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Travel & Food

4 Of Europe’s Most Luxurious Winter Retreats

Whether you want to book an impromptu holiday this year, or bookmark a destination for 2023, these are some of Europe’s top hideaways that offer brilliant skiing and R&R options…

While some get a rush gliding down mountain slopes and are in search for that unique place that allows them a dash of their choicest sport, others just want a spectacular winter backdrop to relax and unwind. That’s why we’ve come up with these deluxe destinations, where everything is possible.

Skiing in Europe has its perks, as the mountains, especially the Alps, Pyrenees, or any one of the great ranges, are big and have greater challenging vertical drops. European holidays are also a favourite for those seeking something more relaxed, where you can encounter peace and serenity on the jagged slopes. A day at one of the finest spas or reading in front of an open fire beckons for those in much need of some R&R. Even better, with their easy access to ski lifts, it’s more than possible to make the most of both the worlds these hotels offer.

With most of the resorts in Europe open till late April, there’s more than enough time for ski or spa purists to plan and enjoy the best of what winter has to offer.

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Bentleys House, Zurs, Austria

Skiing in Austria means homely mountain huts and chalets, warm home cooked meals and lively après-ski. Bentleys House, one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in the Alps, has three individual high-end chalets, one with two bedrooms and other two have three. The chalets can be reserved individually or together to cater for up to 18 guests.

Centrally located in Zürs, at an altitude of 1,720 metres, snow is guaranteed during the entire season. You will also find ski slopes and three major lifts adjacent to the hotel, which is listed as a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, creating the perfect setting for your winter sports holiday.

After a day on the slopes you can find everything you need to unwind. A Finnish sauna, steam bath, ice room, rain showers and a relaxation room with high windows offering a spectacular view of the mountains. You can also enjoy the massaging bubbles and colour changing mood lighting at the vitality pool.

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Hidden Dragon, Veysonnaz, Switzerland

The Hidden Dragon is a privately owned exclusive alpine lodge situated in the heart of Switzerland’s 4 Valleys regions. Nestled in fir and pine forests, this secluded mountain retreat is discreetly located in its own extensive grounds and accessed by a private road. Perched at 1,500 m, its position offers enchanting and uninterrupted panoramic views over the Rhone Valley and offers skiers the luxury of ski-in/ski-out access. Away from the crowds, the queues, the noise and the chaos of urban life, Hidden Dragon is an idyllic mountain hideaway.

This resort is perfect as a family destination, as they offer children under 15 years of age free lunch and evening meals, full board accommodation and free access to the Kid’s Resort. Your children can also enjoy five half days of skiing from Monday to Friday, taking their ‘Stars’ test on the Friday.

There are two options depending on their age. The Piou Piou club is for children aged four to five years old and they are introduced to skiing in a snow garden designed to allow them to have fun discovering the first joys of winter sports. Children aged six and up are offered group lessons supervised by instructors from the ski resort. So tet your children discover endless exciting activities and make new friends at the Kids Resort or at the Royal Rider while you enjoy a little bit of freedom.

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The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland

Sir Richard Branson’s stunning mountain retreat, perched high in the Swiss Alps in Verbier, is a perfect year-round escape. Verbier, one of the world’s most popular winter resorts, is part of the 4 Valleys so there are numerous runs challenging beginners through to experienced skiers. The main ski lift is a mere 250 metres (or a one-minute van ride) from the chalet and experienced skiers can ski directly into the chalet.

Other activities include cross-country skiing, sledging, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice skating at The Lodge’s own mini-ice rink. Relaxation at The Lodge is also essential after a busy day on the mountains. The indoor pool, steam room and indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis promise sublime levels of relaxation, as does sitting in front of the open fire.

The Lodge is the perfect place for holidaying with friends and family. This picture- perfect chalet sleeps up to 18 adults in seven beautifully decorated luxury bedrooms and two stunning Master Suites, all enjoying views to the valley below.

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Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa, Alta Badia, Italy

The Dolomites offer the most beautiful winter sports resorts and the village of San Cassiano (700 inhabitants) is a truly exceptional and charming setting. It is here, at an altitude of 1,535 metres, the Hotel Rosa Alpina welcomes you for a stay devoted to fitness and relaxation. A haven of discretion, this is where you can discover the essence of quiet glamour, poised service and elegant interiors.

The luxury accommodation celebrates local hospitality with an elegant refined Alpine atmosphere. All of the 51 rooms and suites as well as the exclusive Penthouse Suite have been individually designed in a unique and authentic mountain style.

For pure relaxation and energising workouts, the spa features a gorgeous indoor swimming pool, saunas and gym. Plus its spa offers treatments worthy of the best beauty centres, and the panoramic views of the Dolomites are unmatched.

After a day on the slopes or a hike, you can enjoy the hotel’s timeless and imbued approach with contemporary accents featuring informal and family dining, as well as Michelin-starred meals. Chef Norbert Niederkofler’s cuisine is his passion and joie de vivre, and he creates dishes featuring local produce that artfully marry tradition and modernity.

Alta Badia’s vast skiable terrain, ranked among the world’s top ski destinations, offers variety for every level, for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.

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Travel & Food

4 Of Europe’s Most Luxurious Winter Retreats

Whether you want to book an impromptu holiday this year, or bookmark a destination for 2023, these are some of Europe’s top hideaways that offer brilliant skiing and R&R options…

Bentleys House, Zurs, Austria

Hidden Dragon, Veysonnaz, Switzerland

The Lodge, Verbier, Switzerland

Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa, Alta Badia, Italy

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