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and the San Diego Fort Museum. And, starting May 25, two photographic installations recalling key social, economic and cultural events that have shaped Puerto Vallarta since its founding will be shown on the Malecon. Puerto Vallarta will celebrate its birthday the entire year. Major local events are joining in on the festivities; the MEXorc Regatta in March featured a Centennial Race from Los Arcos to the Malecon, Vallarta Downwas held for the second edition and Vallarta Pride hosts a traditional Mexican feria, or fair, complete with clowns and churros in late May. This year has seen the inauguration of many new events, such as thePuerto Vallarta Open, which took place earlier this month. Other events are being worked on and will be confirmed as the months proceed. For more information about May Fest 2018, go tohttp://www.puertovallartaalcien.com. For more information on Puerto Vallarta, please visitwww.visitpuertovallarta.com

Mariachi Workshop For Kids Launches This Summer At Velas Vallarta In Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Starting this summer, kids visiting Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta can now learn to be a true mariachi. Believed to have originated in Jalisco, the state in which Puerto Vallarta is found, in the 18th century, mariachi music is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Dressed in traditional mariachi clothing, children from 4-12 years old will be given guitar and maracas lessons from a local musician. The resort’s social media community manager will be available to take pictures of the kids in the mariachi clothing to share with parents. Held every Thursday, this class will last an hour and a half. Velas Vallarta showcases Mexico’s cultural customs with traditional arts & crafts workshops, a weekly Mexican fiesta, Mexican cuisine, and nightly musical performances from Mariachi Vallarta 2000. Led by Romero Figueroa, son of Felipe Romero Huerta, founder of the legendary mariachi “Los Pipianes” (1950 – 1982), the group has performed for 365 days a year for the last 12 years. Velas Vallarta’s extensive Kids’ Club program features an indoor area with cozy spots for arts and crafts, video games and movie entertainment and outdoor fun for the entire family. Activities such as tennis clinics, cooking lessons, magic comedy, bonfires on the beach, Mexican bingo, karaoke and more all included in the resort’s nightly rate. This summer, rates start at $180 per person per night in double occupancy. Kids and teens rates are $36 and $48 respectively per night. All-inclusive rates include suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more. For reservations or more information, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visithttps://www.velasvallarta.com. About Velas Vallarta Velas Vallarta is an all-inclusive family resort located on 10 oceanfront acres with lush gardens in Puerto Vallarta, walking distance of Marina Vallarta Golf Course, five minutes from Puerto Vallarta airport and just minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Situated on the emerald waters of Banderas Bay, Velas Vallarta features 345 suites in three eight-story buildings, a high-tech Convention Center that can accommodate up to 700 people, three swimming pools, a rejuvenating spa along with spa cabins seaside, fitness center, multiple restaurants, and an inviting lounge with live music. Nightly theme dinners and local specialties are sure to please even the most discerning palate, and room service is available around the clock. When it comes to daytime and evening entertainment, guests can choose from an exciting and original array of activities and events, from Straw Mosaics, making piñatas and jewelry, yoga on the jetty to Mexican fiestas and casino nights. The Kids' Club also welcomes children under 13 with supervised activities like treasure hunt, face painting, sand castles to crafting with beads, allowing parents to indulge in a choice of exciting or relaxing pursuits like a game of golf, a variety of excursions or pampering at the spa. In addition, the resort was one of the first in the destination with a Green Globe certification, dating back to 2008. Puerto Vallarta features championship golf courses, world-class spas and magnificent beaches, not to mention various sports and activities up in the Sierra Madre Mountains. The possibilities for rest and relaxation, or fun and excitement, are endless. Velas Vallarta was built and is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side.

The Best Beach Towns You’ve Never Heard Of

Not every bucket-list beach has been Instagrammed and developed to death. These are the still-unspoiled stretches of sand to get to before everyone else does

National Park, Global Treasure

Cabo San Juan, Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Tayrona National Park, Colombia. PHOTO: KIRSTEN LUCE FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

First-time visitors here are easy to spot: They’re the ones overloading their iPhones with photos and asking each other why they’ve never been to Tayrona before. The answer is simple:

ILLUSTRATION: GATA MARSZALEK

Getting here is not easy. It’s a three-hour drive from Cartagena—under ideal road conditions that have never existed (in reality it is more like five). Road signs for the park are almost nonexistent; roads in the park are subject to flooding. But you forget all of that when step onto the beach at Cabo San Juan, with its twin horseshoe bays filled with warm emerald water and primeval rock piles.

