As the chill winds begin to blow and the rush of the holidays dies away, lots of us begin thinking about where to go for a winter vacation that demands nothing of us. We love to ski as much as anyone – but we’re talking about places to go that only require the right companion, a couple of cute sweaters and a pile of great books to read to become a true winter paradise. If you’re similarly inclined, our intrepid correspondent Jillian Tangen has curated a list of where to find the most luxurious “hygge” hotels and resorts in the world to escape to this winter.
Where are the Most Luxurious “Hygge” Hotels and resorts in the world?
You might not know how to pronounce it, but chances are you’ve felt “hygge” before. Whether cozying up with a loved one during a movie or simply enjoying the warm glow of candlelight, the Danish and Norwegian concept is everywhere.
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“Hygge” loosely translates to “coziness” or “comfort.” Usually it is used to describe a vibe or feeling that you’d get from snuggling indoors under warm throws or sheepskins on a cold day. But “hygge” is more than just an excuse to hibernate. Rather, it’s a way to feel happier during an otherwise dark and cold season – something that Scandinavians know a little bit about.
These are the most luxurious “hygge” hotels and resorts in the world right now.
It’s exploring nature with a loved one, reading a book by the fire or even simply sharing a recipe. Hygge is about making ordinary moments feel special to create a sense of warmth in the depths of winter. And of course, having plenty of candles, red wine, a roaring fire and throw blankets help too.
Winter is the obvious time for all things hygge. If you haven’t given the hyggelig (hygge-like) lifestyle a chance yet, there’s no better time to start. The simplest way? Heading to one of the hygge hotels and resorts that have been popping up around the world.
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In fact, we’ve found 12 luxury resorts that are taking the spirit of warmth, coziness and embracing the simple pleasures of the outdoors to a whole new level. From ski-in/ski-out chalets overlooking breathtaking mountains to snow covered glass igloos where you can watch the Northern lights dance overheard, these hotels make even the coldest and darkest days feel bright.
These are the most luxurious “hygge” hotels and resorts in the world right now.
Without further ado here are our picks for the most luxurious hygge hotels to get your in the spirit of comfort and joy right now.
The Most Luxurious “Hygge” Hotels and resorts in the world right now
1. whitepod hotel, switzerland
What’s more magical than staying in your very own snow globe? Complete with fireplaces and a transparent front wall through which you can watch the snow falling atop the mountains in the distance, the eco-conscious Whitepod Hotel in the Swiss Alps takes the glamping trend to a whole new level.
The most luxurious “hygge” hotels and resorts: Whitepod Hotel, Switzerland. Courtesy Photo.
The only connection to the outside world is a walkie talkie so there’ll be lots of time for simpler pleasures.
2. cielo glamping maritime, canada
In the woodlands of Haut-Shippagan, along the astoundingly pretty Acadian Coast in Canada, Cielo Glamping Maritime offers luxurious accommodations where guests can cuddle up inside domes nestled in the forest.
Cielo Glamping Maritime, Canada. Courtesy Photo.
Each of their five “pearls” – geodesic domes – are equipped with skylights overhead. You can star watch as you snuggle up in your bed.
3. ventana big sur, california
One of the most popular accommodations at the Ventana Big Sur off California’s Highway 1 are the resort’s 15 glamping tents in the 20 acre redwood canyon located below the main resort. But these tents aren’t anything like camping.
Ventana Big Sur, California. Courtesy Photo.
The safari-style canvas tents include beds outfitted with luxurious linens and fire pits to cuddle up next to. Did we mention that there’s also turndown service each night with hot cocoa to drink and hot-water bottles to warm your sheets?
4. kakslauttanen arctic resort, finland
What better way to take in the northern lights than from the inside of a glass igloo in the middle of the wilderness at Finland’s Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Given its northerly location, it offers views of the green-lit skies eight months out of the year.
The most luxurious “hygge” hotels and resorts in the world: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland. Courtesy Photo.
If you are looking for a true igloo experience you can opt for one of the property’s dozens of actual snow igloos, where you’ll find calm, quiet and a sleeping bag to keep you toasty in the room’s below-freezing temperatures.
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5. paws up, montana
The 37,000-acre Resort at Paws Up in Missoula, Montana was one of the first modern entrants into glamping – the resort’s tents sport framed art on the walls, rugs on the wood floors, bathrooms with heated floors and clawfoot bathtubs and plush duvets on the log-frame beds.
Paws Up, Montana. Courtesy Photo.
