The Four Seasons – Vail

If seven miles of Colorado Rocky alpine runs aren't enough to pack the fleeces and head to this high elevation paradise, visitors also enjoy the boutique shopping found in Vail's charming Tyrolean-style village.

The Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Vail offers the luxurious experience guests have come to expect from the Four Seasons brand within steps of Colorado's best skiing location. 

Modern mountain cuisine is dished inside or out day or night from a selection of restaurants fitting for the dramatic views. Take a cocktail out on one of the heated terraces, or cozy up with a loved one beside one of the many stone fireplaces.

Muscles that become sore from a day on the slopes can relax at the award-winning spa. The services include a bevy of organic and state-of-the-art treatments dialed in for maximum effectiveness in cold weather and high-altitude conditions.

The comfortable rooms include fine leather furniture for relaxing and soaking in the dramatic views, while private gas-burning fireplaces bedside keep toes toasty and spirits high.

More info and booking.

Fairmont Chateau – Whistler

Whistler, British Columbia has some of the best skiing experiences on the planet. The Fairmont Chateau in Whistler, located at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain is in the prime location for ski in and out resort experiences.

Built in a classic chateau style, this 12 story charmer is a picturesque basecamp for having a winter adventure with the whole family.

Plan a trip around one of the Fairmont's many special events like The Whistler Christmas Story for an added holiday treat.

Travelers who need a break from snow banks and twinkling lights will marvel at the chateau's oversized pool deck. It's the perfect way to end a day of outdoor activity.

More info and booking.

Hotel Airelles – Courchevel

It's no secret that France boasts some of the best ski resorts in the world. The mythical palace appearance of the Hotel Airelles in beautiful Courchevel will blow your mind with atmosphere and service.

Come for the Olympic-level skiing (Courchevel was the location of the ski jump and Nordic combined events during the Winter Olympics of 1992) stay for the exquisite French dining and opulent chalet accommodations.

Plush chamber rooms decked out in equal parts rich wood, and heirloom fabrics present a timeless environment where decadence reigns supreme.

Order in a tray of sweet brioche and wash it down with a sparkling mimosa before skiing out into the winter wonderland of the French countryside.

More info and booking.

Four Seasons – Jackson Hole

Wyoming's Grand Tetons are a majestic sight all year long. It's almost unfair that the area offers incredible skiing as well.

For the best ski in and out opportunity in Jackson Hole, head to the Four Seasons Resort surrounded by this breathtaking mountain range.

The hotel balances the rustic feel of the West with five-star luxury rooms and dining. In the evening, sip a craft cocktail at the popular slope-side bar or enjoy an entire romantic dinner in the privacy of your suite.  

For skiers looking to mix downhill runs with a taste of the grand Americana-this is the outpost to hit.  

More info and booking.

A proper ski resort is never about one thing. It must provide a healthy mix of comfort, luxury, warmth, good weather, great food and drink, and of course, mountainous layers of light snow.

Ski-in and out of one of these high-class resorts, and you won't just be floating down mountains, you'll be increasing the amplitude of your entire trip.

The post These Are The Top Luxury Ski In And Ski Out Resorts Of The Year appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

La Mamounia

The Moroccan city has a rich history as a hub of Muslim culture, a driving economy, palaces and gardens. More recently tourism has been a big draw. Architects Antoine Marchisio and Henri Prost erected the luxurious La Mamounia hotel in 1929, which hosted a slew of world figures and artists included Winston Churchill and Josephine Baker. In the 1960s, it became an epicenter of the hippy movement with rock stars and western travelers descending on it. The current Morrocan King, Mohamed VI has the goal of increasing the number of tourists visiting Morocco to 20 million a year by 2020.

However, a fear of travel for Americans inside Muslim countries has probably deterred some wealthy US citizens from visiting. That’s not the case with international visitors. According to Mansion Global, current residents at La Palmeraie include the Emir of Qatar, whose vacation home reportedly cost $117.7 million. Marella Agnelli, widow of Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli, and Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former director of the International Monetary Fund, are also homeowners. Fashion magnate Patrick Guerrand-Hermès spends part of the year in Morocco, and founded the Royal Polo Club de la Palmeraie.

Unlike ultra exclusive resorts like Dubai’s The World, which became unstuck during the financial crash, La Palmeraie entertains not just those of extreme wealth but moderate wealth, too. Properties can range from over $100 million to $1 million for a small villa. Building styles combine tradition Moroccan/Islamic designs with modern European flourishes  and subdued color tones. Other than the weather and proximity to Europe, the big draw for the elite is the lack of taxation and low property taxes (around $3,500/year for a large home).

Kasbah Tamadot at dusk / photo courtesy of www.virginlimitededition.com

Buying, though, is not  a prerequisite to staying in the city. As per the King’s mandate, there are no shortage of luxury hotels. One of the best known is Virgin head, Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot, which was voted Best Resort Hotel, North Africa and the Middle East in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2017 readers’ survey. Branson’s move in the city was a prescient one. According to financial news site medias24.com, Marrakech closed 2017 with a record number of 2.5 million tourists, which increased 20 percent compared with 2016. November and December were peak months. Germans made up the greatest number of tourists at 56 percent, French visitors were next with 19 percent growth, followed by Spanish, Scandinavian and locals. The increased number of flights, from 245 flights weekly in 2016 to 361 in 2017 was a big reason for the bump in tourism.

For Jewish Americans wary of stepping foot on Muslim soil, The Times of Israel reported that the Jewish quarter of Marrakesh has also seen a revival after many Jews left for Israel and Europe in the 1950s. They are now returning en-masse (around 50,000/year) as tourists to visit historical Jewish sites, though only a handful, perhaps 100, of permanent Jewish residents still reside in the quarter. 

For those who can’t afford the the glamorous life in Marrakesh, Airbnb has noted phenomenal success with 21,000 active listings earning $22 million last year.

“These travelers are seeking authentic, local experiences across the continent," said Airbnb spokesman Bernard D’heygere. 

Top image:  The Majorelle Garden, shutterstock.com

The post Tired Of The Hamptons? Try Marrakech – The Latest Hotspot In Luxury Living appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.