Top Luxury Winter Destinations

Introduction

Cold temperatures and snowy landscapes are frequently associated with the winter season. There are several elite locations worldwide that provide distinctive experiences and opulent amenities for those looking for an opulent getaway at this time. 

Travelers seeking a balance of comfort, adventure, and relaxation can find it at these opulent winter destinations. These locations offer a variety of activities and services that satisfy the discriminating tastes of luxury travelers, from opulent ski resorts to charming alpine villages. For those who enjoy the finer things in life, these destinations offer an unforgettable winter getaway, whether it’s enjoying gourmet cuisine, pampering spa treatments, or participating in winter sports.

Top Luxury Winter Destinations

1. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel – St. Moritz, Switzerland 

Badrutt's Palace Hotel, Exterior of the Badrutt's Palace Hotel

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a historic luxury property that overlooks a pristine lake and extraordinary mountain views from an elevation of 6,000 feet. The hotel is situated in the Swiss Alps and dates back to the 18th century. Since 1896, it has been providing opulent experiences to guests in the glitzy town of St. Moritz. Special packages include a pick-up in a Rolls Royce, access to Palace Wellness with indoor and outdoor pools with mountain views, butler service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a complimentary ski pass alongside mountain railways, and a three- or five-night stay, among other privileges and advantages.

2. Garza Blanca – Cancu, Mexico

Experience Hosts are available to guests of this luxury resort in Cancun, as well as its sister property in Los Cabos. These Experience Hosts will be happy to assist in the creation of personalized itineraries for you and your group during your stay at either location. This includes a day trip to the Mayan ruins at Chichén Itza, which date back to 400 A.D., and snorkeling at Punta Nizue, which is famous for its underwater sculptures and a myriad of colorful marine life. Also included is a day trip to the Coba Ruins. The resort is known for its world-class Gourmet Culinary All-Inclusive Plan, which features accommodation in premier oceanfront penthouse residences and multi-bedroom oceanfront suites, as well as premium domestic and international premium beverages for the in-suite bar. Choose to stay in one of the swim-up suites if you want your stay to be truly luxurious.

3. Occidental Grand Papagayo – Guanacaste, Costa Rica

A luxury winter vacation in Costa Rica is the perfect opportunity to enjoy gorgeous days at the beach surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including lush rainforest and a landscape dotted with volcanoes. The dry season in Costa Rica lasts from about the middle of November until the beginning of May. The Occidental Grand Papagayo is an adults-only beachfront resort that offers an all-inclusive stay in the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort features a wide variety of activities, ranging from kayaking and diving to eco-adventure tours, as well as a fun schedule of activities after dark. Alternatively, you can relax in the Jacuzzi, get a massage, or sunbathe alongside the free-form pool filled with fresh water and receive drink service from the concierge. At these four bars, you can get an unlimited supply of meals and snacks, in addition to an unlimited supply of premium brand beverages.

4. Grand Wailea – Maui, Hawaii

Grand Wailea Resort on Maui

The winter months on Maui are the best time to go whale watching, and the island continues to offer all of its other wonderful activities, such as the breathtaking drive along the Road to Hana and snorkeling. Because it has the most facilities available, the Grand Wailea lives up to its name as the most luxurious resort in this area. It features a massive pool complex that is designed to look like a water amusement park and comes complete with water slides, a lazy river, caves, rope swings, and a water elevator located inside an artificial volcano. The 20,000-square-foot kids’ camp, which features a video arcade, PlayStation room, and a small movie theater, will be especially enjoyable for families. The resort features a large spa as well as several different restaurants.

5. Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa – Jackson, Wyoming

During your stay at the Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, you will be surrounded by the majesty of the Grand Teton Mountains, where you can engage in winter sports like skiing and enjoy abundant opportunities to observe local wildlife. Every suite at the property comes equipped with a kitchenette, a stone gas fireplace, and a whirlpool tub, and the atmosphere at the property has been described as having a relaxed alpine luxury and a touch of Western flair. Suites with two and three bedrooms come equipped with terraces that offer views of the ski slopes. After an action-packed day, guests can unwind in the hotel’s spa, soak in the rooftop hot tub, or warm up by the fire in the lobby while admiring the surrounding mountains.

