Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort

Some global chains might feel intimidated at the prospect of opening an Alpine-style resort in Korea’s Taebaek Mountains, but not this one. The Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort shows the influence of classic European mountain lodges, as well as plenty of Korean heritage in its art and design. But underneath it all it’s the same large-scale, ultra-luxe, eminently palatable, highly professional hospitality that is the InterContinental brand’s stock-in-trade.

Many of the 238 rooms and suites have views of Alpensia Lake, while others look out at Mount Balwang and the surrounding range. Some rooms feature a bit of Alpine style in the form of pine wood and red upholstery, but for the most part this is the InterContinental look at its most cosmopolitan — close the shades and you could be in Seoul or Shanghai.

Summertime visitors will be happy to note the presence of several world-class golf courses, as well as a water park, an alpine coaster, and a vast expanse of terrain for hiking. And in winter the opportunities for skiing are legion, and there’s even a luge track nearby. Flavours, the restaurant, keeps guests restored with a diverse menu of Korean and international recipes.