Stretching from the fishing village of Puerto Morelos to the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka'an, the Mayan Riviera offers an unforgettable Caribbean coastline experience. Divers and snorkelers will be dazzled by the wrecks of Xcaret and the Puerto Morelos reef. Use a zip line to descend into the sacred subterranean caverns of LabnaHa Eco Park, where you can snorkel an underground river under a canopy of stalactites. The nearby Tulum Monkey Sanctuary will put you in a playful mood.

Among the best golf destinations in the world, Punta Cana is the very picture of leisure. Several of the courses have been designed by professional golfers, making for the perfect sort of kicked-back challenge that you want on a golfing holiday. The beaches here are simply perfect: calm, warm waters that gently lap at stretches of fine white sand. Thrill yourself with a zip-line adventure, clap along with traditional Dominican music at a cultural performance, or explore the magical lagoons of the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park.

Just 50 miles from Mexico City, balmy Cuernavaca, Morelos, has been adopted as a place of rest and recreation by many visitors, from Aztec emperors and conquerors to princes, artists and a large number of retirees.

The name says it all: Belo Horizonte, or “beautiful horizon,” has stunning views of surrounding mountains. Built as a planned city about a century ago, its tree-lined streets are laid out in a tidy grid. Explore the modern Brazilian architecture of the Pampulha neighborhood, relax in Mangabeiras Park or indulge in some epic retail therapy. Refresh with a cachaça rum cocktail, or tuck into a sumptuous pile of meat at a traditional Brazilian barbecue restaurant.

Desert meets sea in Puerto Penasco, a California Gulf getaway. With its seafood markets, snoozy streets, and sandy beaches, it's easy to see how the port town has retained its traditional charm. There's something for everyone, from nature parks and water sports to upscale resorts.

It’s no wonder Napa made three of our lists this year… it might just be the world’s most perfect spot for a weekend getaway. What more do you really need than romantic inns, great food and wine, and relaxing spas?