This upscale mountain escape in the Italian Alps near the French border (thus the French name "Heart of Snow") is less a hotel and more a cluster of 16 charming chalets all sporting rustic-luxe decor and modern conveniences. Wooden furniture, floors and walls, working fireplaces, faux fur throws on the beds, and warm colors make each chalet (with private entrances) feel like a separate cabin in the woods (albeit one with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV). Situated within minutes of the ski slopes and also downtown Courmayeur, guests can ski in/ski out of the property (or easily walk predicated on the season) to the gondolas for outdoor activities, and then return "home" to recover in their quiet mountain retreat with a restorative spa. The spa has gorgeous views, which most of the rooms lack.