Boutique hotel Riggs Washington, DC, has collaborated with fashion designer Christopher John Rogers and British paint and paper maker Farrow & Ball to create a dazzling 18-foot holiday tree.

Inspired by Rogers' childhood memories of food and family, the Carte Blanche collection, which debuted last September, includes 12 custom paint colors and three wallpaper prints, with names like "Cardamom," "Lobster," "Raw Tomatillo," and "Hog Plum."

These have served as inspiration for the holiday tree's colorful decor.

The tree uses the 12 signature paint colors from the collection for oversize hand-painted bows and geometric wallpaper draped like fabric from Rogers' womenswear collections.

Ornaments, which Forbes reported took five days to make, include designs like blue lobsters, pink shallots, and silver sardines.

From sweet treats and scents to the star of the season, the Christmas tree, British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith has worked closely with Mayfair-based Claridge's to transform its lobby.

"When designing this year's tree, I automatically thought of a birdhouse, friendly and optimistic, a symbol of home which reflects the welcoming spirit of Claridge's," Sir Paul Smith told Harper's Bazaar in October, ahead of the tree's reveal.

To create the ornaments for the tree, Sir Paul Smith partnered with British architect Nik Ramage and design studio Studiomama.

Ramage helped craft the birdhouses displayed on the tree, while Studiomama created "off-cut creatures" made from scrapwood to place at the base of the tree.

In addition to the decor, Smith's holiday fragrance, "Merrymaker," will be sprayed in the hotel's lobby, and a candy cart called "Paul's Pick n Mix," featuring his favorite Christmas treats, will be wheeled into the lobby daily.

British fashion designer Jenny Packham has brought her signature sparkling embellishments and silhouettes to Pulitzer Amsterdam's holiday decorations this year.

For the set design, Packham was inspired by renowned Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, whose ability to showcase the "quiet moments of beauty" stayed with her, she told WWD.

At nearly 29 feet, the tree, draped in grosgrain bows — reminiscent of those on Kate Middleton's dress during King Charles' Trooping of the Colour procession — and handmade pearls, stands tall in the hotel's central courtyard.

The intricate details on the bows and large pearl ornaments accompanying them are inspired by Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring."

From garlands and velvet bows to a 12-foot tree, The St. Regis Hotel in New York has undergone a complete festive transformation, thanks to its collaboration with French patisserie Ladurée.

In addition to the decor, the Parisian brand is also offering a festive afternoon tea experience at the hotel's newly launched tea salon, La Maisonette.

The dessert brand has created macaron-shaped ornaments in shades of gold, cream, and teal, complete with matching velvet bows, to decorate the tree in the hotel's reception.

Underneath, the spot is surrounded by ribbon-wrapped gifts such as an advent calendar and sweet boxes. And next to it, there's a macaron cart that doubles as both a photo stop and a place to shop.

London-based jewelry brand Garrard — appointed crown jeweler by Queen Victoria in 1843 — is bringing some of its holiday sparkle to Mandarin Oriental Jumeira this holiday season.

"Every year, our Christmas tree represents the ultimate celebration of sophistication and creative expression," said Werner Anzinger, the general manager of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira.

Of this year's tree, he said, "This new masterpiece crafted together with Garrard evokes the timeless luxury and glamour of both brands as we bring seasonal sparkle and joy to Dubai."

This year's Christmas tree is themed around sapphires, the same gemstone used by the jeweler for a pendant for the hotel's fifth anniversary earlier this year.

The tree's golden branches are decorated with the Mandarin fan — the hotel's signature motif — large midnight-blue baubles, and an illuminated ribbon.

From Meghan Markle to Karlie Kloss, several celebrities have been spotted rocking a La Ligne outfit. This year, the brand has dressed The Dewberry's lobby for Christmas.

Interior stylist Tom Dunn, who has previously worked with the fashion label, helped design the tree.

When decorating the tree, Dunn took inspiration from Charleston's sweetgrass baskets, incorporating natural elements like shed branches, woven baskets, and decorative sweetgrass into the decor.

The stylist added a touch of the outdoors to the Balsam fir, draping it with oak branches, wicker baubles, and tiny gold-toned flowers.

