Euro summer might have ended, but we’re ready for a cozy Euro fall and winter. Off-season travel in Europe offers the perfect blend of crisp weather and fewer crowds.
We’ve compiled a list of luxury hotels where you can unwind after your adventures, complete with inviting interiors and activities that make the season even more delightful.
Octant Douro, Portugal
The Douro Valley in northern Portugal is famous for its terraced vineyards, breathtaking landscapes, and winding river experiences, especially during the fall. At Octant Douro, guests can relax in one of 61 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each offering stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the flowing Douro River. At the Michelin-starred Raiva Restaurant, guests can cozy up with an impressive selection of over 250 Port wines from the region. The warmth continues in the spa, where a 24-hour indoor pool and a comforting fireplace create an inviting atmosphere. Personalized spa programs include soothing massages, yoga, meditation, juices, and facials, ensuring a truly rejuvenating experience. The hotel is flooded with natural light and surrounded by spectacular scenery, providing a perfect backdrop for a variety of activities, including guided walks, immersive dining, and private boat trips. For those seeking an outdoor adventure, the unique Rabelo boat experience pays homage to the region’s rich tradition of Port wine production. Guests can enjoy wine tastings and curated picnics aboard the "Octant I," a beautifully restored vessel from 1936 that once transported barrels of Port along the river.
Rusacks St Andrews, Scotland (pictured, image credit: Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts)
In the heart of St Andrews, Scotland, also known as the birthplace of golf, lies Rusacks St Andrews. Overlooking the first and 18th holes, the picturesque backdrop serves as the dreamiest escape for the winter. Upon entering the doors of the historic hotel, guests are immediately greeted by a roaring fire in the lobby's fireplace, accompanying the preserved wood interior, and Scottish coastal decor of plaid and golf traditions that naturally warms the hotel's spirit and those who stay there. While it may be too cold for a round of golf, travelers can daydream of holes-in-one on The Old Courses while gathering around fire pits and gazing upon the course from the outdoor terrace of 18, Rusacks' rooftop eatery.
One Aldwych, London
Fall brings a time to enjoy adventures by day and cuddle under plush blankets, watching movies by night. Travelers can upgrade their screen for a stage this fall at One Aldwych, the luxury, independent hotel in the heart of London's Covent Garden. The neighborhood is home to world-class theatre entertainment, and the hotel has the highest concentration of theatre shows within a square km of anywhere in London. One Aldwych brings "behind the scenes" to life with their Curator Program for an insider's look at London through the lens of local creative spirits that give Covent Garden its soul - from an arts expert offering private tours of the nearby Somerset House, to exclusive Directors Forums and Q&A with cast at the beloved Donmar Warehouse. Not to mention the concierge has the "in" at all the theatres, securing tickets for guests at even the most sought-after shows.
Ritz Paris, Paris
Experience the ultimate Parisian luxury by booking a room or a suite at the Ritz Paris. The 142 rooms and suites are generous and elegant, with a color scheme of creams and pale pinks or blues accented by rich brocades, and Louis XV furnishings. The hotel's Bar Hemingway is not only the world's smallest but also one of the most exclusive, named after its famous guest, Ernest Hemingway. Enjoy sipping tea at Salon Proust decorated with vintage books, wood paneling, and the comfort of an open fire on a cold fall day. Dining options include seafood at Bar Vendôme and tea or champagne delights at Salon Proust and the fine-dining restaurant, Espadon.
