When it comes to warm-weather destinations, the all-inclusive beach resort is a crowd favorite for a reason. They’re plentiful, easy to book, and offer guests a range of activities that appeal to the whole family. Yet, recent trends point to travelers wanting more time spent away from home, more privacy, and overall, a greater ability to customize their travel experience—a vacation rental checks all those boxes. Check out this shortlist of rental properties as inspiration for your warm-weather getaway.
NEW MEXICO
Situated on 245 square miles of New Mexico wilderness, Ladder, a Ted Turner Reserve, is an ideal destination for travelers looking for an authentic ranch experience. Bunk in the four-bedroom ranch house and indulge in menus curated by a private chef and brisk desert evenings in front of a roaring stone fireplace. With many wildlife roaming the grasslands and forests surrounding the ranch, it’s only natural that many activities available to guests are outdoor-oriented. Horseback riding, photography tours, and safaris that focus on the ranch’s conservation efforts are what make this rental property genuinely unique.
BELIZE
Set on a seven-and-a-half-acre cay studded with palm trees, Royal Belize is a tropical paradise made for pod travel. Accommodations include three villas and a bunkhouse, set up for exclusive use for a group of 10 to 16 people. Renowned for its snorkeling and incredible barrier reef, this property is an ideal basecamp to explore further all that Belize has to offer. Included in the amenities are a private chef, unlimited beach toys, and Wi-Fi. Adventures outside the property provided for guests range from guided reef snorkeling to sunset cruises served up with champagne.
ST. MARTIN
A stunning example of where to take pod travel in the Caribbean to the next level, the cheekily named Casa de la Playa is a private five-bedroom paradise on the island of St. Martin. Unsurprisingly, there is enormous emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. A sliding glass wall can allow island breezes to drift through the common room. Take a dip in the infinity pool or sip a cocktail on the rooftop terrace. While there are lots to see and do on the island—beaches, shopping and watersports top the list—with this rental as your home base, you won’t want to leave! Travel Update: St. Martin has temporarily closed its borders. We will continue to monitor the island’s travel mandates.
