It’s hard to forget the fireplaces at the Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond in St. Michaels, overlooking the waters of Maryland’s eastern shore, a two-hour drive from Washington, D.C. Most of the 78 guestrooms at this hideaway reveal gas or electric fireplaces, with authentic wood-burning fireplaces in their Stars Restaurant and Purser’s Pub.
Also high on the fireplace hit list is the Oberoi Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas, gracefully covering 23 acres of protected cedar-forested land. The undulating landscape is majestic, inviting nature walks and stunning panoramic views, just in case you’re not into mountain climbing. Built in the 1860s, Wildflower Hall was once home to Lord Kitchener of the British Raj. During his tenure he surely found comfort in the warmth of the handsome marble fireplaces within the historic walls of this hideaway, which today is part of the Oberoi hotel group.
Fending off the chills in this remote corner of the world steeped in Himalayan tradition, guests will find solace in their fireplace fantasy, right down to yet a rather lavish one in the hotel’s Cavalry Bar.
The chill is gone
On to a more down-to-earth resort where fireplaces fan romantic flames, Santa Barbara’s the Belmond El Encanto was built in the 1920s. Today, most of the 92 rooms and suites feature open-hearth fireplaces. This assures fireplace fans of a glam glow as the sun sets. This historic, secluded hideaway is surrounded by lush gardens overlooking Santa Barbara and has seen many weddings take place over the years.
The Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa in Arizona covers 34 acres and is another haven for fireside conversation with the imposing Camelback Mountain as a backdrop. The outdoor fireplace adjacent to the swimming pool is a magnet for “The Montelucia Sangria” at dusk.
And in Indian Wells, Calif., there is a perfect placement for the “fireplace factor” at the Miramonte Resort & Spa: a 215-room property covering 11 acres featuring two-story villas covered in bougainvilleas. The resort’s spa shows off its fireplace well, and what better place to get your chakras aligned after a lavish body scrub and massage?
Whether you seek a blazing fireplace in the heart of the Himalayas or a romantic glow for Valentine’s Day, there is obviously a fireplace for every mood waiting for you.
Visit www.belmond.com for more information.
Pam Price is a contributor to Forbes online
