If you haven’t been indoctrinated into
hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) — the ultra-satisfying lifestyle choice that’s essentially a winter-long permission slip for staying in and curling up — prepare to have your mind blown. The Danish philosophy is all about creating an environment of
contentment and coziness, preferably with your closest friends and family, and most often when the temps outside make you want to light some candles and find your nearest throw. Really, say the Danes, it’s just about making any moment feel special. Want to take your
hygge practice to new heights? How about a hygge holiday? These 50 hideout spots around the globe take the spirit of warmth, coziness, and embracing simple pleasures to a whole new level.
Emerson Resort & Spa, Mount Tremper, New York: Weekend trips, especially during winter high season, can feel less than hygge when you’re battling crowds for spa loungers. Instead, why not try a mid-week escape? At Emerson’s 53-room boutique property located in New York’s Catskills, a pretty reasonable $573 will get you two nights' stay, fresh flowers, bath bombs in the inn’s two-person air-jetted tub, a bottle of wine, and a $100 spa credit. (Photo via Emerson Resort & Spa)
Downtown Camper, Stockholm, Sweden: An entire hygge-focused hotel, anyone? At the newly opened Downtown Camper, the goal was to create inviting communal spaces, such as this nest-shaped CozyBird sauna, so guests and locals can meet and connect while escaping Stockholm’s snow-covered streets. (Photo via Downtown Camper/Erik Nissen Johansen & Stylt Trampoli)
PHD Terrace, Dream Midtown, New York City: Need a sure-fire cure for the winter blues? When you wrap yourself up in a chunky cable-knit blanket while sipping belly-warming cocktails and digging a graham cracker or two into the “s’mores skillet” at this hygge-themed bar in New York City’s Theatre District, your cares will literally melt away. (Photo via Dream Midtown)
Whitepod Hotel, Valais, Switzerland: What’s more magically cozy than staying in your very own snow globe? Complete with fireplaces and a transparent front wall through which you can watch the snow falling atop the mountains in the distance, this eco-conscious hotel in the Swiss Alps takes the glamping trend to a whole new level. The only connection to the outside world is a walkie talkie! (Photo via
Border Free Travels/Kristen Kellogg)
The Jane Hotel, New York City: Located in Manhattan’s west village, the Jane ballroom oozes an eclectic hygge vibe if there ever was one. This spot features an elaborate stone hearth from Belgium, a stuffed ram, and an oversized disco ball. *swoon* (Photo via the Jane Hotel)
The Dorchester, London, UK: Cozy and British afternoon tea service are practically synonymous. Add in the classic hotel where one of the most famous and finest teas in London has been served for more than 85 years, and you get the very definition of hygge. (Photo via the Dorchester)
The Bowery Hotel, New York City: Wes Anderson-esque in its decor, which includes vintage furniture, oriental rugs, and a central fireplace, this lower east side mainstay draws revelers and a passerby celeb or two to its lobby and backbar nightly. (Photo via The Bowery Hotel)
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark: While much of what’s considered hygge revolves around staying indoors, the feeling of festive, lit-up revelry amidst the dead cold of winter, like in Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens, definitely embodies the heart-warming spirit. Just make sure to experience a heavy sampling of glogg, or cinnamon-and-clove-spiced hot mulled wine, to give your belly the warm fuzzies too. (Photo via Kim Wyon/
Visit Denmark)
The Adelphi Hotel, Saratoga Springs, New York: Book a treatment at the classic Roosevelt Baths to experience the purported “healing waters” in the area, and then keep the Victorian vibe going with a room in the newly re-imagined historic property. Grab a drink at its outdoor ice bar, then come back to the room’s comfy beds, heated floors, and chef’s selection of turn-down delicacies. (Photo via the Adelphi)
Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island, Palm Beach, Florida: Take one beachside fire pit, add sounds of the mosaic-tiled fountain, swaying palms, and ever-present ocean breeze, then mix in a few bottles of vino and a cast of friends and you've got a perfectly hygge night. (Photo via Palm Beach Marriott)
