Although the darkest, longest nights of this winter are already behind us, the heavy snowfalls of the last few days have made it clear that winter has only just begun. In times when some people have doubts about whether they should now go skiing in the mountains and whether a good hotel is the right place relaxing holidays, many people long for private retreats in warmer climes.

luxurydefined, the online magazine of Christie’s International Real Estate, has therefore compiled six winter destinations in private accommodations that you can’t just dream about. Therefore: Consider a dream beachfront villa in the US Virgin Islands or in sun-soaked Florida, a far-flung escape in the Gulf of Thailand, or perhaps even the ultimate boating estate in Australia’s New South Wales. Let the patient planet slowly tilt its northern faces back to warmer days and ways.

A Private Villa RKK in Saint Barthélemy

This spectacular private compound in St. Barths has a private tennis court surrounded by more than three acres of tropical gardens with an infinity pool facing the sea.

This spectacular private compound in St. Barths has a private tennis court surrounded by more than three acres of tropical gardens with an infinity pool facing the sea.

One of the world’s most exclusive tropical escapes, the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy blends French sophistication with a breathtaking landscape of palm-clad hillsides, vast stretches of white sand, and turquoise bays filled with superyachts. (Villa RKK in Saint Barthélemy)

Harbour-View Waterfront Estate in Australia

This private estate in the northern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse is set on a generous waterfront plot and offers sweeping views of Sydney Harbour.

This private estate in the northern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse is set on a generous waterfront plot and offers sweeping views of Sydney Harbour.

To enjoy summer all year long, head “down under” during the northern hemisphere’s winter months. New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state, features everything from a cool oceanic climate along its southern coast to the subtropical conditions of its northern beaches. (Harbour-View Waterfront Estate)

Villa Playa in Koh Samui

Sunseekers will find refuge at Villa Playa, a sumptuous villa with a vast swimming pool on the edge of a white sand beach on the Gulf of Thailand.

Sunseekers will find refuge at Villa Playa, a sumptuous villa with a vast swimming pool on the edge of a white sand beach on the Gulf of Thailand.

Lush jungles, powder sand beaches, and cerulean seas are just part of the appeal of Koh Samui, a small island off the coast of Thailand. The island’s Buddhist temples and charming fishing villages add to the allure. (Villa Playa in Koh Samui)

Pyramid Point in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

At Pyramid Point, a private beachfront compound on St. Croix, vast walls of glass invite ocean views and sea breezes into the minimalist interiors. The property has direct access to Shoys Beach, one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean.

At Pyramid Point, a private beachfront compound on St. Croix, vast walls of glass invite ocean views and sea breezes into the minimalist interiors. The property has direct access to Shoys Beach, one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean.

The azure waters, white sands, and lush greenery of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands create the ultimate tropical escape. Pyramid Point, named for the seven pyramidal spires that define its design, is a private beachfront compound in St. Croix’s prestigious Shoys community, east of the historic town of Christiansted. (Pyramid Point in St. Croix)

Coastal Escape in Inlet Beach, Florida

Florida’s Emerald Coast beaches are an idyllic escape for those seeking sun, sand, and seclusion. They are also the setting for this serene beach home designed for the indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Florida’s Emerald Coast beaches are an idyllic escape for those seeking sun, sand, and seclusion. They are also the setting for this serene beach home designed for the indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

The Florida Panhandle, located in the northwestern corner of the Sunshine State, is famed for its white-sand beaches and emerald waters. The coastal community of Inlet Beach is one of the region’s most coveted beach towns. (Coastal Excape in Inlet Beach)

Nature Lover’s Paradise in Loulé, Algarve, Portugal

This elegant villa is a sanctuary on the Algarve, yet it’s close to the region’s famous golden beaches and world-class golf courses.

This elegant villa is a sanctuary on the Algarve, yet it’s close to the region’s famous golden beaches and world-class golf courses.

Golden beaches, tranquil bays, and world-class golf courses are among the attractions of the Algarve. Portugal’s southernmost region is surrounded on two sides by the Atlantic, so it’s also a paradise for surfers. (Nature Lover’s Paradise in Loulé)