Connecticut-based luxury leather-goods brand Ghurka is known for its luggage and leather accessories, but this year, it will also be known for its cozy, country holiday aesthetic at the Primland resort, a private mountain estate in Virginia.

Beginning with festive bright-red bows, Ghurka reworked its signature chestnut leather for the holiday decor.

The tree also features natural brass rivets and red ribbons with Christmas lights.

Guests staying at the hotel can also request a personalized tree en suite throughout the festive season.

The historic Connaught Hotel in Mayfair has stuck to simplicity with a hint of sparkle for its holiday makeover this year.

Helping with the designs is British sculptor Conrad Shawcross, best known for blending mathematical concepts and geometrical patterns within his designs.

The hotel's tree on Carlos Place has been dressed in 90 identical lanterns, each made from aluminum and hand painted with a silver coating.

Atop, the designer has added a shining star that lights up Mayfair and, per the artist, symbolizes hope this Christmas.

It is a season of double celebrations for crystal brand Baccarat, which is marking its 260th anniversary this year by collaborating with hotels worldwide for festive experiences.

One of the hotels is the Mandarin Oriental in Singapore, where Baccarat also hosted a cocktail world tour earlier this year.

Although the tree is slightly unconventional — with no leaves or branches — the hotel's centerpiece is certainly one of a kind, given that it's made from 24- and 40-light Le Roi Soleil chandeliers.

The crystal chandeliers feature intricate branches, tassels, and octagons stacked into a tree shape with the brand's logo on top.

One of Rome's most Instagram-worthy getaways, Hotel de la Ville, collaborated with luxury Italian label Brioni for its holiday decor.

The result is a cozy, quiet-luxury aesthetic with elegant details throughout the lobby and, of course, a Christmas tree.

Hotel guests can also experience "tailoring en suite," where they can shop customized outfits crafted by Brioni's master tailors.

The Italian label has reimagined silk pieces from its previous collections to create custom ornaments for what it calls a sustainable Christmas tree.

The tree, designed in shades of blue, gold, and cream and arranged by florists, incorporates natural elements and is brightened with golden hues.

The Charles Hotel in Munich is celebrating the holidays by creating an enchanting Christmas world titled "From Munich to Mars" in collaboration with MCM — think gingerbread-style ornaments, glittering displays, and a giant Christmas tree adorned with gold and bronze baubles.

If all of that isn't exciting enough, the hotel will also feature an MCM-branded advent calendar, in which guests can win one of 24 luxury gifts every day.

To uphold this year's theme, the hotel has turned to a holiday favorite: gingerbread. Taking inspiration from the traditional biscuit, MCM has used its colors to create rocket and Christmas tree-shaped ornaments.

They've also built out a snowy landscape with gifts wrapped in brown boxes and a miniature, snow-capped gingerbread house to complement the theme.

Another Roman contender, Hotel de Russie, unveiled a high-fashion tree for the festive season, crafted in collaboration with luxury label Dolce & Gabbana.

The tree, which is located in the hotel's courtyard, was inspired by the brand's intricate work seen in its collections over the years.

The nearly 13-foot tree, decorated with glass and ceramic baubles depicting folk character motifs, big bows, and twinkling lights, adds a warm, festive vibe to the hotel.

Hues of gold pay tribute to the fashion label's signature style.

Just 15 minutes from the traffic-filled streets of Downtown Jackson, I didn't even hear the hum of a highway as I stepped out of my cab to check in at Hotel Yellowstone.

On a hill above a valley surrounded by mountains, 10 modern buildings with a cabin aesthetic sat between stone paths. A pond in the middle of the property made it feel serene.

There were no voices or pitter-patters of running feet. I only heard chirping birds and wind rustling the leaves of tall trees.

Most hotels I've stayed in have had at least one large pool where clusters of people lounge by the steps while others swim laps or play games. I typically find them chaotic, noisy, and tough to avoid a splash when passing through.

That wasn't the case at Hotel Yellowstone. This resort's pool, called the Negative Edge Pool, was just 4 feet deep and had jets and heating. It was indoors and overlooked a mountain scene with a retractable glass window. Though shallow, the pool was quite long. I thought it was spacious enough for multiple groups to enjoy simultaneously.