Glacier Bear Retreat, Glacier National Park, Montana: Accessible only by cross-country skiing or snowshoe, this rental property is tucked deep in the middle of one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Owned by a single family, this fully stocked home is great for big groups looking to get their cozy on — there’s even a turret hidden behind a bookcase so you can catch a glimpse of the nighttime sky. (Photo via Gail Goodwin)
Gstaad Palace, Gstaad, Switzerland: If you think skiing in the Swiss Alps is reserved for the kind of epic-level fanciness found in Bond movies, well, you’re right. But for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, stay at the supremely “luxe-hygge” Gstaad Palace, a favorite of celebs and even some royals nestled in a sweeping, snowy valley. Included in your stay is a very Bond-esque “Ski Butler” who’ll bring a picnic to you on the slopes. And for a bit of A-list people-watching, you’ll definitely want to head to the Lobby Bar for après-ski drinks. (Photo via Gstaad Palace)
Maine Huts & Trails, Maine: There’s nothing more hygge than the feeling of coming in out of the cold to a crackling fire, and Maine has tons of off-the-grid sporting camps and lodges to choose from where you can do just that, including family owned homes, Maine Huts & Trails and ones owned by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), such as
Little Lyford Lodge in Greenville, Maine. (Photo via
Maine Office of Tourism)
Woodstock Inn & Resort, Woodstock, Vermont: The embodiment of “New England hygge,” the famed Suicide Six Ski Area’s lodge wraps you up in yankee-style warmth from start to finish. The lobby’s oversized wood-burning fireplace gets you ready for a cold day on the slopes, Pearly’s Pourhouse has a toasty fireplace for après ski local beers, and even the game room is draped in cozy Vermont flannel. (Photo via Woodstock Inn & Resort)
Ohio’s Hocking Hills, Logan, Ohio: Sitting within a dark-sky preserve (an area that restricts artificial light pollution), this park just an hour south of Columbus is a hidden hygge gem. Explore its soaring caves and gorgeous frozen waterfalls before retreating to the
Inn & Spa at Cedar Hall’s cozy cottages, cabins, and yurts. The full-service spa itself is tucked into a 1940s log cabin! (Photo via Ohio’s Hocking Hills)
Slow Coast Lodge & Cabin, Davenport, California: The 50-mile stretch of beaches and Redwood canyons just over the mountain from Silicon Valley is like a hygge retreat in a nutshell. You can surf its hidden beach; forage for local abalone, wild mushrooms and you-pick berries; or grab a hot strawberry cider from Swanton Berry Farm before throwing on a vintage flannel from the airstream shop and warming up in front of the massive fireplace at the lodge. (Photo via Renata Stone/Slow Coast Lodge & Cabin)
Ice Bathing, Oslo, Norway: There’s way more to Norway than fjords and Northern Lights.
UpNorway is a service that offers custom, self-guided itineraries and tours to the most top-secret and insider spots in the trending Scandinavian country. “The perfect example of Hygge in Norway is ice bathing in a fjord in Oslo, followed by Norwegian rømmegrøt (AKA porridge made with sour cream) while cozying up by the fire with friends,” says
Border Free Travels' Kristen Kellogg, who worked with the service to connect with a local to experience ice bathing for herself. (Photo via Kristen Kellogg/Border Free Travels)
Hotel Viking, Newport, Rhode Island: The historic Northeast boating town transforms into a serene escape come winter (especially during its two-week
winterfest) — and off-season roommates don’t hurt either. At the Hotel Viking, you can spend an entirely hygge weekend at the hotel itself, with its jazz brunch, afternoon tea, Spa Fjor, and award-winning restaurant One Bellevue, followed by a relaxing spiked hot chocolate at the bar. Perfection. (Photo via Hotel Viking)
The Old Schoolhouse, Eilean Shona, Scotland: How’s this for hygge? Your very own 19th-century stone schoolhouse, converted into a chic, two-bedroom bolthole, part of a community of cottages on a remote five-mile island off the west coast of Scotland. Want more? Vanessa Branson (Richard's sister) has converted it with her favorite Moroccan art pieces, Kate Winslet is a fan, and it was even the inspiration for JM Barrie while he was working on the screen adaptation of
