Tips for Bringing a Tropical Vacation to You

So goes the old saying, “If the mountain won’t come to Muhammad…” But what happens when as much as Muhammad would love to go to the mountain, he can’t because he can’t take off work, doesn’t have the dough to swing a pricy plane ticket, or it’s just not the right time to travel because real life is in the way? When a sultry mid-winter escape isn’t within reach, you don’t necessarily have to succumb to a deathly pallor, the warming comfort of whiskey, and the dreaded word pairing “polar vortex.” Invite the pleasures of summer to its opposing season, and remind yourself it’s the little things that count. 

1. Raise the Bar
Two words: tiki lounge. If you like piña coladas – and if you don’t like piña coladas –now is the time to investigate your local tropical-themed bar. The cheesier, the better. Go on the bleakest, coldest, slushiest night; sidle up to a seat in the far back, away from the door and blustery air, rip off your woolly sweater, slip a paper umbrella behind your ear (or better yet, a cattleya flower), and knock back Mai Tais until you have the sneaking suspicion you might actually be in Polynesia.

2. Get Your Tan On
Few things suggest winter blues like the wan complexion of skin that’s been buried under pilled knits and flannel layers for months. While they haven’t yet packaged direct sunlight, and the vitamin D that comes with it, self-tanning formulas are better than ever. Even those of us with a hopelessly haphazard approach to application can get an even tan in less than five minutes. St. Tropez products are your best bet for making you feel like you’ve had a bikini-clad dalliance with the high-noon sun. Their Self-Tan Bronzing Mousse is so easy to blend, you could apply it in a drunken stupor in less than stellar lighting and still achieve a generally streak-free tan. If it’s not an instant fix you’re after, the brand’s Everyday Gradual Tan body moisturizer smells lovely and eases you into a subtle glow. Then brush Laura Mercier Bronzed Pressed Powder over your visage and let them think you just returned from St. Barts.

3. Use the Right Stuff
A trip to Sephora or the department store beauty counter is a far cry from curling your toes into sun-scorched pink sands, but this article is about the next best thing. The power of scent is strong, and nothing can take you away, albeit momentarily, like the right fragrance. Light Tocca’s Tahiti candle, then slather yourself in coconut oil. Earth Tu Face’s Coconut Body Butter, a blend of virgin coconut oil, cocoa butter, and cardamom, smells almost good enough to eat, and buying a jar is easier than hacking open a freshly fallen coconut yourself. Even though you haven’t gotten to the beach, your hair can convince people otherwise.  Oribe’s Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray is the most decadent mist of its kind on the market – and its scent is by far the best. Alterna’s Bamboo Beach Summer Ocean Waves Tousled Texture Spray also works well, sans buildup. Finally, slapping on a mermaid-worthy necklace, courtesy of Isabel Marant, will help you instantly cultivate your island vibe.

4. Indulge in a Sweat Session
Trick your body, trick your mind? Sure, why not! Only a true weirdo would suggest a spinning class to serve as the substitute for a vacation. Let’s be real. But sweating like crazy not only puts a rosy flush back in the old mug, it makes you forget the harsh reality of the current low temperatures. Whether you choose to achieve it by stretching your way through a hot yoga class, charging the treadmill until you get a runner’s high, or simply lounging in your gym’s steam room, even if you don’t feel like you’ve made an escape, you’re going to feel better. And less cold.

5. Throw a Beach Party
Odds are you and your friends wouldn’t be too thrilled at the notion of putting on a bathing suit to stand around your living room while melted snow converts to ice outside. But people love a fresh margarita any time of year. Invite the ones you actually like over and challenge them to wear something summery (if they tell you this is lame, tell them they are right but you don’t care). Play “Kokomo” by the Beach Boys and “Summer Girls” by LFO. Just kidding on the latter. Serve refreshments from locales with a close proximity to the equator, and run with the theme, whether it’s a tequila-soaked Mexican fiesta, Jamaican jerk-and-rum party, Hawaiian “get lei’d” luau, or a spicy Balinese soiree. Go nuts! Then enjoy yourself as the deceptively powerful placebo effect goes into full swing. 

Originally published on Archetypes.com