Ballygally Castle in Northern Ireland has introduced its latest aquatic experience
Ballygally Castle, positioned on the waters of the Antrim Coast,...
With temperatures cooling, nature has begun one final hurrah before winter, meaning there's no better time to escape on a hiking holiday. If fabulous scenery and tranquil walking routes appeal to you, then autumn is the season to pull on your walking boots.
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic coastlines in Europe. This combination of spectacular coastal views, heritage sites, and the quaint towns of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi itself undoubtedly makes it one of the most popular destinations for walking. During a stay at Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa, a converted 17th-century monastery and one of the most dramatic properties on the Italian coastline, guests can explore the destination with “Health & Hike”. The exclusive wellness package incorporates a day’s guided hiking to otherwise unvisitable areas of the incredible Amalfi coastline, alongside tailored treatments in one of the finest spas in the region. This package is ideal for keen walkers of all abilities looking to get energised and explore the region accompanied by a local expert guide. Following a day of hiking, guests can relax and unwind in the hotel’s award-winning spa, located in the historic vaults of the monastery.
Suvretta House, the Grand Dame of the mountains in Switzerland’s beautiful Upper Engadine Valley, is just the spot for a scenic hiking adventure. Guests can take advantage of the 580km of hiking trails right on the hotel’s doorstep, ranging from leisurely panoramic walks to steeper and more demanding mountain climbs. For something truly special, animal lovers of all ages will delight in goat trekking, which includes hiking in the mountains with goats from a local farm and Heidi, the goat guide, before enjoying a scenic picnic lunch. When back from a day out exploring, guests are invited to relax weary muscles, take full advantage of Suvretta House’s invigorating in-house spa, and indulge in delicious Swiss fare.
Delve into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites and soothe the mind, body, and soul at Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa. Enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the secrets they hold through a range of hiking and wild swimming routes. Explore independently or with Gardena Grödnerhof’s expert guide to Southern Tyrol, Emanuel Demetz, who can share his passion and knowledge of the mountains, as well as the best lakes to cool off, away from the well-known tourist spots. This October, Gardena Grödnerhof celebrates its milestone centenary anniversary with a series of bespoke autumnal hiking experiences. Visitors can enjoy afternoon trails, experiencing the best of “Torggelen", a South Tyrolian tradition celebrated at the end of the harvest.
Armancette Hôtel, part of the Almae Collection, is a family-owned hidden gem in the remote town of Saint-Nicolas Veroce in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. Open year-round, this 19-room hotel is located within the former bakery of the village, offering unrivalled views of the majestic mountain range as well as an impressive array of hiking and mountaineering routes for all skill levels. Guests can explore the meandering paths and vast valleys unaccompanied or opt to use the services of a professional guide to lead the way and help walkers explore the rich history and unspoilt wildlife. When it comes to dining, the hotel can prepare a packed lunch using produce from the local bakery to be enjoyed while hiking.
Kristiania Lech invites nature lovers and epicureans to experience an entirely fresh take on the traditional alpine retreat, where playful design and novel ideas meet authentic Austrian hospitality and holistic health. From morning strolls to picnics amidst the flowery hills and deer watching, to hiking the rocky outcrops or cycling infinite trails, guests will find nothing but peace and tranquillity here in Lech. A hidden hangout for those in the know, with 29 individually designed rooms and suites, Kristiania Lech offers guests a smorgasbord of experiences, complete with reading butlers and even dog butlers, providing one of the most spectacular and authentic destinations in the Alps.