A masterclass in winter coziness, Heckfield Place, just outside of London, pairs historic architecture with fireside rituals and long, unhurried days indoors.
There are two ways to tackle the long, cold days of winter: hibernate inside a cozy hotel, or tackle winter head-on by using a stylish resort as a base for winter activities. These design-forward hotels serve up winter right. They combine sleek looks with Hygge-inspired amenities, from saunas and fire pits to wood-paneled libraries, ideal for spending long afternoons indoors, while some offer proximity to world-class skiing and snowboarding. In other words, make the most of the season by embracing the chill.
Skýra Retreat | Finland
The just-opened Skýra Retreat redefines the Arctic experience in Finland. Nestled between the waters of Lake Norvajärvi and the ancient forests of Finnish Lapland, the heart of the property is the Old Schoolhouse, a 1950s village landmark, which has been elegantly transformed. The resort’s design blends nature-inspired interiors with contemporary Finnish architecture. Wellness and nature are woven into each day, with activities ranging from morning yoga and forest bathing to creative workshops, and sound baths. The spa is a key component of a stay here, and features a circuit of panoramic saunas, heated outdoor Jacuzzis, cold plunges, and wild lake swims, all designed to foster deep rest. Bespoke snowy adventures, from snowmobiling to reindeer safaris, are also available.
Photo by Lawrence Braun
Eastwind Hotel + Bar | Windham, New York
This reimagined roadside motel showcases Scandinavian-inspired design, including minimalist, A-frame Lushna cabins. New Mountain House rooms introduce a winter-ready palette of navy, terracotta, and beige layered with Pendleton blankets and mid-century furnishings. Skiing at Windham Mountain is just minutes away, and guests can try snowshoeing on the property. Toast the day’s snowy adventure with an après-ski drink at Bunkhouse Lounge, or soothe tired muscles in the barrel sauna. A firepit with s’mores kits is also available.
Kindred Resort | Keystone, Colorado
Slated to open in February, Kindred Resort, a RockResort, is Keystone’s first luxury boutique hotel, showcasing a warm, Alpine-inspired decor. This contemporary property is located at the base of River Run Village with direct ski-in/ski-out access to the River Run Gondola. While proximity to skiing is the focus, so is après-ski and relaxing. Elevated amenities include fire pits paired with daily programs, such as professional storytellers, gourmet s’mores, and hot cocoa menus. Art is equally central to the hotel, with more than 200 pieces showcased through a partnership with Denver-based NINE dot ARTS. Kindred Resort also invites guests to decompress and practice mindfulness with Wellness without Walls sessions, which include silent morning walks, guided forest snow meditations, and fireside tea ceremonies.
Heckfield Place | Hampshire, England
Located about an hour outside London, Heckfield Place invites guests to slow down and embrace the quiet season with a range of indoor and outdoor activities. This meticulously restored Georgian home on 438 acres embraces the warmth of fire as a central theme. There are fireplaces in select rooms as well as all of the communal sitting rooms; the signature restaurant, Hearth, celebrates open-fire cooking. Stay indoors and cozy with a film at the plush 67-seat cinema, or sign up for a workshop on the art of pickling and fermentation, using ingredients from Heckfield’s own orchard and market garden. Head to The Bothy by Wildsmith, the heart of wellbeing at Heckfield Place, to unwind with a sauna session.
Greydon House | Nantucket, Massachusetts
Winter in snow-dusted Nantucket offers a different kind of charm, including no crowds and head-clearing walks on quiet beaches. Designed by Roman and Williams, the New York-based firm behind the Chicago Athletic Association, several Ace Hotels, and the Highline Hotel, Greydon House is a 19th-century Greek Revival building that was originally a ship captain’s home. Its dark, wood-paneled bar and library are perfect for staying in with a drink and a book. The Silent Travel package further encourages quiet contemplation and recentering through creativity, including curated reading and art supplies, and guided journaling.
White Elephant | Aspen, Colorado
The upcoming February opening of the White Elephant in Aspen is big news, as new hotel openings in the upscale town are rare. Designed by Boston-based architectural firm EMBARC, the boutique hotel will have just 54 rooms, and injects a dose of modern Alpine chic into Aspen’s prevailing Victorian-inspired aesthetic. There’s a strong focus on art, and the property will showcase more than 125 original artworks via a collaboration with Anderson Ranch, a nearby not-for-profit arts organisation. Skiing is the major draw, and the White Elephant will offer complimentary mountain shuttles to three mountains in Aspen: Aspen Mountain (Ajax); Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk.
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