From Alpine hideaways and Nordic journeys to Antarctica expeditions and beyond, the world is full of destinations where travelers can chill out.

Chalet Life in the Alps

 With its natural beauty and alpine villages, Switzerland offers travelers an unforgettable vacation. The majestic Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and serene landscapes all come together to create vistas that seem to come right out of a storybook. Guests can delight in the country’s heritage while enjoying world-class comforts.

 The country offers a wide range of hotels to suit every type of traveler, from ultra-luxury resorts to cozy alpine retreats. High-end hotels provide Michelin-starred dining, World-class spas and luxurious accommodation. These properties are perfect for travelers seeking indulgence, panoramic mountain views, and refined Swiss hospitality. Boutique properties, and family-run hotels offer comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and convenient access to ski slopes, hiking trails, and city attractions. These hotels deliver the quintessential Swiss experience, including alpine décor, hearty breakfasts, and attentive service.

 Swiss cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Bern combine historic medieval buildings with sophisticated modern architecture offering endless opportunities to explore. Magical winter wonder lands can be found in the city Christmas Markets. Zürich hosts the largest indoor market at the station; Basel boast a historic setting with 100 trees; and Lucerne’s lakeside market provides guests with a more medieval feel. Sip glühwein (mulled wine), shop local crafts, and dig into hearty food like raclette.

 Skiing is world-class in Switzerland with its impeccably maintained slopes. From glamorous destinations like St. Moritz and Zermatt to villages such as Wengen and Saas-Fee, Swiss ski resorts offer terrain for every level, set beneath iconic peaks like the Matterhorn and the Jungfrau.

 The Drama of New Zealand

 Summer in the northern hemisphere means winter south of the equator, and destinations like New Zealand are the perfect choice. From towering snow-capped mountains and rolling countryside, to fjords, beaches and hot springs, New Zealand is captivating. Visitors can delight in hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, as well as encountering unique wildlife in untouched settings.   

 Those looking to immerse themselves will find the indigenous Māori heritage woven throughout the country in its language and communities, traditional performances, and carvings. New Zealanders have a relaxed, friendly, environmentally conscious lifestyle which focuses on sustainability, local cuisine, and a vibrant art community. This all combines to provide guests with a sense of welcome and safety.

 New Zealand is relatively compact, with two main islands connected by a short flight or ferry. The country boasts well-maintained roadways and highways, like the Southern Scenic Route, giving visitors the chance to cover a lot of ground in a relatively short timeframe.

Winter in New Zealand is also a time for art and culinary fun. Queenstown, Wellington, and Auckland host winter events such as jazz festivals, theater productions, and art exhibitions, providing indoor cultural immersion when the weather is crisp.

Additionally, gastronomy and wine tastings become a highlight in winter. Wine regions like Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and Central Otago offer cellar tours, wine tastings, and seasonal food pairings, often accompanied by cozy fireside dining. Traditional winter foods, local cheeses, and hearty New Zealand cuisine give travelers a taste of the country.

Where Nordic Sophistication Meets Natural Wonder

Sweden is perfect for nature lovers. The country’s Stockholm Archipelago consists of thousands of islands that stretch along the Baltic Sea from Stockholm to the open coast, with roughly 30,000 islands, islets, and skerries. A blend of natural beauty, maritime culture, and history, many of the islands are inhabited and dotted with quaint villages, summer cottages, lighthouses, and tiny harbors, giving visitors a sense of stepping into a timeless coastal world. In winter, the archipelago takes on a serene, almost magical quality, with frozen waters, snow-covered landscapes, and the chance to relish the stillness of nature far from urban bustle.

During the winter, much of the country is transformed into a snow-covered wonderland that makes travelers to slow down and savor the season. Sparkling forests, icy lakes, and villages create a picturesque backdrop, whether visors are exploring the wilderness of Swedish Lapland or wandering through cozy towns in the south.

Beyond its visual bounty, winter brings its own moments that make a Swedish getaway unforgettable. Visitors can stay in distinctive accommodations such as the Ice Hotel, where rooms are carved from ice and snow, or relax in traditional Swedish saunas before dipping into an icy plunge pool, a beloved Nordic ritual. In December, festive holiday markets fill city squares with twinkling lights, handcrafted goods, and seasonal treats like glögg and gingerbread.

Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle or embracing the cozy concept of mys — Sweden’s version of warm, inviting comfort — winter is truly special here.

Land of Fire and Ice

Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland packs roaring waterfalls, black-sand beaches, volcanic craters, and sprawling glaciers into a compact country. In winter, long nights create a real chance to spot the aurora borealis; in summer, the midnight sun stretches daylight late into the evening.