Peter Pan. And rental starts at only 1,250 pounds for a week, including transfers to the mainland. (Photo via James Bedroom/The Old Schoolhouse)
The Spa at Pebble Beach Resort, Pebble Beach, California: All spas impart a feeling of hygge, but Pebble Beach’s
flotation wrap treatments might be the most hygge of all. After relaxing at the outdoor fire pit, you and your bestie can hit the flotation wrap suite, featuring dry, heated beds that literally float as you get wrapped in a rejuvenating cocoon. (Photo via Scott Campbell/The Spa at Pebble Beach Resort)
Gurney’s Newport, Newport, Rhode Island: Just opened last year, this 257-room hotel resort has been winning acclaim as one of the best in Newport, and one of the only with year-round programming. Enjoy a cocktail at the Regent Lounge and dinner at its Scarpetta outpost, and you’ll be feeling hygge vibes from head to toe. (Photo via Gurney’s Newport)
Snow Bear Chalets, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Whitefish, Montana: The world’s first ski-in/ski-out luxury treehouses have just opened up on Whitefish Mountain Resort’s 3,000 ski-able acres. You’ll never want to leave these three magical treehouses, but if you do, you’ll find plenty of warmth in the laid-back Rocky Mountain town nearby. (Photo via Snow Bear Chalets)
"Dro," Trentino, Alto-Adige, Italy: Search engine
Holidu (which scans more than seven million home rentals all over the world) is predicting Italy will be the next big “hygge” region, thanks to its cozy cabins in the northern region — like this charming, renovated barn — offering a little bit of everything: cold-weather coziness for tobogganing and skiing, along with incredible Mediterranean culture and food. (Photo via HomeAway via Holidu)
Halcyon, a Hotel in Cherry Creek, Denver, Colorado: Situated in Denver's lively Cherry Creek neighborhood, this fun, modern hotel has plenty of ambient touches, including a barista-pulled espresso at check-in, an extensive vinyl collection for in-room turntables, and even a rooftop hot tub. (Photo via Halcyon)
The Box House Hotel, Greenpoint, Brooklyn: This converted factory-turned-loft-style hotel is located at the edge of Brooklyn’s Greenpoint, a quiet neighborhood full of world-class cocktail bars, perfect brunch spots, and boutique jewelry shops made for un-rushed browsing. And when the temperature drops to 20 degrees or below, living hygge gets even more affordable, with 20 percent off regular room rates. (Photo via The Box House Hotel)
Bighorn Mountaintop Lodge, Canon City, Colorado: Home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, this area, about two hours from Denver, features tons of adventure ops, including ziplining, an aerial tram, and hiking. At the end of the day, hole up in front of the oversized fireplace and open dining area with panoramic views of the bridge below. (Photo via
visitCOS.com)
Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel, Portland, Oregon: Take full advantage of the “Bedtime Butler” at the new Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel, located on the banks of the Willamette River in Portland (it's one of the best cities to partake in hygge, thanks to its drizzly winter days!) Curl up in the room’s Pendleton blanket, then pamper yourself with seasonal offerings such as local bourbon, hot tea, books, aromatherapy, and slippers. (Photo via Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel)
Nantucket Hotel + Resort, Nantucket, Massachusetts: Hot cocktail hour, fondue by the outdoor fire pits, and luxurious Marine Mer Sea bath experiences make this year-round resort a special place to stay during Nantucket’s blustery island winters. Some say shoulder season is the best time to come, since you have its sweeping beaches and cobblestone town all to yourself. (Photo via Nantucket Hotel + Resort)
Garden of the Gods Collection: Set amidst Garden of the Gods, a public park featuring stunning sandstone rock formations, this hotel’s rooms all offer in-room fireplaces and views of the natural wonder — perfect for snuggling. Or, take a relaxing break in the Himalayan Salt room and saunas in the spa for ultra-hygge warmth. (Photo via Garden of the Gods Collection)
The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona: You can find opportunities to get cozy all around this chic, modern spa in Arizona’s desert, but its deep outdoor tubs with privacy screens offering views of the starry Arizona sky at night are the epitome of hygge. (Photo via Mark Boisclair Photography, Inc.)
