Destinations
13 Luxury Winter Destinations Where You Can Vacation Like Royalty
13 Luxury Winter Destinations Where You Can Vacation Like Royalty
If you're in dire need of a getaway, and not just an escape, but one that brings the ultimate in luxurious amenities and the chance to truly relax and forget about your cares, any one of these destinations is sure to fill the bill, and then some. In fact, you might even feel as if you're vacationing just like royalty.
St. Moritz and Badrutt's Palace Hotel, Switzerland
St. Moritz is often named at or near the top of lists of the world's most luxurious winter resorts. It attracts some of the biggest Hollywood stars and Europe's royal families as regulars, and over 10,000 private jets land each year at Via Serlas airport. The streets are lined with practically an endless number of high-end boutiques like Chanel and Pucci, and it also hosts Europe's most famous ski bar, which happens to be in one of the city's top luxury hotels: Badrutt's Palace Hotel. The historic property overlooks extraordinary mountain vistas and a glistening lake, and here, guests are truly treated like royalty, with a full staff prepared to cater to every whim.
Jackson and Four Seasons Resort, Wyoming
The town of Jackson is renowned as a luxury winter destination, with countless world-class restaurants and cultural attractions along with multiple luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Resort which sits right at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain. The ski-in, ski-out property is surrounded by awe-inspiring Grand Teton views and an abundance of wildlife, including herds of elk, bison, mountain goats, and, if you're lucky, the elusive Grizzly bear. For the ultimate stay, book one of the Mountain View rooms and you'll be able to catch the incredible sunsets over Rendezvous Mountain right from your own terrace.
Val Thorens and Hotel Altapura, France
Vol Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe at over 7,500 feet, and it also boasts the world's largest ski area, with more than 370 miles of ski-in, ski-out trails and amazing vistas that include the six glaciers of Les Trois Vallee. The 5-star Hotel Altapura is especially luxurious, radiating après-ski opulence. It has an alluring Scandinavian-style interior highlighted by huge snowflake cutouts and features a warm indoor/outdoor pool and a multi-sensorial spa that focuses on nature and pleasure, combining the energies of five natural elements: wood, fire, stone, plants and water, to enhance well-being.
Lake Tahoe and the Ritz-Carlton, California
Lake Tahoe is a magnificent year-round destination, but under a blanket of snow it's even more spectacular, and offers some of the best skiing and bordering on the planet. After playing in the more than 100 inches of snow, you can take a break to enjoy a host of entertainment in town and then return to the crème de la crème of Tahoe resorts: the Ritz-Carlton. The only AAA Five Diamond mountain resort in the state, it boasts a mid-mountain location on Northstar California for easy access to all types of winter sports. The elegant rooms and suites each include a fireplace floor-to-ceiling windows, and the property also hosts a 17,000 square-foot mega spa with a menu of treatments focused on the water and woods right at slopeside.
Lake Placid and the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, New York
The 1980 winter Olympics were held in Lake Placid, and the arenas and other infrastructure that were used for the games here and in use, including the insane ski jumping complex, which means a visit here during the chilly months of the year brings the opportunity for a wide range of winter sports. By staying at Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, named the No. 1 resort in the entire Northeast by Conde Nast, you'll have immediate access to fun activities and plenty of luxuries too. Strap on a pair of the complimentary snowshoes to make tracks in fresh powder, or some ice skates, for gliding across Mirror Lake. The property also boasts lavish custom treatments in its spa and a four-diamond rated restaurant with dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients.
Aspen and the Little Nell, Colorado
One of the most famous ski resorts in the U.S., Aspen tends to draw lots of celebrities, and all types of travelers looking for a luxury winter destination. This beautiful Rocky Mountain town hosts four ski mountains with more vertical skiing than any other area in the country. Stay at The Little Nell, and you'll not only have the chance to spot someone famous, but you'll enjoy ski-in, ski-out access and access to a wine cellar which holds over 50,000 bottles of the world's rarest wines. Rooms feature swanky bathrooms with heated marble floors and soaking tubs, as well as cozy gas fireplaces.
