Head for the hills: our exceptional mountain properties

Perched at 3,300 feet above sea level near the Drakensberg Escarpment, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge is set deep within the Nambiti Private Reserve. This protected land, renowned for its population of the “Big Five,” is also home to forty other species, including the cheetah, and more than 280 species of birds. The property is a private haven composed of five suites built on a cliffside and looking out over the Sunday River and the savannah. Each morning, your guide will take you to secret spots to discover the thrilling wildlife. You can also glide over the reserve in a hot-air balloon, unless you prefer gaining altitude on the slopes of the Drakensberg, reaching an elevation of 11,422 feet.

The master of these premises spent more than three decades developing the surrounding hills and woodlands to create this singular site. Tenku no Mori (Japanese for “forests in the sky”), clinging to the volcanic mountains of Kirishima, provides an exclusive retreat utterly enveloped by nature. Its five discreet villas nearly disappear in the landscape of dense forest and mist-covered crests. Each is so isolated from the others that the occupants feel like the lush natural environment is for them and them alone. A private onsen (thermal bath) is on every terrace deck, filled with naturally hot water drawn from hundreds of feet beneath the earth. Flee the constraints of time and the rules of the outside world in this peaceful, verdant retreat.

This chalet of 15 rooms and suites, tucked away in the hamlet of Saint-Marcel, was crafted through the dedication of René and Maxime Meilleur, the father and son duo that also run the two-star restaurant, now in the midst of a revival and joined by the third generation. Every corner exudes authentic Savoyard spirit, each room is decorated with charming secondhand furniture, the shelves rich with pottery and cowbells. This hotel, a world away from the crowded resorts, is a peaceful retreat in an enchanting village, just minutes from the slopes of Les 3 Vallées. A shuttle will drop you off at your convenience, while seasoned skiers can even return on skis. La Bouitte is much more than a hotel – it is a warm, welcoming family house in which every detail has a story all its own.

Les Barmes de l’Ours is a hospitality jewel in superb natural surroundings, with 76 rooms and suites, each floor a distinct world reflecting one of the countless facets of mountain life: Scandinavian Spirit, North American Lodge, Alpine Chalet or Contemporary. Whatever atmosphere you choose, the view of the legendary Bellevarde or the village of Val d’Isère will take your breath away the moment you awaken. Within the hotel, the Galerie des Barmes hosts the unique and ephemeral winter exhibition of a contemporary artist. Numerous works of art sublimate the mirrored, wood and stone-clad spaces, inviting visitors to a cultural experience in a warm atmosphere.

The Gardena Grödnerhof, set in the stunning Dolomites, has been run by the same family for three generations. In the renowned ski resort of Ortisei, this Italian getaway with 64 rooms and suites gives guests exceptional access to the spectacular landscapes of Val Gardena, a wonderland of dizzying peaks, forests, and alpine pastures. Summer and winter, those who love the great outdoors come to explore the hiking trails, schuss down the slopes, or simply bask in the ever-evolving beauty of the peaks. To unwind after an active day, relax in the superb spa spanning nearly 20,000 square feet and featuring an indoor pool, an outdoor whirlpool, a cold-water pool, saunas and steam baths, as well as a spacious fitness area and an elegant treatment zone.

The green-roofed Storfjord takes its inspiration from the country’s distinctive architecture, with the majestic Sunnmøre Alps as the property’s backdrop. Behind the log walls, this establishment of 30 rooms and suites combines Norwegian traditions with contemporary elegance in its fireplaces, soft blankets, and breathtaking views of alpine landscapes. In the winter, after a day of skiing on a quest for the freshest powder, or in summertime, after a kayak trip through the fjord, come back to lounge by the fire with an evening cocktail before a dinner inspired by the flavors of the surrounding region. The perfect place to rest and recharge in true peace and quiet.

The Little Nell in Aspen is the quintessence of alpine elegance, a haven for those who love both skiing and refined hospitality. It is the only five-star property in the United States to be ISO 14001 certified, an environmental management standard, having introduced its own innovative program called the Eco-Luxe Program. The 92 rooms and suites exude all the comfort and warmth of a contemporary chalet, with crackling fireplaces and carefully selected works of art. The hotel is famed for its après-ski, with everyone gathering on the deck of Ajax Tavern for a drink or inside the cozy Wine Bar before giving in to the temptation of the inventive cuisine at the property’s Michelin-recommended restaurant, Element 47, complemented by the establishment’s legendary wine cellar, recognized by The World of Fine Wine for “Best Hotel Wine List in the World.”

In a picture-postcard setting with the mountains of Banff National Park in the background, the Post Hotel & Spa at Lake Louise boasts an incomparable location and the recent distinction of a Michelin Key. This former 1940s ski lodge tucked in the Bow Valley has been renovated from top to bottom, for the feel of a Canadian cabin and unmistakable mountain charm. The 61 rooms and 29 suites feature stone fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs with views of the snow-capped peaks. After a day of skiing or hiking, the Temple Mountain Spa is the place to relax and recharge before sitting down in the renowned dining room for an evening of refined cuisine. Wine lovers, of course, will be delighted with any of the cellar’s 22,000 bottles, which has earned the coveted Grand Award from Wine Spectator for 23 consecutive years.

There could be no better location for a mountain hotel than across from the Streif, one of the world’s most challenging downhill slopes, traversed each winter by the planet’s greatest ski champions. This traditional Tyrolean wood-balconied chalet overlooking the Kitzbühel resort, and owned by the same family since 1929, has just 39 rooms, all decorated with family antiques characteristic of the region. Even celebrated figures have stayed here, like writer Ian Fleming, whose suite was named James Bond, after the main character in his spy novels. If you want to do something other than ski, you can try your hand at local sports like curling and, come summer, set off on the hiking trails that start right from the property.

In one of the most remote regions of Chile, Awasi Patagonia is composed of fourteen independent villas overlooking the Torres del Paine National Park. The outer construction blends into the natural surroundings while wood covers the floors and ceilings inside. Though the raw materials are rustic, warmth and comfort are everywhere in the welcoming sofas, cozy alpaca blankets, and glowing wood stoves. The vast windowscapes frame the striking spectacle of the neighboring mountains and glaciers. Each villa comes with its own vehicle and guide, to allow you to explore the magnificent countryside and see condors, guanacos, and pumas.

Not far from the legendary Bran Castle, Matca Hotel is a haven nestled among forests and meadows, offering breathtaking views of the Transylvanian mountains. This traditional farmhouse blends seamlessly into a landscape of rolling hills and wildflowers, set against the backdrop of the summits of the Piatra Craiului Mountains and Bucegi Natural Park. Guest rooms are housed in outbuildings with shingled roofs, echoing regional design. Inside, the muted elegance of pale wood and panoramic windows frames the ever-changing mountain light. Guests can wander scenic trails, swim in the indoor pool with sweeping views, or unwind with massage and halotherapy. Evenings bring a convivial atmosphere and cuisine rooted in Romanian tradition.