6. The Cloister at Sea Land – Georgia

The Cloister at Sea Island is a beachfront property that features a generous helping of Southern hospitality. It is tucked away along the picturesque coast of Georgia, just steps away from the sparkling blue Atlantic Ocean. Experience first-rate hospitality and a tranquil atmosphere where you can rest easy in the knowledge that all of your needs will be met. Additionally, during the winter months, room rates are reduced, and it is much simpler to make reservations at the hotel’s most popular restaurants, such as the Georgian Room. Despite this, the weather is almost always pleasant enough for playing golf, and the resort provides a variety of activities and amenities, including golf lessons with a well-known pro, clay pigeon shooting, and special packages for golf fans. There is even a nightly bagpiper in addition to a spa that has indoor waterfalls and provides guests with a BMW for afternoon excursions.

7. Icehotel – Jukkasjarvi, Sweden

ICEHOTEL Main Hall (2014) by Alessandro Falca & AnnaSofia Mååg

The Icehotel in Sweden is one of the most well-known ice hotels in the world; it offers guests the opportunity to have the most memorable experience possible during their time spent in the Arctic. The “cool rooms” of this real-life frozen castle are typically maintained at a temperature of approximately 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can reach it by snowmobile or dog sled. The guests are provided with expedition sleeping bags that have a temperature rating of 13 degrees below Fahrenheit for optimal warmth. Those who aren’t up for quite as much of a chilling adventure can choose to stay in one of the more conventional rooms instead. You can even go searching for the northern lights on horseback thanks to the property’s excellent location, which provides one of the best vantage points for viewing the aurora borealis, an experience that should be on everyone’s “bucket list.”

8. Fairmont Banff Springs – Banff, Alberta, Canada

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is one of the few hotels in the world that can compete with the level of luxury it offers. The “Castle in the Rockies” was designed to resemble a Scottish baronial castle and is located in the very center of Banff National Park in Canada. It has been rising out of the densely wooded Banff Valley for more than 130 years, and it is the benchmark for luxurious vacations. Sleigh rides, ice skating, canyon ice walks, gondola rides, and helicopter tours are some of the activities that can be enjoyed in this location. The landscape is truly breathtaking. After that, you can relax and rejuvenate at the Willow Stream Spa, which features hot springs and a variety of opulent treatments. There are also nearly a dozen restaurants and lounges that serve delectable food and drink.

9. Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun – Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Between Playa del Carmen and the Hotel Zone of Cancun, on the Yucatan Peninsula, at the edge of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, is where you’ll find the brand-new all-inclusive resort that goes by the name of Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun. With nine glistening pools and an oceanfront water park that welcomes guests of all ages, this hotel is ideal for families. It includes the Zen Spa, which focuses on pre-Columbian Mayan culture and offers exotic treatments that can be enjoyed either indoors or outdoors in cabins that have been designed to harmonize with the natural landscape. There are first-rate restaurants that specialize in regional specialties, and there is also a fitness center that features cutting-edge equipment. Fabulous amenities can be found in each of the more than 400 luxury suites, including private balconies with breathtaking views of the ocean, spa-like bathrooms with rainfall showers and Jacuzzis, and complimentary minibars.

10. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa – Beaver Creek, Colorado

The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa is situated at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain and provides guests with a posh location from which to enjoy skiing and other winter sports. Take advantage of the ski-in/ski-out access and come back to find freshly baked cookies and s’mores waiting for you. The highlight of the accommodations is the Aqua Sanitas Water Sanctuary, in addition to an outdoor pool that is heated and multiple hot tubs. It offers a five-step hydrotherapy treatment, and in addition, you can choose from a variety of offerings based on the healing properties found in the surrounding area. The design of the facility was inspired by ancient Roman bathhouses. The lodge-style rooms are luxurious and feature balconies with sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains. Fireplaces, kitchenettes, or both are available in the suites at this hotel. Guests of this establishment will also find a game room and an ice skating rink for children, making it an excellent choice for families as well as couples.

