FEBRUARY ISN'T KNOWN to be the most exciting month of the year, at least not in the Northern Hemisphere, which makes it the perfect time to escape to a glamorous getaway or to enjoy a refreshing staycation. Our editors certainly put that theory to the test. From five-star French spas to sunny breaks at a beachfront Kauai resort to cozy city stays, the Departures team offers proof that incredible properties are a wonderful way of ensuring that winter isn’t always synonymous with weariness. Now all that’s left is maintaining some of that bright revival through the rough lion period of early March. Stay strong: Before you know it, those sweet lamb days of spring will be upon us again. — Alex Frank

Island Dreams

Ko’a Kea Resort, Kauai

Kauai and I have a checkered past. On my first visit, five years ago, I spent five out of seven days on the Hawaiian island in the hospital and the other two on bed rest. Another story for another time, but suffice it to say: I had high hopes that my visit to Ko’a Kea Resort on Po’ipu Beach would offer a more enriching, enjoyable experience of the archipelago that pretty much everyone I know on the West Coast deems “the best Hawaiian island.” This is, they say, because of its distinct character, culture, and nature, which includes a sprawling tropical rainforest that gives Kauai its nickname, the “Garden Island,” and has made it the choice setting for numerous Hollywood films, most famously “Jurassic Park.” Conversely, Ko’a Kea is branded for romance. The resort’s environment communicates this distinction with easy yet elegant décor, attentive yet understated service, an incredible destination restaurant, and spectacular sunsets. I was lucky enough to have an oceanfront room in one of the property’s smaller buildings with a west-facing balcony, so the sky’s nightly technicolor show felt like a private viewing — all the more so as I was at the resort by myself, for work. Deadlines necessitated that I stay reasonably tethered to my computer, forgoing the island’s much-lauded helicopter tours and mountain tubing. But working while overlooking gentle, cerulean waves or perched next to the pool bar, dining on fresh tuna poke and sipping a mai tai, was blissful in its own right. A deep-tissue massage in one of the resort’s oceanfront cabanas, where soft, balmy westerlies ruffled the curtains and scented the air with native flora, punctuated the experience. It also underscored the resort’s prime location, as did a morning walk along the beachfront. Gazing out to the horizon, I spotted at least 20 dolphins frolicking in the waves. Ten minutes later, I encountered a sea lion napping on the beach, unbothered by my presence. Despite it being whale season, I didn’t spot any koholā (humpback whales), but I did see a honu (sea turtle) up close, its undulating strokes beating a soothing, primal rhythm that, like my stay at Ko’a Kea, reattuned me to nature and its cadence — and in doing so, reset my spirit and body. – Erin Dixon

Rooms With a View

Park Lane, New York City

I’ve strolled through Central Park countless times — north to south, east to west, rain and shine. Yet, it still contains an enduring wonder, even when I’m, quite literally, retracing my steps. The ground view, however, barely compares to the breathtaking vistas on offer from the lofty heights of a Park Lane hotel room. Upon entering the room, I was immediately captivated by the wall-to-wall windows that offered panoramic views of the park and endless people-watching: the crowds skating at Wollman Rink, the couples enjoying a carriage ride… In contrast, a light nature soundtrack of chirping birds, playing alongside the room’s animated mural, lent the interior an entirely soothing quality and highlighted how Park Lane’s hospitality philosophy differs from that of its storied Central Park South neighbors: The Plaza Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. Along with its considered modern amenities, Park Lane boasts a distinctly downtown character, in part thanks to its outdoor rooftop lounge, Darling, which transforms into a breakfast buffet by morning. Yabu Pushelberg helped the property strike this balance of past and present by placing the historic building’s original chandeliers, sconces, and fixtures alongside modern murals by En Viu. The result is a superlative environment that is both elevated and approachable. Plus, I’ll be savoring the sunset views from my room until my next stay. – Lisa Lok