• For couples who love winter, destinations like Iceland and Norway offer magical experiences like the Northern Lights and cozy hygge-inspired stays.
• Adventurous newlyweds can enjoy thrilling activities like dog sledding in Montana or glacier hiking in New Zealand’s winter season.
• Romantic retreats like Deer Mountain Inn in New York or Gstaad Palace in Switzerland combine luxury, history, and breathtaking snowy landscapes.

Norway

The most obvious draw to the Arctic Circle is, of course, those magical lights of the Aurora Borealis, but there’s much more adventure to be had for couples who are up to getting off the beaten track. Nestled in and around Alesund, a city on the western coast of the Scandinavian country, 62° Nord's three hotels are perfect for a romantic getaway.

For incredible hiking, scenic backdrops, and a secluded retreat, take a boat through the fjords to Union Øye, a historic property that first opened in 1891. Those craving more proximity to the city of Alesund will fall in love with Brosundet, whose outdoor soaking tubs overlooking the canal are a can't-miss activity. (Honeymooners should also consider booking a stay in the property's lighthouse.) And for a hygge-inspired stay, head to Storfjord to spend hours lounging in front of the property's fireplace after a morning spent kayaking on the water.

Hudson Valley

From the hiking trails and historic sites to the awe-inspiring scenery and cozy accommodations, the Hudson Valley is a beloved destination for a reason. The New York State region is only a two-hour drive from NYC, and, once you arrive, you're surrounded by art, culture, history, skiing, incredible dining, and relaxing spa experiences.

If you're looking for a place to stay, one of the most exquisite of the bunch is Deer Mountain Inn, an intimate hotel originally built in the late 1880s. There are six charming rooms in the main house, where you can curl up by the fire, and four standalone cabins for a bit more privacy and living space. "Spending time at Deer Mountain Inn is nothing short of divine," Brides General Manager, Hallie Gould, says of her stay. "The vibes are on, from the warmth of the rooms to the impeccable service. The bar and restaurant are incredibly romantic—dimly lit, lush, and a bit moody—so, it's the perfect place to enjoy elevated classics (with a focus on local ingredients) and relax as newlyweds," she adds. Other Hudson Valley mainstays are Dia:Beacon and skiing at Hunter Mountain.

Montana

From the size of the snowflakes to the vast array of adventurous and laid-back activities available, there’s no denying that Montana is a winter lover's playground. At The Green O, an uber-luxe adults-only property, couples can enjoy dog sledding, sleigh rides, skiing, and skijoring by day, then tuck into decadent multi-course tasting menus by night. The all-inclusive hotel, which is a sister property to the larger Resort at Paws Up, offers only 12 high-design “hauses”—there’s even a tree house—complete with hot tubs, elegant Montana-style décor, and breathtaking views of the peaceful forest surrounding the property.

Switzerland

What more fantastical setting is there than a palace to experience being blanketed in snow? In Gstaad, Switzerland, the circa-1913 fairytale-like Gstaad Palace gives its guests a sense of romance along with an air of austerity, fine dining, and spa options alongside thrilling nearby skiing and snowboarding opportunities. In Zurich, the Dolder Grand’s trio of outdoor hot tubs—which overlook serene fields of snow and the lake—are the best way to experience hot and cold together. You can also go ice skating, hand in hand, as the perfect precursor to dinner in their glamorous Michelin-starred restaurant.

Wyoming

Private suites with deep soaking tubs, fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows for snow gazing make Amangani one of the most refined spots to experience a rugged winter in the west, complete with sweeping Teton views and plenty of places to ski. There’s also dog sledding, fly fishing, and private nature treks to keep you busy when not taking advantage of all that your suite has to offer.

The rustic-elegant Hotel Jackson nearby isn’t only poised for easy access to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, but it does offer boot valet and warming services, fireplaces in every luxe room, and elk sleigh rides. To go a little more rustic, consider Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins or Mammoth Hot Springs & Cabins (with a handful of cabins boasting private hot tubs) at Yellowstone National Park, where snow coach tours are available and cross-country skiers and snowshoers can get their fill of the Old Faithful Upper Geyser Basin.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Summertime in the States doesn’t mean you have to be stuck under the sun. Snow-seekers can find winter in Queenstown, New Zealand, where the opposite seasons allow for pristine powder-coated ski and snowboarding in what we, in the U.S., think of as the warmest months. Known as the adventure capital of the world (it’s where bungee jumping was founded), there are oodles of activities for adrenaline-fueled couples to get their fill, including glaciers to hike. Luxe digs like the intimate and window-laden Matakauri Lodge ensure all that frosty fun is balanced with equal parts TLC and luxury relaxation.

Colorado

A no-brainer of a destination, the ultimate winter wonderland state has more than just Aspen. Telluride, with its world-class ski trails, claims the iconic Dunton Hot Springs, where secluded cabins make the coziest hideaways between ski runs, hot spring soaks, and many more snowy activities. Additionally, The Hotel Telluride has packages that include champagne-paired dinners, snowmobiling trips, and wine and charcuterie in front of the fireplace.

Vail has luxury resorts in the form of European-inspired The Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort, and the fab ski-in/ski-out Grand Hyatt Vail, where the après game is so strong it boasts a hot chocolate bar, champagne sabering, and music year-round. And if an all-inclusive experience is what you’re after, you can’t beat the ultra-romantic Vista Verde Ranch in Clark, Colorado, where you’ll enjoy an array of activities like snowshoeing, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing by day, followed by long soaks in your private cabin’s hot tub and an amazing food scene at night.

Iceland

What’s more wondrous than the Northern Lights? It’s a rare sight to behold, and the colorful spectacle is only possible in the winter when the days are oh-so short but full of possibility. Iceland has it all, from glaciers to ice caves to lava fields to hot springs, which are that much more satisfying when the air is frigid and steam rises up. Come spring, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is the best way to experience the famed waters and local cuisine (at Moss Restaurant), with suites embedded in lava flow and terraces that give access to the geothermal waters. Alternatively, hygge vibes and a mega-dose of adventure are available at Ion, which is the most luxe pick near the Aurora Borealis.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Snowbirds seeking short lift lines, perfectly groomed trails, and a little historic charm will find it at America’s first destination ski resort, Sun Valley. Stay at the Sun Valley Inn, where the property has been renovated, the dining scene is updated, and the mountains have seen a slew of enhancements. When your muscles ache from the slopes, there’s the picturesque outdoor hot tub or heated pool and a 20,000-square-foot spa that will fix you right up.

Banff, Canada

Serious skiers know all about Banff, one of the most epic destinations for the sport in North America and the world. Its consistently snow-blanketed peaks are drop-dead gorgeous to boot. The best way to visit it? Book a suite at the stunning Fairmont Banff Springs, surrounded by fairy-tale forests and aquamarine river valleys. The jaw-dropping resort harks back to 1888 and is a National Historic Site with 11 restaurants, a 50-foot heated outdoor pool, a glorious spa, palatial rooms and suites, and, of course, plenty of magic-making powder.

Camden, Maine

It’s not as well known as Western ski resorts, but Camden, Maine, is notable for at least one pretty cool reason: It’s the only place in America where skiers can gaze out over the Atlantic Ocean while skiing down the Camden Ski Bowl. The ideal place to install yourselves on your romantic getaway is in one of Camden Harbour Inn’s (a Relais & Chateaux property) two Grand Suites, with in-suite saunas large enough for two, steam and rain showers, plunge tubs, and multiple fireplaces, alongside original artworks and a fine restaurant serving a drool-worthy, five-course lobster tasting menu.