As the falling autumn leaves indicate the cold winter months ahead, here are seven cozy luxury escapes that you can actually look forward to -- with roaring fireplaces in guestrooms, inviting lounges, fun winter activities and more!
Aman New York in NYC (pictured, Photographer: Robert Rieger)
Spend every New York minute in one hotel? Only at Aman New York. As an urban sanctuary in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, all of the retreat's 83 spacious suites boast working fireplaces -- a first for New York City -- plus custom-designed and custom-sized deep soaking tubs for ultimate relaxation. The 25,000-square-foot Aman Spa spread over three floors with indoor pool, Spa Houses and weeks-long wellness immersions are enough to help guests forget about the hustle and bustle beyond the hotel's front doors. For nightly entertainment, The Jazz Club offers a reimagined classic New York experience, inspired by the rebellion of Prohibition Era speakeasies. With creative direction from legendary musician and six-time Grammy Award nominee Brian Newman The Jazz Club brings the buzz of downtown Manhattan to the heart of Midtown with contemporary sounds that merge with jazz influences for a calendar of live performances five nights a week.
Rusacks St Andrews in St Andrews, Scotland
In the heart of St Andrews, Scotland, also known as the birthplace of golf, lies Rusacks St Andrews. Overlooking the first and 18th holes, the picturesque backdrop serves as the dreamiest escape for the winter. Upon entering the doors of the historic hotel, guests are immediately greeted by a roaring fire in the lobby's fireplace, accompanying the preserved wood interior, and Scottish coastal decor of plaid and golf traditions that naturally warms the hotel's spirit and those who stay there. While it may be too cold for a round of golf, travelers can daydream of holes-in-one on The Old Courses while gathering around fire pits and gazing upon the course from the outdoor terrace of 18, Rusacks' rooftop eatery.
The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia
The Inn at Little Washington is an iconic, refined 23-guest room Relais & Chateaux property located in the Virginia countryside, just about an hour and twenty minutes from DC. A beloved retreat led by the acclaimed Chef & Owner Patrick O'Connell, known fondly as the Pope of American Cuisine, the healing hotel boasts the only 3-star Michelin restaurant in the Washington DC metro area and is the longest tenured Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Restaurant in the world. Perfect for a winter wellness retreat, each room, suite and house is an enchanting celebration of color, opulence, and tranquility, some of which are named in honor of culinary pioneers whose careers have intersected with the Inn at Little Washington and inspire Chef Patrick O’Connell today, such as Julia Child and Daniel Boulud. The rooms evoke the energy of a lavish French chateau or a charming English country house, most of which boast working fireplaces where guests can cozy up during the winter months. As a festive surprise on Christmas Eve, The Inn at Little Washington team decorates the fireplaces with festive stockings for the guests. No stay would be complete without Chef O’Connell’s dinner -- elevated to a true showman experience of Broadway proportions.
1900 Inn on Montford - Asheville, North Carolina
1900 Inn on Montford is a historic, four-diamond bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC. The inn offers a main house and private carriage house with guest rooms and suites that are curated to offer a special yet relaxing home away from home experience just a few steps away from gourmet restaurants, minutes from downtown Asheville, and a short drive to mountain adventures in every direction. At 1900 Inn on Montford, personal touches are everything, which is why outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and art and music aficionados alike all feel at home at this expansive bed and breakfast. From scratch-made cookies in the sunroom to balloons and champagne to celebrate special occasions, there’s no detail too small when it comes to relaxation, pampering, and of course, fun.
The Green O in Montana
Set amidst ponderosa pines and sagebrush, The Green O is a cozy, luxury adults-only contemporary retreat in the form of 12 design-forward accommodations—from an elevated Tree Haus to a Green Haus with a living roof, all with floor-to-ceiling windows offering unobstructed views of the Montana wilderness, accompanied by private indoor fireplaces and outdoor hot tubs. The units are scattered amongst the woodlands circling a central Social Haus, featuring elevated woodland-inspired cuisine with creative presentations. Winter activities abound; guests can enjoy a variety of winter's pleasures whether being pulled by Iditarod champion Alaskan Huskies through the wilds of Montana, or snowmobiling and fat tire biking across the frozen tundra. This forest hideaway celebrates the heritage of Montana with architecture, cuisine and personalized experiences to reminisce on for years to come.
