Cosy Hotel Stays For A Winter Break
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As the weather begins to take a turn for the chillier side, have you considered how you’ll be spending your winter days? Hopefully, travelling will be back on the agenda this December—in which case, you really ought to be thinking of where to while away the frosty mornings and chilly nights.
Some of our cosier hotels are remaining open this winter to cater to all your comfort needs, but most importantly, to provide a base for you to enjoy a beautiful cosy winter getaway.
Mondrian Park Avenue, New York, USA
The epitome of Christmastime, New York is famed for its festive spirit, being the location for many iconic films. Located by the emblematic Empire State Building and Madison Square Park, a winter getaway to Manhattan will be one like no other.
Mondrian Park Avenue offers a quintessential New York experience, encapsulating the beauty of sophisticated high-rise stays. Step inside the rooms and you’ll be treated to the excellence of Philippe Starck design—a look that feels exclusive and contemporary chic all at once.
Renew yourself at the Equinox Spa or simply spend your days watching over the city, getting a few moments of peace and quiet from this uncertain time. The spaciousness of the rooms at Mondrian make you feel as if you have the whole place to yourself, which is certainly a prospect you may find relieving. For a wondrous change of scenery and a bit of TLC, a stay at Mondrian Park Avenue in the heart of the Big Apple is definitely worth it.
Boutique Hotel Zenana, South Tyrol, Italy
Take a leap into a fairytale setting at Boutique Hotel Zenana. Nestled in San Candido, overlooking mountain peaks and green valleys, this boutique puts you in close proximity to the very best of truly breathtaking vistas of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.
Step inside and you will be enchanted by this historical townhouse’s expert blend of ancient and modern, creating an extraordinary setting for your mountain adventure. Currently run by an exquisite family of women, the hotel is characterised by the family’s values and preservation of its original ambience, which was once home to a tailor. The word "zenana" translates to “of the women”, so you can expect only the utmost warmth and passion instilled into every offering and service you’ll receive during your stay. Around every corner, your senses will be enveloped by delicate perfumes, incense and candles, and the atmosphere is only elevated by beautiful fabrics from different eras utilised in each space.
A warming environment warrants an equally as charming history. The hotel’s creative past began in 1753, when it belonged to a tailor, and in 1829, it became the store of a glovemaker, before being transformed into an exquisite Viennese café in 1859. Current owners, Anna and Maria, two South African women, have made Zenana what it is today—a wintry haven instilled with love.
If you’re searching for a hotel that will become a home this winter, then look no further than Boutique Hotel Zenana. Planning to open as soon as lockdown restrictions lift, this hotel is truly a marvel in the mountains.
The Dunstane Houses, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Standing at the gateway to Old Town Edinburgh since the 1860s, The Dunstane Houses is a beautiful homage to its Orkney heritage. Occupied by merchants, musicians, doctors, distillers, bankers, and newspapermen in its years, today these historic buildings stand as a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel, offering a stylish retreat that blends modernism and tradition in perfect synergy.
Describing itself as refined, relaxed, a little romantic and a lot luxurious, these refurbished heritage buildings offer an optimal base to explore the best of the capital. Choose from 35 ultra comfortable bedrooms including a whole host of newly refurbished rooms across both houses, designed by the experts at Hannah Lohan Interiors. Ranging from a cosy wee double to the glorious Dunstane suite, equipped with a freestanding copper bathtub, the houses cater to all.
For a truly exclusive and private getaway, both Dunstane House and Hampton House are available for private hire. Once lockdown lifts, perhaps this winter you can spend your time exploring the Scottish capital? You can book exclusive use of one or both of the houses, with up to 35 bedrooms to use as your own, along with private bar lounges, dedicated staff, and bespoke dining menus to delight your taste buds.
For a beautifully cosy getaway, The Dunstane Houses will be sure to oblige.
HUUS Gstaad, Gstaad, Switzerland
Exuding warmth, finesse and luxury, HUUS Gstaad places you in the heart of the Bernese Alps, amongst an undeniably organic atmosphere that extends when you step inside. Discover a seamless fusion—the Alpine traditions and way of life is apparent through the use of locally-sourced woods and stones to create authentically rustic spaces. All 136 guestrooms are light and spacious, connecting you with your immediate surroundings and always seeking to bring you back to nature. Its open setting and panoramic landscapes make it a great choice for a winter getaway at this time, allowing you the freedom to roam your surroundings and feel safe that you are keeping a good distance from others.
Translating to ‘home’, HUUS truly is an alpine wonderland waiting to whisk its guests away to the other side, where we can vouch for the grass certainly being greener. Rich with not only natural beauty, but a whole host of adventure-style excursions, Gstaad is a skier’s paradise, with guaranteed snowfall every year. There are many other events to entertain visitors, so let’s just hope that HUUS will fling its doors open this winter and welcome guests as wonderfully and safely as it always has. If winter sounds too soon, Gstaad is equally as wonderful in spring when nature re-energies itself and returns in full bloom.
Hotel & Chalet Aurelio, Lech, Austria
The mountain hideaway of Hotel & Chalet Aurelio shimmers like a beacon in the snow, a hotel that makes everything possible with its wide array of luxury experiences. Situated in Lech and surrounded by majestic peaks, the possibilities on the sweeping slopes are endless, as well as a host of hiking and snowshoeing paths available through enchanting landscapes. The rest of the Arlberg region is wonderfully connected to Lech, allowing those who’d like to, to venture further into this winter wonderland.
Luxurious chalets offer optimal alpine living and upon request, the luxury chalet can be booked for exclusive use, so if you’re searching for a blissful winter escape, this is it. Catering for up to 16 people across the entire Aurelio Club & Chalet, this sophisticated chalet becomes your own private residence, with private use of the parlour, library, spa, as well as private chef, restaurant service and butler if needed.
Having recently been awarded Austria’s Leading Boutique Hotel by World Travel Awards, this world-class ski resort makes for an utterly spectacular mountain experience.
Reopening on December 4th 2020.
Chetzeron, Crans-Montana, Switzerland
If you want to get away for a winter getaway, a converted cable car station 2112 metres above sea level should certainly do the trick. Overlooking the Rhone valley and the alpine summits including Matterhorn and Mont-Blanc, the unique Chetzeron is home to 16 rooms, all offering sublime views of the spectacular landscape and slopes. Being so high above sea level makes the panoramic vistas utterly breathtaking—even more so when the sun begins to set for a moment of utter tranquility. The extra large windows connect with the mountainous landscape at all times.
Although there may not be many activities as readily available as before, you can still get the real ‘ski-in-ski-out’ experience and feel the vitality of residing within the Alps. This exceptional location can pose as a fresh and exclusive setting for events, seminars and parties. Whether for professional or private use, the Chetzeron can cater to your needs. Although equally as beautiful in summer, winter is when the Alps’ true picturesque potential comes forth, and where you can soak up the meditative atmosphere and take some of the calm home with you.
