For some, winter travel is all about running from the cold to greener—or perhaps sandier—pastures. For others, it means taking advantage of all the cold and heading for snow-covered terrain. Whether the destination is a beach or a ski slope, we want to stay in a place that contributes to the atmosphere we desire from our winter sojourn: invigorating or contemplative, joyful or relaxing. Today’s most interesting winter resorts present novel design languages that will elevate your stay into something unique and memorable.
Here are five architecturally compelling luxury winter destinations for your next trip.
SALT of Palmar – Palmar, Mauritius
The first Design Hotel member in Mauritius, SALT of Palmar’s architecture and design reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the Indian Ocean island nation. Mauritius is a diverse country with myriad cultural influences woven through it, and the bold, colourful language of this boutique hotel, designed by Camille Walala, aptly reflects that. The resort’s structure, inspired by traditional Moroccan buildings, carries a stimulating architectural ethos that grabs the attention. Unapologetically contrasting itself with the minimalism typical of many other luxury resorts, SALT of Palmar has a joyful and invigorating design that’s anything but quiet.
Patina Maldives – Fari Islands, Maldives
Asia’s smallest country is home to Patina Maldives, a beachside resort consisting of elegant private villas arranged about the islands. The architecture of the villas is notable for how seamlessly it renders the flow between inside and outside, skillfully making the border between the two ambiguous. Many of the villas can be opened up on three sides due to their floor-to-ceiling windows, placing guests more directly into the relaxation of the island lifestyle. Created by celebrated Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, some of Patina Maldives’ structures are submerged within the islands’ greenery while others sit directly on the water, the whole resort integrated into the environment in a natural way.
Casona Sforza – Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Located on the beach in Oaxaca, Mexico, this boutique resort was designed in a collaboration with veteran Mexican architect Alberto Kalach. Kalach ensured that Casona Sforza distinguished itself from the other resorts around Puerto Escondido with a unique design of arched structures arranged asymmetrically, creating an architectural sensibility entirely its own. A hypnotic swimming pool composed of concentric circles lies beside the brick structures, while a short distance away the Oaxacan forest gives way to the sea. Resolutely bohemian in its composition of beautiful earthy tones, Casona Sforza’s distinct design sets the foundation for a tranquil beach getaway of the highest caliber.
Le Coucou – Méribel, France
Le Coucou is located high in the mountains of southern France near the border with Italy, a grand, cozy building looming over the valley. The ski resort’s architecture projects a strong personality, nodding at classic chalet design while also playing with tradition using sharp angles and stacked structures. Inside, playfulness is injected into Le Coucou’s take on the ski chalet using bursts of colour and an eclectic sensibility. The resort’s gorgeous spa contrasts with the building’s exterior; this space is steeped in sharp modernity, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sparse, stone-dominated layout.
Chetzeron – Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Formerly an abandoned station for gondola lifts, the rough, stone-covered facade of this ski resort gives it a rugged look that contrasts interestingly with the luxurious minimalism found inside. Chetzeron’s design is dominated by beautiful massive windows, stone and wood, building up an understated elegance that prioritizes relaxation and simplicity. The resort sits deep in the mountains, the bay windows providing perfect views of the rocky terrain. The isolated luxury of the hotel’s architecture grants it an atmosphere of wintery contemplation, suitable for introspective moments in between time on the slopes.
