Italian ski hotels: Tree houses, floor-to-ceiling windows, and hearty food

Cosy up in our selection of Italy's finest ski accommodation

San Luis, Hafling

San Luis,Hafling

Newly opened this week, this family-run retreat in the South Tyrol offers something a little different. Made up of individual chalets on the shores of a lake, and tree houses hidden in a pine forest, it's an ideal spot if you want to get up close to nature while still feeling cosseted. The chalets come with private saunas, walk-in wardrobes, and personal spa zones, while the tree houses are on stilts, with balconies jutting out into the forest's canopy and large panoramic windows. Inside both accommodations, the loft-style decor incorporates industrial windows, soft drapes, cream furnishings, wooden floors, and plenty of light. The nearby resorts of Avelengo, Merano and Hafling offer skiing opportunities, as well as ice-climbing, and snow-shoeing.

Via Verano 1, Avelengo (00 39 0473 279 570; sanluis-hotel.com). Doubles start at €328, B&B.

Nira Montana, La Thuile

Nira Montana, La Thuile

Recent winner of the best new ski hotel at the World Ski Awards, this is the first five-star hotel to open in La Thuile. It has been built in traditional style with a focus on nature. The wallpaper pattern has a forest theme and the wooden floors are laid to resemble tree trunks. The skylights ensure the rooms are filled with plenty of natural light. The bedclothes are decorated with a snowflake print, for that extra alpine touch. There's also a spa on site.

Localita Arly 87, La Thuile (00 39 0165 883125; niramontana.com). Doubles from €185, B&B.

Hotel Adler Mountain, Lodge Seiser Alm

This 30-bedroom lodge-style hotel, which opened last year, took 10 years to complete. It blends into the landscape with its use of local spruce and wood carvings and the bedrooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows which frame the mountainous view. The main house has a restaurant, sun terrace, spa and infinity pool. There are 12 two-storey guest chalets, which come with private balconies, saunas, and log fires.

Via Piz, 11, Castelrotto (00 39 0471 723000; adler-lodge.com). A three night stay in a junior suite is €715, full board.

NaturHotel Miraval, Alta Badia

NaturHotel Miraval, Alta Badia

This family-run hotel has 12 deluxe suites as well as 10 self-catering apartments. The bedrooms are traditionally alpine, with wood-clad walls. The colours are warm, the windows large, offering panoramic views of the Dolomites. On site, there is a gourmet restaurant, as well as spa area complete with steam room, Finnish sauna, and outdoor hot tub. The hotel also has a chairlift to the nearby Dolomiti Superski area.

Montassilone 25, Perca (00 39 0471 844055; naturhotelmiraval.com). Doubles from €95, half board.

Principe delle Nevi, Cervinia

Principe delle Nevi, Cervinia

A stylish boutique hotel in the centre of Cervinia. The rooms are contemporary, with feature walls, leather headboards and plush rugs. The suites all come with individual living areas, including wraparound sofas, open fires, fur throws, TVs and Smeg fridges. Some are loft-style, with sloping ceilings and individual kitchens with stainless steel worktops. Outdoor Jacuzzis are also included in the larger suites. The hotel has a spa with an indoor pool and sauna.

Strada del Giomein, Cervinia (00 39 0166 940992; principedellenevi.com). Doubles from €190, half board.

Hotel Hermitage, Cervinia

Hotel Hermitage, Cervinia

This traditional boutique hotel is three times winner of the best boutique hotel award at the World Ski Awards. It has a ski-in, ski-out location and panoramic sun terrace. The bedrooms are traditional but comfortable, with rich coloured carpets, mahogany furniture, local artwork, and patterned furnishings. The master suites have marble bathrooms and Jacuzzis. The hotel is renowned for its hearty Italian food and extensive wine list.

Breuil Cervinia (00 39 0166 948998; hotelhermitage.com). Doubles from €560, half board.