From Switzerland, Norway and Germany to Scotland and the Arctic, add these fresh air destinations to your bucket list …
It seems that “coolcations” – the trend of travelling to destinations that offer a reprieve from stifling weather – are on the rise after several heat records were broken around the world last year. That means two things – travellers are either planning to visit southern European countries outside peak season or explore “fresh air” destinations they haven’t visited before, with Scandinavia top of the list.
Luxury travel operators such as Scott Dunn and Oroko Travel have witnessed an uptick in enquiries for Scandinavian summer adventures where temperatures of 18°C to 25°C ensure sun-filled days and short nights against snow-capped mountains. Finland, and its lakeland, is particularly popular where travellers can enjoy cruising by day, its famed sauna scene and, if timed properly, the renowned Savonlinna Opera Festival (July to August), celebrating its 550-year anniversary.
The design-led Arctic TreeHouse Hotel looks particularly appealing for those in search of the Northern Lights. www.arctictreehousehotel.com.
Oroko’s new brochure The Great Outdoors reflects the demand for family adventures to destinations like Norway’s Lofoten Islands, where the Nusfjord Village and Resort offers special dining and wellness experiences against a landscape dotted with quaint red fishermen’s cabins. Activities on offer include sea eagle safaris and fjord tours. www.nusfjord.com.
“An Alpine summer holiday is a great alternative to the classic beach holiday; Lech and Sölden are some of my favourite destinations,” says Oroko travel specialist Conor Magee. “I love hiking and biking in the mountains; the convenience of the ski lifts’ bicycle attachments allow you to easily reach mountain tops for incredibly scenic biking adventures.” Having lived in Switzerland, I’d recommend a summer holiday in the Italian speaking district of Lugano as well as the ski resort of Val d’Isère where wildflower-strewn valleys fulfil any Heidi notions. An elevated base to enjoy the sports and après-ski dining scene is the Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère. www.experimentalchaletvaldisere.com.
SEE MORE: Our Favourite European Ski Resorts
This year there’s a big buzz around the reopening of the iconic Brenners Park Hotel & Spa in Baden Baden, Germany (a favourite with the Obamas and Beckhams) which is close to the Black Forest. More low-key, but equally invigorating, is Bavaria’s Allgäu region, where the Alpenloge hotel is a great hideaway for soaking up mountain views and unwinding in nature. www.alpenloge.com.
On my radar is Ardbeg House, on the remote Scottish island of the Inner Hebrides, opening later this year. It’s part-owned by LVMH and Ardbeg Whiskey and is being designed by Russell Sage Studio, responsible for the chic Fife Arms in the Cairngorms. With 13 rooms, this is sure to appeal to a growing band of “whiskey tourists” as well as the style set. www.ardbeg.com
SEE MORE: 12 Stunning Spring Stays Around Ireland
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