Next to the pool, there was a wood sauna. Both were open 24 hours a day, which surprised me since most hotels I've stayed in have had a pool curfew. I imagine this is partly because no children are on the property.

It was instantly clear to me that my room was designed to showcase the views as much as possible when I stepped inside.

The door opened into a short hallway with a bathroom on the left, behind a spacious bedroom and living space. Light poured in from a large window on the left wall and floor-to-ceiling windowed doors to the balcony spanning the back of the room.

Even the bathroom had a sliding door in front of the oversized tub, so I could gaze at the peaks of the Tetons and the valleys below while taking a bath.

"The room layout, windows, wall-to-wall sliding doors, and the beautifully crafted boiserie bathroom door enable guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning views from every angle of the suite," a hotel representative told BI.

In my experience, hotel restaurants are typically open to the public, so I was surprised to learn that only guests could sit at Olivia's, a fine-dining establishment at Hotel Yellowstone with an eclectic menu and locally sourced ingredients.

When it was time for dinner, I headed to the lobby and walked down a staircase to the restaurant on the first floor. I was mesmerized by the indoor-outdoor feel provided by the vast windows. Below the wood-beamed cathedral ceilings, the wide view of the mountains looked like a painting.

No one else was dining at Olivia's when I stepped inside, so I could sit wherever I wanted. I selected a spot right by the back window and feasted on bao buns in silence.

I returned to Olivia's for some fruit and steel-cut oats in the morning. This time, one other guest, a solo backpacker, sat two tables away from me. It was a far cry from the clattering plates and blending conversations of a typical hotel breakfast, in my experience.

After dinner, I took a peaceful walk back to my room, coated myself in a thick robe, and headed to the balcony. I expected to hear whispers of other guests enjoying the outdoor view, but it was just as silent and peaceful as when I first stepped onto the property.

Sitting in a lounge chair, I noticed a faint flutter of color in the sky and immediately jumped up and leaned on the railing. Purple and green hues danced so subtly that I had to confirm what I thought I was seeing with a long exposure on my camera. And it appears that I was right — I had spotted the northern lights in Wyoming of all places.

Seeing the auroras has been on my bucket list since I knew the phenomenon existed. And no matter where you are in the world, a trip to see the northern lights is never guaranteed. So, I certainly never thought I'd stumble upon them in the US.

I could hardly see them with my eyes alone, and I thought that if the environment hadn't been so free of distractions, I might have missed them.

I'd never seen a moose before having breakfast at Olivia's.

There I was, dining at a table against the back window, when a moose casually walked along the property just outside the restaurant.

I was stunned, but my server was not — they said the moose hangs out regularly and is often seen swimming in the pond and drying off in the flower beds.

After staying there myself, I could see why. The kid-free environment was calm and quiet. I imagine the serene nature of the resort could make wildlife more comfortable in the human setting.

I thought the adults-only element was key to having these surreal moments with nature without sacrificing comfort and luxury.

Perhaps the serenity of the adults-only resort overlooking Grand Teton National Park and Snake Valley is to thank. It was the quietest hotel I'd ever been to.

I thought it epitomized cozy mountain luxury.

"The overall design style can be best described as a harmonious blend of tranquility, serenity, and modern sophistication," the representative said of the rooms.

Each accommodation is 600 square feet, sleeps two, and has a private balcony.

Depending on the view, starting rates range between $900 and $1,600 a night. Some rooms offer views of the mountains, while others are positioned toward the valley. Some showcase the pond on the property, and others combine multiple scenes.

I booked a room with views of the Teton Range. BI received a media rate for the one-night stay.

Wide, floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the back wall and a portion of the left wall.

"The color palette for the walls, furniture, and bathroom was thoughtfully chosen to highlight the surrounding landscape and the unparalleled views of the Teton Mountain range," the hotel representative said.

When I took off my shoes, I felt the soft give of the cushy carpet beneath me.

My room had all the basic amenities you'd expect at a high-end hotel, from an espresso machine to a mini-fridge. A TV hung above a fireplace across from the bed.

I spotted nods to the environment, too. The representative said the floor lamp that resembled antlers came from AntlerWorx, and the furry accent chairs were made from pure New Zealand sheepskin.

