Six Luxurious Stays to Enjoy a Lavish Experience in the Mountains
According to our research, one quarter (26%)* of global travelers are likely to stay at more luxurious accommodations during their vacation, while half (52%)* of global travelers would like to stay in mountainous areas. With that in mind, Booking.com presents six luxurious stays in the mountains that are ideal for travelers seeking for a unique experience that combines maximum comfort with stunning mountain views and exceptional attention to detail. From snowy wonderlands to peaceful retreats away from the hustle and bustle of city life, these stays will bring a vacation in the mountains to a real higher level.
The Chedi Andermatt, Andermatt, Switzerland
Located in a quiet area in Andermatt, amidst the beautiful nature of the Swiss Alps, The Chedi Andermatt is a stunning hotel that combines Swiss hospitality with Asian elegance. The property is surrounded by incredible mountain views, and features a 25,833 square-foot (2,400-square-meter) wellness and spa area where even the hotel’s non-residents can enjoy a relaxing visit. The property’s day passes include access to the spa as well as afternoon tea or lunch. Perfect for the half of (51%) travelers** interested in paying for day passes to use the amenities in a five star hotel rather than actually staying there in 2024. For all the ski enthusiasts, this Travel Sustainable property offers easy access to around 112 miles (180 km) of slopes, and to make its guests' skiing experience even smoother, the property has free ski storage and guests can also rent their skiing equipment directly on site. The beautiful city of Lucerne is an hour drive away where travelers can enjoy a variety of activities like city tours and cable car rides.
The Grand Dragon Ladakh, Leh, India
Located in the ancient city of Leh, the largest city of Ladakh, this eco-friendly hotel overlooks the famous Cold Desert, a breathtaking landscape of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. With three in five (60%)** travelers wanting to see sustainability in action, this solar powered property has made important environmental improvements to its structure including techniques to reduce the consumption of fresh water. The luxurious property has lavish interiors with wooden details, decorated with handmade paintings by one of the first modern artists of Ladakh. Decorated with colorful traditional woodwork, the hotel's restaurant offers uninterrupted views of the Stok Kangri mountain range.
The Grand Dragon Ladakh is set in a destination of cultural and historical significance which can be explored through rich in flavor local cuisine, traditions and historical sites, including a variety of ancient monasteries. Guests should not miss Ladakh’s most popular dish, momos, traditional dumplings originating from Tibet. The Likir Monastery, a Buddhist monastery just 32 miles (52 km) outside of Leh is perched atop a little hill by the Indus River, which starts near the Mansarovar Lake, in Tibet in China and enters India through Ladakh.
Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa - Adults-Only Resort, Vernon, Canada
Blending nicely with the surrounding natural landscape, Sparkling Hill Resort and Spa has a unique architecture with crystals sparkling throughout the hotel's design. The “sparkling” property’s glass wall even looks like a crystal, a concept created by the chief designer of a brand famous for a range of precision-cut crystal glass. Overlooking the beautiful Okanagan Lake in Vernon and the Monashee Mountain range, this luxurious property offers its guests a truly rejuvenating experience with over 100 different treatments in the onsite spa such as a special cold chamber, which is said to improve circulation and energy, shell-like showers, and a variety of refreshing scents.
With three quarters of global travelers (75%) agree that being close to water instantly makes them feel more relaxed and with over a third (36%) interested in water-centric vacations in 2024** guests should not miss the opportunity to try the hotel’s igloo treatment. During this unique indoor treatment guests can relax with the sounds of crackling ice while cooling off thanks to the chilled silver tiles, creating a refreshing environment.
Vernon is highly endorsed by Booking.com travelers for relaxation, scenery and friendly people and is a great place for outdoor activities. The vibrant city of Kelowna is only a 45 minutes drive away and is home to many wineries and orchards. Travelers looking for a more fun way to explore the city can book a scavenger hunt.
Miramonti Boutique Hotel, Avelengo, Italy
Located in the world famous Dolomites at an altitude of 4035 feet (1230 meters) above sea level, Miramonti Boutique Hotel is a great getaway for those who are looking for a luxurious place to recharge and enjoy the healing powers of nature. Offering a sense of exclusivity and privacy, this stylish boutique hotel features an onsen pool, a forest sauna 65 feet (20 meters) above the ground and an infinity pool with healing salt water overlooking Merano. Tucked into a valley amongst the nourishing Italian Dolomites, Merano is home to thermal baths, leafy boulevards and medieval hilltop castles.