11. Jade Mountain Resort – Soufriére, Saint Lucia

The area is reserved solely for adults Because it is consistently ranked among the most luxurious and romantic resorts in the world, the Jade Mountain Resort is a popular destination for honeymooners and others looking to experience romance. However, those who are looking to get away from the winter’s chill while also being pampered to the extreme will appreciate the hotel’s expansive suites that look out over the azure waters of the Caribbean and the iconic Pitons of the island. They come complete with their very own private infinity pools, elevated whirlpool tubs, canopy beds, and butler service. The all-inclusive package offered by the property includes the property’s award-winning cuisine, which uses organic ingredients sourced from a plantation in the area. Indulge in restorative spa treatments, take it easy with refreshing cocktails, unwind while listening to live music, and head up to the observation deck for an experience you won’t forget.

12. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – Quebec City, Canada

The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac exudes opulence throughout the entire year, but during the winter months, you will find yourself immersed in a magnificent snowy wonderland. It was constructed more than 125 years ago by the general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway as a stopover for railroad passengers. Today, it is known as an iconic luxury hotel. Today, it provides the ideal getaway to supplement the European atmosphere of Quebec City. It is complete with architectural styles dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance eras, not to mention the jaw-dropping views overlooking the St. Lawrence River. If you go during the holiday season, you can look forward to many light displays as well as special events.

13. Alyeska Resort – Girdwood, Alaska

Alyeska Resort in June 2008

Alyeska Resort, which is located just 40 miles outside of Anchorage, is widely regarded as one of the top resorts in the area and offers guests not only opulent amenities but also the opportunity to view the Aurora Borealis. It is a luxury hotel designed in the style of a French chateau, and it is tucked away in the trees, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Chugach Mountains, and located just below a well-known ski mountain. On request, the staff will arrange for wake-up calls to be made when the lights come on, regardless of what time it is. Recharge your batteries with a refreshing swim in the saltwater pool first thing in the morning, and then choose from snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, skijoring, or cross-country skiing for the rest of the day. A massage using hot stones is the perfect way to round everything off.

14. Resort at Paws Up – Greenough, Montana

When it comes to winter luxuries, the Resort at Paws Up may be one of the few places that can compete with it, especially for the more daring types of people. All of this and more can be found on an authentic working cattle ranch in Montana that spans 37,000 acres and is surrounded by a majestic winter landscape. You can look forward to more traditional forms of entertainment such as horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides through snow-covered forests, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and tubing. There is, of course, a spa where you can go to warm up and then indulge in some luxurious treatments afterward. Or, if you prefer, you can unwind in the luxurious vacation home you rented that is tucked away in the thick of the forest and has sweeping views of the mountains.

15. Zermatt Peak Chalet – Switzerland

Zermatt Peak Chalet in the Swiss Alps is pleased to welcome you if you are interested in experiencing the pristine beauty of winter snow in one of the most sought-after locations for winter vacations. This property, which is perched above the town of Zermatt and provides guests with breathtaking views of the world-famous Matterhorn, is known for having the best service and the most fashionable decor in the mountains. The chalet combines the rustic appeal of the mountains with modern architecture and design; it has six levels, all of which are outfitted with windows that reach from floor to ceiling.

Just a short stroll away from the center of the village, where you can take advantage of a thriving social scene, this location is both convenient and completely private. To get you to and from the slopes and around the resort, the chalet’s driver service is still available to you round-the-clock. Additionally, your chef will prepare and serve a variety of international dishes. As your private chalet staff serves you, you can watch him prepare meals in the open-plan kitchen using the finest ingredients. Depending on the weather, breakfast, afternoon tea, and full gourmet dinners are available both inside and on the terrace.

A stunning glass-walled wellness area with an indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi pool as its focal point is a true highlight of this property. Before allowing the skilled masseuse to relieve those sore muscles, take a moment to unwind in the Finnish or Swedish sauna and steam room or work out in the gym. Your private concierge will handle any special requests you might have so you can have the vacation of a lifetime.

16. La Mancha Estate – Spain

The La Mancha Estate is one of the few prestigious private properties in Europe that is ideal for use during the winter season. Because of its location in one of the warmest regions in Spain, only 200 kilometers to the south of Madrid, it is simple to reach by car from the capital of Spain or by private jet from any other city thanks to the fact that it has its landing runway for both domestic and international flights.

