With summer vacations now a fond memory, it’s time to start looking into winter getaway options. Whether you opt for black diamonds and fresh tracks or savor sipping cervezas in the sand, here are a few luxurious destination hot spots worth exploring. And who knows, if you end up falling in love with the property, each one featured here offers tempting ownership packages.

Located six miles north of Lake Tahoe lies Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, one of the finest year-round mountain resorts in North America. It plays host to a new base area village featuring 35 unique shops and restaurants, a 9,000-square-foot skating rink, on-site lodging, special events, and more. Ninety-one ski trails are spread across 3,000 acres, offering award-winning terrain parks and snow activities.

New this year, the Burton Snowboard Academy will feature instruction for children. In addition, the Northstar Training Lab, a season-long development program, will support the foundations, skills, and tactics that all riders need to push the limits of their boarding.

Situated mid-mountain at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe will open on December 9, featuring ski-in, ski-out access, mountain valet services, and a 17,000-square-foot spa and fitness center with breathtaking resort views. The year-round destination includes 170 guest rooms, 23 private Ritz-Carlton Residences, and 25 Ritz-Carlton Club fractional ownership units. Manzanita, the resort’s signature restaurant created by renowned San Francisco chef Traci Des Jardins, will offer a combination of French-inspired California cuisine and regional mountain resort influences, sourcing organic, sustainable, and locally grown meat and produce.

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, Lake Tahoe will open its doors to members on December 18. The 25 two-, three- and four-bedroom fractional residences ranging from approximately 1,423 to 2,434 square feet boast views of the Sierra Nevada. Fractional prices range from the low $200,000s to more than $700,000 per interest. Deeded ownership provides members and their guests with a minimum of 21 days of use each year. Members can glide off the powdery slopes and head straight for the warm indoors while their ski equipment is cleaned and stored for the next day. (800/241-3333, www.ritzcarlton.com)

Nearby, Northstar Lodge-Hyatt Residence Club offers furnished two- and three-bedroom residences that include walnut hardwood floors, stainless steel Viking appliances, LCD TVs with surround sound technology,  private decks with outdoor fireplaces, and much more. Members can take advantage of full-time concierge services for pre-arrival groceries, childcare programs, restaurant and spa reservations, and more. The 2,500-square-foot swim and fitness center features a saline pool, three adjacent hot tubs, a children’s pool, state-of-the-art workout equipment, and majestic mountain views. Owners receive membership in Tahoe Mountain Club with unrestricted access at the most prestigious private venues including The Alpine Club, Coyote Moon, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Old Greenwood, and more. (800/466-6784, www.northstarattahoe.com)

If vacationing at sea level is more your thing, consider Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas, recently selected as one of The Best Places in the World to Stay by the 2009 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List. In addition, readers of Travel + Leisure and Travel + Leisure Family also rated it among the Top 10 Mexico Resorts and the Top 10 World’s Best Resorts for Families.

This spectacular destination overlooks the Pacific Ocean and a wide expanse of pristine private beach. Stunning, hacienda-style villas rest upon the 50-acre hillside, housing 327 beautifully appointed suites, each with marble baths, cedar woodwork throughout, feather-top beds, private patios or balconies, in-room safes, in-suite Internet access, extensive minibars, and more. A collection of 17th and 18th century art accents the main lobby and is interspersed throughout the resort.

For the food enthusiast, La Nao restaurant, housed within a glass and marble pavilion, offers fine ocean-view dining indoors and al fresco on the shaded terrace. Its name reflects part of Mexico’s history when La Nao, the gallant fleet of Spanish galleons that carried spices and riches across the Pacific to Mexico, passed through in its journeys.

At 16,000 square feet, The Spa at Sunset Beach is Los Cabos’ largest and most complete spa, offering integrated body-healing therapies in a soothing, luxurious setting overlooking the ocean. Guests can relax in one of 22 treatment rooms or share the experience in one of the VIP treatment rooms for two with private saunas and Jacuzzis. (800/990-8250, www.pueblobonito.com)

Wherever your travels take you, may you find your own personal sanctuary, and perhaps a new home away from home.   MIA STEFANKO