La Thuile, Italy / Montana Lodge & Spa

La Thuile’s first five-star hotel, Montana Lodge & Spa, lies on the edge of the village, yet only two minutes by shuttle to the ski lifts. A Member of Design Hotels, the look is contemporary yet warm, an unobtrusive stone-and-wood exterior cocooning an elegant interior replete with high-end Italian furniture, well-stocked bookcases and grand piano in the lounge.

The accommodation, which includes family suites and interconnecting rooms, reflects nature’s subtle tones; wooden floors, forest-themed wallpapers and alpine touches are enhanced by the mountain views from the balcony or stone terrace of most rooms. State-of-the-art amenities include Lavazza Espresso Machines, flat screen TV and iPod docking station.

In addition to a lunchtime pizzeria, diners can feast on imaginative Italian specialities in the lofty Stars restaurant, while the bar is famed for its signature cocktails. Private dining can be arranged in the atmospheric wine cellar as well as sampling local wines and olive oils. A private spa which can be booked exclusively by the hour is complemented by the Nira Spa featuring four treatment rooms, Technogym and indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi jets.