The Allison Inn & Spa in Oregon
Thirty-five lush acres in a wine country oasis is the perfect backdrop for a cozy getaway. The Allison Inn & Spa, located in Oregon's wine country in the Willamette Valley, is the premier resort in the Pacific Northwest and a mere 45 minute drive from Portland, Oregon. Each guest room at the boutique property boasts an automatic fireplace and window seat, perfect for watching the rain and stunning rolling hills. Guests are encouraged to snuggle up beside these private fireplaces or in the main Living Room and enjoy a glass of red wine–because Pinot Noir just tastes better near a fireplace! In November, travelers can experience ideal sweater-weather with a "twilight-esque" mist and morning haze. For maximum comfort, The Allison Spa – a 15,000 square foot health and wellness haven – offers a unique “pino-therapy” treatment, a pinot-inspired organic botanical and biological therapy produced by wine and grape seed extracts derived from the resort’s vineyard.
Chatham Bars Inn in Cape Cod
First opened as a luxury hunting lodge for wealthy Bostonians in 1914, Chatham Bars Inn is one of Cape Cod’s most beloved and storied destinations for wellness escapes, reconnecting with family and romantic getaways. Located within the stand alone spa wing, The Spa at Chatham Bars Inn, offers twelve adult-only Spa Suites, appointed with oversized hydrotherapy tubs, saunas, steam showers and their own working fireplaces for ultimate relaxation and pampering. Guests can enjoy private in-room massages and body care treatments upon request, as well as in-room dining from the Inn's award-winning culinary team. Guests can also book one of the classic Cape Cod shingle-style cottages, which are situated along a quarter mile of private beach and offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, all of which boast working fireplaces. Beyond their guestrooms, guests can enjoy this cozy Cape Cod getaway by sipping cocktails or hot cocoa while playing board games -- including a game of chess on one of Bobby Fischer's sets -- in the luxurious South Lounge, or learning the art of the cocktail during mixology classes.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Colorado
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, CO invites guests to an unparalleled winter experience at Colorado’s premier luxury ski resort. The winter haven delivers the finest in mountain luxury, propelling limitless outdoor adventures, idyllic ski-in, ski-out capabilities, seven different snowshoe hikes, a lively après ski scene, impeccable culinary offerings and more. From the resort’s ski concierge and a menu of snowshoe hikes, experts provide bespoke experiences for each guest. Guests can admire the silhouettes of the Rocky Mountains in the sunset snowshoe hike, take a serene four-mile trek from Bachelor Gulch to Beaver Creek village in the village-to-village snowshoe hike, and the most enticing route, a stargazing snowshoe tour that reveals the dazzling beauties of the mountains at night under a glimmering sky. Following an illuminated hike, guests can relax with warm signature cocktails in front of a roaring fireplace in The Great Room or delight in a spa treatment at the Ritz-Carlton Spa.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe (Truckee, CA) – The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, nestled into the mid-mountain area of Northstar California ski resort, is a magical escape for the holiday season. In addition to its already over-the-top family-friendly offerings, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is launching 16 Days of Wonder this season. From December 18 through January 2, the property will offer kids activities and programming each day to get everyone in the holiday spirit including daily meet & greets with Santa. Additionally, families can now take part in the new S’more & Hot Coco Extravaganza in the property’s Caffe Blue. Guests can build their own s’mores and hot chocolate creations at this daily service by choosing from a full wall of chocolates, candies, sweet condiments, and all the fixings. While the kiddos enjoy a wall of treats, adults can take part in “Hot Herbology”. The complementary daily service lets guests create their own hot toddy style beverages with a local herbalist and the property’s mixologist. The beverages will utilize fresh herbs and spices to create wholesome winter warmers.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek (Beaver Creek, CO) – Located in the heart of Beaver Creek, at the base of one of Colorado’s most celebrated mountain resorts, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa provides guests unprecedented access to some of the best skiing and riding in the west that is ideal for the holidays. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, the only ski-in, ski-out property at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain Resort, is a gorgeous, family-friendly destination for skiing during the holiday break. The already extremely family-friendly Beaver Creek Mountain Resort is furthering that reputation with the addition of the brand new McCoy Park. New updates have been added to the patio just outside 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill at the Park Hyatt – making the best après spot in Beaver Creek even better. The new space features a fully covered pergola with luxury seating, several TV’s, an updated sound system, firepits, ceiling heaters and more – providing an inviting environment that guarantees guests a stunning mountain view.
Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, New York
With a backdrop of freshly powdered mountains and twinkling holiday lights, Lake Placid is the quintessential Hallmark holidays destination for travelers seeking a winter wonderland in the Adirondacks this holiday season.
