With the ski resorts full of snow like ski enthusiasts hadn't seen in a long time and the guaranteed ski day, this season you must top off the winter getaway with the best après-ski proposals and, of course, the most charming hotels.
Our first stop on this route is in Sierra Nevada, specifically at The Lodge Ski & Spa, an idyllic alpine refuge that is cozy and elegant, decorated with Finnish wood, leather, fur, and some vintage nods perfect for finding that calm space with mountain views. Located at the foot of the slopes, it has 21 rooms and suites, each more divine than the last, although the top offer is in La Cabaña, an exclusive three-bedroom alpine house that you may find hard to leave to hit the slopes.
On its Sun Deck terrace, music and champagne accompany the hours when the body craves a bit of fun; dinner at El Grill, with a menu offering game dishes, a tempting fondue, or bites with Riofrío caviar. A luxury reference for over 10 years, this hotel also caters to those who don't want to ski. For them, there is an activities agenda that includes hiking routes, driving a snow groomer at night in the Granada mountains, or visiting The Alhambra, which is always an excellent plan. For families on a getaway, it's good to know that they have a kid's club at the accommodation.
We head to the Aragonese Pyrenees to sneak into Canfranc Estación, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, the only five-star Grand Luxury hotel in Aragon. With this merit, it doesn't need much introduction. Located in the international station that opened in 1928 (they offer guided tours of it that are well worth it), an icon of industrial architecture and declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 2002, today it houses this hotel that even boasts a Michelin star in its Canfranc Express restaurant, which is original as it is located in a 20th-century railway carriage.
The proposal combines traditional local recipes with avant-garde techniques, a great plan to recharge after a day of skiing. Before that, make time for the spa; you can work out in the gym, visit the water area, have a therapeutic massage, which is always welcome, or simply take a break in the relaxation area. For those short on time, the hotel itself offers the option to rent equipment, buy ski passes, and even book lessons at Astún and Candanchú. Additionally, they provide a free shuttle service to the slopes, exclusively for guests.
We move on to another five-star, this time located in the Pyrenees of Andorra. At the Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa, the mountain experience is infused with luxury, starting with direct access to the ski slopes of the Grandvalira resort. It boasts 135 suites, including junior deluxe suites, premium, duplex, and hermitage suites, but the most exclusive stay is in their Borda Mangautxa cabins and the Hermitage Mountain Lodge Borda Calbó, independent accommodations in the mountains where everything takes on another dimension. Guests enjoy maximum privacy in a picture-perfect setting and have access to the hotel's services.
Beyond gloves, helmet, and snow goggles, don't forget your swimsuit in your suitcase; the hotel's spa is a true marvel: 5,000 square meters spread over three floors; forget about the clock and surrender to relaxation in capital letters. The afternoon can start with a sauna and a hammam; then you can try the whirlpools and, of course, enjoy the outdoor jacuzzi with panoramic views of the snowy peaks. With the current snow conditions, the photo must be postcard-perfect. Let's continue discovering the charms of the Hermitage, which are many. Time to sit down at the table. Leading the gastronomic proposal is chef Jordi Grau, who also serves as Andorra's gastronomic ambassador.
The Ibaya restaurant, which also boasts a Michelin Guide accolade, offers a return to the roots of high mountain cuisine, with plenty of local and seasonal produce. Creativity and technique make up the menu. More tempting bites. We enter the Japanese Koy Hermitage, under the direction of chef Hideki Matsuhisa, another star in the league of French stars, and the Hermitage Tradició Grill, with grills and aged meats as stars. The cocktail is left for the Glass Bar.
The final stop on the route is in the Catalan Pyrenees, at the AC Baqueira Ski Resort, more luxury at the foot of the slopes. It has the cable car to the slopes just 50 meters away, ensuring a comfortable stay for ski enthusiasts. It offers a total of 100 rooms, including family duplexes, and 24 suites with all the comforts. To pamper your palate, lots of products from the Valle de Arán, such as mushrooms, lamb, and beef. The El Pimiento Verde restaurant, which combines tradition and innovation, is the perfect plan to end a day of high-altitude skiing.