From serene wellness retreats to thrilling adventures beyond skiing, the snowy landscapes offer an array of enchanting destinations for an unforgettable winter getaway. Below, we’ve handpicked five exquisite locations tailored for a majestic vacation that doesn’t need to take your skis.
1.The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, Utah
Nestled within the expansive 3,500-acre Wasatch Mountain Range, The Lodge at Blue Sky invites guests to indulge in untouched wilderness. Activities such as snowshoeing through forested trails, horse-drawn sleigh rides, guided wildlife excursions, and yoga sessions amidst snow-kissed panoramas immerse visitors in nature. Accommodations range from the luxurious Sky Lodge to Earth Suites and Creek Houses. The Edge Spa, featuring a stunning pool perched on a precipice overlooking Alexander Creek, offers locally-inspired therapies and wellness sessions.
2. Forestis Dolomites, Italy
High above sea level on the Plose mountain, Forestis stands amidst dense forests with breathtaking views of the Dolomites and South Tyrolean Alps. Floor-to-ceiling windows capture the stunning surroundings while the interiors echo the natural beauty outside. The spa, emphasizing the healing essence of the mountains, presents a diverse treatment menu using local ingredients. Outdoor pursuits and sky-skimming pools complement the serene alpine experience.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Megève, France
In the heart of Mont-Blanc, the picturesque village of Megève offers a charming medieval center with galleries, boutiques, and gastronomic delights. The Four Seasons Hotel Megève, a splendidly designed chalet, offers exquisite suites with mountain vistas. Winter activities include snowshoeing through fir forests to an igloo feast and adventurous options like dog sledding, paragliding, snowmobiling, and ice climbing on glaciers.
4. Eleven Deplar Farm, Iceland
Nestled in Iceland’s Fljót Valley, this former sheep farm offers ethereal off-grid adventures. Activities like whale watching, fatbiking, snowshoeing, hiking, and snowmobiling captivate visitors. The lodge boasts a geothermal-heated indoor/outdoor pool and rejuvenating I-sopod flotation tanks. Guests relaxing in the outdoor ‘Viking’ sauna might witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis.
5. Portetta, Courchevel, France
At the foot of Courchevel Moriond (1650), Portetta offers a ski haven and a decadent winter escape. Its cozy cabin-like aesthetic, log fires, wood-paneled rooms, and plush furnishings create a luxurious ambiance. The in-house spa presents rejuvenating Bamford treatments, while Cucina Angelina, helmed by Angela Hartnett, offers delightful Italian-influenced mountain cuisine