You won’t ever have to leave the Estate grounds to see wildlife in its most natural state because the grounds cover thousands of hectares, and you can observe it all without ever having to leave the property. The tranquil La Mancha described in Don Quixote has a lot to offer visitors, including endless and ancient olive groves, oak forests, gullies, lakes, breathtaking sunsets, and breathtaking sunrises. The property in and of itself is a location that has the coziness, intimacy, and discretion of a home, but with the luxury service of a five-star hotel.

You will begin the day with a photographic safari in Land Rovers, during which you will explore these deep valleys and see a wide variety of wild animals and birds. The “Memories of Africa” movie will serve as the inspiration for the final meal of the safari. The staff will be waiting for you with washbasins that are filled with hot water in the middle of the field, and a table that has been meticulously set will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Riding a horse is one way for you to continue exploring the expansive lands that make up the La Mancha Estate, should you choose to do so. The Estate features a first-rate stable where you can select the horse that best suits your riding style and preferences.

After engaging in such taxing activities, reward both your body and your spirit by indulging in some luxurious spa treatments. Your day will come to a satisfying close with a delectable culinary experience: your chef and his staff will prepare a delectable dinner for you, which will then be served in one of the magnificent dining rooms on the estate, giving you the impression that you are royalty. I’m willing to bet that you won’t ever want to want to leave this place.

17. Royal Palms Resort and Spa – Scottdale, Arizona

Fireplace at pool in 2018

Visitors from all over the world come to Scottsdale every winter to take advantage of the city’s pleasant weather and consistent sunshine. The winter months herald the beginning of Scottsdale’s renowned “Secret Season,” during which the temperature rises (typically to between 70 and 80 degrees) and the number of visitors decreases. The famous Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona, features two breathtaking trails that lead to the top of the mountain at an elevation of 1,420 feet, where visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Those who are looking for a fresh take on the traditional activity of “hitting the slopes” will find it in Scottsdale.

The Royal Palms Resort and Spa, a destination in its own right and an icon in its own right is situated at the foot of the majestic Camelback Mountain and combines the graciousness and sophistication of a Mediterranean villa with the intimacy and privacy of a secluded retreat. The resort is located in Phoenix, Arizona.  The Royal Palms features 119 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, suites, and villas; a signature dining experience in T. Cook’s; the peaceful Alvadora Spa; and a Mother-of-Pearl-tiled swimming pool with plush cabanas that are ideal for a day of outdoor relaxation. T. Cook’s is the hotel’s signature restaurant. The Royal Paws program is an elevated pet program that Royal Palms offers to guests who are traveling with their pets. The program is designed for pet owners who want to provide their four-legged friends with the best possible experience at a luxury hotel.

18. Sohamsa Ocean State – Bali

Sohamsa Ocean Estate is located high above the Indian Ocean on the undeveloped southernmost tip of Bali’s Bukit peninsula and offers breathtaking clifftop views, gorgeous living space, and committed service. This location is ideal for families and groups of friends looking for a quiet getaway in peace and privacy while still being close to Jimbaran Bay and Nusa Dua’s top beaches and chic restaurants. The sacred sea temple of Uluwatu, renowned surf breaks, and hidden beach coves can all be reached quickly from Sohamsa.

The professionally trained staff, committed to treating each visitor like a celebrity, is the heart of Sohamsa Ocean Estate. Every team member takes pride in getting to know each guest’s individual preferences and accommodating them with a ready smile and traditional Balinese charm. It is simple to fall in love with Sohamsa and return here repeatedly.

Conclusion

Finally, the world’s top luxury winter destinations provide a captivating blend of sophistication and natural beauty, making them ideal choices for travelers looking for an unforgettable winter escape. These resorts offer a seamless fusion of luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining, and a variety of winter activities, all set against breathtaking backdrops of snow-covered landscapes. These luxury winter destinations offer a harmonious blend of indulgence and adventure, whether you’re an avid skier, a lover of fine cuisine, or simply looking to relax in opulent surroundings. These destinations’ allure stems not only from their stunning aesthetics but also from the impeccable service and exclusive experiences they offer.