BEST LUXURY SKI RESORTS FOR 2020/2021

An iconic Alpine retreat in Les Trois Vallees, Aman Le Melezin combines an unparalleled location directly on the Bellecote Piste with exceptional ski-in, ski-out and après ski facili­ties. Reopening for the alpine ski season in December 2017 and marking its 25th anniversa­ry, Aman Le Melezin unveiled a new holistic 767m2 spa, dedicated to rebalancing both body and mind. Combining renowned skiing with the finest traditional French chateaux, the hotel’s expansive views from its bedrooms, lounges and bathrooms take in pine and larch forests lining immaculately groomed pistes.

Aman Le Melezin’s chambres and suites frame picturesque views of snowy mountains rearing against the Alpine sky. Cedar-panelled ceilings and walls create a cosy chalet feel, while large picture windows draw one’s attention to the magnificent scenery, even from the bathtub in many suites. The restorative treatments at the spa use ingredients drawn from around the world, and provide nourishing heat and moisture to soothe the mind and body after a day on the slopes. Massages, facials and specialised foot and hand therapies are joined by private yoga sessions in the four treatment rooms and gym.

At the picture-perfect foothills of Hokkaido’s mountains in Japan are the Kasara Niseko Village Townhouses. These luxury retreats are part of an all-season resort that attracts skiers from across the world, thanks to sublime powder and excellent facilities at the epicentre of four interlinked ski areas, boasting over 2000 acres of terrain. 

A small collection of spacious residences, Kasara Niseko Townhouses are ideal bases for outdoor adventures. Each has its own heated ski storage and garage, along with three elegant bedrooms, a chic kitchen and convertible dining space. It’s all wrapped up in stylish decor that puts a contemporary spin on classic Japanese heritage townhouses. 

Attentive concierge services, inspired by the ichi-go ichi-e concept, will also help to make every moment of your stay memorable. The Siberian winds interacting with moisture from the Sea of Japan means the snow is exceptionally dry and light in Niseko Village and, during ski season, there is incredi­ble off piste terrain as well as a wide range of groomed runs for all levels. There is also First Tracks Cat skiing and a cross country skiing course. For advanced skiers, the backcountry can be accessed through a series of gates near the peak of Mount Niseko Annupuri, leading to incredible terrain and a huge series of back bowls. Alternatively, snowshoe up Mount Yōtei for mind-blowing, volcano crater skiing at the summit. 

A warm welcome to the Kempinski Grand Hotel is your ultimate gateway to the spectacular St Moritz. Offering majestic mountains, seemingly endless space and magnificent lights, the largest winter sports region in Switzerland enchants visitors with a breathtakingly beautiful landscape that combines nature and tradition in perfect harmony. Stay at the luxuriously equipped 110 to 235 sqm ground floor, two bed­room residences. Each room includes Alpine style decor and furnishings, a dining area with an open plan kitch­en, generous closet space, an en-suite bathroom with rain shower and bathtub, and a private terrace with panoramic views of the Engadin valley.

Ultimate relaxation and well-being is achievable in the Alpine-style Kemp­inski The Spa, where you will experience the feel of the natural elements and purest products of the Alps. Glacier water, Berge granite, herbs and Engadine wood create a pleasant atmosphere. Spanning 2,800 sqm, the Kempinski The Spa has four different saunas, a steam bath, a laconium, an indoor pool, Kneipp baths, a gym, a sun terrace and a separate ladies’ spa. The highlight is HydraFacial MD, which treats dry or dehydrated skin and pigment irritations successfully with long-lasting effects.

If you’re looking to have an extravagant holiday in France, the grandiose Hotel Le K2 Palace resembles a small luxurious village and is located on the side of the mountain along the Cospillot. The hotel has an excellent location with ski-in, ski-out access to the Cospillot piste. The hotel is also close to the centre of 1850 and offers magnificent views over the valley. The layout of the K2 hotel is designed in the form of traditional chalets which blend into the landscape like a hamlet. At Hotel Le K2 Palace, the dream of feeling at home while enjoying the service of a luxury hotel becomes a reality for every moment during the stay. Decorated as unique worlds with precious materials, the rooms mix the charm of elegant authenticity with high tech modern equipment. The suite-chalets of the K2 Palace combine the intimacy of a private residence with the ultimate in service provided by the devoted staff of the hotel. Jean-Rémi Caillon and his team invite you to enjoy a festival of flavours at the gastronomic restaurant Le Kintessence, awarded with two-Michelin stars. At Le Black Pyramid, you may discover modern and inventive cuisine.

A skier’s paradise, the Little Nell undoubtedly boasts Aspen’s best address. The only ski-in, ski-out property in what was formerly a sleepy silver-mining town, the Nell, as it is lovingly called, has evolved with its increasingly discerning clientele. The exclusive resort is known for its luxurious accommodation, top-notch service, and award-winning food and wine programs at both its fine dining restaurant, Element 47, and the town’s top après-ski destination, Ajax Tavern. Sitting right at the base of the moun­tain, the hotel is decorated in an elegant cosmo­politan style with 92 spacious rooms, recently touched up by designer Holly Hunt. Each room blends classic Aspen touches with a residential warmth. Their wine program has a reputation as rich as its cellar, with a choice of more than 20,000 bottles. Their approach is based on a list that majors on classic producers and regions, with multiple vintages and wines from a roster of the world’s biggest names. Although best known as a winter attraction, the hotel and Aspen also offers an array of activities in the summer. From Jeep tours to fly fishing trips on custom-built boats, The Little Nell will aid guests in arranging a wide range of fun activi­ties for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to book a winter break in Japan or simply escape from everyday life with a relaxing holiday at a spa retreat, Berkeley Travel has the perfect vacation for you. Get in touch now to discuss your options.