"Both pieces showcase natural materials and textures with the Moose Antler lamp serving as a tribute to local wildlife — particularly the seasonal resident moose who frequents the property," they added.

The balcony was my favorite part of the accommodation. The spacious upper deck had two cushioned lounge chairs and a side table.

The view of the valley dotted with herds beneath the Teton range was one of the most epic I'd ever seen.

Unlike most hotel balconies I've experienced, the space was quiet. Not even cars on the highway were audible from the resort. And I didn't hear one voice the entire time I was out there.

I'm not typically one for baths, but the Calacatta marble bathroom was spa-like. While warm water filled the large, free-standing tub, I turned on the floor and towel heaters to ensure top-tier comfort upon exiting the bath.

The bathroom was behind the bed with a sliding door in front of the tub, so I could view the Tetons while bathing.

"The room layout, windows, wall-to-wall sliding doors, and the beautifully crafted boiserie bathroom door enable guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning views from every angle of the suite," the representative said.

I always look forward to hotel robes, and this one was more comfortable than most. It was made of thick fabric that felt like soft terry cloth.

Once I dried off, I jumped onto the cloud-like king-sized bed that felt endless when I cuddled up in the middle.

I grabbed the tablet on the nightstand with smart controls for the room, from mood lighting and curtains to room service.

With a plan to relax for just a bit, I turned on the TV for one episode of Modern Family.

Minutes later, I was fast asleep.

I woke up as the sun was setting and promptly headed outside in my robe to catch the end of it.

Once it was dark, I saw something I'd never seen before — and never thought I would see in the US — faint streaks of purple and green glided among the stars. I think it was the northern lights.

I could barely see them myself, but once I took a 30-second exposure on my camera, I was pretty sure I was right.

The northern lights were a massive surprise that made my stay even more meaningful. The quiet, peaceful resort made them even more mesmerizing.

It doesn't get more festive than a dazzling display of lights and mini-Christmas trees lining the hotel's lobby.

The lobby, named "Waldorf Wonderland," is, per the hotel, enveloped in 112,000 lights, 1,600 feet of garland, and 4,000 glass ornaments.

While decor is just one aspect of celebrating Christmas at The Roosevelt, another is its annual "Teddy Bear Tea" experience, where Santa welcomes kids of all ages to the hotel's North Pole. Once there, they can watch and listen as he reads stories aloud, sing and dance along, and enjoy a selection of festive sweet treats.

The Plaza's festive decor feels straight out of a film — it's equal parts dreamy and magical.

The hotel also offers a series of festive-themed events and experiences. Guests can enjoy a round of afternoon tea with a revamped holiday menu at the Palm Court or sip on cocktails and enjoy caviar at the Champagne Bar.

For kids, there's "Storytime with Santa," a daily ritual from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., where Santa will read a Christmas story aloud.

For 41 years now, Gaylord Opryland Resort has hosted "A Country Christmas," its annual holiday attraction.

From life-size ice sculptures and over 5 million lights wrapping the resort to a 48-foot tree adorned with poinsettias, green garland, and hand-tied ribbon, guests will feel the festive spirit in every corner of the 2,888-room resort.

The hotel also features an ice-tubing hill, a 10,000-square-foot ice rink, and many other festive-themed activities that engage guests of all ages.

The Peninsula's entryway is populated with red poinsettias, ribbon-wrapped wreaths, and lots of twinkling lights.

Whether you're staying the night or just visiting for a meal, the hotel has a number of holiday-appropriate traditions, including a themed afternoon tea, a skating rink surrounded by some of windy city's most iconic skyscrapers, and a candy shop where kids can indulge in some Christmas sweets.

On December 14, the property's in-house bar, Z Bar, will also host an ugly sweater party, where guests can don their best ugly sweaters and dance through the night.

In early November, a crew of 20 people begin working together to transform The Greenbrier's interiors into a festive wonderland.

In addition to its plush decor, the hotel hosts a series of holiday-themed events, such as cookie and Christmas tree decorating, a mixology class, and seasonal performances.

For guests staying in, there's also a special "Season's Greetings" dinner on Christmas Eve.

