Do you feel like shortening the long winter with an invigorating trip. We have put together some inspirations for cozy ‘hygge’ destinations to consider for a colourful autumn getaway, a Christmas weekend trip to get into the spirit or a snowy winter holiday early next year…
Vienna, Austria
One of the world's most romantic and musical cities is Austria's capital. There is something lovely around every corner - the ideal fusion of romanticism and modernism with a few chocolate pastries on top, complete with gorgeous baroque buildings, rose gardens, and imperial palaces!
Vienna's well-known squares are transformed into lovely Christmas markets throughout the Advent season. They may be found all across Vienna, where you can shop, take in the scenery, or sip on some authentic Punsch or Glühwein.
Vienna is considered one of Europe's most picturesque capitals for a reason. It's appeal is understandable given its gorgeous architecture, great museums, rich musical heritage, and vibrant art scene. You will quickly understand why Ludwig van Beethoven, Sigmund Freud, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart chose to call Vienna, which houses approximately one-third of Austria's population, their home.
→ find all our boutique hotels and B&Bs in Vienna here
Edinburgh, Scotland
One of the most stunning cities in the UK is the capital of Scotland. For its hilltop castle, cultural attractions, medieval streets, and fantastic dining, shopping, and nightlife scenes, it's worthwhile to pay it a visit. Edinburgh is a picturesque medieval town with lovely streets, delectable cuisine, and lovely people. Did you know that the first city to be selected as a UNESCO city of literature was Edinburgh? As a result, it shares similarities with other authors including J.K. Rowling, Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and others. In the fall, the city truly turners into a magical place when leaves turn orange, red and brown and you can watch them slowly fall while sipping a hot chocolate or tea from one of many cozy cafés.
→ find all our boutique hotels and B&Bs in Edinburgh here
Antwerp, Belgium
You should not travel to Antwerp to only partake in the waffles and mussels tradition.
However, this little cosmopolitan city on the River Scheldt, with a population of just under half a million, is ideal for a cultured city break intermingled with walks down cobblestone streets, bike rides, clean-lined architecture, and clinking glasses in the late afternoon light.
It is, happily, a city for its residents rather than a destination that has turned into a destination for tourists. Weekend visitors will appreciate its interesting museums and galleries, the developing global food scene, searching for street art and sculptures, as well as savouring some of Belgium's best beers in hip bars and classic cafés.
While a few of its neighbours to the south offer pre-packaged clichés, Antwerp just presents itself as cool, straightforward, and with a continuing conversation between its former port-side wealth and new urban viewpoints.
→ find all our boutique hotels and B&Bs in Antwerp here
Lucerne, Switzerland
The charming city of Lucerne, located in the heart of Switzerland, is home to all three: beauty, history, and art. Lucerne, which is perched on the shore of Lake Lucerne and with a backdrop of mountains, is a spot to unwind and take leisurely strolls between attractions. This city is only a short ride away if you're in Bern or Zurich, but it deserves more than just a day trip as it has so many things to offer.
→ find out more about Lucerne region
Bordeaux, France
We'd like to recommend Bordeaux as another French treasure if you're searching for a taste of Paris without the city's insanely packed tourist-filled streets. With its rugged stone walls and regal, high-rise structures, the entire city of Bordeaux has a fairy-tale-like aura. It is easy to understand why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visiting truly makes you feel as though you have entered a storybook. Distinguished by its magnificent architecture, accessibility for day excursions into the near French countryside, and of course, its well-known wine. And there is something for everyone, whether you're a foodie, want a taste of life outside of Paris, or just want to relax in the sun.
→ find a place to stay in beautiful Bordeaux
Porto, Portugal
The beloved northern counterpart of Lisbon, Porto, is renowned across the globe for its port cellars, vibrant homes, and hillside beauty. Enjoy leisurely strolls through its neighbourhoods and enjoy the splendid views over the Douro river. Porto will satiate desire to travel, whether it is while drinking hot coffee in a bookstore, riding the funicular, or taking in the view from the Dom Luis Bridge.
→ here is where to stay in Porto
Piemonte, Italy
The northwest Italian region of Piedmont is a mountainous region, as indicated by its name (foot of the mountain) and borders with France and Switzerland. With the highest peaks and biggest glaciers in Italy, the Alps that encircle it on three sides are home to some of the best skiing destinations in the world, including Sestriere, Bardonecchia, and Limone Piemonte.
