Hibernation stations: the world’s cosiest places to stay

The best cabins, chalets, and igloos to cosy up in this winter

The most magical time of the year is fast approaching, which means the hunt to find a luxury lodge in a snow-globe setting is on. To narrow down your search, here are some of our favourite cosy corners to warm up in after hitting the slopes or going for crisp, countryside walks – from floating cabins in Swedish Lapland to igloo-pods with Nordic baths in the Alps.

Arctic Bath, Harads – Sweden

The über-cool Arctic Bath floats and freezes on the Lule River from one season to the next beneath the Northern Lights and midnight sun. Reminiscent of a Viking boat house, though with all the comforts of a contemporary Scandinavian cabin, this floating wellness retreat houses twelve sustainably constructed, glass-fronted lodges hovering above land and water and inspired by the surrounding forest. Take your pick from ice bathing, moose safari, wilderness and wildlife photography, and husky sledding, before warming up in the sauna or beside the natural fireplaces.

The Fish Hotel, Cotswolds – UK

Set within the 400-acre Farncombe Estate is The Fish Hotel, a village-style collection of houses, huts and hideaways made for cosy Cotswold getaways. Nestled into the hillside of this back to nature bolthole are the most charming luxury cabins, complete with underfloor heating, en-suite bathrooms (some with free-standing bathtubs), and cosy lounge areas beside a wood burner for toasting s’mores and drinking hot choccie.

If you want to push the boat out, Boaty McBoatface comes with its very own paddle boat for you to relax on whilst floating around your own private lake, or pop across to your private island complete with decking and comfortable seating.

For more of an arboreal retreat, enjoy the hotel’s woodland setting from up close (and up high!) in three Treehouse suites – wrapped around large Oak trees with two heated outdoor baths on a spacious decking area.

Hotel Rangá, Hella – Iceland

With log cabin warmth, geothermal hot tubs in the snow and connections to all sorts of glacier adventures, Hotel Rangá is just about as cool as they come. Your bedroom or suite will be a snug yet spacious hideaway crafted from wood – with staggering views. There’s a lounge and bar for hot chocolates or hot toddies, plus a state-of-the-art observatory to watch the sky come alive – simply press a button for a Northern Lights wake-up call and the Rangá team will bundle you up in bespoke blankets and Golden Circle-proof clothing.

Cordée des Alpes Hotel, Verbier – Switzerland

A warm welcome awaits every guest at Cordée des Alpes Hotel, a stylish wooden ski lodge which has been thoughtfully designed to integrate with the surrounding alpine architecture. Step inside the chalet-inspired reception to a crackling fireplace, decorated with vintage skis.

Many of the rooms and suites come with their own hearths, including the Prestige Suites and Cordelette Penthouse, to let your muscles thaw after a day on the slopes.

Le Refuge de la Traye, Méribel – France

Taking inspiration from classic Savoie design, the eco-luxury chalets of Le Refuge de la Traye are dotted about a miniature hamlet hidden away in the Alps. After a day on the famous slopes of Les 3 Vallées, hang up your boots and relax by the fireplace with a glass of fine Savoyard wine or a locally inspired cocktail. Families and larger groups can snuggle down in the Edelweiss Cottage which centres around a large living room with a fireplace, oozing laid-back luxury.

Goldene Rose Karthaus, Schnals – Italy

Tucked away on the Italian-Austrian border, every element of Goldene Rose Karthaus is in harmony with the great outdoors. Wake up in your naturally-inspired bedroom to breath-taking views of the glaciers from your private terrace, then step outside into the crystal-clear air and relax under the pine trees in the open-air sauna. For those looking to feel even closer to nature, the hotel can arrange a night in an igloo tucked into a nearby glacier, or the Bellavista mountain refuge, an eco-friendly shelter set 2,845 meters high in the Senales Valley, surrounded by ice of the dangling Hochjochferner glacier.