IMAGE: ODLES LODGE


HOTEL AWARDS


MOUNTAIN REFUGE These three winners expertly showcase the peaks on their doorsteps, with log-cabin interiors and epic views


Odles Lodge Italy Whether snow-frosted in winter or glowing pink


in a summer sunset, the Dolomites are riveting viewed from this lodge above Bressanone (Brixen). Peering across to 9,800ft peaks that razor along the horizon, Odles is an inimitable mix of understated luxury and raw wilderness, with pine forest and flower-flecked meadows at its feet. Unplugging and tuning into nature is the mantra. The


minimalist-cool lodges use blonde spruce and Swiss stone pine — the fragrant untreated timber apparently promotes better sleep — while the windows and balconies frame showstopping views. The spirit of South Tyrol’s traditional mountain huts is captured, too, with restored wood- burning tiled stoves and hand-carved furnishings. After a day of hiking, biking, climbing or skiing on


beautiful trails and pistes, relax in the spring water-filled forest pool, sauna and steam bath. And after the soundest night’s sleep, breakfast is delivered to the door. Chalets from €505 (£465), B&B. odleslodge.it KW


Runners-up CATALOOTCHIE RANCH, US An elevated frontier experience, this Great Smoky Mountain retreat does log-cabin luxury with high-country views and cowboy cuisine from a Southern pit-master. A dozen family-sized cabins and stone fireplaces circle the historic North Carolina lodge. The lodge itself holds six suites, a woody spa and a cosy, fire-lit bar for bourbon cocktails. Beyond, miles of riding and hiking trails disappear into the wilderness. From $700 (£535). cataloocheeranch.com EH


GRACE LA MARGNA ST MORITZ, SWITZERLAND A limestone wing, created in 2023 by British architects, adds to the splendour of this art nouveau beauty in the eastern Swiss Alps. A year-round hotel overlooking St Moritz’s lake, it’s a tactile buffet of buttery leathers and honed mountain hardwoods, while the 74 rooms look out to mountains like rough-cut diamonds. A new spa and 20m pool complete the transformation. From CHF440 (£400), B&B. gracehotels.com EH


Below: Bedroom in Lodge 4, Odles Lodge


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