They say you can’t fully appreciate the highs without experiencing the lows. By the same token, you can’t fully appreciate the hot without the cold. This winter, you don’t have to escape the cold to enjoy the heat. You can have your cake and eat it too when you hole up for the weekend at one of these luxury cold-weather hot spots. Who needs the tropics when you have snow, wood fires and hot tubs under the stars?
Ultimate Escapes Beaver Creek Lodge, Beaver Creek, CO
Beaver Creek is a skier’s paradise: mountains that reach to the heavens, an ever-changing landscape of challenging terrain and a vibrant aprés-ski nightlife. Ultimate Escapes offers its members luxury private properties with 5-star concierge services at 56 destinations worldwide. Their Beaver Creek Lodge property features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, 3,564 square feet, mountain views and, of course, a living room fireplace.
Manka’s Inverness Lodge, Inverness, CA
One hour north of San Francisco, deep in the Inverness hills, Manka’s specializes in rustic coziness: fireplaces, flannel curtains, shelves of old books and wood cabins. It’s famous for its fresh, organic cuisine, including a seven-course tasting menu including squab and stinging nettles. Couples are encouraged to book a room with a private deck complete with a private hot tub, so you and your honey can soak and steam under the stars.
30 Calendar Way, Inverness, CA
Phone: +014156691034
www.mankas.com
Banyan Tree Lijiang, Lijiang, China
Banyan Tree’s new outpost in southwestern Yunnan Province is a Himalayan retreat 6,500 feet above sea level, with 55 private villas facing the glacial peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Each villa has its own outdoor hot tub or plunge pool and guests can enjoy healthy steamed meals at Bai Yan, its popular Chinese restaurant. A three-tiered wooden pagoda surrounded by weeping willows serves as a dramatic public space while a full-service spa offers 5-star Oriental massages and treatments.
Yuerong Road, Shuhe Lijiang, Yunnan
Phone: +868885331111
www.banyantree.com
Blue Lagoon, Grindavik, Iceland
This geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The steamy waters, part of a natural lava formation, contain unique active ingredients, such as silica and algae, that cleanse and nourish the skin, as well as reportedly cure certain ailments. Guests can stay at the Blue Lagoon Clinic, enjoy in-water massages, dramatic views of the volcanic landscape through floor to ceiling windows and dine at the popular restaurant which overlooks the lagoon, providing stunning views across the pools and billowing steam.
240 Grindavik
Phone: +3544208800
www.bluelagoon.com
West Usk Lighthouse, Newport, Wales
Named “one of the most romantic places in Britain,” this bed and breakfast situated inside an historic lighthouse boasts 360 degree sea-views, individually designed rooms with names like “elegant” and “parlour” and a roof terrace, complete with hot tub and binoculars for bird-watching. There is also a charming menu of services available to “de-stress” guests, including a dunk in an Epsom-salt filled flotation tank or a champagne ride in the “Roller” (Rolls Royce) to supper at a local restaurant. Only a 2-hour drive from London, this may be the most delightful getaway you are likely to encounter.
The West Usk Lighthouse, St. Brides Wentloog, Newport, Gwent
Phone: +01633810126
www.westusklighthouse.co.uk
Teton Ridge Ranch, Tetonia, Idaho
Set seven miles off the main road on 4,000 acres of land, this secluded ranch near the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks offers guests a true American West experience. After a long day of rough outdoor fun (snowshoeing, sleigh-riding), warm frosty feet by a wood-burning stove in one of the five bedrooms, take a dip in the Jacuzzi and then feast on hearty cowboy grub. We recommend the elk tenderloin and spinach soufflé.
200 Valley View Road, Tetonia, ID
Phone: +012084562650
www.tetonridge.com
Annupuri Lodge, Hokkaido, Japan
On the northern island of Hokkaido, 500 miles from Tokyo, Niseko Mountain gets more snow than Aspen: the powder is light and dry and the Japanese have perfected night skiing. A minute’s walk from the gondola, the Annupuri Lodge boats nine minimalist, Asian-style rooms, a boozy bar called Lucky Fingers and a hot spring bathhouse. If drinking with the locals is your thing, visit the nearby onsen, the steamy open-air volcanic pools set among the high snowbanks.
482-2 Aza Niseko, Niseko, Abutagun, Hokkaido
Phone: +819018516663
www.annupurilodge.com
PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn, Lake Tahoe, CA
Tucked at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in North Lake Tahoe, PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn was built as the home for the 1960 Winter Olympic delegation. This casually elegant mountain escape not only offers easy access to the legendary Squaw Valley ski slopes, but access to spas at sister-hotels in Napa Valley and local wineries. Their Winter Winemaker Series offers guests the opportunity to mingle with winemakers and taste local wines.
1920 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, CA
Phone: +015305831576
www.plumbjacksquawvalleyinn.com
Riffelalp Resort, Zermatt, Switzerland
Arguably Switzerland’s most rarefied ski spot, Zermatt is a tiny village reachable only by rail or helicopter, where the local mode of transport is sleigh. The Riffelalp Resort, née 1884, sits 7,300 feet up in the Gorner Grat ski slopes, where thrill seekers can heli-ski the high passes or plow across the Italian border to Cervina. Those less snow-inclined can take a steam bath, spa treatment or hit the on-site bowling alley. The cherry on top? The Riffelalp houses Europe’s highest (heated!) outdoor pool, with views of the majestic Matterhorn mountain.
Riffelalp Resort 2222m, Zermatt
Phone: +0279660555
www.riffelalp.com
Amangani, Jackson Hole, WY
The Amangani Hotel combines the raw beauty of Jackson Hole with the comfort and luxury of 21st-century amneties. Built with native materials like Redwood and sandstone, the resort is designed to allow guests to experience the natural wonder of their surroundings and embrace the spirit of the Wild West. Jackson Hole has fantastic skiing, but it’s the cowboy activities that are the real draw for tourists. The Amangani’s specialty are moonlit sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge, followed by dinner at The Granary.
1535 East Butte Road, Jackson, WY
Phone: +013077347333
www.amanresorts.com/amangani
