If you‘re going on a business trip or to a meeting this winter, it’s a bonus if you’re headed someplace warm. And it’s an extra bonus if you can extend your trip before or after to enjoy a break from cold weather.

 

Following is a roundup of possibilities in a variety of warm-weather destinations that focus on shorter stays in a variety of price categories; most are adaptable for bringing a spouse and/or child.

Florida Flings

 

After a $100 million renovation, the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference & Spa in Weston, Florida (near Fort Lauderdale) is now open, featuring a Red Door Lifestyle Spa from Elizabeth Arden, four swimming pools, multiple dining options, nature trail, and first-rate tennis and golf. A Red Door Essential Escape Package includes: room for two for two nights; massage, facial and manicure for two; two breakfasts and two lunches, and four fitness classes. The price through March (except February 1-4) is $1,132 per person plus tax and tip. (800-233-1234; http://www.hyatt.com/)

 

Guests at Tampa’s Renaissance hotel can learn to prepare gourmet meals from executive chef Fabrizio Schenardi. With the “Book to Cook” program, guests will take classes at PELAGIA Trattoria, working side by side with the chef. Lessons may be conducted within a single day or over a series of days and times, according to the length of stay and other considerations. Rates for the package start at $339 per night for accommodations and a class for one or two people; the package is based on availability. (800-644-2685; http://www.renaissancetampa.com/)

 

In honor of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort completing the most recent phase of a $60 million redesign project, the hotel is offering a package for guests looking to remake themselves. The package includes everything a guest needs to accomplish plastic surgery, including: list of nearby plastic surgeons, private limo transfers to and from the doctor, daily room service, a stack of magazines and daily pay-per-view movie, and a baseball hat disguise. For those who do choose to leave their rooms, the resort has 17 restaurants and lounges, a new spa, five pools, two health clubs, tennis and nearby golf. The two-night package is priced at $1,525. (800-227-1500; http://www.swandolphin.com/)

 

Southwestern Sizzle

 

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix now has Segway tours. The Segway HT (Human Transporter) is a self-propelled, two-wheeled, scooter-like vehicle powered by an electric motor. The vehicle can travel up to 17 miles per hour, and with the use of computer processes it mimics human equilibrium: Lean forward and the Segway does the same, etc.

 

Each 30-minute professional training session is followed by 60 minutes of “glide” time with a Segway tour guide at a cost of $65 per person.

 

With spectacular views of the Sonoran Desert and McDowell Mountains, the property is the perfect setting for a Segway tour. Also here are golf and lush botanical gardens on 316 acres.

 

A “Stay for Breakfast” package available most of the winter includes room, breakfast for two adults and children under 12; it starts at $549. (800-835-6206; www.jwdesertridgeresort.com)

 

The new Hilton Fort Lauderdale offers a Premier Meetings 2.0 Package, designed specifically for spouses accompanying meeting attendees. Available with a two-night minimum stay for 2007 groups of 10 to 85 delegates, the package begins at $400 per person, per night, double; it includes: one-bedroom, ocean-view suite with balcony; a gift certificate to nearby Saks Fifth Avenue, valued at $150; personal shopping consultation at Saks Fifth Avenue; transportation to Saks Fifth Avenue; one 50-minute spa treatment per person per day; daily breakfast and lunch; daytime coffee breaks; and airport transfers. (800-321-3232; http://www.hilton.com/)

 

Mandarin Oriental, Miami has a “Hole in One” package for golfers, including classes at the Crandon Golf Academy. The package includes: three nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast, transportation to and from Crandon Golf Course in Key Biscayne and two full days of instruction, with lunch; rates begin at $2,079 through April. (866-888-6780; www.mandarinoriental.com/miami)

 

Coastal Decompression

 

Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, a luxury boutique-style resort, has a Winter in Paradise package designed for families; it includes accommodations, a $100 food and beverage credit, and tickets to themed attractions in the area (including the Living Desert Zoo and the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert). The package is $499 for a two-night stay. (800-237-2926; http://www.miramonteresort.com/)

 

While Embassy Suites Hotels are frequently business-centered, the new Embassy Suites Hotel and Spa – La Quinta is just 21 miles from Palm Springs and boasts 144 privately owned casitas, in addition to the 146 regular suites; the casitas are available to hotel guests. Sitting on 10 acres, the hotel has features for both business and leisure travelers. For the latter, there are five outdoor pools and whirlpools; and the full-service Spa Hibiscus, which has eight treatment rooms in more than 5,000 square feet of dedicated space. Nearby activities include hot-air ballooning, horseback riding, hiking and biking trails, rock climbing and canyon jeep tours. There is no minimum stay; rates depend on date. (800-EMBASSY; http://www.embassysuites.com/)

 

Rent an Apartment

 

A company called Rentalo has a wide variety of apartments for rent—ideal when family will be joining you for your vacation. A few warm weather examples:

 

* In Phoenix, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in the Pointe Resort community starts at $150 a night, with a two-night minimum through April 7. The resort is a gated community in North Phoenix about 10 miles northeast of downtown, with three pools, tennis and many nearby golf courses.

 

* In Florida, on Amelia Island Plantation, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo starts at $235 nightly through the winter. It overlooks a golf course and is less than a two-minute walk to the beach; it is within walking distance of restaurants, health club, racquet club, spa, shops and gourmet grocery. The condo is very well-equipped with bicycles, three televisions, and entertainment center and wireless Internet access. (786-221-5684; http://www.rentalo.com/)

 

Caribbean Charm

If business takes you to the Caribbean, then a quick layover at what was once considered the number one hotel in the world by Conde Nast Traveler readers, Ladera, is worth it. With six villas and 21 suites, the property is small but so lush you feel like you are in another world. Most rooms only have three walls, with the fourth exposed to the sea and mountains, giving the feeling of sleeping in a tree house. Some rooms even have their own plunge pool, while others have outdoor showers that are surrounded by tropical flowers and lizards, so be sure to be specific with reservations in what you want before you book. Dasheene, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, serves some of the best Caribbean dishes you will find. And be sure to ask to meet chef Orlando Satchell – his charming personality is a sweet complement to his award-winning food. Dasheene serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea. The hotel also has an on-site spa and am outdoor pool area. ( www.ladea.com )