If you're on the hunt for a grand celebration, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, with its dazzling holiday displays and colorful light shows, is as lavish as it gets in the Southwest.

Come November, the hotel is draped in over 10 million lights, and attractions such as a Ferris wheel, an outdoor ice rink, and igloos with fire tables are on display.

The festival, at $35 per person, is open to the public and free for hotel guests until January 4.

A Gilded Age hotel, the Willard InterContinental lives up to its opulent association with over-the-top decor.

Think hallways lined with gold ornaments and mini-Christmas trees while some suites are transformed into a cozy Winterland complete with tents and holiday-themed films. The property's in-house restaurant hosts an afternoon tea with sweet and savory treats.

There are also free carol performances at the hotel's lobby every night.

Swissotel's top offerings this year include a Santa suite themed based on holiday songs and a chic après-ski experience at its bars.

"The Santa Suite will be humming with festive spirit," said Angela Bauer, Swissôtel Chicago's general manager. The suite, which is decked out with 17 Christmas trees and lots of lights, can be reserved for private parties or VIP visits with Santa Claus.

In-suite activities include cookie decorating, arts and crafts for kids, and face painting.

The pastry team at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, guided by executive pastry chef James Victorino, crafted a gingerbread sandcastle — a tribute to the resort's beach club — that's on display in the resort's main lobby.

Beginning work in October, the pastry team used chocolate shells and about 175 pounds of graham crackers to make the castle.

Other experiences to enjoy on-site include a large Christmas buffet and a Christmas Eve dinner. (Guests have to make reservations for both in advance.)

To celebrate the festive season this year, Hotel del Coronado returns to Old Hollywood.

Paying tribute to the film "Some Like It Hot," which starred Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, the hotel will feature a series of Hollywood-themed experiences.

The Christmas tree, inspired by Marilyn Monroe's style, has been decorated in ruby and cherry hues with hints of black, gold, and silver.

If you seek an escape from the holiday hustle this festive season but still want to partake in holiday traditions, the Ojai Valley Inn offers serene respite.

For the holiday season, the Spanish revival hotel transforms into a cozy destination with activities such as treasure hunts, roasting s'mores, and breakfast with Santa.

The hotel will host a jingle bell jaunt on Christmas Eve and a lavish buffet on Christmas Day.

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas with over 300 ski trails to explore? The Waldorf Astoria in Park City delivers a snowy holiday paradise and a ski adventure.

Guests can relax by in-room fireplaces while ski valets handle equipment and gear delivery.

Families will love the "Little Miners Camp" experience, which will transform kids' rooms with a teepee, lanterns, and mining-era decor for an unforgettable stay.

Traveling with a group can be challenging if everyone has a different vacation style.

Although some people like to wake up early, others prefer to sleep in. Likewise, some travelers feel best lounging by the pool with a book, while others want an action-packed day riding bikes or going snorkeling.

Luckily, a resort with a long list of activities ensures there's something for everyone.

For example, at the Divi Aruba, I could rest by the pool or participate in lots of activities throughout the day, including yoga, bingo, karaoke, and even salsa lessons.

Like many all-inclusives, the Divi Aruba has multiple dining options on property, including table-service restaurants, quick-service spots, and buffets.

Because of this, I never had to worry about researching where to eat or stress about trying to snag reservations. Every night, I could just walk up and be seated.

That being said, I did visit the restaurants during off-peak times of the evening, which definitely helped me be able to dine wherever I wanted.

In the past, I've gone on trips that have quickly and vastly exceeded my budget, as we ordered more than expected or switched up our daily plans. Worrying about what I'm spending doesn't exactly make for a relaxing vacation experience.

At all-inclusives like this one, the activities and food are wrapped into the cost of the stay. So, I can anticipate exactly how much my trip will cost me.

Plus, with meals and drinks included, I don't need to worry about feeling bad if a certain cocktail isn't for me or if my friends and I order multiple menu items to share.

As a food and travel writer, it's literally my job to explore destinations and learn more about their traditions, cultures, and cuisines.

However, opting for an all-inclusive forced me to stay put and focus my time on relaxing rather than running around.

I still love exploring the towns and countries I visit, but I've since learned to really embrace a vacation where everything I need is on one property and I don't need to lift a finger.

