Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

This five-pearl hotel from the Four Seasons brand caters to those seeking a luxurious mountain retreat. It's a chalet-style experience, and full of luxe touches; cozy interior elements like lots of wood and exposed stone are accompanied by fine fabrics, beautiful art, and handsome furnishings, all swathed in warm lighting emanating from stylish fixtures. Natural materials abound and add a bit of rustic charm here and there, including potted tree limbs flanking an entrance, hefty stones serving as sculptures, and even a charming polar bear scene carved out of marble. Public spaces are luxuriously elegant in a minimalist fashion, yet also cozy and inviting, encouraging après-ski lingering and relaxation. A number of freebies, like daily wine tastings, s'mores at the fire pit, and hot chocolate in the lobby are a thoughtful touches that encourages camaraderie among guests. The clientele here is well-heeled (or well-booted), and includes both couples as well as families. Also, the hotel's ample event and meeting space means it is host to various functions, corporate retreats, and weddings.

The Four Seasons is located in Upper Village, a small resort town at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Upper Village is a quieter alternative to touristy, crowded Whistler Village, although a few restaurants and bars can be found along the stretch of Blackcomb Way that runs north to south through the area. Some travelers won't like being removed from the main action in town, but the hotel does offer a free shuttle service.- Three-minute walk to Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club

• Seven-minute walk to the Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola lift
• 15-minute walk or five-minute drive to Whistler Village, full of dining, nightlife, shopping, and activities
• Six-minute drive to Whistler Airport
• Seven-minute drive to the famous Scandinave Spa
• Seven-minute drive to Nicklaus North Golf Course
• Two-hour-and-15-minute drive to Vancouver International Airport

Rooms are spacious (starting at 520 square feet) and tastefully decorated with a neutral color palette of beiges and browns. Wood prevails, giving the spaces a cozy vibe, and all rooms have fireplaces and sitting areas. Extra features available in some rooms include balconies, some with gorgeous views of the mountains. There are a variety of room categories on offer, including interconnecting rooms that are popular with families, and several different kinds of suites, all of which have separate living rooms. Some suites have full kitchens, dining areas, laundry facilities, and private outdoor hot tubs. Two-, three-, and four-bedrooms Residences are also available, and offer furnished terraces, gourmet kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms.Standard amenities include flat-screen LCD TVs, DVD/CD players (plus guests have access to hotel's collection of music and movies), minibars, Nespresso machines, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Twice-daily housekeeping and evening turndown service are provided. Bathrooms are large and equipped with deep soaking tubs, separate glass-enclosed rainfall showers, thick terry bathrobes, and L'Occitane toiletries.

The hotel has a lovely heated freeform outdoor pool that offers views of the surrounding mountains. There are also three hot tubs, while loungers offer seating on the surrounding sundeck. Other wellness facilities include a 24/7 fitness center that's well equipped with state-of-the-art machines, including cardio equipment with built-in personal TV screens, plus there's a yoga and spinning studio (fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, and spinning are free). An on-site bike rental shop means that guests can take their workout outdoors. For a dose of luxurious pampering, guests can head to the spa, which has 11 treatment rooms, two relaxation lounges, a Vichy shower room, and a eucalyptus steam room. The spa menu offers an array of treatments, including massages, facials, and nail services, plus in-room treatments can be requested.Dining options include a steakhouse and bar, SIDECUT, which specializes in regional meats and fish. It's open for dinner, and an a la carte breakfast is available here as well, while the bar is open for lunch and dinner. Guests note that food is expensive.There are a variety of thoughtful perks offered by the resort, including a ski concierge and freebies like daily wine tastings at the bar, hot chocolate or flavored water in the lobby, and s'mores at the fire pit. The family-friendly property also offers a number of amenities aimed at kids, including toys, games, baby and kids' toiletries, kids' menus, and child-size bathrobes.The hotel can host a variety of functions with its 12 event rooms, including a 3,800-square-foot (353-square-meter) ballroom, plus there's a 24/7 business center. Other amenities include a cozy library where guests can relax with a book or newspaper, as well as Tesla electric car-charging stations and a free shuttle service around the area.