The world’s mountain ranges have long inspired humankind. Fueled by myths and legends that lend them an aura of mystique, and amid a modern era defined by climate change, these precious ecosystems have become increasingly revered destinations.
THE LITTLE NELL Aspen, Colorado, USA
Exquisite hospitality amid the wildest of terrain
An undisputed jewel in Aspen’s crown, The Little Nell, is inextricable from the town’s glitzy persona. In this playground of the rich and famous, the hotel’s private concierge team is renowned for its expert knowledge and ‘nothingis- too much-trouble’ attitude. Guests can arrange a day’s guided fly-fishing along Aspen’s Roaring Fork River–one of the only waterways in Colorado to receive Gold Medal status– in search of mountain whitefish or brown and rainbow trout. For a familyfriendly day out, the crystal blue waters at T-Lazy-7 Ranch are teeming with trophy-sized rainbow and cutthroat trout, while keen horseback riders can tour the Maroon Creek Valley. After a day spent tackling the great outdoors, a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience awaits at Element 47. Here, at one of Aspen’s hotte st dining spots, Chef Matt Zubrod serves his own ‘catch of the day’ and has succeeded in creating impeccably plated, seasonal fare–all paired with expertly selected wines from the hotel’s 20,000-bottle cellar. Finish the evening with a nightcap in The Living Room before retiring to your exquisite room or suite. For keen anglers, there are few stays where you’ll be taken better care of than at The Little Nell.
POST HOTEL & SPA Lake Louise, Canada
Much more than skiing: epic views and activities all year round
Occupying an enviable position in Banff National Park in Alberta, Post Hotel & Spa attracts nature lovers and adrenaline junkies year-round. In fact, contrary to the region’s reputation for winter sports, many of Banff’s most popular activitie s can only be experienced during the warmer months. Located just minutes from Lake Louise’s turquoise waters, nothing quite prepares visitors for the sight of the maje stic Rocky Mountains reflected on its mirror-like surface. Miles of hiking trails (suitable for all abilities) directly accessible from the hotel are your path to a total immersion in the wonders of Mother Nature. Head out solo or with a certified guide–for detailed local insights and a deeper understanding of the region’s flora and fauna. Alternatively, for an aerial view of your surroundings, Lake Louise Gondola is just a five-minute drive from the property. From here you can get a clear view of the bountiful local wildlife: elk, mountain goats, moose and grizzly bears (to name a few). Back at the hotel, Chef Hans Sauter’s menu of hearty, local cuisine–and one of the country’s largest wine cellars– awaits. Weary legs can wander into the expansive Temple Mountain Spa–simply sit back, kick off your hiking boots and soak up the sounds of the Bow River and the unbridled beauty of Canada’s olde st national park as you recharge and rejuvenate for the next day’s exertions.
TERRA – THE MAGIC PLACE Sarentino, Italy
Preserving local tradition, reinventing culinary heritage
Far from any hustle and bustle, Terra – The Magic Place is nestled in untouched nature amid the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. This breathtaking backdrop is a prime example of how the topography of a place can powerfully shape its culture. Today, while easily accessible, this mountain setting cultivates uniquely skilled, selfsufficient people: Terra – The Magic Place is a sanctuary where guests can immerse themselves in the living traditions of the Sarntal Alps. Life here is centered around creative culinary tradition, which is baked into Chef Heinrich Schneider’s two-Michelinstarred restaurant (also the recipient of a coveted green star for its sustainable approach and a Michelin key for the hotel’s cozy atmosphere). Dine on regional dishes reimagined for modern palates and presented with contemporary flair. Chef Schneider’s sister Gisela is the sommelier, whose expertise often leads to rare finds from lesser-known winemakers. Breakfast is served on the terrace, where communal tables invite guests to swap stories of their mountain exploits: with just 11 rooms, the property offers intimate escapes brimming with the heart, soul and friendly atmosphere of a familyrun establishment.
HÔTEL-SPA LA BOUITTE – RESTAURANT RENÉ ET MAXIME MEILLEUR Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, France
Discover nature’s bounty
For the Meilleur family, descended from a long line of Savoyard settlers, the Savoie region is in their blood. In the heart of the Trois Vallées and the ski resorts of Les Menuires and Val Thorens, La Bouitte’s origin story begins as a humble potato field traded in exchange for carpentry skills, followed by half a century of hard graft, and utter dedication to a place called home by multiple generations. The result? A two-Michelin-starred restaurant, headed by father and son duo René and Maxime. Even more impressive, the pair achieved this acclaim with no formal culinary training. Budding gourmands can follow in Chef René’s footsteps as he gathers seasonal herbs, mushrooms and berries for the day’s carte blanche menu, on a guided ‘Flora & Fauna’ tour of the valley’s local bounty. Follow this with a well-earned treatment in La Bèla Vya spa, before unwinding in one of 15 traditionally decorated suites. Suffused into every corner of La Bouitte is the Meilleur family’s unwavering authenticity, which feels like a breath of fresh Alpine air.
WALLISERHOF GRAND-HOTEL & SPA Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Meet the marmots–and other enchanting escapes
From mid-April onwards, visitors to Switzerland’s Saas-Fee mountains can get up close and personal with some of the region’s cutest creatures: marmots. Hike along the Spielboden or Stafelwald trails and you’ll come across plenty of these friendly balls of fur. Children will love feeding carrots and peanuts to these little critters (who are only too happy to accept). Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa can arrange guided excursions for guests to meet marmots in a safe environment. After a day spent traversing the Swiss Alps, you’ll have earned a soak in one of the spa’s w arm pools. Chef Michael Wirkes’ slow-food menu will satiate even the most avid of appetites. His holistic approach to dining focuses not only on the ingredients and how they are cooked but also the time spent savoring them. Walliserhof’s aim is for you to leave feeling rejuvenated and better than when you arrived. It’s about spending time in the Alpine air and getting your body moving–not health fads and dieting. A welcoming escape from the everyday, Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa is an inspiring and enchanting place to reconnect with nature, with yourself–and those marmots.
PARK HOTEL SONNENHOF Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Alpine oenology in idyllic surrounds
Wine enthusiasts take note. Located in the tiny country of Liechtenstein, Park Hotel Sonnenhof is a remarkable family-run hotel, ideally located to sample the fruits of the surrounding Bündner Machtum, Heidiland and Rhine Valley. Famed for their unique wines, notably ʻNinolia’ (otherwise known as Pinot Noir), not to mention awardwinning Riesling, here, wines are pressed, matured and bottled unfiltered with the utmost respect for the grape. Take a tour of the surrounding vineyards to discover the secrets of the region’s winemaking traditions, learn about the local terroir and its emblematic grape varieties and hone your sensory skills in assessing each bottling you try. Alternatively, enjoy a glass from the comfort of your hotel. Owner Hubertus Real’s passion for local produce is infectious, so it’s no surprise his cellar boasts an extensive selection of wines the valley is famous for. Savor a languid lunch over a bottle–all but a constitutional right in Liechtenstein, which has an official 90-minute lunch break–as you gaze out across the fairy tale-like Vaduz Castle, the Prince of Liechtenstein’s very own vineyards and Park Hotel Sonnenhof’s pictureperfect flower gardens.