The Golden Circle, Iceland’s best-known touring route, strings together three headline stops: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss. At Thingvellir, you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, where cliffs, fissures, and the dramatic Almannagjá fault reveal the rift. The area also holds deep history with the Althingi, Iceland’s early parliament site (10th–18th centuries), Thingvellir Church, and remnants of old stone shelters.

Cold-weather adventures add another layer. Ease into mineral-rich geothermal pools at the Blue Lagoon or Secret Lagoon, then trade warmth for adrenaline with glacier walks, ice carving, or snowmobiling across Langjökull or Vatnajökull.

Rooted in Norse and Viking traditions, Iceland keeps its sagas, myths, and storytelling alive, and its close-knit communities prize environmental stewardship and sustainability. Seasonal celebrations such as Thorrablót honor midwinter, while the Reykjavík Arts Festival showcases modern creativity.

For many travelers, the signature winter thrill is chasing the Northern Lights. From late September through early April, dark, clear skies can reveal ribbons of green, pink, and purple across the Arctic night, especially beyond Reykjavík, at Thingvellir, or along the southern coast. In the Geysir area, watch Strokkur punch skyward every few minutes, and linger at Gullfoss as mist rises from its two-tiered plunge.

At the Edge of the Earth

Antarctica is the ultimate frozen playground for travelers seeking a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. Expeditions to the frozen continent offer a rare glimpse of pristine wilderness, where towering icebergs, vast glaciers, and endless expanses of snow dominate the horizon. Visitors often have wildlife encounters, from waddling penguin colonies and curious seals to majestic whales breaching in icy waters. The starkness of Antarctica, combined with its extreme isolation, creates a sense of awe and humility that few other destinations can match.

Select cruise ships and small expedition vessels are designed to navigate icy waters safely while providing luxury accommodation and amenities, as well as opportunities for onshore exploration. Daily excursions include Zodiac rides to explore icebergs, guided hikes on frozen terrain, or visits to historic research stations and relics of early polar explorers. Many expeditions also offer educational programming led by naturalists and scientists, allowing travelers to gain insights into the continent’s unique ecology, climate science, and the ongoing efforts to preserve its fragile environment.

Antarctica expeditions are as much about the journey as the destination, and they’re incredibly luxurious. Every detail, from curated excursions and expert-led lectures to spa treatments and fine wines, is designed to elevate, making even the most remote landscapes feel accessible without sacrificing sophistication.

Crossing the infamous Drake Passage, watching the shifting ice, and observing the interplay of light across snow and water create an unforgettable sense of adventure. For those willing to brave the cold and embrace the remote setting, visiting Antarctica is profoundly transformative.

Check In & Chill Out

As you imagine your own “coolcation,” your hotel or resort matters as much as your destination. The right retreat can turn brisk mornings and cozy evenings into something deeply restorative. On the pages that follow, you’ll find a curated selection of properties in refreshingly chill settings, ready to be your home base any time of year.

The Reykjavik EDITION • Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s capital reveals both cosmopolitan and intimate sides at The Reykjavik EDITION. The hotel sits in the historic heart of downtown by the Old Harbor, steps from Harpa Concert Hall and just a short walk from Laugavegur’s cafés and boutiques, so you move easily between city explorations and waterfront views. Inside, 253 rooms and suites use warm ash wood and pale gray oak, faux fur accents, floor-to-ceiling windows, and custom Le Labo toiletries to create cocooning retreats; some add outdoor terraces. Many highlight Mt. Esja or, in the distance, the legendary Snæfellsjökull glacier. Days might start with espresso at TIDES Café before heading out to the Blue Lagoon or other day trips into Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. Evenings return you to a rooftop bar with harbor and mountain views, an intimate cocktail bar, and a lively lobby lounge that boosts Reykjavik’s nightlife scene. A first-of-its-kind social spa, with hammam, steam room, sauna, and a thermal plunge pool, underscores the hotel’s relaxed yet polished mood, making Reykjavík a stylish long-weekend base in every season.

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa • Interlaken, Switzerland
Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is Interlaken’s grande dame, facing the snowcapped Jungfrau massif and set within an easy stroll of central boutiques and promenades. Behind its historic façade, high-ceilinged salons, contemporary rooms, and gracious suites invite lingering. Many guestrooms frame the Jungfrau, so mornings begin with mountain light and evenings close with glowing ridgelines. Dining ranges from creative, regionally rooted fine dining at Radius by Stefan Beer to modern Swiss and international dishes at La Terrasse Brasserie and Italian favorites at Ristorante e Pizzeria Sapori. The heart of the property is Spa Nescens, an extensive wellness world with an outdoor brine pool, sauna and steam areas, relaxation rooms, a gym, massage and beauty rooms, and dedicated better-aging programs. Between swims and treatments, guests drift to quiet lounges, the Spa Bistro, or the sunny Winter Garden. Summer brings hiking, paragliding, and lake cruises, while winter swaps in skiing and snowy forest walks across the wider Jungfrau region. Throughout, warm Swiss service keeps this legendary address grounded, personal, and welcoming.

