12 super cozy hotels in the U.S. to embrace winter

Eastwind is a boutique hotel brand with three locations across New York, all of which are ideal for embracing hygge this winter. Last year, I visited the Oliverea Valley outpost, and I swear, I felt instantly at ease from the moment I arrived. Its sleek, sun-drenched, Scandinavian-inspired interiors feature specially curated vintage furnishings and decor. At the center of the on-site Dandelion Restaurant and Bar is a striking red-hued retro fireplace, where I spent hours lounging under a blanket on the adjacent couch. In addition to standard rooms, the property also offers Lushnas, A.K.A. Scandinavian-inspired A-frame glamping units. In my opinion, no trip here is complete without a s’mores bonfire or a sweat sesh inside the wooden sauna.

Set among 300 pastoral acres in rural Vermont, Twin Farms is an ultra-luxe, all-inclusive oasis for guests 14 and over. Each accommodation is outfitted with cozy nooks for relaxing and cracking wood-burning fireplaces (bonus: fresh-chopped wood for the fire will be delivered to your room daily). For a true treat, stay in one of the treehouses suspended above the forest and reachable via a bridge; each offers bespoke hand-carved wood accents, deep soaking tubs, and expansive private decks. Additional property highlights include 13 picnic sites, an open fire pit, a wellness-centric spa and ample winter activities that run the gamut from skiing on the resort’s private mountain to ice fishing and ice skating. Pro tip: Cap off the day with a hot toddie before hitting the sack.

Owned by Finland native Mari Corbett, Villa Hygge is a Scandinavian-style boutique hotel in the tiny town of North Conway. As the property’s name suggests, guests from all over flock here to find their own version of hygge—perhaps in the Nordic-inspired spa complete with a Himalayan salt lounge, sauna and what the property calls “hygge-inspired yoga classes.” The minimalist-inspired design elements (think: lots of wood, clean lines and glass) can be found throughout the property, including the natural light-filled suites, which are also done up in soft, soothing tones. Soak up the stunning views from your private balcony.

Located in the charming small town of Saugatuck—approximately 40 miles from Grand Rapids—lies the adorable Wickwood Inn. With just 11 rooms, the historic boutique hotel offers an intimate atmosphere where guests can truly disconnect and unwind. Although each accommodation is distinctively designed, they all feature antique furnishings plus plush bedding. We especially recommend springing on one of the Estate Suites for their sumptuous soaking tubs. Outside their guest rooms, guests can mix, mingle, sip cocktails and nosh on charcuterie around the roaring fireplace before heading out to partake in nostalgia-inducing activities (horse-drawn sleigh rides, anyone?). Alternatively, curl up with a good book in the library or indulge in a comforting cup of tea and fresh-baked cookies.

Ketchum attracts throngs of skiers and snowboarders each winter, and Hotel Ketchum is one of the best places to stay in town. Embrace the spirit of hygge while sipping vino or coffee in The Hangout, the rustic-chic communal area filled with cozy nooks and couches. Otherwise, warm up by the fireplace or take a soothing soak in the outdoor hot tub before sitting down for a hearty meal at the on-site Barrio 75 restaurant. While you can’t go wrong in any of the serene rooms and suites—complete with mountain views, plaid headboards and crisp white linens—you can easily elevate your stay by booking one with a fireplace and balcony.

This season, find and embrace hygge at Bishop's Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection in Santa Fe. The historic 317-acre property offers a calming reprieve from the city’s bustling downtown, which is mere minutes away. Accommodations serve as tranquil sanctuaries with private terraces and traditional kiva fireplaces, adding only to the serene atmosphere. Meanwhile, the woven Nagajao rugs, traditional artworks, artifacts, and textiles are just the icing on the cake. Travelers can pick from various wellness offerings like yoga, spa services (the seasonal DIY body scrub treatment is a highlight), meditation and more. Dine fireside at the aptly named SkyFire restaurant, serving traditional Southwestern fare in a cozy-chic setting.

