Four Seasons Resort Whistler, A Stylish Ski and Mountain Retreat

I've yet to stay here, but one of my trusted Insiders raves about it. "Four Seasons does things to a certain standard which can make you think you are in a Four Seasons anywhere," she says, "but at this hotel they really get the service right, from the restaurants to the spa and gym. The ambiance is also very Canadian, very local, so you have the feeling that you're not really in a Four Seasons.

"Our room was excellent; we had a south-east facing room with a balcony and a very nice view of the mountains. The hotel also has a very high standard of amenities. It's not by the ski lift, but they take your skis there, and give you a hot chocolate while you're waiting. The service was very good."

Located on Blackcomb Way, the Four Seasons Whistler is a large hotel with 273 guest rooms, suites and townhouse residences (perfect for families or a group of friends), but has the look and feel of a traditional ski lodge. Open fireplaces abound from the guest rooms to the public spaces; lots of cozy places to curl up and relax after a hard day's skiing!

The Spa has 14 treatment rooms, with therapies based around British Columbia's natural seaweed, fruits, wild flowers, clay and pure essential oils. As my Insider attests, the dining is first-class, especially in the Fifty Two 80 Bistro (that's the number of feet you can ski on Blackcomb Mountain's vertical mile!), which has a roaring fire in winter and a large terrace for al fresco dining in the warmer summer months. Believe the hype.

Rooms from about $306 per night (twin-share).