Yes, you can holiday again before Christmas. Here are reasons to return to favourite cities in Europe, this autumn and winter. And weekend holiday ideas for the ever curious. Because there’s always a great reason to keep exploring, even somewhere you already know.
Paris has Amazing New Hotels
The Paris hotel scene is trending right now. You don’t need the tried and trusted old-world glamour of Four Seasons Hotel George V. Stay across the road instead, at the uber-chic Bulgari Paris.
Or try the new Cheval Blanc, with its art deco suites designed by Peter Marino and in-house Dior spa. And instead of a Versailles day trip, spend the night inside the palace grounds at Airelles Château de Versailles.
This new hotel faithfully reinstates the splendour of 18th-century Versailles, with Alain Ducasse dining and Marie Antoinette costumes for a dress-up party.
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Now Departs in December
For the first time ever, the iconic Orient Express will depart in December, connecting Paris with Vienna and Venice. This train used to only be a summer experience, but you can experience Europe’s wintry landscapes aboard a Belmond carriage. Expect bedecked carriages, a winter menu and wine pairing, and all the fabulous Belmond Bellini Club extras.
The most interesting departures to highlight are 17th December from Paris to Vienna, 18th December from Vienna to Paris, and 7th December Venice to Paris via Florence. Availability is very limited.
Milan has Even Better Shopping
There are always new stores in Milan but 2022 has been an abundant year, especially the many brands who opened flagship stores during the June Milano Design Week.
Scotch & Soda opened on Via Alessandro Manzoni, Fratelli Rossetti and Moncler have new boutiques in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, there are new showrooms for Roche Bobois, Gervasoni, Ralph Lauren, Valstar, Christian Louboutin and Emporio Armani.
But revisit Milan just to discover Marni’s multisensorial store on Via Montenapoleone, a playground of fashion and interior design that’s taken Milan by storm.
Need a Holiday Now?
Vienna has a Rosewood Hotel
Yes, you all know Vienna and you’ve been there dozens of times before. But don’t scroll down just yet, because Vienna finally has a contemporary-styled luxury hotel.
Rosewood Vienna just opened and it’s a refreshingly new approach to the Viennese hotel experience, with apartment-style suites, cosy living areas and none of the traditional city pomp. It’s a reason to travel. It could also a great option for an overnight stay before departing on an intercontinental trip from Vienna.
Tuscany is Extending its Season
We love Tuscany for its choice of accommodation. Nowhere can rival the abundance of top tier luxury, with Castello di Casole, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Castello di Reschio and many more.
The challenge with Tuscany was finding the time to go, as many properties closed for the winter season and summer is often taken with beachside holidays. That’s changed post-covid, with the Tuscany season extending all the way to Christmas and New Year.
Why not Tuscany in November or December? Just imagine, a private converted farmhouse on a vast estate, where you wine, dine and go completely indulgent for the weekend.
Switzerland has Improved its Wellness Offering
A weekend in Switzerland is always usually good for your wellness. That’s taken a leap forward with a series of new openings that spa and wellness lovers need to try.
WaldHotel is a dedicated medical wellness hotel, part of the famous Burgenstock complex on Lake Lucerne. You have space for self discovery, use of all the Burgenstock amenities (like the most scenic spa in the world), and the most detailed and exhaustive medical testing in Europe.
Six Senses have the best hotel spas in the world and they’re opening a Swiss ski resort in December 2022, Six Senses Crans-Montana. And if you missed it, there’s the new Chedi Andermatt to discover in Andermatt.
Where Will You Travel Next?
Summer is ending but you don’t need to wait until Christmas to travel again. There’s so much more we can tell you about, for exceptional travels in the rest of 2022.
So challenge us to inspire you.
