There’s nothing like spending a couple of months indoors to make you truly appreciate the outdoors – the beauty of nature’s bounty and the freedom to explore. Fortunately, with pandemic restrictions easing up around the world, getting out and about is becoming a reality again – and while international travel isn’t quite back on the cards, hotels around Europe are accepting guests, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a long-overdue local holiday.
We’ve put together a few of our favourites to help you start planning. Each of these five properties balance luxe accommodation and bespoke services with the gorgeous fruits of summer – proving that you don’t need to go far to enjoy an ambrosial escape. If you want to weigh up all your local options, though, you can also dive into our gorgeous collection.
Chateau Liblice: Central Bohemia, Czech Republic
It’s been a tiring year – and what better way is there to recharge your batteries than with a dreamy spa escape? Chateau Liblice offers exquisite spa and wellness treatments on tap. With a sun parlour, whirlpool, extensive massage options and saunarium, each day brings new opportunities to feel revitalised and refreshed. This hotel even offers breakfast in bed for guests looking to elevate their stay to the next, luxurious level.
Avli Lounge Apartments: Rethymnon Old City, Greece
If you like your getaways steeped in history, then book yourself a local holiday at the Avli Lounge Apartments. Once home to a Venetian lord, and having been used in the past as an olive press, soap factory and tannery, it’s custom-built for the modern traveller to feel transported back in time. Gaze up at its unique architecture and slowly flowering vines as you dine on dishes from its award-winning restaurant, or hark back to tradition with a wine tasting in its vintage cellar. Boutique, bespoke, beautiful.
Gino Park Palace: Orlove, Slovakia
Modernity meets history in this enchanting 17th century manor house, Gino Park Palace. Overflowing with luxurious details and with several awards under its belt, it’s not hard to see why guests flock to this particular getaway. Enjoy the longer days with a glass of wine on the summer terrace, before dining on seasonal produce that encapsulates all the fresh flavours of the season. If you’re an intrepid type, there’s plenty to do nearby, as well – from exploring old castle ruins to hiking mountains.
Schloss Wartegg: Rorschacherberg, Switzerland
Now this local holiday is one for the books. Schloss Wartegg is surrounded by transcendent Swiss countryside, so striking that it’s almost impossible to tear your gaze away. Verdant vistas can be seen from all 25 of the castle’s unique rooms, while a well-situated terrace allows you to admire the sublime landscape from dawn until dusk. Michelin-recommended food is also available at the on-site restaurant – made with fresh, organic produce – providing perfect fodder for your adventures outside (of which you can be sure will be many). Embark on one of the hotel’s bike tours, tread the castle grounds where a famous empress once walked or visit the castle’s sheep to watch them frolic in the sunshine.
Palac Lucja: Zakrzów, Poland
Picturesque and secluded, Palac Lucja is the perfect place to spend the sunnier seasons. Positioned at the centre of energy in Europe, it’s designed to help you find inner harmony and peace. With graceful rooms, extensive facilities and lush landscapes, it’s purpose-built to help you hit the reset button, too – especially if you’re artistically inclined. Along with everything else, this property offers watercolour classes provided by experts, so that you can nurture your creative streak while you unwind. A local holiday that feels like heaven.
