Five of the cosiest winter retreats

The ski resorts of Courmayeur on Mont Blanc, Cortina and Madonna di Campiglio are within easy reach, but the capital of Northern Italy – at the base of the Alps – has more than enough wintery distractions of its own. The cosiest way to see Milan in the colder months is from the vantage point of a vintage tram.

The ATMosfera serves up lunch and dinner throughout the week in its restored interior (complete with glass lanterns and upholstered benches), while trundling along two of the city’s tram lines.   

Few places do aperitivo hour better than the legendary Bar Basso, which has barely changed since its 1960s peak and still serves its signature Negroni sbagliato (made with Campari, sparkling wine and red vermouth) with a hand-cut brick of ice, served in an enormous glass called the colossus.   

Don’t forget to pop into the uber-chic Mandarin Garden back at Mandarin Oriental, Milan, whose expert mixologists will rustle up a sublime Italian Beauty cocktail, made with St. Germain, Aperol, lemon and Champagne Seta Blanc de Blancs.

With a staggering array of museums and a long-standing reputation as a cultural hub of the East Coast, Boston comes into its own in winter. As the Massachusetts snow dusts the libraries, churches and taverns of the Back Bay neighbourhood, you can find sanctuary at Trident Booksellers and Café, which serves up lemon ricotta French toast and New England craft ales alongside a vast array of tomes.  

You won’t want to spend too long outdoors in the colder months, but the 1.9km Freedom Trail is manageable if you wrap up well. The walk will take you past Boston Common, the State House and the site of the 1770 Boston Massacre. Wind down afterwards with a warming massage treatment in one of the 11 private suites at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston. 

The cosy institution of the British pub is at its most welcoming in the colder months and the capital has literally thousands to choose from. For a pint with history, head to The George Inn in Borough. It’s London’s last remaining galleried coaching inn – dating from 1677 – and referenced by Charles Dickens in Little Dorrit.    

Of course, if it’s chic and sultry vibes you’re looking for, the Mandarin Bar is the place to be. Order a Choco Fashioned, made with High West bourbon and dark chocolate, and relax into the wee small hours before retreating to your Turret Suite with its curved walls, fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling window views out over Knightsbridge.