Things to do: From ice-skating along the Olympic Oval, skiing a zippy toboggan chute and Santa’s Workshop – a Christmas themed theme park, Lake Placid has fun for everyone during the holiday season. In addition, local eateries spice up their menus with festive selections, with some restaurants offering specialty menus on Christmas Day.
Where to stay: The all-suite luxury Whiteface Lodge is the most wonderful place in the Adirondacks to spend the most wonderful time of the year. Set against a snowy white backdrop and a rustic timber design, the resort’s extravagant holiday décor brings winter wonderland dreams to life. Guests can take a spin on the resort’s ice-skating rink (with complimentary skates to borrow), sip hot cocoa next to a cozy fire and admire the magnificent display of holiday lights while watching the snow fall.
Pebble Beach Resorts, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
For spectacular scenery, sea breezes and moody winter weather (without the freezing temperatures), travelers should choose Carmel-by-the-Sea on California's Monterey Peninsula as the setting for their holiday celebrations this year.
What to do: With a towering Christmas tree overlooking the city, coastal winter walks, delicious food & drink spots and the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Resorts a stone’s throw away, travelers seeking a more subtle holiday vacation will appreciate the mix of festivities and relaxation which only California can offer.
Where to stay: The crown jewel of California’s Golden Coast, Pebble Beach Resorts is a bucket-list-worthy destination all year long, but especially during the holiday season. The resort is only a short minute drive from the Carmel and offers visitors a festive getaway with plenty of lights, festive trees and a magnificent gingerbread house display.
Turtle Bay Resort, North Shore, Hawaii
For a memorable holiday getaway on the Hawaiian shores, the iconic North Shore area offers an authentic island experience with a warm, welcoming local community who will share their own local holiday traditions with travelers who are lucky enough to venture to Hawaii this holiday season.
What to do: From horseback riding, SUP yoga, golf and a Hawaiian Islands helicopter experience, Hawaii’s North Shore offers plenty of activities for travelers to enjoy the beautiful, natural backdrop of the island.
Where to stay: The only resort of its kind anywhere on the North Shore of O’ahu, Turtle Bay Resort is the perfect escape for travelers who want to flip the script on traditional celebrations. With powerful waves and idyllic bays, visitors can spend the holidays surfing or snorkeling before a feast of locally sourced ingredients at the resorts Alaia restaurant. For a touch of tradition, the resort offers cookie decorating, surfing carolers, ornament decorating and reindeer rides.
Abbey Inn & Spa, Westchester County, New York
Just a short drive or train ride from New York City, Westchester County is ripe with holiday discovery – to be expected for a place made up of six cities, 19 picturesque towns and 20 quaint villages, all with their own holiday traditions and activities.
What to do: For those who want to see lights, Westchester boasts three impressive light display events, including Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, a 1.2-mile drive-thru experience filled with thousands of twinkling lights, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy’s Grand Holiday Illumination with more than 100,000 lights on display throughout the expansive garden property, and Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard’s Lumagica, featuring endless light displays of whimsical animals and Christmas trees.
Where to stay: Peekskill’s Abbey Inn & Spa transports travelers to the timeless elegance of holidays past. At the former nun convent turned luxury hotel, classic holiday décor fills the castle-like property and the award-winning dining from the resort’s onsite restaurant makes for an extra-special holiday escape, especially when served in a former chapel with walls adorned in scripture and biblical designs.
Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection | Aspen, CO
Located in the heart of Aspen, the 99-room Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, is one of the great hotels of the American West. The 131-year-old historic landmark, which is part of the National Register of Historic Places, boasts luxurious, contemporary accommodations and modern amenities that honor the property’s iconic mountain spirit. Ski Aspen’s Four Mountains: Aspen Mountain, Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Feel the unbridled joy of hitting soft powder, whether you’re a pro and ready to tackle the black diamond runs, or you’re planning on taking it easy on the numerous gentle green and blue trails. Hotel Jerome offers access to a ski concierge to help book ski tickets, ski school and more and Hotel Jerome’s bell team will bring your skis from the ski shop to the front drive every morning and store them every night. A complimentary shuttle is available to all four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Additional outdoor adventures include Winter Fly Fishing in the Roaring Fork Valley and the Snowmobile adventure to Maroon Bells, its 14,000-ft. peaks towering over Maroon Lake are only accessible only by snowmobile or cross-country skis in the winter.
