The Fashion Plate Magazine

Set against a dramatic backdrop of the Graubünden Alps, the InterContinental Davos was designed by Oliver Hofmeister of Munich-based firm Oikios, who envisioned a ‘supple yet incisive external form’ for the 213-room property.

The building’s scale-like façade, which at first was deemed unbuildable by several experts, comprises 791 steel panels overlapping one another to form the intricate structure.

Guest facilities include the Studio Grigio, a fine-dining restaurant located on the top floor, alpine brasserie Capricorn (pictured), bar and lounge area Nuts & Co, as well as the Alpine Spa.

For international fare, guests can go the Asian restaurant and bar Matsu, which takes inspiration from Japan’s famous taverns.

InterContinentalDavos, Switzerland

This cylindrical sculpture, called an architectural marvel, doubles as a luxurious Ski resort.  The inspiration for the eye-catching Swiss Alps structure – the pinecone.
Baslerstrasse 9, Davos Dorf, 7260, Switzerland; tel: 41.81 4140 400; www.ihg.com. Rates: from CHF162

Gath has soaring ceilings, swathes of glass and dark-honey-hued wood…

…which compliment breathtaking views towards the Saint-Gothard Massif mountain range.

Three king-sized bedroom suites with bathrooms, a dining room, kitchen, private wine cabinet and spa.

The Furka Suite at The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland
Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy luxe aesthetic creates a serene abode within the Chedi Andermatt.
Gotthardstrasse 4, Andermat, 6490, Switzerland; tel: 41.41 888 7488; www.ghmhotels.com. Rates: from CHF8,000

Valéry Grégo, who believes a hospitality project should rely on its history to tell a unique story, chose to preserve the auberge’s traditional wood architecture.

French interior architect Gilles Leborgne modern interiors strike the right balance between past and futurein the 31 rooms and suites, restaurant, bar and spa area.

The modernist interior has largely stayed the same, while ensuring today’s amenities and comfort requirements are met.

Hôtel Des Trois Vallées, Courchevel, France
Hôtel Des Trois Vallées 1950s post-war ski resort is one of the first lodgings to undergo renovations with results of a luxury property in current-day Courchevel, it’s about time.

Located in the pretty north-Italian ski town of La Thuile, close to the French border, the 55-room property makes a bold, modernist splash – courtesy of Milanese firm Studio del Portico. Outfitted in acres of blond timber, local stone and muted fabrics, the hotel, the first five-star option in town, makes the most of its location at the foot of Mont Blanc.

The best views of the Italian Alps are from the terraces or balconies attached to each room, while weary skiers can find solace in the wine cellar or in the Nira Spa.

Nira Montana, La Thuile, Italy

London-based Nira Hotels & Resorts launched just five years ago but the boutique group has already developed impressive openings in Mauritius, St Moritz and Edinburgh, with Zanzibar slated for next year. The soon-to-open Nira Montana located in the ski town of La Thuile is a 55 room property close to the French border.

The cabin, named after French glaciologist and traveller Charles Rabot – the first to map out the region in the 17th century – was designed by Oslo-based architecture practice Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter (JVA).

Its angular shape, reminiscent of the surrounding mountain peaks, was chosen to ward off the large amount of snow and heavy winds that the area is prone to, while the interiors offer a warmer and brighter feel in the seven bedrooms, two bathrooms, communal kitchen and dining room, mezzanine and storage rooms that hold food and firewood.

Rabothytta, Okstindan, Norway
Rabothytta, a reclusive self-service hiker’s cabin located 1,200 meters above sea level, is tucked away in the secluded area around the Okstindan glacier in northern Norway.
The north side of the Okstindan mountain range, Hemnes, Norway; tel: 47.90 69 31 10; www.rabothytta.no. Rates: from NKR150