After an exciting holiday season of celebrations and lavish parties, it’s time for cozy winter escapes. All-in-one resorts provide magical winter wonderland settings with exciting outdoor adventures and luxurious suites – everything you need for the ultimate winter break experience.
Highlands, North Carolina offers an idyllic mountain town experience, boasting charming inns and top-of-the-line restaurants that will add warmth to any winter getaway.
1. The Lodge at Spruce Peak
The 250-room Lodge at Spruce Peak lies directly at the base of Stowe, Vermont’s Spruce Peak and marks the end of Mountain Road – an amazingly scenic drive featuring views of Mt. Mansfield at every turn!
The rooms feature an elegant mix of rustic and contemporary decor, with large windows showcasing stunning mountain views. Suites may include kitchens, stone-framed fireplaces and private balconies; many furnishings were handmade by local artisans to further elevate the upscale atmosphere.
Hotel features of note include an impressive spa, outdoor pool with mountain views and an acclaimed restaurant. Additionally, this venue makes an excellent destination wedding location thanks to a tree-lined ice rink or terrace ceremony overlooking Mt. Mansfield.
2. Lake Placid Lodge
Lake Placid Lodge is an unforgettable Adirondack retreat that combines rustic charm with contemporary flair, creating the ultimate arts and crafts-style resort. Reminiscent of Great Camps that were coveted vacation homes of Rockefellers and Vanderbilts alike, Lake Placid Lodge lies along Lake Placid’s shores offering expansive views of Whiteface Mountain from 17 guest cabins and suites all boasting spacious stone porches, wood-burning fireplaces, and cozy featherbeds – it’s truly magnificent arts and crafts-style resort has made this dreamlike resort come alive!
At Maggie’s Pub and Artisans Restaurant, guests can experience exciting lodge activities and events, like wine tastings, holiday celebrations, and family getaways. Both venues boast fresh local ingredients expertly prepared.
Lake Placid Lodge can be reached by flying into Saranac Lake (SLK). From there, it is an easy drive into Lake Placid itself for hiking trails and attractions galore! For best room deals during low season stay booked during low season stays.
3. Banff National Park
Banff National Park boasts breathtaking mountain scenery year-round, from towering mountains to turquoise lakes (such as Lake Louise) and lush forests. You’ll find wildlife living its natural life within close proximity to restaurants, hotels and outdoor activities designed for hikers, mountain bikers, climbers, skiers and snowboarders.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, one of the parks’ premier attractions, opens its doors in winter to provide both leisure and adventure travelers. Kids will delight in skating on Lake Louise’s natural ice surface maintained by the hotel while families seeking greater adventure may wish to head downriver towards Baker Creek Mountain Resort log cabins along the Bow River for winter adventures.
Layers are essential when visiting any national park, but layering up for Banff in winter requires extra consideration. Consider thermal undershirts under your flannel shirt, waterproof ski pants or snow pants over jeans and warm bottoms when venturing outdoors, etc.
4. Crystal Springs Resort & Mountain Creek Resort
Crystal Springs Resort & Mountain Creek Resort, nestled into the scenic Sussex County mountains in New Jersey, is one of the Northeast’s premier golf, spa and culinary resorts. Boasting five-star hotel accommodations as well as the acclaimed four-star Restaurant Latour and top-ranked golf course; as well as being home to one of the world’s largest solar powered waterparks; and two luxurious spas recognized by Spas of America – all features make the Crystal Springs experience unforgettable!
At this all-season hotel, guests will find restful guestrooms, exquisite dining options, and state-of-the-art pools to satisfy every season of stay. Kids especially enjoy swimming in the Biosphere Pool: an outdoor heated pool featuring retractable roof with mini fish aquarium and lounge chairs – even when it snows! They even get to swim outside during snowstorms!
At Minerals Resort, there is an inviting residential community amidst stunning natural scenery that includes single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums. Residents enjoy access to Minerals Hotel amenities including Elements Spa and a sports club offering indoor/outdoor heated nature pools, sauna, steam room, tennis/racquetball courts plus a full basketball court as well as over 45 weekly fitness classes – making for a rewarding lifestyle at this beautiful resort!
