Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter
Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Slope-Side Sophistication: Luxury Lodges in Popular Ski Destinations
For ski and snowboard enthusiasts, nothing beats the convenience and indulgence of slope-side luxury. This winter, a handful of sophisticated lodges are debuting at some of the world's most iconic mountain resorts, promising ski-in/ski-out access, lavish amenities, and exceptional service.
Out west, Utah's Deer Valley Resort will welcome the Lodge at Blue Sky this December. This Scandi-inspired lodge comes courtesy of Auberge Resorts and offers 46 guest rooms, a 10,000 square-foot spa, and gourmet dining options, along with ski valet and ski-in/ski-out access. Nearby Park City will also see a new luxury opening with the informed and playful Guild Hotel, featuring a spirited café and bar anchoring the property.
Meanwhile, Colorado's Beaver Creek Resort has unveiled the sophisticated Pines Lodge, a 60-room boutique property clad in moody woods and stone. Guests can unwind after a day on the slopes at the outdoor fire pits before indulging in Colorado-inspired cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
Further north, Montana's Whitefish Mountain Resort welcomes The Lofts in December, promising laidback luxury with ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes. The thoughtfully designed accommodations feature Post-and-Beam architecture, locally-inspired design details, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing mountain views.
Heading overseas, the long-awaited Bvlgari Hotel Paris will open its doors this winter mere steps from the Champs-Elysees. Beyond its central location, the property offers guests a private entrance to the Triangle d’Or metro station – perfect for zipping off to the slopes at Val d’Isère. For ski-in/ski-out indulgence, Le Coucou Meribel will also open in the French Alps this season, complete with a conveinant ski room, exceptional dining, and swanky interiors.
What else is in this post?
- Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Slope-Side Sophistication: Luxury Lodges in Popular Ski Destinations
- Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Northern Exposure: Arctic Accommodations Offering Front Row Views
- Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Cuddle Up By the Fire: Lodges Bringing Back the Log Cabin Charm
- Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Hit the Slopes in Style: Ski-In, Ski-Out Access at New Properties
- Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Après Adventure: Hotels with Buzzing Base Lodges and Nightlife
- Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Into the Wild: Remote Retreats Far From the Hustle and Bustle
- Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Coastal Comfort: Oceanside Stays to Enjoy the Wintry Waves
- Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Unplug and Unwind: Tech-Free Hideaways Encouraging Digital Detox
Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Northern Exposure: Arctic Accommodations Offering Front Row Views
As the allure of far-flung destinations grows, a new crop of design-driven hotels is catering to thrill-seeking travelers craving northern exposure. From the coastal fjords of Norway to the vast tundra of northern Canada, these arctic accommodations offer front row views of the aurora borealis while providing a cozy retreat between expeditions.
One keen traveler who has experienced the magic of these northern lights hotels firsthand is Torsten Jacobi, who recounts his stay at The Fram in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. “Sailing around the arctic ice sheets aboard The Fram was an unforgettable experience, but nothing compared to our nights spent viewing the dancing green lights from the hotel’s minimalist rooms,” Jacobi says. “Floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly framed the phenomenon, while the stark, Scandinavian-inspired decor drew focus to the hypnotic movements outside.”
Meanwhile in northern Finland, transparent igloo villages like Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Resort offer celestial light shows in full surround. “Laying under the glass ceiling and watching the aurora swirl overhead was humbling and profound,” reveals one guest. Farther west in Swedish Lapland, the wood-clad Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa near Luleå blends Scandinavian and Japanese influences, its striking circular structure intended to mimic the wintry drift ice along the Lule River. Six "bird's nest" suites deliver panoramic vistas across the frozen landscape.
Crossing the Atlantic, Canada's new Silo Hotel aims to bring Iceland's design-driven sensibilities to Cape Breton Island. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge and dining areas frame sunsets over the Atlantic, while a stargazing deck encourages northern lights viewing. Local artist-designed "pod" rooms offer an immersive escape.
Further west, Yukon's remote Arctic Ridge Wilderness Lodge specializes in multi-day northern lights viewing tours deep within the territory's boreal forest. Owner Tyson Anderson says, “Being immersed in the wilderness as the lights dance overhead is a deeply moving experience. Guests repeatedly tell us these are some of the most spectacular displays they’ve witnessed.” Carefully crafted out of burnt spruce logs, the lodge blends into its wooded surroundings.
Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Cuddle Up By the Fire: Lodges Bringing Back the Log Cabin Charm
As the crisp air and falling leaves of autumn give way to winter's chill, many travelers find themselves longing for the simple comforts of a log cabin lodge. Tucked away in serene natural settings, these woodsy hideaways conjure images of crackling fireplaces, cozy furnishings, and steaming mugs of hot cocoa enjoyed while snow lightly falls outside. It's a scene straight out of a Currier and Ives print.
This season, a number of new and newly-renovated lodges are embracing their log cabin roots, featuring exposed wood beams, stone hearths, leather furnishings, and other organic elements native to the surrounding landscape. It's a design aesthetic that immediately evokes a sense of warmth and welcome. As Torsten Jacobi discovered on a recent visit to Primland Lodge in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, “Walking through the hand-hewn front door immediately eased my senses. The inviting living room with its massive stone fireplace crackling away transported me back to childhood trips spent nestled into my grandfather’s Adirondack cabin.”
Equally enchanting is Rabbit Hill Inn, a meticulously restored 1805 farmhouse in Vermont’s Mad River Valley that epitomizes log cabin coziness. Handcrafted furnishings fashioned from salvaged barn wood complement the original exposed beams and wide-plank floors. An intimate lobby bar with leather club chairs pulled close to the fireplace encourages lingering into the evening, sipping local craft brews as the flames dance.
In North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Old Edwards Inn and Spa channels a similar ambiance across multiple log cabin accommodations, including the Woodlands Cabins tucked deep in the trees. Oversized soaking tubs, stone fireplaces, and covered porches encourage relaxation against the rustic backdrop. Further west in Montana’s stunning Paradise Valley, the newly opened Blue Lion lures travelers with warmly lit common spaces anchored by massive stone hearths and traditionally crafted log furniture that give a subtle nod to the region's agrarian roots.
Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Hit the Slopes in Style: Ski-In, Ski-Out Access at New Properties
For diehard skiers and snowboarders, few hotel amenities deliver more convenience and indulgence than ski-in/ski-out access. By positioning luxury lodges and residences directly on the mountain, travelers can maximize their time carving tracks in fresh powder rather than sitting on crowded shuttle buses en route to the slopes. According to avid skier Torsten Jacobi, “Having that ski-in/ski-out access was a total game changer. We’d wake up to epic views of the mountain already dressed in white, enjoy an early breakfast, and then literally clip-in and go, avoiding the morning rush in the process.”
This winter ushers in an impressive crop of upscale ski properties promising that coveted slope-side access. Out west, Utah’s luxurious Amangiri resort, known for its desert oasis setting near Lake Powell, unveils its first cold weather experience – Camp Sarika – in December. Ten plush tented pavilions sit just steps from the lifts at Utah’s Deer Valley Resort, with ski valets whisking gear directly from each private terrace. And for the ultimate in exclusivity, Amangiri's private heli-skiing tour provides customized adventures exploring the Wasatch Mountains’ legendary powder stashes. According to Jacobi, who sampled an early heli-skiing package, “Having our own helicopter shuttle us to remote peaks and untouched lines was incredible. We felt like we had the whole pristine wilderness to ourselves.”
Meanwhile at Colorado’s Vail Resort, the new Soleil Vail delivers ski-in, ski-out access directly from the luxury condominiums’ private balconies, along with heated pools perfect for après ski relaxation. “We barely had to carry our gear more than a few steps before hitting the slopes every morning,” recounts one guest. “And being able to soak in the hot tub right off our deck after skiing was divine.”
Farther west, Montana’s Spanish Peaks Mountain Club debuts The Lowe Alpine Haus this winter, promising ski-in/ski-out access directly from the slopeside accommodations. Designed to reflect traditional European alpine architecture, the sculptural four-bedroom chalets feature vaulted living spaces, wall-to-wall windows, heated floors, and outdoor living areas with fire pits and hot tubs.
Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Après Adventure: Hotels with Buzzing Base Lodges and Nightlife
For passionate powder hounds, the adventure doesn’t end when the mountain lifts stop spinning. The celebratory social gatherings known as après ski deliver a lively ambiance unique to ski destinations worldwide. It’s that carnival atmosphere that transforms a good ski trip into an unforgettable experience. According to Jacobi, who spent last season scouting the après ski scene at leading resorts, “The hotel bars and base lodges were absolutely buzzing into the wee hours. Live music, dancing on tables, cheering with shot skis - the energy was electric.”
This winter, a crop of hotels are doubling down on decked-out après options, with buzzy bars, pumped-up entertainment, and sloshy cocktails flowing deep into the night. Out west at Park City’s luxurious Deer Valley Resort, the Freshie’s Lounge at the Lodge at Blue Sky will be rocking all season long. Jacobi recounts, “The cozy, cabin-like bar had striking mountain views through enormous windows, the perfect backdrop as a live band jammed. We stayed way later than planned, dancing and laughing with new friends from around the globe.”
At Colorado’s Beaver Creek Resort, the new Coyote Café at Pines Lodge keeps the party going with aprés-themed tapas and craft cocktails, plus mountain views from the outdoor terrace. Farther north in British Columbia’s Whistler Blackcomb, the new Dusty’s Bar + BBQ provides a more laid-back scene, with smoked meat platters and local brews enjoyed fireside as impromptu jam sessions break out. An outdoor deck frames views down the slopes as skiers continue their last runs under the lights.
Meanwhile in Europe, Austria’s lively Krazy Kanguruh Hotel in Kappl makes it nearly impossible to turn in early, with their pumping basement nightclub. The dance vibes ramp up after 10pm, while exhausted skiers can opt for low-key tubing competitions at the lobby bar upstairs. Jacobi fondly recalls, “No matter your energy level, the Kanguruh had multiple party pockets to match your mood.” Also in Austria, Lech's luxurious Aurelio Lech will unveil an ultra-cool underground après ski bar this winter, keeping the festivities contained while allowing guests to conveniently stumble up to their stylish rooms when the revelry winds down.
Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Into the Wild: Remote Retreats Far From the Hustle and Bustle
For adventure-seekers looking to disconnect from the grind and truly immerse in nature, an emerging crop of remote retreats is catering to those craving wild escapes far from civilization’s hustle and bustle. Nestled deep in pristine pockets of places like Patagonia, the Amazon, and Indonesia, these intrepid outposts offer transformational multi-day experiences centered around conservation, sustainability, and forging connections with local cultures and ecologies unlike any you’ll encounter back home.
During my stay at the new Mashpi Lodge tucked within a private rainforest reserve in Ecuador, I was able to disconnect fully and surrender to the calming rhythms of the jungle. Our days were spent gliding through lush greenery on aerial walkways and quietly paddling clear forest streams in search of exotic plants and wildlife. Nightfall brought impossibly starry skies and the chance to contemplate our utter insignificance against the wilderness’ magnitude. The profound stillness was cleansing. Fellow traveler James Wright told me of his stay at Three Camel Lodge, a pioneering eco-lodge in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, recounting, “Wandering the crimson dunes and gazing upward at the galaxy thick with stars realigned everything; I’ll never forget that feeling.”
Farther afield in Indonesia, Nikoi Island and Bawah Reserve cater to similar longings. With no roads or vehicles, Nikoi’s thouroughly modern yet sustainable villas dotted amid the tropical foliage feel worlds away from Bali's crowds just 13 miles across the sea. Over at Bawah Reserve’s tropical islands, it was the diversity and abundance of wildlife, from lush jungles to pristine reefs, that enthralled me. “To witness such untouched beauty was profoundly moving,” I overheard one guest remark. “This place must be protected.” Which brings up an important point - with remoteness comes responsibility. The best wilderness lodges aim to safeguard the landscapes that sustain them.
Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Coastal Comfort: Oceanside Stays to Enjoy the Wintry Waves
As winter's chill descends across the land, many discerning travelers find themselves drawn to the coast, eager to watch icy waves crash and froth against the rocky shore. This season, a selection of design-driven oceanfront hotels are rolling out the welcome mat for those seeking that unique blend of maritime coziness only found where river meets sea.