Sparkling Hill Resort, Vernon, British Columbia
Sparkling Hill Resort is a destination of its own as one of the world's top luxury mountain resorts. Surrounded by striking natural beauty, nestled in the mountains overlooking Lake Okanagan, winter is a fabulous time to be here, bringing the opportunity for heli-skiing adventures right from the property's own helipad for some of the most breathtaking high alpine skiing on the planet. After a day of play, enjoy soothing sore muscles by soaking in one of the saunas or spas, swimming in one of the heated pools and taking in more amazing views from your room's floor-to-ceiling windows next to the warmth of a Swarovski crystal fireplace.
Kappl, Austria and Zhero Resort
Austria is renowned for its awe-inspiring alpine scenery, and Kappl, tucked between the Verwall, Samnaun and Silvretta mountain ranges, boasts an extensive ski area with a wide range of ski runs that practically guarantee an unforgettable winter vacation destination. Bring it up a notch with a stay at the grand Zhero resort, with its luxurious comforts – book a Penthouse suite and you'll not only enjoy a lavish space with a kitchen, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and a Jacuzzi, but private butler service. Classic and massage therapies, and treatments designed for deep relaxation, can be indulged in at its spa.
Whistler Blackcomb and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Frequently named among the very best ski resorts in the world, Whistler Blackcomb sits between two soaring ski mountains that are connected by the longest and highest gondola in the world. Whistler is known for its especially exciting après-ski scene, with some of Canada's finest restaurants, and there are a host of bars and pubs for relaxing with a drink too. Luxury vacationers also have the opportunity to book one of the country's top hotels, like The Fairmont Chateau Whistler which offers ski-in, ski-out rooms and views over those dramatic peaks.
Four Vallees and Chalet Auriane, La Tzoumaz, Switzerland
The Four Vallees offers more than 250 miles of runs and 89 lifts for winter fun, and the magnificent Chalet Auriane makes for an ideal place to stay with its private funicular that will deliver you from door-to-slope. Afterwards, soak in the property's outdoor Jacuzzi while taking in mesmerizing views over the valley, and dine on gourmet meals that are customized for each guest and paired with fine wines.
The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana
Another destination in its own right, the Resort at Paws Up in Montana offers incomparable luxury in Montana wilderness. Located in scenic Blackfoot Valley, it provides a magical getaway in a true winter wonderland across 37,000 acres on an authentic working cattle ranch. Winter adventures include dog sledding, snowmobile, snow tubing, ice skating, cross-country skiing and private indoor equestrian lessons. You can also choose to indulge in decadent of in-room spa treatments.
Deer Valley and the Stein Eriksen Lodge, Utah
Deer Valley is internationally renowned for its skiing and boarding opportunities, and the Stein Ericksen Lodge offers an award-winning place to lie your head down and easy access to the slopes. This five-star hotel and spa enjoys mid-mountain ski-in, ski-out access and individually designed suites, each with their own jetted tub inside, an outdoor hot tub on a deck, a fireplace and a full kitchen. The spa has an extensive menu of treatments, including massage as well as hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna and steam room.
Yosemite and the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, California
Winter is a magical time to visit Yosemite, a time when it's transformed into the ultimate snow globe, complete with icy waterfalls and snowy peaks. Look forward to snowshoeing the trails and heading to the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Ski Area which hosts slopes for tubing, skiing and boarding. The historic Majestic Yosemite Hotel, formerly known as the Ahwahnee, sits among the dramatic cliffs and cascading falls of Yosemite Valley and is renowned for its gorgeous interior that blends Native American and Art Deco influences. Book the Mary Curry Tresidder Suite and you'll be getting your shut-eye in the very same room Queen Elizabeth II once slept.
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