The new year is upon us and things are already looking brighter for holidays. If you’re worried you’ve missed out on the buzz already, fear not. We have the low down on every kind of trip you might be thinking of booking.
From world-class skiing in chalets that make the A-list swoon, and luxurious adventures off the beaten track, to family fun in Europe and cultural excursions that the fashionable jet set (don’t really) want you to know about. This year it’s about honing into your superlative travel desires and grabbing life by the passport. Here are some ideas to get you started.
If you want… Snow and skiing
Chalet Artemis
St Anton am Arlberg, Tyrol, Austria
Best for: High-rolling snow-seekers
A ski resort with the rich cinematic history of St Anton needs a residence worthy of the A-list, and Scott Dunn founder Andrew Dunn has created it with his personal retreat. The six-bedroom property was renovated in recent years, with Dunn choosing the decor himself – from the vibrant Paul Smith rugs to the emperor-size beds that are wider than they are long. I loved the all-natural Haeckel’s bathroom products. Off the slopes, the chalet has a pool and cinema room. What really sets it apart, though, is the service, which genuinely made us feel like no request was too big.
Stella loves: Chefs Rob and Rosie (who once worked at Noma) can turn their hand to anything from tasting menus to movie snacks; their sensational Spanish tapas was a highlight.
Out and about: World-class skiing is the reason people flock to St Anton. Some of the most memorable drinking and dining experiences were slope-side, but not inaccessible to non-skiers, who can access them via cable-car. Head to Verwallstube, a gourmet restaurant 2,085m above sea level, for truffle pasta and spectacular views (verwallstube.at), and the MooserWirt for its wild après-ski scene (mooserwirt.at).
How to do it: Chalet from £26,500 a week (sleeps 12), including breakfast, afternoon tea, bar drinks, five dinners with wine pairing, driver service. (Flights, transfers, ski passes, childcare and beauty treatments can be arranged on request); chaletartemis.com. Read the full expert review here.