Washington School House, Park City, Utah: This historic landmark dating back to 1889 is full of hygge touches so cozy you won’t even want to leave for the slopes: Its 12 suites feature Swiss-Alps-chic touches like gilded antiques and crystal chandeliers, and its year-round pool offers blissfully heated swims even when you can see your breath. Just warm up at the fire pit nearby. (Photo via the Washington School House)
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, San Diego, California: At this picturesque San Diego wellness sanctuary, you'll find more than 70 indoor and outdoor fireplaces, both in suites and outside on private casita patios, to warm you on cool nights while you take in the gorgeous Pacific coast sunset. (Photo via Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa)
Condado Vanderbilt, San Juan, Puerto Rico: Everything about this recently refurbished hotel is grand, from the sunken front lobby to the beautiful, ornately tiled hamman in the state-of-the-art spa. During its individualized Hamman Ritual, the marble slab warms up beneath you as you’re scrubbed, massaged, and cocooned to hygge-tastic bliss. (Photo via Condado Vanderbilt)
Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, Stowe, Vermont: Owned by the Baraw family since 1963, this very special property is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Stowe and minutes from the mountain. From the spa’s massaging 12-foot hydrotherapy waterfall to a Vermont “Mapletini” in comfy pub Charlie B’s, you’ll definitely make a few checkmarks on your hygge bucket list. (Photo via Stoweflake)
Trafalgar’s Imperial Europe Guided Vacation: A dreamy, castle-filled guided vacation, complete with stops at 1,000-year-old Prague Castle, Budapest’s hilltop Buda Castle, and Vienna’s Hofburg Palace, is the perfectly hygge way to celebrate a special occasion. Strolls through quaint old towns and candlelit dinners round out this romantic 10-day trip, oozing with old-world charm. Best of all, prices start at a very commoner-friendly $1,660 per person. (Photo via Trafalgar)
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego, California: Bond with your besties at this classic SoCal coastal hotel’s cozy, private beach bonfire experience, complete with beach chairs, blankets, and a smorgasboard of treats; think s’mores, cheese and charcuterie boards, zebra berries, and more. (Photo via Hotel del Coronado)
Leavenworth Tiny House Village, Leavenworth, Washington: Fans of the tiny house craze will go crazy for the newest hygge offering:
Petite Retreats — affordable, relaxing collections of tiny home “parks” located near popular tourist destinations around the country. At their Leavenworth Tiny House Village outside Seattle, you can explore Bavarian architecture; seasonal holiday festivals; and unique German restaurants, shops and art galleries, while staying in your very own 300-square-foot-or-less accommodations. (Photo via Petite Retreats)
The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, Pennsylvania: Fans of this tucked-away resort nestled in the midst of 100+ acres of woodlands already descend on snowy winter weekends to partake in its cozy amenities and activity schedule. Now, with its completely transformed spa and host of new offerings, such as winter forest bathing and mindful knitting, the resort is taking its hygge vibe to new heights — not to mention you can go to lunch in your bathrobe. (Photo via the Lodge at Woodloch)
Montage Deer Valley, Park City, Utah: At this luxury ski-in, ski-out resort sitting at the base of one of the area's most coveted slopes (the skiers-only
Deer Valley Resort), Montage’s Apres Lounge and Beach Club has everything you need for a weekend of hygge — lit candles, fur throws, Tsar Nicoulai caviar, and post-ski Veuve Cliquot #roseallday — they even throw in plush slippers to wear while you sip! (Photo via Montage Deer Valley)
The Providence Rink, Providence, Rhode Island: With its "wicked awesome" fine-dining scene and picturesque downtown full of shops and art galleries, Providence is getting major marks as a fun weekend getaway spot — even during New England winters. Work up a chill in bumper cars that slide around the Rink, then bring your body temp back up with a warming cocktail or two at the Dean Hotel’s Magdalenae Room or bank-turned-cocktail bar The Dorrance. (Photo via Rhode Island Tourism)
