The best short vacation using SPG points we have taken to an exotic warm climate during the winter was at the Le Meridian in Cancun. Would love to go back but Wife wants to try somewhere new. I know Hawaii is the ultimate but we don't have enough time. The few hotels in the Caribbean don't seem to be anything special. We will be leaving from NY. Any ideas???
Mrs. Elite Flyer and I are also looking for a place to go from NY between Jan 4th pm/ 5th - Jan 11th. Like you we are looking for a warm place, in the US, with Hyatt or SPG. We did Hawaii last Jan, which was awesome, but I don't want to splurge the time, miles, or $$$ on such a short trip.
For now, we have tickets on hold to San Diego (PH Aviara, and other assorted possibilities); LA; FLL/PBI; and Orlando. From what I can tell, the weather has been wet and chilly lately in FL...