If you are avoiding Europe this summer, you were right. Chaotic airports, canceled or delayed flights, astronomical prices, packed hotels and beaches, and terrible traffic. Now may be a better time to visit. Less hot, less crowded and of course less expensive. We gather a few of our favorite places to choose from for the breezy fall days.
Other Side of Mallorca, Spain — Finca Serena
Located in the middle of the island, half an hour drive from Palma, you are in completely different and authentic surroundings in Finca Serena. Wonky windmills revolve in the distance, and lemon, orange, and cypress trees line the driveway. The farmhouse itself is somehow both rough and smooth, laid-back and stylish, a rambling old Finca with a chic attitude. There are 24 generously proportioned rooms including 13 suites and 11 garden rooms, tastefully decorated in harmonious tones of dove grey, white and stone.
Fairytale Towns of Dordogne, France — Chateau de la Treyne
With an unbelievably magical setting, this turreted fairytale chateau is the belle of the ball. It has history, it has drama, it has magnificent views of the Dordogne River. Handsome period rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and exquisite service ensure it is impossible to say which of the 17 rooms is the loveliest. Several rooms have four-poster beds and striking original features, luxurious bathrooms with Jacuzzi baths, multi-jet showers and Hermès products.
Sophisticated Alentejo, Portugal — Herdade da Malhadinha Nova
A land of endless horizons, rich in color and bursting with sunshine, Baixo Alentejo is one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. Surrounded by 450 hectares of vineyards and wild fields, this family estate blends perfectly into the natural environment. All six guest accommodations offer privacy, exclusivity and luxury, perfect for enjoying a glass of the property’s many vintages by the pool as evening falls.
Countryside at its Best, Cotswolds, UK — Thyme Hotel
A cluster of honey-stone properties in postcard-pretty Southrop, about eight miles from Burford in the heart of the Cotswolds. Composed of a former rectory, an old farmhouse, cottages and barns, all beautifully restyled. There are 31 bedrooms, of which five are garden rooms with private outdoor spaces. Dine in style at the Ox Barn, where the short menu changes daily based on what’s available from the vegetable garden.
Dreamy Franciacorta, Italy — L’Albereta
Nestled in the vineyards of Franciacorta, this attractive hotel is housed in a 19th-century residence. The views extend as far as the Alpine foothills and pretty Lake Iseo. The hotel’s main draw is the state-of-the-art health and medical spa offering detox and wellness programmes. There are 38 rooms and 19 suites, all varying greatly in size, shape and décor. Milan is less than an hour’s drive away.