From the moment my cab turned into its entrance, the Phoenician felt like a mega-resort. The 600-acre property was dotted with fountains, golfing greens, and several large buildings.

A winding road led to the main building, where the lobby and several accommodations, restaurants, shops, and event spaces were located.

After exploring the entire resort on foot the next day, I got lost on the way back. It took me about 30 minutes to find my room from the far end of the site.

Open since 1988, the luxury Marriott Hotel has gone through several interior renovations. Most recently, the accommodations were redesigned in 2016, and public spaces were revamped in 2018.

The lobby was huge. The warm hues of beige and red paired with geometric patterned fabrics reminded me of the desert landscape and Southwestern style.

The deluxe room I booked typically costs about $800 a night when booked a month in advance, according to a search on the company's website. Business Insider received a media rate for the one-night stay.

I thought the furniture and decor were modern, like in the lobby, but there were more grays, making the beige elements feel like accents.

I had a comfy, king-sized bed across from a TV and storage cabinets holding a safe, a mini-fridge, and a Keurig coffee maker.

The bathroom felt luxurious, with marble flooring and counters. There were two robes hanging inside, too.

The geometric building paired boxy edges with a curvature. I thought it was a neat shape for a hotel.

The complex has five pools, including one water playground and one adult-only pool. The pools are surrounded by lounge chairs, cabanas, and palm trees for shade.

During my stay, there seemed to be enough space for each guest to have a secluded experience. I didn't see crowds in the afternoon.

The resort houses the award-winning restaurants J&G Steakhouse and Mowry & Cotton, and the award-winning lobby bar, Thirsty Camel.

The Phoenician Spa, which won the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award in 2024 for the fifth consecutive year, has 24 treatment rooms, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, a sauna, and a room dedicated to peace and quiet. There's also a boutique, a dry bar, and a nail salon.

The athletic club has several tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts.

The course is surrounded by views of the Sonoran Desert.

The garden is behind the main building on a secluded, shaded trail. The short walk is dotted with 250 different kinds of plants.

A road in Paradise Valley lined with hilly fields and grand estates led to the Hermosa Inn. The hotel's entrance was a small, traditional adobe structure just a few yards from the main road.

The six-acre property has 43 casita accommodations in individual buildings of the same design style rooted in history.

In 1936, cowboy and artist Alonzo "Lon" Megargee built the now-hotel to serve as his home and studio until 1941, when it opened as the Hermosa Inn.

Unlike the Phoenician, there's nothing modern about the Hermosa Inn's interior design.

Instead, it transports visitors to the early 20th-century West from the moment they check in, with adobe bricks, wooden beams, and high-quality rustic furniture. The lobby and rooms also showcase some of Megargee's artwork.

Instead of being in a secluded space like at the Phoenician, the gardens lined the pathways around the resort.

Guests can access bikes on the property, but I explored on foot.

It was a peaceful and quiet walk to my room. I passed through archways and spotted fountains and vibrant flower beds.

At the end of the garden path, I had a secluded deluxe casita with a patio.

The room costs about $600 a night a month in advance, according to a search on the company's website. BI received a media rate for the one-night stay.

The interior design was as Southwestern as the lobby, with wooden window shutters and a bed with wooden posts that made me feel like royalty.

Apart from the balcony, this room had all the same amenities as the Phoenician accommodation, from a safe to a mini-fridge.

Apart from the style, the bathroom at the Hermosa Inn was much like the Phoenician's. It was spacious, with a roomy shower and a soaking tub.

The Hermosa Inn has one pool and one whirlpool. During my stay, I saw only a couple of guests using them at a time. Like the Phoenician, the Hermosa Inn also has a spa.

LON's was named the most romantic restaurant in Arizona by Food & Wine Magazine in 2022. It serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner and has a massive, garden-side outdoor patio as well as indoor seating. LON's Last Drop is the bar next to it, which has an outdoor adobe fireplace.

The underground room is always kept at 57 degrees.

The library is often used for wedding receptions and hosts up to 32 guests.

The fitness center at the Hermosa Inn is small, but this makes sense, considering there are so few guests at a time compared to the Phoenician.

