Amazing resorts to visit this winter.

Huamandi Hot Spring Hotel, China

Located in Chenhua Town (Henan Province, China), the Huamandi Hot Spring Hotel is particularly popular with tourists for the enchanting beauty of its hot springs, the lush greenery of its plants and flowers, and the light refracting through its glass buildings.

One of Huamandi's most beloved attractions is its hot springs. Huamandi boasts 19 baths of varying sizes, including 14 open-air baths, with temperatures ranging from 36 to 42°C. The hot mineral water contains carbon dioxide and approximately 36 trace minerals, which have antibacterial, calming, health-boosting, and skin-improving effects. Especially noteworthy is the opportunity to relax in the baths while enjoying the breathtaking natural scenery through the glass walls.

Despite the rule prohibiting customers under 12 years old, which many find disappointing, Huamandi remains a worthwhile destination, especially as winter approaches.

Yongpyong Ski Resort, South Korea

Yongpyong Ski Resort is located in Gangwon Province, 200 km east of Seoul, South Korea. Situated at the foot of Mount Balwang, it boasts 28 ski runs of varying difficulty levels, including some challenging ones suitable for professional skiers, and experiences heavy snowfall (approximately 2.5 meters) each year. Yongpyong is considered one of the best ski resorts in Asia and the most famous ski resort in South Korea.

Even if it's your first time in the snow, you can still participate in exciting and fun activities here such as sledding and snow tubing. In addition, the resort also offers skiing lessons in both Korean and English. The cable car system, with cabins accommodating 2-4 people each, also operates continuously throughout the winter to serve visitors.

Notably, Yongpyon Ski Resort was also the filming location for the classic Korean drama "Winter Sonata". If you enjoyed this romantic drama, you'll easily recognize familiar scenes – the places where the love story of the two main characters began – such as the "Cheo-Um" café, the walkway between YongPyong Condos, the Chalet restaurant, or the Dragon Bar...

After hours of fun skiing, admiring the majestic beauty of Mount Balwang, watching the sunrise from Dragon Peak, enjoying a sauna, or savoring chimaek – a signature Korean fried chicken dish – while sipping on a few beers or soju are all wonderful experiences you should try at Yongpyong Ski Resort.

Tomamu Resort, Japan

Located 150km east of Sapporo, Tomamu is considered one of the most luxurious resorts in Hokkaido, Japan. Tomamu boasts a large heated swimming pool that cost $50 million to build. Palm trees, deck chairs, lively Hawaiian music, and professional spa services make the pool feel like a tropical oasis amidst the cold, snow-covered landscape of Tomamu.

One highlight of Tomamu that cannot be overlooked is the Alpha Resort ice hotel. Located within the ice village, the interior of the Alpha Resort is made entirely of ice, from the dining room and bedrooms to the bathrooms. While staying here, you will be served a lavish dinner with beautifully presented food on ice plates.

Beyond its chain of restaurants offering exquisite, high-class cuisine, Tomamu boasts an seemingly endless list of fun activities. To cater to the needs of visitors, Tomamu offers professional ski areas for athletes, dedicated areas for children, and ski lessons for beginners. There are also snow parks, terrain parks, and exciting activities such as nighttime hot air balloon rides or ice fishing, followed by enjoying grilled fish right on the spot.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Blue Lagoon is a resort located in a lava field at Grindavík, on the Reykjanes Peninsula, in western Iceland. Situated entirely within Iceland's UNESCO Global Geopark, Blue Lagoon is designed to blend with the volcanic landscape and includes a series of mineral-rich seawater pools, a spa, a hotel, and restaurants.

It is known that in 1970, a geothermal power plant called Svartsengi caused lava to flow into a river, turning the river water turquoise. This seemingly catastrophic incident inadvertently transformed the area into a giant hot spring, a natural spa that attracts millions of visitors every year.

The sun hardly ever sets here, except in winter when sunlight is limited. The average water temperature at Blue Lagoon is around 37-39 degrees Celsius, rich in minerals such as silicon and sulfur, which are believed to improve and treat skin conditions. Besides hot spring bathing, the Blue Lagoon resort also offers saunas, massage services, shops, a café, and even a deck for guests to sit and enjoy the view.

Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA

Located in Jackson Hole – a stunning valley in Wyoming (USA), the Four Seasons Jackson Hole resort is a fantastic choice for travelers who love romance, professional skiing, and fascinating wildlife. Using a color palette of gold (from wood), reddish-brown, and gray, the design of Seasons Jackson Hole is simple yet exudes the luxury of a 5-star resort.

In winter, besides skiing, Four Seasons Jackson Hole offers many other sports and recreational activities such as snowmobiling, ice skating, hot tubs, a gym, a spa, ice fishing, and more. If you want fun and excitement for the whole family at Jackson Hole, try the Alpine slopes, where you can ride a sled down the nearly 1km slope of Snow King Mountain, or join exciting wilderness tours to learn about nature.

In particular, from mid-October to April each year, visitors to Four Seasons Jackson Hole can also ride horses through the valley to admire thousands of reindeer foraging, eagles soaring, and even lovely trumpet swans…

St. Regis Deer Valley, Utah, USA

With its elegant classical design, luxurious amenities, and breathtaking natural beauty, the St. Regis Deer Valley resort in Utah (USA) is an ideal destination for a cold winter getaway.

This five-star resort spans six peaks of the Wasatch Range and offers panoramic views of Park City and Jordanelle Reservoir. Situated on a high mountain slope, St. Regis Deer Valley is considered the perfect retreat for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of work and city life. From their windows, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic Wasatch Range.

Thanks to its advantageous geographical location, St. Regis Deer Valley has long been a dream destination for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. It boasts 101 ski slopes, 24 ski lifts, and was recognized by CNN as one of the eight most beautiful ski resorts in the world in 2018.

Another undeniable advantage is the stunning outdoor hot tub system located right within the resort grounds. In addition, the resort offers a full range of 5-star amenities such as restaurants, bars, a spa, a movie theater, a game room, a gym, and an open-air fireplace for guests' enjoyment.

Hien Nguyen