The Green O is the adults-only sister property of The Resort at Paws Up, and both share the same 37,000-acre stretch of land, complete with 100 miles of trails and 50-plus activities. While the glamping hotspot is worth a visit any time of year, it’s especially magical come wintertime, when guests can take full advantage of their treehouse-style accommodations complete with two fireplaces—one indoor, one outdoor—and private al fresco hot tubs for nighttime soaks under the stars. Go horseback riding in the snow, sip hot chocolate on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, go forest bathing, or enjoy a massage at the spa inside the western-inspired Saddle Club equestrian center. At the center of the property and flanked by towering trees is the Social House—where seemingly sky-high windows open to the outdoors, letting in the crisp pine-scented air—which houses the on-site bar, lounge and restaurant complete with an open kitchen.

Just an hour’s drive from Milwaukee, the town of Kohler—home to the world-famous company that makes plumbing products—features one of the Midwest’s most luxurious resorts. Embrace hygge at the American Club Resort Hotel. Its Tudor-Revival-style architecture and dreamy interiors—like lots of dark wooden accents, comfy couches and a grand fireplace—set the scene for an idyllic cold-weather escape. A trip here is truly one for the books, if not for the cheese curds at The Horse & Plow or a piping-hot Campfire Mocha at the Greenhouse coffee shop-slash-bakery alone. (Trust me when I say the other on-site drinking and dining options are equally impressive.) Do yourself a favor and snag a room inside the adults-only Carriage House building, which offers direct access to the 25,000-square-foot, hydrotherapy-focused Kohler Water Spa and offers elegant accommodations in rich fabrics and, in some cases, soaking tubs. Also, don’t miss Frozen Fairways, where guests can sip hot chocolate, go ice skating, embark on carriage rides and so much more through the end of February.

Reminiscent of a centuries-old Tudor manor, Deer Path Inn is less than an hour from Chicago, though its serene setting and Old World charm make it feel worlds away. Bundle up for a stroll around the English garden, lounge by one of the roaring stone fireplaces or enjoy afternoon tea while watching the snow fall from the window. Speaking of tea, the property’s “A Good Book & A Spot of Tea” package, available through April 2024, will include bedtime tea service, English-inspired nighttime snacks, a lavender mocktail and a keepsake book from the local bookstore. Meanwhile, rooms and suites feature stone bathrooms, millwork entryways, upholstered furnishings and elegant drapery.

Those craving a warm-weather escape with a side of hygge need not look further than Nobu Ryokan Malibu in sunny SoCal. Ideally situated between Carbon Beach and the Pacific Coast Highway, this wellness-centric property offers just 16 minimalist-slash-Japanese-inspired suites, some with indoor/outdoor fireplaces, expansive al fresco patios and, most notably, teak soaking tubs. The coastal views will instantly put travelers at ease, while outdoor activities—hiking and biking, surfing, yoga and meditation—only enhance the zen vibes. There’s also a flora-filled garden, serene walking paths and a wooden sunbathing deck.

Sedona is one of the country’s most famous wellness destinations, and it’s surprisingly spectacular for those seeking a hygge-inspired escape, too. Enchantment Resort makes a fantastic home base for exploring, and the red rocks surroundings are just the icing on the cake. Most casita-style accommodations feature fireplaces, while all have private outdoor decks. Retreat to nature at the on-site Trail House, which offers access to over 400 miles of hiking and biking trails; rock climbing, stargazing, pickleball and more are also available. Lastly, it’s worth noting that guests have access to the spa at the sister property Mii amo, which offers therapeutic services and relaxing facilities like a steam room, sauna and whirlpool.

Asheville is easily among the nation’s trendiest cities—complete with a buzzy craft brew scene, scenic hiking and outdoor adventure. The Omni Grove Park Inn, situated along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is ideal for relaxation-seeking travelers. Come cold-weather season, the magnificent mountain retreat, renowned for its striking stone architecture, transforms into a winter wonderland oasis. Guests can veg out by the giant 36-foot fireplaces before or after enjoying gingerbread-themed spa treatments. Similarly, the underground spa also features abundant pools plus a mountain view outdoor hot tub.