The Phoenician provided so many amenities, restaurants, and activities that guests could spend their entire vacation on the property. The resort is ideal for families and those looking to spend their days playing sports and chilling by the pool.

While much less extensive, the Hermosa Inn provides a unique experience for those looking to appreciate culture, peace, and quiet.

Just beneath the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the Four Seasons is well-located for Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park visitors.

Cole told BI that while the Four Seasons maintains top-tier service across all 133 locations, each is designed uniquely to suit the destination.

"There's a sense of place at every Four Seasons," she said.

With a "mountain modern chic" brand, this location of the 63-year-old, high-end hotel chain was ranked the best stay in Jackson Hole by US News.

Rates vary by season. In the peak winter season, the Granite Residence starts at $11,000 a night.

The stay includes ski and snowboard rentals for kids under 12 from mid-December to early January.

On the ninth floor of the resort, I stepped into a foyer with leather coat hooks and a pair of matching ottomans beneath. A framed, purple buffalo stared me in the face.

I felt like I was in a Western film — and that was the intention, according to Sarah Kennedy, CLB Architects' principal and lead design director of the penthouse suite.

"The majority of people who come to Jackson are really coming here to immerse themselves in nature," Kennedy said.

When CLB redesigned the penthouse, completed in the summer of 2024, Kennedy said the team maintained the hotel's style while elevating it.

"They had accented it previously with a bunch yellows and warm whites. So in terms of trying to modernize it, we kept the base palette of rich cherries and redwoods and offset it with whites," she said.

CLB selected a neutral color palette.

"The color palette is very simple, with natural textures," Kennedy said. "When we did try to bring color there, it was being inspired from the outside, like the soft blues and the greens of the natural landscape at the resort."

"The interesting thing about doing interiors here in Jackson is that the quality of light filtering into the space in peak winter and peak summer is completely different," Kennedy said.

So, CLB selects tones that complement light filtering into the interiors throughout the year.

"For example, I'm looking out the window now, and the amount of yellow and orange from all the leaves that are coming in is crazy," she said. "But you have to make sure that that same palette looks really good when there's a bunch of blue coming in from all the reflection of the snow."

"The subtle picking of these soft blues and neutrals is the way that we allow that palette to really feel immersive in nature but also stand the test of the seasons throughout the year here," she continued.

When sourcing furniture, Kennedy worked with an approved list of vendors, including Restoration Hardware and more local vendors. Select pieces also came from showrooms around the US.

The full kitchen had a gas stove. Guests can book a private chef to cook meals for them.

This huge pantry had all the kitchen appliances anyone could need, from blenders to crock pots.

Nestled in a corner of the penthouse, I opened the door leading to the guest powder room. It was the smallest room, with just a sink, toilet, and counter.

In such a luxurious space, I wasn't expecting to be wowed by the guest bathroom.

But I was wrong.

"The bread and butter of what we do here is connect people with nature," Kennedy said. "As it relates to pieces within the space, there are some wall coverings, particularly the one in the powder room that's got a mountainous scene."

The bathroom was covered in white wallpaper with simple black sketches of mountains on them. A gold and gray painting of a fox on the right matched the finish of the faucet.

It was a simple room, but every aspect felt thoughtfully considered, which is why it stood out to me.

Kennedy told BI that the penthouse design is as much about comfort as it is about nature.

"We're giving people the ability to feel like they're living a luxurious experience," she said.

That's why the penthouse boasts two living spaces with cozy seating.

"After you've been skiing all day, you don't really want a super flimsy thin profile chair. You want something that feels like it's hugging you," Kennedy told BI. "There's an element of, 'I'm just going to sit here and sip my hot chocolate and not move for four hours.'"

Cole told BI that much of the art in the penthouse was custom-made for the space, and guests can purchase the pieces.

The master bedroom also had a fireplace.

In all five bedrooms, CLB selected soft colors for the fabrics.

These bathrooms screamed luxury, with oversize tubs, multiple shower heads, and separate toilet rooms.

I thought it would be convenient for long-term guests and large families.

After I toured the Granite Residence, I thought it screamed Jackson Hole and the Wild West inside and out.

From the walls to windows and terraces, it was impossible to forget where I was while exploring the vast penthouse.