W Verbier, Verbier, Switzerland

In Verbier, off-piste skiing is de rigueur. Suitably, the new W Verbier - the first ski resort from the 44-strong stable of W Hotels - presents an off-the-beaten-track hospitality experience. Transforming the urban legend into a rustic alpine retreat, Amsterdam-based Concrete Architectural Associates designed four wood-clad chalet-style buildings containing 123 smart guest rooms, each with its own fireplace and a palette of cosy wood and red tinted glass. W-goers will recognise the characteristic urbane style in the black leather Carve bar, with its saucy mirrored ceiling. And they'll appreciate the spa, the largest in Verbier, with an indoor-outdoor pool. Michelin-starred chef Sergi Arola headlines the Restaurant Arola, which offers his famous 'pica pica' sharing plates with a Swiss slant at a long tapas bar. Ski-in ski-out access leads directly to the Medran lift.