STORIES

Cosy hotels on the agenda this winter? Squirrelling away to a warm hotel room to enjoy endless breakfasts in bed, charming activities and heaps of comfort food is the perfect way to close off the year, in our book. Read on to discover the most ‘hygge’ properties in our Collection and get a snug winter stay booked in…

1. Renvyle House Hotel: Connemara, Ireland

A very warm welcome awaits at Renvyle House Hotel. Numerous flickering firesides, comfortable bedrooms and delicious meals that are prepared and cooked by an award-winning team make this the paragon of cosy hotels in our Collection, replete with personal touches. Upon arrival guests are welcomed with a glass of sherry, while complimentary guided walks around the Renvyle Peninsula provide plenty of opportunities to learn about the history of the area.

Hygge vibes are both inside and outside at this gorgeous property, too. Kick back in the inviting warmth of the outdoor hot tub or take advantage of the wood-fired sauna next to the beach: perfect ways to unwind in the Irish countryside, no matter the weather. Their indoor spa provides plenty of incredible treatments for those not wanting to venture away from the hotel as well. From its proximity to exciting activities to its caring catering to guests, you’re not short of ways to catch up on the finer things in life here.

2. Twr y Felin Hotel: St Davids, Wales

Where better to hunker down and hide from the winter storms than your own former windmill? At Twr y Felin Hotel – located on the west coast of Wales – the Windmill Tower Suite is the best room in the house. The three-floor suite includes its very own observatory offering spectacular 360 degree views of the St Davids peninsula and beyond. On a clear day the islands of Skomer, Grassholm and Ramsey pierce the horizon of St Brides Bay, whilst the Preseli Hills offer a mountainous backdrop to the mostly marine landscape. You’ll never want to leave the room.

If you do, however, more surprises are in store. Wales’ first contemporary art hotel is filled with incredible local works for its guests to admire, while its restaurant offers specially-crafted food made from seasonal ingredients designed to reflect the area’s wealth of produce. Take time to snuggle up in the bar before you leave. Cornel Bar is a gorgeous hideaway promising a range of drinks and cocktails to bookmark your evening’s festivities, infusing your hygge plans with a touch of the party spirit.

3. Hotel Park: Bergen, Norway

Cosy hotels don’t get much better than Hotel Park. This delightful property is family-run, which means that you’ll get heartfelt service here that’s hard to find anywhere else. Comprising two buildings and containing 35 traditionally-furnished rooms, the hotel strikes the perfect balance between intimacy, class and character that’s sure to make your stay feel all the more charming. Recline in plush furnishings and admire the several antiques hiding in the property’s many nooks and crannies before heading out into the city of Bergen, the main sights of which are all in walking distance from your door. In particular, the iconic Bryggen facades and the Fantoft Stave Church are not to be missed.

There’s something so special about Norway in the winter, too. Between September and April it’s considered to be ‘Viking season’ in Bergen: with icy fjords and mountains dusted with snow setting the scene for an incredible trip back in time. Catch a Viking-themed boat ride from the harbour and listen to your guide regale you with stories from the past. It’s an exceptional way to spend a winter’s day here.

4. Villa Bergzauber: Roßleithen, Austria

Dramatic hills and sweeping forestry make up the landscape surrounding Villa Bergzauber: a standalone jewel in the heart of the Austrian countryside. An escape here feels like pure magic… largely due to the efforts of the property’s staff, who take pride in providing exceptional service to all those who visit while calm-focused facilities, such as the sauna and infrared cabin, ensure that relaxation is only ever a few feet away. Adventures aren’t far, either. From its perch on a tall hill, the hotel is an incredible touchpoint for a range of activities. Wander through snowkissed alpine pastures, make your way to the quaint mountain spa town of Windischgarsten and more during your enchanting winter stay.

What’s more, Villa Bergzauber has managed to strike the perfect balance between being one of the most romantic and cosy hotels in our Collection. With only 13 exquisite rooms on-site, it’s the perfect private paradise for lovers looking to get away from it all. The influence of the Art Nouveau movement still touches every corner of the property, recalling the splendour of the early 1900s when it was first built, while the panoramic views from its hilltop location create the ideal background for a range of romantic moments. Couples, take note.

5. Hotel Alte Goste: Puster Valley, Italy

Are warm wooden hues and cabin-style atmospheres your thing? If so, Hotel Alte Goste definitely deserves your attention. Delivering the finest in hospitality since 1142, this traditional guesthouse is more than ready to meet your every need during your comfort-centric getaway. Some of our favourite spaces include its stunning restaurant and Gostner Cellar: a warmly ambient room featuring walls filled with decadent wines. An exquisite spa featuring an attic-based treatment room adorned with thick, wooden beams, proves that quaintness and charm really has wriggled its way into every inch of this Italian property. At Hotel Alte Goste, modernity and tradition are always in step.

Of course, its location in the Puster Valley gives this hotel some brownie points as well. One of the largest longitudinal valleys in the Alps, this spectacular stretch is a great place to go on ambles in the brisk winter months, crunching through the snow in your boots while admiring the scintillating peaks all around. Hygge, homely and in a great place for hiking make this historic hotel a hard one to beat.