This Travel Sustainable accommodation is just a short drive away from the city of Merano and Bolzano where travelers join one of the many guided tours to explore more of the UNESCO-protected Dolomites mountain range. Situated amongst the stunning snow-capped mountains of the Italian Dolomites, Bolzano is the capital of Italy’s northernmost region of South Tyrol, and travelers can visit one of the many medieval castles and the gothic ‘duomo’ cathedral with its imposing spires that sits in contrast to the city’s pastel-painted houses.
Zaborin, Niseko, Japan
Combining contemporary Japanese luxury with a unique serene environment, this beautiful ryokan that is based in the foothills of Hokkaido, offers a perfect stay for relaxation and reflection. The hotel's zen aesthetic and breathtaking mountain views will help its guests to declutter their minds and get a closer connection with nature. Featuring views of a private forest, the villas are a mix of Japanese-style and Western-style, embracings the modern comforts while keeping the traditions alive. Travelers can enjoy a unique culinary experience that appreciates nature by using seasonal ingredients and inspired by “kaiseki”, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner.
Highly recommended for winter sports, scenery, hot springs and mountains by Booking.com travelers, Niseko offers unique and enriching experiences as it combines world class skiing and snowboarding with breathtaking landscapes and Japanese onsens.
Famous for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival with the enormous ice sculptures that takes place during the first week of February, Sapporo, the capital of the mountainous northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, is a two hours drive away from the property. Guests can plan a day trip to the city and discover its most iconic landmarks.
Chalet Azobe Morzine - by EMERALD STAY, Montriond, France
Located in the French Alps, this luxurious Travel Sustainable chalet offers four stylish bedrooms in a perfect spot for nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts. The wooden features, along with the fluffy textures, the cozy fireplace and the attention to detail keep this spacious chalet luxurious and elegant. Guests can relax in the outdoor hot tub after a day of skiing, while enjoying the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Highly endorsed by Booking.com travelers for mountains, nature, tranquility and downhill ski, Montriond is set north of the ski resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil ski resorts area. The city of Geneva is just an hour drive away. Travelers can explore the second-most populous city in Switzerland and discover some of the city’s most iconic sights. A walk through the Old Town, a selfie at the Jet d'Eau fountain, or a visit at the European Headquarters of the United Nations are some of the must sees in Geneva.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 42,513 respondents across 33 markets (2,000 from USA, 1,008 from Canada, 2,000 from Mexico, 1,000 from Colombia, 2,000 from Brazil, 1,000 from Argentina, 2,000 from Australia, 1,000 from New Zealand, 2,000 from Spain, 2,000 from Italy, 2,000 from France, 2,000 from UK, 2,000 from Germany, 1,000 from Netherlands, 1,000 from Denmark, 1,000 from Sweden, 1,000 from Croatia, 1,000 from Switzerland, 1,000 from Belgium, 1,000 from Ireland, 1,000 from Portugal, 1,000 from Israel, 2,000 from India, 1,000 from China, 1,005 from Hong Kong, 1,000 from Thailand, 1,000 from Singapore, 1,000 from Taiwan, 1,000 from Vietnam, 1,000 from South Korea, 1,000 from Japan, 500 from UAE). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months, and planning to travel in 2023 and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2023.
**Travel Predictions 2024 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,730 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1008 from Argentina, 1012 from Australia, 505 from Austria, 1001 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1009 from Canada, 1009 from China, 1002 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 504 from Denmark, 1011 from France, 1011 from Germany, 1016 from Hong Kong, 1004 from India, 510 from Ireland, 504 from Israel, 1014 from Italy, 1004 from Japan, 1009 from Mexico, 1014 from The Netherlands, 1015 from New Zealand, 500 from Portugal, 502 from Singapore, 1010 from South Korea, 1009 from Spain, 502 from Sweden, 507 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1003 from Thailand, 502 from the UAE, 1007 from the UK, 1005 from the US and 1007 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July 2023.