Six winter escapes close to home

Winter often brings the same dilemma: go far or go well? Increasingly, smart travellers choose the latter, trading expensive long-haul flights for memorable escapes closer to home.

Across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, world-class hotels now deliver what many once sought overseas: exceptional dining, restorative spas and unforgettable experiences. All just a short trip away. With hotel loyalty program Marriott Bonvoy, members can currently enjoy perks including 10 per cent savings* on stays and 2500** bonus points towards future travel.

Here, six unique winter escapes proving that staying closer to home is every bit as rewarding.

W Melbourne

Melbourne in winter has its own rhythm. Laneways glow with restaurant lights, theatres buzz after dark and cosy bars beckon. In the heart of Flinders Lane, W Melbourne captures that energy with bold design, art-inspired interiors and a social atmosphere that feels unmistakeably local.

Start the morning with coffee before browsing nearby galleries or boutiques, then return for a swim in the heated indoor pool. Dining? Exceptional. Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Warabi delivers refined elegance. Later, Curious cocktail bar provides the perfect nightcap. This is vibrant Melbourne at its best.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast

Not all winter escapes require coats. On the Gold Coast, sunshine keeps the season bright, and this beachfront resort turns warm weather into a full experience.

At Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast, guests can drift between ocean swims at the hotel’s beachfront location, dips in the pool or cocktails at the swim-up pool bar, or the brand-new wellbeing hub. Sheraton Fitness offers purpose-built zones for reformer Pilates, yoga and targeted strength conditioning. Families love being steps from the sand and the close location to thrilling theme parks, national parks and water activities, while couples easily carve out quiet moments by the water. Here, winter feels like summer.

JW Marriott Auckland

Sometimes the best escape is simply a change of perspective. A short flight across the Tasman brings travellers to Auckland, where harbour views, refined dining and an easy pace make the city an effortless weekend retreat.

Recently renovated, JW Marriott Auckland pairs understated luxury with a calming presence in the heart of Auckland city. Guestrooms are designed for comfort, while an indoor heated pool, traditional Nordic dry sauna and heated vitality pool, all overlooking the harbour, invite slow wellness mornings. Trivet Dining celebrates New Zealand’s finest produce with Aotearoa’s flavours and nearby Viaduct Harbour offers ferry links to secluded islands.

W Sydney

Few city views rival Sydney Harbour, and this striking Darling Harbour luxury hotel places guests at the centre of it all. W Sydney pairs dramatic architecture with sweeping water vistas and vibrant social spaces.

The rooftop infinity pool overlooking the harbour offers a serene contrast to the city’s energy below. Dining ranges from modern Australian cuisine at BTWN to sunset cocktails at rooftop bar 29/30. Step outside and the harbour’s theatres, restaurants and waterfront promenades unfold at your doorstep, making this a dynamic base for a sophisticated city escape.

The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart

For travellers drawn to winter’s quieter pleasures, Hobart offers a different kind of luxury. The Tasman sits within historic Parliament Square, blending Georgian heritage with contemporary design and harbour views.

Inside, sandstone walls and rich textures create a strong sense of place. Dining at Peppina celebrates Tasmania’s finest produce with generous Italian-inspired dishes, while cocktail and spirits bar Mary Mary provides an atmospheric finish to the evening. Beyond the hotel, Salamanca Place, MONA and nearby wine regions invite exploration.

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

When winter calls for sunshine, Fiji answers beautifully, just a few hours flight from Australia. Set along the tranquil western coast of Viti Levu, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay offers lagoon views, overwater bures and relaxed island luxury.

Swim in the lagoon, unwind at the award-winning Quan Spa or snorkel vibrant reefs just offshore. Eco experiences such as coral gardening and mangrove planting offer a deeper connection to the destination, while younger guests enjoy the Turtles Kids Club and splash-friendly pools.

Smart travellers know luxury isn’t about distance — it’s about choosing well. With exceptional hotels across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Marriott Bonvoy makes seasonal escapes close to home effortless.

To receive both the bonus-points and 10-per-cent-off offers, you must be a Marriott Bonvoy member. It’s free and easy to join by clicking here.

*T&Cs apply. To learn more about how to save 10 per cent on stays from April 1-June 30, 2026, visit staywithmarriott.com.au.

**T&Cs apply. Earn 2500 bonus points per stay, with registration by April 26, 2026. To register, marriottbonvoy.com/2500andMore