The only comfortable accommodations in the park’s acres are the Ecohabs, a cluster of jungle huts overlooking the water. It’s a rustic take on luxury, where the sea breeze subs in for air conditioning, and the in-house restaurant is...a restaurant (stick to simply grilled fish with coconut rice). To think of this as austerity is to get it all wrong. You’re surrounded by 30,000 acres of lush jungle and miles of unspoiled beach—everything else is just noise. —Stan Parish

TIP SHEET

• CLOSEST AIRPORT: Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport
• GETTING AROUND: Most of the park’s trails are horse trails, and horseback is the best way to get from beach to far-flung beach.
• WHAT TO BRING: There are no stores in the park so B.Y.O. everything, from rum to reading material.

Europe’s Best-Kept Seaside Secret

Comporta, Portugal

Pego Beach, Comporta. PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER WISE

Little-known fact: Miles of uncrowded golden sand edged by cerulean-blue ocean can still be found a short drive from a major European airport.

PHOTO: AGATA MARSZALEK

Savvy travelers tend to describe Comporta in terms of other places: Tulum 20 years ago, Ibiza in the ’70s, Montauk before the Hamptons crowd moved all the way east. The comparisons follow a formula: Pick a once-undiscovered beach town and the magical era before the masses got the memo.

Comporta still has a few years before Lisbon’s recent tourist boom trickles south, but in-the-know Europeans have been coming for decades, drawn by the low-fi lifestyle and rustic, sun-scorched beauty. You’d be well advised to do as they do: Book a villa, shop the roadside farm stands, fishmongers and wine merchants, and stay in after sunset. And of course, spend your days in the sand. —Emily Eisen

PHOTOS: CHRISTOPHER WISE(2)

TIP SHEET

• CLOSEST AIRPORT: Lisbon Portela International Airport
• WHERE TO STAY: For those who want a full-service hotel experience, the Sublime Comporta lives up to its name.
• WHERE TO EAT: Restaurante Dona Bia is the platonic ideal of a Portuguese beach restaurant.

The Unknown, All-Star Trio

Koufonisia, Greece

Koufonisia, Greece. PHOTO: MARCO ARGUELLO

The ferry ride from Piraeus (outside Athens) takes four hours each way—just long enough, it turns out, to prevent day-trippers from descending on Koufonisia in hordes. This under-the-radar archipelago is composed of two inhabited islands and a third reserved for archaeological digs.

ILLUSTRATION:AGATA MARSZALEK

Pano Koufonisia, the main island, boasts enough tucked-away beaches and small tidal enclaves that a private strip of sand is always within walking distance. The Hotel Aelos, set on the hill outside of town, has the whitewashed, sugar-cube look you expect from your Greek-island lodgings; book one of the first-floor rooms with a bougainvillea-wreathed terrace overlooking the pool. The beachfront bar Kalofego has the liveliest day-drinking scene, but before the sun sets, cool off at the Devil’s Eye Piscina, an Instagram-baiting swimming hole carved into the rocky coastline. Once you jump in, the only exit is through a watery passage that leads out to sea. The experience is well worth the journey. The same could be said for Koufonisia itself. —Mark Ellwood

PHOTOS: BETH KIRBY; MARCO ARGUELLO

TIP SHEET

• CLOSEST AIRPORT: Athens, if you don’t mind a long boat trip; Naxos if you do.
• WHERE TO EAT: The contemporary Greek food at Gastronautis is as fresh and vibrant as the young local couple in charge.
• INSIDER KNOWLEDGE: A boat trip to Pori Beach on the island’s eastern tip isn’t to be skipped.

The Forgotten Jet-Set Beaches of Africa

Benguerra and Bazaruto, Mozambique

Local staff welcome guests at the Anantara Resort, Bazaruto, Mozambique. PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER WISE

In the ’60s, the tropical islands off Mozambique’s coast drew a bohemian international crowd to their pristine white beaches. Then came a long civil war. The conflict ended 25 years ago, but the southeastern African nation is just now reclaiming its bygone heyday.