Treetop Haven, Mount Tyron, Prince Edward Island: Not quite a pod and not quite a treehouse, but totally hygge, these geodesic domes set in 50 acres of woods in Mount Tyron contain kitchens, beds, and bay “windows” to bring the woods in with you. There’s even an outdoor hot tub to lounge in while you watch native blue jays and hummingbirds dart among the snow-covered spruces. (Photo via Treetop Haven)
City Roots, Columbia, South Carolina: Think you can't find a cozy winter escape in this southern city? Think again. The #hyggelyfe abounds all over this burgeoning city, including City Roots. The urban sustainable farm serves up a different harvest dinner each month under thousands of twinkling fairy lights — the perfect ambience for feasting with friends. (Photo via F2T Productions)
One Aldwych, London, UK: Scored one of the many cheap flights to London available during low season? Consider a stop at this chic, modern Covent Garden hotel for a taste of its
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired tea. This whimsical afternoon service has won awards for its yummy setup, complete with golden chocolate eggs, homemade candy floss, and chocolate caramel milk. (Photo via One Aldwych)
The Ivy Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland: Whiskey-braised beef with smoked butter mashers and sous vide duck-fat shallots? Or how about heritage chicken confit with truffled sunchokes and breadcrumb fondant? If these menu items at Baltimore’s stylish gem, Magdelena at The Ivy, don’t intrigue you, how about a five-day
winter whiskey weekend? This handsome hideaway exudes hygge from every delicious dram! (Photo via The Ivy Hotel)
Kimpton Taconic, Manchester, Vermont: Whether seated on its Green Mountain-facing grand porch, fireside in one of its three standalone cottages, or in mid-downward dog during an icy and exhilarating “Snowga” session, you’ll be enveloped in the spirit of hygge from check-in to checkout. (Photo via Kimpton Taconic)
, Aspen, Colorado: This historic Aspen hotel just unveiled its winter vodka ice house, a magical winter wonderland complete with nine-foot-high ice walls and twinkling chandeliers. Don a luxury down coat while you try out the Vodka Czar’s guided tastings. (Photo via Hotel Jerome)
Spring Creek Ranch, Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Whether you linger over a mug of Cowboy Coffee in front of a crackling fire in your pond-side guest room or dial up the adventure on a Snow Coach Tour around Yellowstone National Park, this 1,000-acre resort and wildlife refuge for moose, elk, and deer has hygge-approved excursions hidden throughout. (Photo via Spring Creek Ranch)
Snake River Sporting Club, Jackson, Wyoming: This private club features its own little village of tiny one-bedroom homes, each with their own fireplace, fire pit, furry blanket, and vintage scrabble board. After a day of exploring sweeping pastures, you'll welcome the heated floorboards. (Photo via Snake River Sporting Club)
Grace White Barn Inn & Spa, Kennebunk, Maine: This seriously next-level take on a traditional coastal Maine inn might be even more fun in winter. Think: afternoon truffle-making classes, a “raindrop” energy balancing treatment in its on-site spa, and getting your eat on at one of their Stellar Cellar Series dinners, led by the on-property culinary team. Or skip it all and just hang out in your sumptuous down-topped bed and soaking tub for two all weekend long. (Photo via Grace White Barn Inn & Spa)
The Arctic Bath Hotel & Spa, Lule River, Sweden: You won't be able to book a room until winter 2018, but it will definitely be worth the wait to have a stay at this otherworldly, six-room floating hotel and spa in the middle of a lake in Sweden’s Laplands. With a special design that evokes the history of using felled trees for timber and its classic center cold plunge pool, this is a truly special place to take in the local Arctic environment and Northern Lights. (Photo via Johan Kauppi)
How do you embrace hygge? Let us know on Twitter @BritandCo!