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection | Telluride, CO
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection is a stunning alpine resort in the historic town of Telluride, Colorado. The 83-room and 71-residence hotel blends Auberge’s distinctive flair for authentic and elevated experiences with the local flavor of the destination. Surrounded on three sides by the dramatic 14,000-foot peaks of the San Juan Mountains, Madeline features both guest rooms and suites, as well as one- to four-bedroom residential condominiums that offer expansive Mountain Village views. Sophisticated amenities include the best ski-in/ski-out access in town; slope side SkiValet; the Alpine Swim Club featuring a heated outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs, fire pits and al fresco lounge; an alpine-inspired spa and salon; The Madeline Ice Rink and a personal training studio. Mountain dining options include signature restaurant Black Iron Kitchen + Bar and Timber Room featuring outdoor fire tables and an indoor/outdoor bar. In May 2021, Madeline unveiled a dramatic property wide redesign encompassing its social and public spaces, and guestrooms and suites.
This winter, Madeline Auberge Resorts Collection, Telluride’s modern base camp for adventure, is offering new one-of-a-kind alpine experiences including the Scenic Flight & day of Adventure in Moab where guests can soar over the Rockies in this bucket list worthy expedition from Telluride to the red rocks of Moab, Utah for a birds eye view to some of the region’s most beautiful National Parks including Canyonlands and Arches and the Ride & Dine snowmobile excursion that combines the best trail riding in the region with a gourmet lunch at an authentic Telluride location high in the San Juan Mountains. Additionally, Madeline is partnering with the award-winning innovators at Therabody to curate a Peak Recovery program at Madeline, starting with the Recovery Lounge, which will include recovery classes powered by Therabody University trained instructors, access to the newest Therabody wellness technologies, and bespoke self-guided routines designed to address our unique alpine climate and leverage during the many active pursuits Telluride has to offer.
Shore Lodge | McCall, Idaho Shore Lodge is an award-winning lakefront resort located in McCall, Idaho. As travelers flock to Aspen and Vail to face long waits for lifts and crowded runs this ski season, McCall offers undiscovered adventures defined by laidback luxury. For those in the know, it’s been called the Lake Tahoe of 40 years ago. Long beloved by those who have discovered it, the quaint resort town sits on the western edge of Valley County, Idaho, and is located just 2.5 hours outside of Boise. Sitting atop the world at an elevation of 5,000 feet, McCall’s rugged mountains, glacier-carved lakes, and ancient hot springs are a thrill-seeker’s paradise. This four-season hideaway that offers travelers a mountain retreat that embodies the spirit of the destination –peaceful, authentic and vibrant.
Shore Lodge offers guests a complimentary 10 minute shuttle to Brundage Mountain, which Ski Magazine has credited with 'the best powder in Idaho' and is only just 35 minutes away from Tamarack Resort offering 2,800 feet of vertical on 1,020 lift-accessed acres for skiers and snowboarders, along with Nordic and snowshoe trails. The mountain also has lift-served backcountry skiing - Skiing out-of-bounds at Brundage Mountain opens up thousands of acres of fluffy Idaho powder to those looking for a quick fix. The ski area's open-boundary policy and one-ride pass option provides for an easy, one-stop backcountry trek. In the winter, unique to McCall are the areas natural hot springs and the winter snow sculpture competition.
Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection | Meadow of Dan, Virginia
Tucked away in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection is a majestic year-round retreat sprawling 12,000 mountainside acres. This hidden gem is a perfect destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path escape where they can be fully immersed in the resort’s unspoiled wilderness. Get cozy in a charming standalone cottage or sumptuous suite with a warm drink and a crackling fire. Indulge in locally sourced, seasonal cuisine at fine-dining restaurant Elements or enjoy upscale pub-inspired fare at the casually atmospheric eatery, 19th Pub. Take in the fresh air with Primland’s impressive roster of year-round outdoor activities, including horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking paths, RTV tours, clay shooting, tomahawk throwing and so much more. Soak in the jacuzzi after a day’s adventure or enjoy blissful relaxation with a signature spa treatment. There are boundless opportunities for adventure and rejuvenation at Primland.
