As it happens, it was the summer from hell — temperature wise — when you started planning your honeymoon, and there was no way you could envision a post wedding retreat that went anywhere with a soaring heat index — even if umbrella-studded drinks and palm trees were involved. So together you made the decision to travel somewhere cold, some place where you could canoodle before a roaring fire wrapped in cashmere blankets. You imagined yourselves enwrapped in one another’s arms, drinking hot chocolate, gorging on fondue, snowshoeing to a remote cabin in the woods where a butler would magically appear to serve you a warm lunch. Right away, you prepared for skiing in the gym and bought new parkas and ski boots. Now, it’s time for your chilly reward. Here’s where to go.
Montage Healdsburg, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California
Utterly romantic in winter as a crisp mist envelops Sonoma’s array of intimate vineyards, this Northern California wine region exudes a cuddle-worthy otherworldliness, ideal for wine lovers. Look no further than Montage Healdsburg, an enclave of stand-alone bungalows pocketed amid the forest, mountains and sleeping winter vines, just minutes from the characteristic winemaker’s hamlet of Healdsburg. Greeted with a glass of house-made bubbles or wine upon check-in, then gifted with a half bottle of Aperture in your room upon arrival (crafted by world-renowned winemaker Jesse Katz from Montage’s own 15.5 acres of vineyards), lovers can linger in their suite, partaking of the deep soaking tub, outdoor shower or ample terrace. Enjoy a VIP tasting arranged by the concierge, restaurant Hazel Hill’s six-course tasting menu highlighting the bounty of the region, hikes through the vineyard, swimming in the jaw- dropping adults-only pool, morning yoga on a green space amongst the vines, customized wine tastings at the area’s most touted wineries and Spa Montage’s two-hour Journey of the Senses a deux. Just sitting beside the fire snuggling is also enthusiastically recommended.
The Little Nell, Aspen Colorado
Epitomizing Aspen’s enchanting ability to be both cosmopolitan and down-to-earth at once, The Little Nell, elegant, yet unpretentious, occupies the ski town’s best address: slope-side on Aspen Mountain beside the Silver Queen Gondola. Newlyweds can cozy up in their luxurious accommodations (our favorite is the spacious and beautifully appointed Paepcke Suite), enjoy the outdoor pool, brand-new spa and avail themselves of the retreat’s stellar Adventure and Ski Concierges. These experts can arrange on-and off-mountain, seasonal, exclusive activities — such as First Tracks (a run down the mountain before the ski resort opens), snowcat powder tours, snowshoe hikes complete with gourmet picnics — even winter fashion shopping romps at the world’s most coveted stores. Back at the hotel, end the day doing après-ski the Aspen way with a glass of Champagne at see-and-be-seen Ajax Tavern or in the hotel’s swish Wine Bar or outdoor patio known as The Nest. Gaze into one another’s eyes during a romantic dinner at Little Nell’s Michelin-recommended restaurant, Element 47. For the pièce de résistance, do a private tour and tasting in the hotel’s celebrated wine cellar with its trove of some 20,000 bottles lorded over by an army of first-class sommeliers.
Gstaad Palace, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, Gstaad Switzerland
For just marrieds entranced with the idea of writing your own fairytale as you romp through the snow, then Gstaad, a storybook village tucked into Switzerland’s mountainous Bernese valleys, has legs. Built in 1913 to mimic a castle, complete with crenellations and towers, a landing place for royals, silver screen stars and glitterati, the Palace sets a noble tone year round. Particularly paradisiacal in winter, the historic hotel espouses a motto that says it all: “Every guest is a king, and every king is a guest.” So don’t be afraid to hold court here from your Tower Junior Suite Mountain View, a haven, replete with exposed beams, hand-built Swiss furnishings and a bathtub in the turret. Fulfill fondue goals at cult favorite La Fromagerie, ensconced in a former bunker on the hotel grounds, one of the resort’s six restaurants. Restore in the immense spa with both indoor and outdoor pools (and one of the Palace’s ubiquitous fireplaces) after an active day downhill skiing or pedaling a fat tire bike through the snow.