ILLUSTRATION:AGATA MARSZALEK

Two islands—Benguerra and Bazaruto—are leading the charge. The high-end safari operator AndBeyond, recently transformed a dilapidated fishing lodge on Benguerra into 14 individual oceanfront casitas, with private plunge pools and outdoor showers. The beach bar, made from a reclaimed fishing boat, should be your first stop after a day of snorkeling at Two Mile Reef a few hundred yards offshore. Keep an eye out for dugong, a docile—but easily started—sea cow that delirious sailors of yore took for mermaids. Bazaruto, the larger island, has wider beaches and more rugged terrain: Clamber up the 300-foot sand dunes for the best views of the archipelago. Stake out one of the thatched-roof cottages in the gardens of the Anantara Resort & Spa , where you can snack on just-picked mango and feast on fresh Mozambican prawns that the rest of the world has to defrost before eating. —Mark Ellwood

PHOTOS: JODY MACDONALD; ANANTARA BAZARUTO ISLAND RESORT

TIP SHEET

• CLOSEST AIRPORT: Vilankulo Airport, a short flight from Johannesburg, and shorter boat trip from the islands.
• VENTURE OUT: Take a catamaran to Paradise Island for world-class snorkeling and a barbecue for lunch.
• INSIDER KNOWLEDGE: At Anantara, opt for the Dinner by Design experience—a private table on the beach and menu tailored to your tastes.

A NEW WSJ PODCAST SERIES

Meet One of the First Human Cyborgs

00:00 / 20:02

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Tulum’s Pacific Coast Sister City

Todos Santos, Mexico

Todos Santos, Mexico. PHOTO: NICK SIMONITE

This small cliff-side village in Baja was once a secret kickback spot for Margaritaville types who rolled down in RVs from San Diego. Todos Santos retains its undiscovered feel, but the accommodations have markedly improved thanks, in part, to all-star Austin, Texas-based hotelier Liz Lambert, who opened the Hotel San Cristóbal earlier this year. Book one of the 32 colorful rooms for the full Todos Santos experience: shuffling between the barely occupied beach and the daybed on your balcony and, later, between the pool deck and the mescal bar.

ILLUSTRATION:AGATA MARSZALEK

Unlike Cabo and Tulum, Todos Santos isn’t teeming with must-try restaurants and bucket-list experiences—kicking back is still the town’s main draw. Which isn’t to say there’s nothing to do: Take surf lessons in mellow waves off Los Ceritos beach, or drive an hour north to La Paz, one of the last places on Earth where you can swim alongside (extremely gentle) 30-foot-long whale sharks. These excursions build up an appetite for the wood-grilled baby lamb and pork belly at Jazamango, an outdoor restaurant by the peninsula’s most famous chef, Javier Plascencia. Since opening his new joint, he has been spending a lot of time in Todos Santos. It takes exactly one visit to understand why. —Kurt Soller

TIP SHEET

• CLOSEST AIRPORT: Los Cabos International Airport
• WHAT TO EAT: There are no bad—or even mediocre—roadside taco stands in Baja.
• INSIDER KNOWLEDGE: The Blanket Factory—a Todos Santos institution—is a must-visit for handmade, affordable textile souvenirs.

The Counterpoint

Seek Snow Instead of Sand

Lake Baikal PHOTO: DANIEL KORDAN

Lake Baikal is the giant eye-slit of water at Russia’s center—the deepest lake in the world, almost 30 times the length of Manhattan. In July, it can pass for the Mediterranean, when pine trees drop sweet-smelling needles onto pebbled beaches. But in winter, when temperatures drop to well below 0, it’s a thrilling, crystalline antidote to a week in the tropics.

ILLUSTRATION:AGATA MARSZALEK

Hard-core expeditioners arrive via fat-bikes, skis and kite-sails, but there are easier routes: a direct, six-hour flight from Moscow to the city of Irkutsk, or a four-night, Trans-Siberian train from the capital. The lures are romantic—billowing snowstorms, trees laced with ice, and the extreme beauty of a virgin landscape. By March, the lake’s surface ice thickens to a meter or more, making it possible to traverse Baikal on snowmobile safaris, husky dog expeditions, and hovercraft trips. The Gustavia to this Siberian St. Barths is the waterside town of Listvyanka, a one-hour drive from Irkutsk. In this western-shore fishing town, you can graze on fresh-smoked omul (a native and mackerel-like fish) in restaurants lining the corniche. There’s no luxury hotel here, not yet. But the spa experience is hard to beat: At the end of each freezing day, you get beaten by birch branches in a traditional Russian sauna, or banya, before dipping into freezing waters of the fresh—and freshening—take on the winter holiday.

day, you get beaten by birch branches in a traditional Russian sauna, or banya, before dipping into freezing waters of the fresh—and freshening—take on the winter holiday. —Sophy Roberts