Move over Aspen because Jackson Hole has fast become THE hotspot for skiing, snowboarding, wildlife and luxury vacationing. Hotel Terra is in the heart of all the action at Teton Village and I ventured there just before the ski season to see if this stunning property is worth a winter visit when the fun and games kick off.
Hotel
Having visited Aspen just last year and adored it, I had high expectations for Jackson Hole and its hotel offerings, and thankfully these were very well met. Where Aspen boasts old time glamour, Jackson Hole feels more like the now – where the tech entrepreneurs and cool elite crowd congregate. And where you have such crowds you have plush hotels to accommodate.
Hotel Terra is a luxury mountain resort, designed to inspire bucket-list-worthy adventures and, in the region, many items can be checked off the average wish list all at once. The hotel is high end, yet has a very welcoming and unpretentious feel as can be seen with the understated charming chalet exterior. Inside, visitors can really get a healthy mix of Wyoming charm, ski lodge chic, and modern hotel aesthetic.
Rooms/Suites
The hotel has 132 rooms and suites with large windows to let in plenty of natural light and scenery, after all, you’re in one of the most beautiful regions in the country. I stayed in a one bedroom suite on the fifth floor, which comfortably sleeps up to four, making it perfect for two couples or a family. The main bedroom has a thick king sized bed, double vanity bathroom, jetted tub and rain shower, plus a half balcony.
The living room area has a large fold down bed, its own shower, kitchen, dining and large living area with gas fireplace, and a full balcony. There is plenty of space and many amenities to enjoy together or separately, but for my guest and I, we had the whole space to ourselves and it was the perfect autumn getaway. The scenery was breath-taking, particularly as we faced the mountains and I imagine they’d be even more spectacular to view when snow-capped in the winter.
The bathroom was a highlight, thanks to its Jacuzzi jets, massaging the body after a long day out on the slopes or exploring Yellowstone National Park. What goes best with bubbly water? Bubbly wine! Grab some champagne and enjoy it here – there is plenty of space to lay drinks out on the huge tub surface area.
Aside from enjoying the property’s on-site dining, I recommend picking up groceries from a nearby market (there’s a Mangy Moose Saloon across from the suite) and making use of the fully equipped kitchen too.
Food
The hotel has two restaurants; Il Villaggio Osteria and Bar Enoteca. Il Villaggio Osteria is a sit down, fine dining Italian eatery and you’ll find here an open pizza oven, hand-made pastas and a salumi bar. Bar Enoteca brings the spirit and flavours of an Italian wine bar to Jackson Hole making it the perfect place to gather with pals, share tapas-style dishes and get merry over cocktails.
As I set 6am wake up times to explore nature over a short weekend stay, I didn’t have a full evening clear to enjoying the fine dining offering, however, I did take a quick peek at the restaurant and can confirm that it was a beautifully designed space.
Spa/Fitness
Hotel Terra’s rooftop spa is an alpine oasis where 100% all natural, organic products combine with signature treatments and therapies to elevate relaxation and wellness.
At the time of my visit, the spa was closed, and massages were available by appointment but I went for a dip in an infinity pool just after sunset and it was magical. The sky was clear and it made for a delicious 30 minutes of star-gazing. The pool was heated as Wyoming weather can dip severely at night, even in autumn, and you’ll greatly appreciate it.
The Fitness Centre on the third floor overlooked the pool and the Teton Village Commons, and the pool and deck are open year-round.
To do
Activity vary between seasons. Winter is, of course, focused on winter sports, however for anyone who has read The Bucket List by Kath Stathers and has developed a serious wanderlust for the great American outdoors – then Yellowstone should be at the very top of your list.
The first national park is teeming with wildlife such as bison, elk and moose, as well as awe-inspiring views such as the colourful Grand Prismatic Spring and notorious Old Faithful Geyser. A little further up from the park the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Centre allows you to learn more about the animals and is suitable for all the family.
Factbox
Getting there: Hotel Terra Jackson Hole is located 22 miles from the Jackson Hole Airport, about a 40-minute drive.
Address: 3335 West Village Drive, Teton Village, WY 83025, USA
Phone: +1 307 201 6065
Website: hotelterrajacksonhole.com
Images courtesy of Hotel Terra Jackson Hole