Neues Schloss Privat Hotel Zurich, Autograph Collection • Zurich, Switzerland
Steps from Lake Zurich, the Kongresshaus, Tonhalle, and the elegant streets of the Enge district, Neues Schloss Privat Hotel Zurich, Autograph Collection places you in the heart of the city’s business and cultural life. Built in the early 1930s in Zurich Art Déco style, this boutique hotel blends heritage architecture with futuristic lines, contemporary art, and handcrafted textures. Rooms and suites take on a quietly residential character, using natural materials and thoughtful details; some open onto terraces with panoramic views over the Enge district and city rooftops, ideal for an evening drink. Mornings start with an à la carte breakfast built around regional ingredients, while Castellan’s restaurant melds the flavors of Southern Europe with Zurich’s culinary diversity. After a day exploring Old Town, guests can retreat to the intimate lobby lounge for cocktails and small plates. Thoughtful touches such as an on-site electric vehicle charging station, attentive concierge service, and a calm, private atmosphere make Neues Schloss especially appealing to travelers who want Zurich’s urban energy close at hand.

Hotel U14, Autograph Collection • Helsinki, Finland
Finnish-owned and family-run, Hotel U14, Autograph Collection, is a boutique hideaway just around the corner from Helsinki’s Esplanade Park and the harborfront Market Square. Interiors pair contemporary Nordic simplicity with playful details, creating a cozy, design-driven base for exploring the city on foot. The hotel’s 117 rooms range from snug nests to more spacious layouts, all with warm lighting, modern tech, and unfussy comfort. Sustainability is woven into daily life here: the property runs on clean renewable energy, uses energy-efficient systems from LED lighting to motion-sensor controls, and tracks food waste closely to minimize what is thrown away. On the ground floor, Version Eatery & Garden serves joyful, ingredient-driven cooking inspired by California’s playful food scene and grounded in seasonal, locally sourced produce. Next door, Version Drinkery mixes top-notch cocktails in a relaxed setting. A compact gym and unisex sauna keep wellness within easy reach, especially welcome on crisp Baltic evenings, while the waterfront, museums, design shops, and ferry piers sit just a short stroll away, plus trams and buses nearby.

The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection • New Brunswick, Canada
The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection, is a storybook Canadian retreat perched above the charming streets of town and the tides of Passamaquoddy Bay. For more than a century, this turreted landmark has welcomed guests to New Brunswick’s sea air, pairing heritage architecture with refreshed, contemporary rooms and suites. Families will love the heated indoor pool with its three-story waterslide and the seasonal outdoor pool, while golfers head for the award-winning 18-hole course with sweeping seaside views. After a day of whale watching, kayaking, or strolling through historic St. Andrews, Braxton’s Restaurant & Bar serves fresh New Brunswick seafood, hearty classics, and cocktails in an elegant yet relaxed setting. The Spa at the Algonquin, an Aveda Concept Spa, invites you to slow down with customized treatments, from massages and body wraps to facials and nail care. With year-round activities, friendly Maritime hospitality, and easy access to the Bay of Fundy’s coastal scenery, The Algonquin feels like a grand seaside resort with a relaxed, village heart.

Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa • Jabal Akhdar, Oman
High on Oman’s Sayq Plateau, over 6,500 feet above sea level, Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa reimagines mountain-escape luxury. Nestled in the Hajar Mountains, the resort overlooks canyons, green terraces, and rugged peaks. Interiors weave traditional Omani décor and locally inspired details into modern rooms, suites, and chalet-style retreats, some with private pools and terraces gazing over the canyon. Jala Spa & Wellness features Himalayan salt rooms, expansive thermal zones, and indoor vitality pools that pair beautifully with the crisp mountain air. Days unfold between a family-friendly heated infinity pool, creative activities for kids and families, and leisurely meals at Zaátar, Vue Rooftop Lounge & Bar, or Café Wadi Habib, where international dishes meet Omani flavors and dramatic mountain and canyon views. Cooler temperatures make outdoor living inviting even in summer, while sunsets wash the surrounding rock in shades of gold and rose. Star-bright skies, cool breezes, and softly lit terraces make evenings especially memorable in this very special paradise.