It wouldn't be a stretch to say that the area is a haven for connoisseurs of fine cuisine, wine, and culture. We especially advise sampling the renowned white truffles and the superb Barolo red wine. Explore this lovely area while selecting from our exceptional collection of the top boutique hotels, luxury hotels, catered apartments, and true agritourism in Piedmont. No matter your preferences or price range, we will help you find that perfect accommodation for you.
Languedoc-Roussillon, now part of Occitanie, France
The region of Languedoc-Roussillon charms visitors with its peculiar Mediterranean appeal. Located in the extreme south of France, Languedoc-Roussillon has a land area of 27,500 km2 and 2.3 million permanent residents. It is bordered to the south by the Pyrenees, Andorra, and Spain, and to the north by the Auvergne. From the Spanish border to the Camargue, it features a 180 km long sandy Mediterranean coastline. The greatest wine-producing region in Europe is located in Languedoc, which is also known for its leisurely pace of life.
→ find your perfect accommodation to enjoy Frances’ South in fall and winter
Peloponnese, Greece
The cultural riches and natural beauty of the Peloponnese can hardly be overstated. Since the Corinth Canal was created, this southern peninsula - now officially an island - seems to have the finest of nearly everything Greek. The best-preserved Greek theatre is at Epidaurus, and other ancient landmarks include the beautiful sanctuary of Olympia, which served as the venue for the Olympic Games for a millennium, and the Homeric palaces of Agamemnon at Mycenae and of Nestor at Pylos.
In addition to having such an abundance and concentration of cultural landmarks, the Peloponnese is a wonderful spot to unwind and roam. Its beaches, particularly those on the west coast and in the famous Mani in the south, are some of the best and least developed in the nation, and the inland scenery is stunning, with wooded mountains and some of the most beautiful rivers in the world.
→ discover your ideal place to stay from our collection in Peloponnese
A few recommendations on where to stay:
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Are you looking for a nicely renovated old building in the center of Antwerp? The Aplace Antwerp City Flats and Suites welcomes you with its modern and stylish accommodations!Make yourself comfortable and enjoy one of the lovely decorated suite...
- Holiday Apartments
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- Chic
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- City
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- 4 properties
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Tucked away on a medieval hilltop village in the Languedoc, Camellas-Lloret once started as a dream of Annie and Colin Moore, who met on a train leaving Paris in 1982. Together they dreamed of creating a place to celebrate and share the pleasures...
- Bed and Breakfast & self-catering
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- Bohemian Classic
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- Countryside
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- 5 rooms
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A post-war winery, has been transformed into a conscious - luxury resort on one of the most unspoiled stretches of coastline in the western Peloponnese. Situated on Kourouta beach near the town of Amaliada, the hotel is an ideal outpost for sun-seeking and exploring the regions offerings.
- Boutique Hotel
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- Design
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- Seaside (ocean front)
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- 35 rooms
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Located on the boarder to Montpellier, there is this little gem. It is equipped with different double rooms, a suite, a fully furnished apartment, reception halls and conference rooms with great views over the park and the English garden.The wild...
- Boutique Hotel
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- Elegant
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- Countryside
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- 12 rooms
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Welcome to Boutique Hotel Altstadt Vienna. You can rest assured; you have made the perfect choice. Located on the Spittelberg in Vienna's fashionable "Boboville" district, in the heart of Vienna. In this venerable patrician house, they offer 62 rooms and suites. Each different from the next.
- Boutique Hotel
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- Stylish
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- City
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- 62 rooms
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La Maison Bord’eaux has been providing its special brand of welcome since 2003. Created by Brigitte Lurton with a view to establishing a special place to stay in Bordeaux, La Maison Bord’eaux is an out of the ordinary hotel. It may now have n...
- Boutique Hotel
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- Contemporary
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- City
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- 21 rooms
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Enjoy a unique stay in Mèze, an old fishing town in the Languedoc wine region of southern France, with narrow streets, a picturesque harbor, and fantastic food. Hotel Maison Mèze is located right in the heart of the old town of this lively coastal...
- Holiday home villa
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- Classic
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- Seaside (ocean front)
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- 9 people
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The Dutch is a charming former farmhouse with boutique suites above Porto Heli, offering splendid views of the bay. The spacious suite with multiple terraces is ideal for a romantic getaway. The location is part of the Greek Riviera, near car-free islands, known for their historical and natural beauty.
- Holiday home villa
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- Elegant
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- Coast
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- 2 people
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The most exquisite luxury and refined French style meet in this Boutique Hotel located in the heart of Bordeaux. A place where your well-being and comfort are the top priorities. Set in a beautiful mansion from the early 19th century, the Yndo Hot...
- Boutique Hotel
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- Design
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- City
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- 12 rooms