Hotel Commonwealth | Boston, Massachusetts
Escape to Boston this winter for a cozy city escape that provides endless opportunities for fun and adventure. Hotel Commonwealth is the premier boutique property in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood and a perfect homebase for travelers. The Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood is the epicenter of the most exciting nightlife and best dining in Boston, and guests staying at Hotel Commonwealth have exclusive access to some of Boston’s Most Boston experiences in the area. Guests can book a Samuel Adams Brewery Tour, dine at Blue Ribbon Sushi Kenmore Square or its soon-to-debut sister restaurant Pescador, book one of Hotel Commonwealth’s new entertainment packages to get exclusive access to tickets and experiences at the new MGM Music Hall, or experience Fenway Park’s Fenway Bowl in December or the Winter Classic and Frozen Fenway in January. After a day’s adventure, cozy up in luxurious accommodations, such as The Loft Signature Suite - the artist atelier-inspired suite boasting a fireplace and pool table.
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago I Chicago, IL
With renovated guestrooms and suites that offer extra-large picture windows, the iconic hotel is also the coziest place to take in the unbeatable Chicago skyline this Christmas. After opening its doors 45 year ago, the property has recently completed the final phase of a 100-million-dollar+ renovation, bringing the hotel, in its entirety, into a new era. Set within the landmark Water Tower Place near Lake Michigan, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is the perfect jumping off point to enjoy the city’s holiday festivities. See lights twinkle at the nearby Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo; go ice skating at Millennium Park; and experience the magic of an authentic German Christmas market at Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. Guests can do their holiday shopping on Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s premier shopping destination, and enjoy Exclusive Savings at 900 North Michigan Shops by booking The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago Shopping Package, here. Of note, the property will be serving up a holiday afternoon tea with all the English finishes during the winter months at the trendy Cafe at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago. Begin the leisurely experience with a complimentary glass of rose champagne or curated Ritz Carlton teas. Afterward, dive into selections such as savory tea sandwiches, Maine lobster, or butternut squash quiche, followed by freshly baked pumpkin spice scones and eggnog panna cotta, which will uplift guests on a cheerful winter afternoon. Afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is a warm welcome treat to escape the cold and a stop amongst the many activities the city has to offer. Tickets are available on TOCK, here, at $75 per person. With snow flurries turning the city into a winter wonderland, plenty of activities for children and adults alike, and a luxurious stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, it’s easy to see why The Windy City is among the best places to travel for the holidays!
The Lodge at Blue Sky | Park City, UT
Utah’s beloved luxury retreat, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, is a winter haven, sprawled over 3,500 acres of a working ranch. Layered in a veil of white, the resort is preeminent in creating memorable seasonal adventures – from dogsledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, fat tire biking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skiing and more (just in time for the 2022-23 season, the hotel has launched a new Snowmobile Access Skiing adventure). With two mountainside yurts for intimate après, an award-winning seasonally-inspired signature restaurant, partnership with High West Distillery and boundless activities from adventure, to culinary, to wellness, meet the destination that defines America’s winter.
Goldener Hirsch | Deer Valley, UT
Exuding the spirit (and seeking inspiration) from an Austrian ski chalet, Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection is an intimate, authentic mountain resort that transports guests to the most epic winter terrain in the world, all without needing to pull out a passport. From direct access to over 100 miles of perfectly groomed ski runs, snowtubing, snowshoeing, bobsledding and more, outdoor winter adventures remain endless in the heart of the Wasatch mountain range. Inside, guests are greeted with wood-burning fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and welcoming doorways, a prolific beverage program and a Bavarian take on elevated fare. With roots as a historic, family-owned inn, the resort is one of the nation’s best kept, magical hidden gems.
Solage, Auberge du Soleil | Calistoga, CA – Jenni Kayne Pop Up
Guests can savor the winter season and the holidays in wine country, at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, situated on 22-acres surrounded by panoramic mountains and picturesque vineyards. The perfect under the radar getaway for hygge, Solage is celebrating the winter season with the debut of a caviar, champagne, and Jenni Kayne pop-up dining experience. Launching in December, in partnership with California-inspired lifestyle brand, Jenni Kayne, Solage’s poolside cabanas will be completely transformed to offer private champagne and caviar lounges, curated with Jenni Kayne outdoor decor and plush furnishings, sheep skin seat covers, cozy throws, and beautiful pillows to complement the elevated whimsical champagne experience. Additionally, from December 1-7, Jenni Kayne’s silver 1957 Airstream will be on-property offering home decor and holiday gifts for last-minute shopping needs. Guests can also unwind at Spa Solage’s signature mud treatments and geothermal pools, inspired by the Calistoga hot springs, and cozy up by fireplaces and outdoor fire pits in select studios and suite accommodations.
Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
For travelers seeking over-the-top holiday décor and activities for their travels, the iconic Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort announced a new lineup of unique programming and stunning decorations, inspired by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s ethos of nature in motion.
