Ski in, chill out at these luxury mountain resorts around the world
The long-awaited ski season is fast approaching, which means it’s time to think about your winter hotel wishlist…and ours is topped by these boutique ski hotels with hot tubs. Because what better way to warm ski-weary muscles than a post-piste soak? Forget dancing on tables to high altitude tunes, this is by far the most relaxing way to après. From an Andulasian oasis in Spain’s Sierra Nevada to a lakefront Jacuzzi overlooking New Zealand’s snow-capped mountains, these are some of the most stylish settings to heat things up in after a day on the slopes.
1. El Lodge Ski and Spa, Granada – Spain
45 pistes and six off-piste ski runs surround this Spanish ski hotel, and Chairlift Parador 1 is just 50m from the front door. With the only open-air, heated pool in the Sierra Nevada, El Lodge Ski and Spa is the perfect place to unwind once you’ve satisfied your snow cravings. Warm up in the hotel spa’s heated pools, sauna and steam baths – complete with an outdoor terrace featuring a giant tub and stunning mountain backdrop. Some of the Finnish wood panelled Royal Suites and Deluxe Rooms even come with their own outdoor Jacuzzis, while the spacious Lodge Suite (pictured) comes with an outdoor heated pool if you’re looking for a more private plunge.
2. Le Refuge de la Traye, Méribel – France
Inspired by classic Savoie design, Le Refuge de la Traye’s eco-luxury chalets are dotted about a miniature hamlet in enviable proximity to Les Trois Vallées. The chalets’ rustic wooden and stone exteriors make them a seamless part of the landscape. After a day on the slopes, hang up your boots in the Edelweiss Suite and take in the panoramic Alpine snowscape from the private outdoor Jacuzzi with a glass of fine Savoyard wine or a locally inspired cocktail in hand. Alternatively, the state-of-the-art spa boasts a steam bath, large hot tub and milk bath with breath-taking mountain views.
3. Goldene Rose Karthaus, Schnals – Italy
Tucked away on the Italian-Austrian border in the Senales Valley, where the glacier became the film set for Everest, this back-to-nature retreat is set to a backdrop of 40km of slopes, 17 lifts and an expert snowsports school. Aside from snowsports in the winter, wellbeing takes centre-stage at Goldene Rose Karthaus, with a spa that embraces the healing powers of the elements. Using skincare products created from the iced spring water of the Hochjochferner Glacier, these thousand-year-old minerals make for powerful modern treatments. Luxuriate in the wellness garden’s outdoor whirlpool, or in the steam of two outdoor pools surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites.
4. Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown – New Zealand
When the Northern Hemisphere begins to heat up, New Zealand’s ski season begins – and with four resorts around Queenstown to choose from – Coronet Peak, Cardrona, Treble Cone and The Remarkables – skiers of all abilities can find a suitable slope. With the best spot on the shores of mountain-backed Lake Wakatipu, Eichardt’s Private Hotel is both sleekly designed and serenely placed. For peak privacy, opt for The Penthouse – the expansive terrace complete with a generously sized spa tub, fireplace and fully equipped outdoor kitchen, is the perfect place to host your own après-ski gathering. A further two brand new Lake View Suites located on the level below gives you the option to host additional friends and family.
5. Stein Eriksen Residences, Utah – USA
Widely acknowledged as one of the powder capitals of the world, Utah is home to heavyweight resorts such as Snowbird and Alta, along with Park City, the largest lift-served terrain in the USA. There are not many places in the world where you can ski directly onto the slope from the hotel lounge. Stein Eriksen Residences puts you at the heart of Deer Valley’s Silver Dollar Ski Trail, while giving guests exclusive access to the resort’s Main Lodge. These modern mountain lodges are cosy yet contemporary, with wrap-around windows framing mountain views, soaring ceilings, crackling fires and bubbling hot tubs.
Feeling inspired? Browse and book from our full selection of luxury ski hotels here.
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