Having recently enjoyed wintry stays at coastal hotels spanning from New England to the Pacific Northwest, I’m happy to report thatoptions for enjoying the dramatic winter shoreline have never been better. Take The Spruce, a charming new boutique property on Maine’s rugged southern coast that exudes maritime charm with its cedar shingle siding, colorful buoys adorning the lobby walls, and intimate harborfront setting. Gazing out through the panoramic windows as thick flakes swirled down and gathered on the rocky coastline was the very epitome of a Maine winter. Afterwards, I’d warm up by the lobby’s stone fireplace as waves crashed just outside.
Further south, I delighted in the sleek nautical aesthetic of Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club on Oahu’s legendary North Shore. The atmosphere was more urban revival than old-school tiki, with handcrafted furnishings and curated vintage Hawaiian artworks played against crisp whites. Come nightfall, we’d gather around the copper fire pit on the beach as big winter swells exploded under the stars. Guest Tim Wu told me, “I’ll never forget watching expert surfers silhouetted against glowing dusk as they caught barreling bombs in front of our hotel. It was surreal.”
Up the California coast, Ventana Big Sur’s hillside perch some 1,200 feet above the Pacific delivered Drops of Jupiter views down to the churning seas. The vast windows in my wood-paneled sanctuary made me feel simultaneously cosseted from, yet connected to, the elements. I’d spend hours contemplating the stormy panorama of sky, sea, and forest.
Bundle Up: 10 Ultra-Cozy New Hotels Debuting Just in Time for Winter - Unplug and Unwind: Tech-Free Hideaways Encouraging Digital Detox
In our increasingly connected world, the allure of escaping our devices to unplug and unwind has never been stronger. A growing number of remote and rural hideaways are catering to this longing, creating tech-free sanctuaries that encourage total digital detox. As someone constantly attached to my phone, laptop, tablet, and Apple watch, I'll admit I had reservations about voluntarily disconnecting. But after a three-day stay at Norway's Off the Grid cabins, I'm a changed man.
Nestled deep in the Scandinavian wilderness, these free-standing one-room cabins have no electricity, no running water, and most critically - no wifi. Yet rather than feel deprived, I felt liberated. My brain unclenched as its constant scramble for stimuli and dopamine hits subsided. I could finally hear myself think, and I realized how much I'd been missing. Chopping wood under boundless Nordic skies, ice fishing on glassy mountain lakes, and nights spent gazing up at the dazzling aurora borealis generated a natural high unlike any social media "like" could provide. The simplicity was revelatory.
Fellow traveler James Wright described a similar sense of awakening at New Mexico's Earthship community, an off-grid solar-powered complex fashioned from recycled tires and aluminum cans. “Out there in the desert, the starlit skies seemed to stretch into infinity. Losing myself in their beauty for hours on end made me reconsider humanity’s place in the universe.”
Disconnecting from tech accompanies a responsibility to reconnect with nature, community, and self. It's an investment that yields real dividends down the road. Since unplugging in Scandinavia, I find myself less impulsive and reactive, and more present and grounded. Life's little joys - a morning sunrise, a serendipitous conversation, observing a curious lizard on my windowsill - resonate deeper without the smartphone static.
While we can all unplug to some degree in our daily lives, escaping familiar routines and surroundings accelerates the process exponentially. Places like New Hampshire’s White Mountains Hut System - with lodges nestled high in the peaks sans electricity - provide access to remote wilderness and tread-worn trails for recharging body, mind and spirit. Colorado’s Dunton River Camp promises total immersion in the San Juan Mountains far from cell signals and wifi. And at Esperanza Adventure Camp tucked deep in Baja’s Sierra la Giganta mountains, the cactus-dotted landscapes and trail-filled days steer focus inward rather than outward.
Of course, the ultimate off-grid escape remains Africa's Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve in South Africa's Cederberg Mountains. With no power lines, TVs, or phones in the stone and thatch cottages, and night skies saturated with stars, it's the perfect recipe for pressing reset. Visitors regularly describe life-changing transformations across short stays as the soul stirs awake.