The Most Dazzling Winter Destinations To Visit Now

The ruggedly handsome Scottish Highlands make for an entrancing escape, growing even more atmospheric as the bucolic countryside frosts over in the colder months. A sumptuously enveloping sanctuary from which to explore the sweeping landscapes, The Fife Arms is a former Victorian coaching inn nestled in Cairngorms National Park and the historic village of Braemar. Across its 46 characterful bedrooms and suites, four-poster beds are draped with velvet curtains and tartan blankets, while roaring fires crackle invitingly. Local craftsmanship and culture are celebrated throughout – from the hearty, traditional dishes served in the restaurants to the art that adorns the richly hued, wallpapered walls.

To the east of stunning Salzburg, surrounded by frosted, forested mountains, Lake Fuschl is a fairy-tale setting where outdoor pursuits captivate all year round – even in below-freezing temperatures. Among the most unique experiences are winter hot-air-balloon rides, gliding over the scenic Salzkammergut region, and boat trips that can take guests between the lively festive markets dotted around the lake. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, perched on the banks of the shimmering waters, has restored a 15th-century castle. The magnificent lakefront chalets – with their own terraces, private saunas, and warming fireplaces – offer breathtaking views.

Lucerne enjoys a stunningly storybook location on the shore of the lake that shares its name – set against the snow-topped Swiss Alps. The city’s beautifully preserved old town is especially beguiling in winter, when centuries-old buildings and cobbled streets are illuminated with twinkling lights. A stroll across the 14th-century wooden bridge spanning the Reuss River is breathtaking, beneath a ceiling adorned with 17th-century paintings depicting events from the city’s rich history. For a place to stay, an exquisite Belle Époque landmark has been transformed into the Mandarin Oriental Palace Lucerne, which gazes out over the lake.

The Cotswolds’ chocolate-box villages become even more irresistible in the colder months, when charming pubs beckon with a snug drink and hearty meals by roaring fires. A stay at The Pig in the Cotswolds promises the coziest countryside getaway in the bucolic surrounds of Barnsley. The hotel features its own Village Pub, as well as a restaurant showcasing the ultra-local 25-Mile Menu, ensuring that guests’ appetites – invigorated after a wrapped-up winter stroll – are well and truly satisfied.

A winter wonderland in the heart of the Mont Blanc mountain range, Megève is a movie-worthy village – imagine a charmingly cobbled medieval center filled with art galleries, boutiques, and refined gastronomic experiences. The Four Seasons Hotel Megève, meanwhile, is a glorious, elegantly designed chalet, with stunning suites offering front-row views of the mountains. New for the season is a snowshoeing ramble through a fir forest to an igloo, where a traditional feast of charcuterie and cheese awaits before a sunset return. Guests can also enjoy dog sledding, paragliding, snowmobiling and – for the most adventurous – hot-air ballooning and ice climbing on the glaciers.

For a glorious gastronomic trip – sparkling with atmosphere yet more design-led than most festive-market destinations – the Danish capital offers an abundance of globally renowned culinary delights, perfect for festive feasting. Equally decadent is the buzzy, cozy café scene, which showcases hygge culture at its most inviting. 1 Hotel Copenhagen is a sleek yet show-stopping addition to the city, with a Green-Michelin-starred chef at the helm of its seasonal, locally sourced cuisine.

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