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Southern Spain's Sierra Nevada region boasts great skiing and sights like the stunning Alhambra fortress
Megève
Lots of resort towns have good restaurants, but few have as many – that are as good – as Megève, France. Among the town’s clutch of Michelin-rated eateries, the most highly regarded is Flocons de Sel, set in a 19th-century farmhouse. Others include the ingenious La Ferme de Mon Père (get ready for moss mousse); the flagship restaurant of the opulent Chalet du Mont d’Arbois hotel; and the hidden Domaine de la Sasse, which is reached by a 20-minute hike on snowshoes (go for lunch) and specializes in bison. All this is set against a picture-perfect backdrop, with horses pulling sleighs on cobblestone streets that wind around turreted houses and a 13th-century church. Nonskiers will have plenty of company – many come just for the scene (Jean Cocteau once called Megève the 21st arrondissement of Paris), and even during the high season no one hits the slopes before 11am, while lunch is often an hours-long affair.
Smart Splurge: With a cluster of snug cottages made from reclaimed barn timber and decor that's been described as Heidi-chic, Fermes de Marie, the most relaxed of the upper-tier hotels, is known for its incomparable spa. From $387/night; www.fermesdemarie.com
Great Value: Amid so much extravagance, Le Gai Soleil offers a reprieve. It’s not posh, but the pine-paneled rooms are cheerful, the staff is charming, and rates include breakfast and dinner. From $131/night; www.le-gai-soleil.fr
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