While Malaysians are blessed to have sunshine all year round, there’s just something incredibly enchanting about winter and snow, making winter destination weddings and winter honeymoons a trend these days. Whether you want to build a snowman, watch the Northern Lights or ski to your heart’s content, here are 7 romantic winter honeymoon resorts, courtesy of HotelsCombined.
1. Hotel Kakslauttanen, Finland
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is located high up above the Arctic Circle, in the north-east corner of Finnish Lapland. It’s a secluded log cabin village that’s ideal for an arctic romantic break where guests can catch the Northern Lights in a glass igloo. If you’ve always wanted to catch the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), be sure to book your trip between late August to late April as it’s the best time to see the lights. Those who are looking to have a destination wedding can do so at the hotel’s chapel built entirely out of snow and couples can also have a ride to the wedding site on a sleigh, drawn by a reindeer or a horse.
2. LeCrans Hotel & Spa, Switzerland
LeCrans Hotel & Spa is set amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Swiss Alps and is perfect for newlyweds and those who want complete privacy. The hotel is located at the top of the ski resort and is surrounded by spectacular scenery facing the open skies, warm sun and magnificent mountains. The eight suites and seven rooms are decorated in various styles and themes, inspired by mountains and regions of the world. Avid skiers will be pleased to know that the slopes are a mere 100 meters away. With 300 days of sunshine every year, LeCrans Hotel & Spa is dubbed one of the most attractive resorts in Switzerland.
3. Cristallo Palace Hotel Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
This former palace structure that’s converted into an award-winning five star resort is located close to Lake Misurina which sits 1,754m above sea level. The light and mountains can be seen from the hotel’s veranda, swimming pool and windows of the rooms and suites, providing one of the most breathtaking views in the world. The rooms are decorated with hand-painted boiseries on the walls and the armchairs and beds are covered with fragrant cotton and silk textures while embroidered carpets in soft colours and Gustavian-style furniture and decor add to the hotel’s refinery. Couples will love the spa which comes with a semi-circular pool overlooking the Tofane Mountains. Dine at La Veranda after your spa session and take in the gorgeous views of Cortina.
4. Muottas Muragl Hotel, Switzerland
Muottas Muragl Hotel is not just a favorite mountaintop resort for some of the world’s most avid skiers but it’s also the first energy positive hotel in all of the Alps. The 104-year-old lodge has just completed a year’s worth of renovations to incorporate renewable energy and sustainable living, putting it on the map as one of the most luxurious green escapes in Europe. This hotel is only accessible via helicopter or specialized trams that run on a strict schedule from the village below – the Muottas Muragl sits 8,000 feet above sea level. Each suite (there are 16 exclusive suites) is built from local Swiss stone, pine and walnut. Here, couples can enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner at the Panorama restaurant while the sun sets behind the Alpine peaks. Be sure to also try a traditional Graubünden afternoon tea – a tasty, fortifying snack comprising regional specialities. Couples seeking a bit of adventure can try catching the bob ride from St Moritz on the renowned Olympia Bob Run, with speeds up to 135km/h that only takes 75 seconds to go downhill.
5. The Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada
The Fairmont Banff Springs is located in the heart of Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as a landmark in the picturesque alpine town of Banff in Alberta. This year-round luxury mountain resort offers a championship golf course during the summer and unparalleled skiing in the winter. There are 768 guest rooms and suites and pet owners will be glad to note that your furry member of the family is welcomed in this resort. Relax at the Willow Stream Spa and let the pulsating waterfalls and mineral pool rejuvenate your tired muscles from your wedding planning. Newlyweds can also take advantage of personalised activities from brunches, daily wine and food tastings to heritage hotel tours.
6. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, USA
The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch is nestled in an exclusive enclave on Beaver Creek Mountain in Colorado and this resort has 180 well-appointed rooms that offer scenic views of the Eagle River Valley or Beaver Creek Mountain. Before arriving at this scenic retreat, the resort’s guest relations team will assist you in customising your Vail Valley experience be it an outdoor adventure or off-property activities. Savour seasonal specials at Spago, the Forbes four star restaurant of Wolfgang Puck. Couples can also indulge in a Signature Copper Tub Soak or requested for breakfast to be delivered to your room. Should you stay here during the Christmas holidays, the resort offers twelve days of Christmas countdown activities such as snowman building, decorating your own holiday cookies, learning how to make cinnamon and peppermint ice cream as well as experiencing a stargazing tour.
Altapura is a 5-star hotel in Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe in the heart of the Three Valleys. It also houses Europe’s highest ice skating ring. There are 72 rooms in Altapura and 16 suites with large French windows that give you advantageous views of the snow-covered Alps. In the rooms, you will find interactive touch screens, iPhone/ipod docks along with a Mac Mini TV that allows couples to watch the latest films for free, listen to the radio and take advantage of tips from the resort’s physical preparation coach. The hotel’s Pure Altitude spa boasts seven treatment rooms, designed with the skier in mind. The spa offers a wide selection of treatments specialising in muscular relaxation, physical preparation and recuperation. Couples can enjoy a glass of champagne or truffle fondue at La Laiterie restaurant after a day of skiing.
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