And when you’re not relaxing inside, you can enjoy horseback rides, cattle drives, scenic hikes, and guided floats down the river. If that’s not enough, there’s also a fire pit, personal chefs and camping butlers to attend to any of your needs.
6. arctic bath hotel & spa, sweden
Sweden’s Arctic Bath Hotel & Spa isn’t your typical Scandinavian sauna and hotel – it’s a floating hotel and spa. During winter the hotel freezes into the ice, while in summer it floats on top of the Lapland’s Lule River. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime luxury overnight spa experience that is coincidentally also in a prime spot to experience the Northern Lights or Midnight Sun.
Arctic Bath Hotel & Spa, Sweden. Courtesy Photo.
There are six floating cabins and six additional land-based cabins. That’s in addition to the main circular-shaped Arctic Bath where treatments take place. The open central patio area of the bath invites guests to sunbathe, ice bathe or just sit back and take in the surrounding wide-open skies.
7. three camel lodge, mongolia
Against the backdrop of the Mongolian Gobi Altai mountains lies the Three Camel Lodge, a luxurious eco-friendly lodge consisting of felt-covered gers – or traditional Mongolian tents.
Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia. Courtesy Photo.
Each is appointed with hand-painted and carved furniture. It is made cozy by wool carpets, thick camel-hair blankets and wood-burning stoves decorated warmly in the Mongolian tradition.
8. tourists, massachusetts
North Adams, Massachusetts is home to a roadside motel turned boutique trailside getaway, Tourists. There, the emphasis is on rustic vibes and mindful sustainability. Unfinished soft-wood accents in the bedrooms complement the mountainside views. And cement and gleaming porcelain in the bathrooms provide a modern, industrial air that’s offset by rainfall showers and local eco-friendly toiletries.
The most luxurious “hygge hotels and resorts” to escape to right now: Tourists, Massachusetts. Courtesy Photo.
Outside, a suspension bridge over the Hoosic River leads to an enchanting summer-camp estate; explore it and you’ll find a yoga pavilion and giant wind-chimes deep in the forest.
9. snow bear chalets, montana
The Snow Bear Chalets at Montana’s are the world’s first ski-in/ski-out luxury treehouses. With breathtaking mountain and wooded views and large balconies featuring outdoor hot tubs, you’ll never want to leave these three magical treehouses.
Snow Bear Chalets, Montana, Courtesy Photo.
If you do, though, you’ll find plenty of warmth in the laid-back slopes and Rocky Mountain town nearby.
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10. lesfermesde marie, france
In the ski haven Megève, there’s Les Fermes de Marie, a huddle of pastoral farmhouses and quaint chalets just a few minutes away from the cobblestoned heart of the village. The retreat’s 70 rooms are decorated in a comfortable mountain style with lamb-fleece cushions from Mongolia. There are aged-oak exposed beams and antique accents.
Lesfermesde Marie, France. Courtesy Photo.
The property also has several private chalets on offer, like the charming Chalet des Fermes that has underground access to the main hotel.
11. caldera house, wyoming
The slope-side Caldera House on the outskirts of Grand Teton National Park isn’t your typical ski chalet hotel, but this extremely private resort made up of just eight suites and a members-only club knows how to do modern-day cozy.
Caldera House, Wyoming. Courtesy Photo.
Oversized suites come fully equipped with log-burning fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, steaming hot tubs and glossy outdoor spaces. It is outfitted with half-globe Solus fire pits, gas grills and heated snow melt patios.
12. severin*s, austria
With a hip boutique aesthetic crafted from Tyrolean wood, natural stone and polished metals, plus up-to-the-minute tech, Severins serves up a 21st-century smart-chalet hotel with just a handful of rooms.
The most luxurious “hygge hotels and resorts” to escape to right now: Severin*s, Austria. Courtesy Photo.
Wooden windows frame snow-white views of Austria’s Lech Mountains and the surrounding powder-dusted valleys and glades, while the Residence at Severins, which sprawls out over two floors, comes with a terrace with a private hot tub, as well as a private cinema and a lounge with a grand piano that you can enjoy to the fullest with friends.
Where are the Most Luxurious “Hygge Hotels and resorts” right now
There you have it, our top 12 picks for where to head to jumpstart your most hyggelig winter yet. And even if traveling to one of these destinations isn’t in the cards for you this season due to COVID-19, they can definitely serve as inspiration for new ways to bring a little more hygge style into your home. Happy winter!
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Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier and a former Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in New York and is married with three young children. She loves cross-country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.
