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The World's Most Romantic Ski Resorts
Lena Katz December 5, 2007PAGES: 1 2
See our slideshow of The World's Most Romantic Ski Resorts.
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Of course, when it comes to Alpine spas and mountaintop fondue, no one does it better than the Europeans. Lodgings run the gamut from stately to charming, modest to downright palatial. At Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz, Switzerland, service is discreet, but everything else—the views, the décor, the crowd—is suitably over the top. Perched on Lake St. Moritz, this property offers everything from private dinners in its wine cellar to après-ski high tea to horse-drawn carriage rides through the nearby Fex Valley. Alpine view suites are worth the splurge.
Over in the French resort of Courchevel, the Hotel de Charme les Airelles recently wrapped up a $31 million renovation and is set to lure high-ticket travelers from every corner of the world. The property maintains a refined “chalet” feel, with après-ski cocktails in the fire-lit piano bar and cuisine by Pierre Gagnaire. The top-floor suite features frescos, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis and two balconies that afford south and western valley views. Though we recommend it as an ultimate couples’ getaway, it is a definite splurge at $14,760 a night.
For an alternative to the Alps, venture over to the Baqueira-Beret resort area in the Spanish Pyrenees. La Pleta Hotel & Spa's spa/food/wine experience leaves you purring. Insiders suggest staying in the two-floor Presidential Suite (with infinity jacuzzi), booking the “Two Lovers Treatment” in the couples' treatment room, then retiring to the restaurant (or your suite) for dinner and heated spiced wine.
See our slideshow of The World's Most Romantic Ski Resorts.
If Europe’s ski resorts are stately and historic, South America’s are rustic and a bit rough around the edges—but they make up for it with stunning natural scenery and vivacious local culture. And, because of the Southern Hemisphere location, their peak season is July and August. The Argentinean town of Bariloche is a sister city to Aspen—and with 100,000 residents, it dwarfs its Colorado sibling. What’s more, it’s located along Lake Nahuel Huapi, which “makes Tahoe look like a pond” according to Tom Nugent, mountain vacation specialist for Ski.com (formerly Aspen Ski Tours).
“For romantic luxury lodgings, the Pire-Hue is as good as it gets,” he says. “It reminds me of a rustic hunting lodge, with comfortable common areas, soft leather furniture, a great little bar and ski-in, ski-out access. The main chair lift is on one side of the hotel exit, and the ski shop is on the other.” For a truly memorable getaway, though, he recommends taking a two-day trip to Llao Llao, a famous hotel between two lakes in Nahuel Huapi National Park.
For off-season a deux adventures further afield, New Zealand offers experiences ranging from the iconic “grand lodge” getaway to the high-energy Queenstown urban retreat.
Caroline Davidson of the luxury group Select Hotels says, “Our properties appeal to a very eclectic group of high-end travelers. Just juxtapose two of our top properties, the classic Huka Lodge on the banks of the Wa River, with the Spire, a brand new Queenstown property offering avant-garde luxury in the heart of town.”
Couples who want to run away to the rugged North Island stay at the Huka Lodge and spend the week heli-skiing or bathing in thermal springs. The Spire is for hipsters in search of South Island adrenaline action by day and sexy adventures by night—with Philippe Starck furnishings to provide the properly hip backdrop.
Though Australia has fewer ski areas, it is developing more properties on the snow. For now, the Hotel Pension Grimus is a top pick. It’s ski-in, ski-out, on fabulous treed terrain, and has won a recent industry award for “best Australian alpine accommodation.” Pension Grimus is famous for its traditional Christmas in July. Austrian-style hospitality, great food, schnapps tastings and impromptu entertainment by Australian celebs are part of the annual program. Whether you and yours are making history or celebrating it, these ski resorts fit the bill for true snow lovers.
See our slideshow of The World's Most Romantic Ski Resorts.
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