This Spanish resort is found in the Andalusian province of Granada, just a 30-minute transfer from Andalusia’s airport. Its name means “snowy mountain range”, its locale very much doing what it says on the tin as a popular skiing region for beginners and intermediates. It’s one of the most southerly, but has some very high peaks, making well over a hundred runs possible from December to April. The sunny Sierra Nevada has several national parks, a terrain park and a dedicated biosphere reserve. And as well as enjoying fun in the snow, you can hit the beach at lower altitudes.
Maribel
Sierra Nevada starts the winter season with the much-anticipated arrival of a new destination hotel, Maribel. This reimagined alpine ski chalet opens under the new ownership and management of Puente Romano Beach Resort and Marbella Club, responsible for the renowned El Lodge Ski & Spa. Ideally located at the foot of the slopes, Maribel is the sophisticated ski and après ski chalet with a mix of high-altitude fun both on and off the piste for families, friends, and winter sports enthusiasts. With a season that lasts until the start of spring and coincides with the winter sports period of the Sierra Nevada resort, Maribel will have 29 rooms and suites, including the signature Maribel Penthouse Suite. Situated at 2,250 metres, with direct access to the Maribel and Águila slopes, Maribel offers its guests the perfect plan on and off the pistes. Once at this alpine lifestyle hotel, guests will find a compelling blend of wellness and dining. The hotel’s lounge and bar, with a ski-in/ski-out outdoor terrace, promises a unique après ski atmosphere. Maribel’s restaurant provides a ‘dining club’ experience with an alpine flavour. There’s even a Nordic-inspired spa where guests can rest their weary muscles after a day on the slopes and unwind under the stars.
El Lodge Sierra Nevada
A boutique ski-season hotel, El Lodge’s architecture is modelled on the traditional chalet, but with a chic personality infused by its owners, Marbella Club. Inside the Finnish wood building, you’ll find 20 bedrooms with Natura Bissé bath products, iPads, iPod docks and Nespresso machines, decorated with cowhide rugs, fur cushions and antler chandeliers, plus a Smeg fridge on every floor. Outside is a pool and wooden hot tub (from which steam rises invitingly on a cold day) and a sauna with impressive views. The main restaurant, bar, lounge and terrace all serve dishes crafted with low-mileage ingredients and there’s a games room to keep the kids busy.
