Once the summer playground for wealthy New York financiers and industrialists who built their "cottages" in Newport, the charming City by the Sea has morphed into a popular year round vacation destination. While it's a wonderful destination any time of year, the Yuletide season is special. Mansions are decked out in seasonal finery and many are open, allowing visitors to get the unique opportunity to get "up close and personal" and see how the “other half” lived during the glamorous Golden Age while enjoying a level of modern glamor at a host of luxe hotels, like the historic Vanderbilt Grace.
Photo courtesy of Vanderbilt Grace

Nicknamed the "Garden Isle" because of its lush canopy of trees shading its rolling emerald valleys and golden beaches, Kauai is Hawaii's northernmost island. Majestic volcanic ridges with waterfalls promise breath-taking hikes, while coves are ideal for swimming, surfing, kayaking and canoeing. Sandy-bottomed beaches entice swimmers, snorkelers and surfers. Boutique hotels provide old Hawaiian charm while upscale five star resorts – like the St. Regis Princeville Resort – offer world-class comfort and amenities. Shopping is funky to fabulous, while dining is an ethnic experience with samplings from all over the world.
Photo courtesy of The St. Regis Princeville Resort

Rated as one of the most popular ski resorts in the US, Vail is also the largest single-mountain ski resort in the country. While winter activities are obviously a big draw, the area - including its sister resort Beaver Creek - offers year round activity. In warm weather, hiking trails, lakes and streams teeming with fish afford plenty to do. The more subdued Beaver Creek has quaint shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants, and both boast some of the most luxurious accommodations in the Rockies.  
Photo courtesy of Matt Inden/Miles

Whether you're in the mood for scenic dessert tranquility or sophisticated cultural experiences, Scottsdale has it all. Known as the "Beverly Hills of the Southwest," the city's high-end fashion scene offers endless shop-ops in this mini-metropolis with a Wild West feel. Luxurious resorts, soothing spas and an array of outdoor activities abound. When the sun sets Scottsdale sizzles in a collection of cool clubs, bars and bistros.
Photo courtesy of Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

Distinguished for its 24-hour casinos, endless entertainment and over-the-top hotels lining the legendary Strip, such as the pyramid-shaped Luxor, Venetian (complete with Grand Canal), the Bellagio with its dancing fountains and the ultra-luxurious Mandarin Oriental - Las Vegas is a hotbed of luxury in Nevada’s Mojave Desert. A ton of things to do from extravagant shows and glitzy special events - including the Miss USA pageant - may have led to coining the phrase: "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." Non-stop shopping and celebrity-chef outlets add to the frenzy.
Photo courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

Maui's landscape vacillates between soft golden beaches, thick rainforests, jagged peaks and the wind-swept summit of Haleakala. Exhilarating adventures await here from cycling down a 10,000-ft dormant volcano, hiking through dense jungles or swimming in amid a kaleidoscope of colorful fish. Everything from birding to whale-watching is available, yet life moves at a slower pace here so visitors can feel free to kick back in a variety of luxury resorts and world class spas to recharge both their energy and mind.
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson

Internationally renowned as the Rocky Mountain playground for the world's glitterati because of its legendary ski slopes, Aspen is a year-round vacation retreat boasting not only a host of outdoor activities, but a rich cultural scene. Art shows, culinary events, wine tastings, chic boutiques and hot-spot restaurants vie for attention with adventure sports, local attractions and unique tours for something to do. When day is done, check into a cozy inn, boutique hotel or luxury condo, before going out to indulge in the bustling night scene.
Photo courtesy of The Little Nell

You won't find one traffic light and there are only 30 miles of paved roads on the remote Hawaiian island of Lanai, but that's just part of the appeal. Two deluxe Four Seasons Resorts and a plantation-style hotel offer the perfect launching pad for outdoor pursuits such as water sports, hiking, 4-wheel driving and golf. Dining comes in the form of humble Mom-and-Pop eateries to pricey restaurants. Shopping is surprisingly varied with original artwork, fashions and souvenirs leading the list.
Photo courtesy of Don Riddle / Four Seasons

The mere thought of Beverly Hills evokes thoughts of glitz, luxury, sophistication and of course movie stars. From neighborhood boutique hotels to luxurious retreats, renowned shopping on swanky Rodeo Drive and celebrity-watching, there's plenty to do in this posh enclave of Los Angeles. This playground to the rich and glamorous is home to opulent mansions and boasts an international collection of ritzy restaurants, bars and bistros in which to dine and spy on your favorite celebrity.
Photo courtesy of Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau

Considered by many to be the crown jewel of Southwest Florida, Naples epitomizes the term "swanky," with top-notch resorts, world class shopping, elegant dining, trendy watering holes and sophisticated art galleries galore. For outdoor types, silky beaches, airboat tours, jet pack adventures, fishing excursions, championship golf courses and more await. Fifth Ave, between 3rd and 9th streets is the spot for wining and dining. 
Photo courtesy of Naples Marco Island Everglades CVB