1. Villa Cone Beach, Finland

Villa Cone Beach is a stunning beach nestled in the Finnish Archipelago Sea National Park, an archipelago of over 40,000 islands and skerries. The small, family-run premium hideout is known for its crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, picturesque views, unique landscape and endless activities, making it one of Finland’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an action-packed adventure holiday, this beach has something to offer everyone! Ideally suited for families and small groups of friends (8 – 10 people), the resort hosts one group at a time to ensure a personalised and private experience.

In winter, Villa Cone offers white infinity, with the deepest snow in Finland, perfect for skiing, ice-fishing, skating and snow-mobiling across the magical landscapes. Yet the sweet summers are even more special. Take a few steps down to your private beach and lakefront, where your log sauna is heating up. Turn around to see the villa circled by wild taiga forest, which extends over 10 times zones across Bear Centre to the Pacific Ocean. 

2. Wengen & Grindelwald, Switzerland

A magical Swiss train ride through picturesque mountains takes you from Zurich to Wengen on our favourite Switzerland mountain escape. Pass through lush green fields, charming Swiss villages, and alongside the glistening waters of Lake Zurich, all while soaking in the panoramic views from the train. Arrive in Wengen and check in to the charming and traditional Hotel Schönegg, in the heart of the village. Wengen is a paradise for hikers, with an extensive network of trails that cater to all levels of fitness. Explore the lush alpine meadows, serene forests, and panoramic viewpoints as you embark on scenic hikes and popular trails including the Männlichen Panorama Trail and the Jungfrau Eiger Walk.

Or, rent a mountain bike and hit the trails surrounding Wengen. Enjoy the adrenaline rush as you ride through stunning landscapes and tackle varying terrains. The Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen route is a favourite among mountain bikers. You can even experience the thrill of paragliding and soar above the Swiss Alps, taking in the breathtaking views of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains as you glide through the sky. Unwind in your hotel’s sauna, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of outdoor activities, before heading off to explore Grindelwald tomorrow…

Start your day by taking the Firstbahn Cable Car from Grindelwald to First. This scenic ride will take you high above the village, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. At the summit, embark on the First Cliff Walk, a suspension bridge that extends along the cliff edge. This thrilling walkway provides panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, and offers a unique perspective of the alpine landscape. If you’re seeking a bigger adrenaline rush, zip-line across the valley on the First Flyer, or go on a mountain cart ride down the specially designed tracks!

3. Les Gets & Morzine, France

Summer in Les Gets and Morzine, France is an experience like no other. Located in the beautiful French Alps, these two towns offer a unique combination of outdoor activities, charming alpine villages and stunning views across crystal clear lakes, lush forests and majestic mountainscapes. From mountain biking and paragliding, to rafting down white-water rapids – this area has something special for all kinds of adventurers. The world famous Tour de France will also pass through Morzine this summer, along with L’Etape Tour de France. The French town will host the finish to one of the major mountain climbing stages of the race, before the tour departs Les Gets the next morning. For any serious cycling fan, this is the absolute pinnacle of the sport, with some of the world’s best athletes, and liveliest crowds attending!

4. Lake Garda & Madonna di Campigilio 

Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, is known for its crystal clear water, dominated by the Rocca Scaligera fortress. Unforgettably beautiful hiking trails for all abilities are dotted around the Lake, taking in everything from the medieval splendour of its picturesque villages to the 78 miles of delightful shoreline and the panoramic hills and jagged mountains that dominate the landscape. 

The magical 3km Lake Garda hanging cycle path is part of the 140km cycle path ‘Garda by bike’ tour encircling Lake Garda. It is often considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, hanging off the side of the cliff to make cyclists feel as though they are travelling along a path suspended in mid-air or on the water itself!

The small mountain resort of Madonna di Campiglio is nestled below the Brenta Dolomite Mountains in the Trentino region of Northern Italy, with peaks, valleys, lakes and rivers providing endless opportunities for walkers of all standards to enjoy a stunning natural landscape. This landscape divides naturally into five different areas, all cleverly interlinked by cabin lifts, roads and paths. Start with Giro di Campiglio, a circular path which winds its way through the tree-clothed slopes above Madonna di Campiglio, affording glorious views of the town below and the mountains above. For the hardiest of walkers, Lago Ritorto is the first lake on the Five Lakes Walk that begins with a tough ascent up to a ridge way above the lake, but it is well worth the hike when you witness the views from the top!

5. Barcelona & Andorra

Our final mountain escape begins amidst the buzz of Barcelona at the Hotel Arts, an urban landmark that stands as the tallest hotel on the coast, overlooking the beachfront with panoramic city and beach views. The hotel effortlessly combines tranquillity and genuine luxury with individual and personalised service provided by a well-connected and passionate team.  The city awaits discovery. Spend the day at Gaudí’s Parc Guell and La Sagrada Familia, or relax over tapas, rooftop cocktails and leisurely strolls along the beach. From fine dining and upscale shopping to uninterrupted relaxation by the sea, you won’t get bored spending your first few days exploring Barcelona.

A couple of hours north of the city is Andorra, nestled between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains. A popular skiing destination in the winter months, Andorra offers by far the best ski slopes and facilities in the entire Pyrenees. However, once the sunshine appears, the melting snow uncovers a paradise for nature lovers, with outstanding walking trails, jaw-dropping scenery and beautiful lakes. From easy strolls to demanding day-long hikes in the Principality’s higher, more remote reaches, where you can wander for hours upon end.

The only Leading Hotels of the World property in Andorra, The Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa is the perfect base to explore this photogenic region. At an altitude of 1,850 metres in the middle of nature and in a privileged enclave for summer and winter mountain sports, an imaginative and elegant design awaits guests in atmospheric rooms, suites, relaxation reading areas and the state-of-the-art five-floor wellness centre. You’ll feel instantly at home here.