Meli Solá Y Nieve
If you're a ski fanatic and have flown down the slopes of Aspen and Val D'Isère more times than you can remember, why not buck the trend and head to Andalucia's Sierra Nevada in the south of Spain, this year? While southern España wouldn't be the first place that pops into your head when you think of snow and skiing, this icy resort, with 100km of runs, is the world of winter sport's hidden gem.
The Melià Sol y Nieve hotel is a must-stay for first-time visitors to the resort. Located a stone's throw from the chairlifts, the four-star hotel, decorated in traditional alpine style, with rustic stone, exposed wooden beams and warm colours, it's the ideal spot for spending your off-piste hours, and getting your glow back by the fire.
The hotel restaurant, La Tinaja de la Sierra, serves up delicious local cuisine with a few international favourites thrown in if you're not in the mood for Spanish, and the always lively La Bodeguita is the perfect place to enjoy typical Andalucian tapas and hang out for an evening with the rest of the ski bunnies. And when you're ready to venture out after dark, we recommend a trip to the Sol Disco, one of the most popular spots in town.
If you've suffered a few bumps, bruises and knocks, take a day off from the slopes and book into the Yhi Spa in the hotel for some well-deserved pampering. After a luxurious regenerative body and facial treatment and a warm herbal oil compress massage, you'll feel fully recharged and ready for your next day on the slopes.
No trip to the Sierra Nevada is complete without a visit to the nearby city of Granada. Just 33km away by car, you'll find the Alhambra Palace,
built during the mid-14th century by the Moors and today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also enjoy some of the most breathtaking views in the world with the Sierra Nevada's white peaks as an impressive backdrop.
Finally, if you're feeling homesick, spend the day wandering around the city's Arabic quarter, the Albayzín, where you'll encounter a maze of streets lined with stores and cafes, for some shopping and sipping.
Inside info
No stay in Spain is complete without sampling the Spanish dessert, churros. Dunk the warm, long doughnut-like sticks into a thick hot chocolate for an off-piste warmer.
Details
Melià Sol y Nieve, Plaza de Padrollano, Sierra Nevada Granada 18196 +34 958 480 300 solmelia.com
Tribeca Treats, New York
If you get a sweet tooth craving in the Big Apple, head to Tribeca Treats for cupcakes, brownies and cookies galore! The celeb bakery of choice – both Cam Diaz and Jessica Biel have been spotted stocking up on their super-cute mini cupcakes – is a top afternoon tea spot in Tribeca, where, as well as the whoopie pies, mini cupcakes and ice cream sandwiches on offer, you can also enjoy sampling from the ever-changing seasonal menu – and we’d highly recommend the eggnog cake.
+1 212 571 0500
tribecatreats.com
Tom’s Kitchen, London
Located on the glossy posse’s Chelsea doorstep, celeb chef, Tom Aikens’ British restaurant is a must for anyone passing through the capital. With a menu of hearty and homely dishes, this stylish restaurant that’s all exposed brickwork, marble counters and chunky wood furniture, is a favourite of the likes of Sienna Miller, Kimberley Stewart and Josh Hartnett. Nothing about Tom’s Kitchen feels rushed and the menu has been put together to promote the best of British food, meaning that on a chilly London Sunday afternoon, there’s no place better.
+44 207 349 0202
tomskitchen.co.uk
