The Cold Escape

The Wanderlust

An edit of exceptional global hotels for the ultimate winter escape

WORDS: OLIVIA MORRIS

The Cold Escape

Aman Le Mélézin – Courchevel, France THE WHY

Located in the heart of Les Trois Vallées, in Courchevel, France, the Aman Le Mélézin offers one of the most exceptional ski experiences you can find. The hotel has just 31 rooms making it ultra-exclusive and luxurious. The resort is located right on the Bellecôte ski slope and to ensure you have the most luxurious experience there are ski butlers on-hand to ensure your ski equipment is handled with care and delivered directly to you. THE MUST-TRY

Skiing isn’t the only snow activity to do at this resort. For those feeling adventurous, view the Alpine landscape via a helicopter or paraglider. The resort can also organize self-piloted dog sledging sessions to make you feel like you truly are in a winter wonderland. However, for those who prefer to relax apres-ski, the luxury Aman spa awaits you. aman.com/resorts/aman-lemelezin

Clockwise: Aman Le Mélézin; Chedi Andermatt; The Gleneagles Hotel; Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Finland THE WHY

Kakslauttanen is a family-run hotel located in Finnish Lapland, 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. For the ultimate winter escape, this is the perfect place to go. Witness the wonders of the Northern Lights at this resort and stay in one-ofa-kind igloo accommodations. While the resort is located in the wilderness, your experience will be nothing short of luxurious. THE MUST-TRY

To get the experience of both an igloo and chalet, opt to stay in

IMAGES: SUPPLIED the kelo-glass igloos which sleep up to six people. The keto-glass igloos have a private sauna, fireplace and a bedroom with a glass roof where you can experience the wonders of the northern lights right from the comfort of a bed. kakslauttanen.fi

Chedi Andermatt – Andermatt, Switzerland THE WHY

The Chedi Andermatt is situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, complete with 123 rooms and suites and five restaurant concepts within the resort. At 1,447 metres above sea level, it is the ideal place for a ski holiday in the midst of winter. THE MUST-TRY

The hotel is located just next to the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, which is one of the largest modern ski areas in Switzerland. Boasting 180 kilometres of pistes and altitudes of up to 2,900 metres, no single ski day will be the same in Andermatt. thechediandermatt.com

Le Grand Bellevue – Gstaad, Switzerland THE WHY

For those looking for a cosy escape amongst snowy Switzerland, Le Grand Bellvue is the resort to go to. With just 57 rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a 3,000 square-metre spa, Le Grand Bellevue embodies the epitome of luxury. THE MUST-TRY

After long days spent in the snow skiing, snowboarding or even altitude mountaineering, unwind at the exclusive resort spa. In particular, couples can indulge in complete privacy at the Alpine Spa Suite for the perfect hideaway retreat. bellevue-gstaad.ch

The Gleneagles Hotel – Auchterarder, Scotland THE WHY

This luxury hotel, spa and golfing destination is located in the heart of Scotland and is the ideal place to go for a charming country getaway in winter where you can cosy up in the classic country house-style rooms and suites. THE MUST-TRY

Explore the fresh and wonderous Scottish scenery around Gleneagles on foot or by bike. After a day out in the brisk winter Scottish sun, opt for one of the luxurious spa treatments to re-energise your body with expert spa therapists on-hand. gleneagles.com