Europe in Fall
- john3
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
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. Although on first sight it appears minimalist, there’s more detail than meets the eye.
This is a spot for couples who want fields and forests, not sand and sangría.
There are 24 generously proportioned rooms with spacious en-suite bathrooms, of which there are 13 suites and 11 garden rooms situated in the grounds. Tastefully decorated in harmonious tones of dove grey, white and stone, rooms are minimalist without being stark.
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 – and that is only the beginning. 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 of the rooms have four-poster beds and striking original features: an incredible Gothic woodwork ceiling, a painted vaulted ceiling, a 14th-century spider web of exposed beams, polished Versailles parquet. Luxurious bathrooms have Jacuzzi baths, multi-jet showers and Hermès products; and a generous courtesy tray includes fruit, biscuits, walnuts, sweets perhaps, and a handwritten note of welcome from Stéphanie and husband Philippe.
Sofisticated Alentejo, Portugal
Herdade da Maladihha Nova
A land of endless horizons, rich in color and bursting with sunshine, Baixo Alentejo is one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. It is in the heart of this region, in the charming village of Albernoa, where Herdade da Malhadinha Nova reveals its splendour. Surrounded by 450 hectares of vineyards and wild fields, this family estate blends perfectly into the natural environment. It's bucolic setting even serves as inspiration within its walls, where handcrafted marble details and pieces mingle with contemporary works.
As evening falls, enjoy a glass of one of the property’s many vintages by the pool and let yourself be carried away by the sweet breeze floating through the air. Perfectly integrated into the landscape, Herdade da Malhadinha Nova has six guest accommodations, five on the estate and another one five kilometres away in the village of Albernoa. They portray the various chapters in the history of this family-style project built around wine. All different yet all the same, with a unique character and purpose, the central planks connecting the different spaces together are privacy, exclusivity and luxury.
Countryside at its best, Cotswolds, UK
Thyme Hotel
The harmonious relationship with the countryside is at the heart of all things Thyme, which is unsurprising when you consider its location, the picture-postcard village of Southrop in the center of Cotswolds. Thyme is a cluster of honey-stone properties in postcard-pretty Southrop, about eight miles from Burford. It’s composed of various elements – a former rectory, an old farmhouse, cottages and barns (including a magnificent tithe barn) – all beautifully restyled.
This is a profoundly peaceful place, very beautifully devised so that the spirit of the various buildings is honoured. For all the relaxing atmosphere there’s painstaking attention to detail, with exquisite results. There are 31 bedrooms, of which five garden rooms with private outdoor spaces .This is an epicurean haven. You dine in style at the Ox Barn, where the short menu changes daily and is very largely based on what’s available from the vegetable garden.
Dreamy Francicorta, Italy
L’Albereta
Nestled in the vineyards of Franciacorta, this attractive hotel is housed in a 19th-century residence. The views from the hotel extend as far as the Alpine foothills and pretty Lake Iseo, home to Europe’s largest lake island. The Hotel’s main draw is the state-of-the-art health and medical spa offering detox and wellness programmes. The area attracts foodies and oenophiles in the know for its award-winning restaurants and wineries. Milan is less than an hour’s drive away.
Built in the late 19th century as a private residence, the hotel retains a number of original features including antique master paintings and frescoes. It occupies five buildings, which include a converted farmhouse with loggia. Interiors are cosy and welcoming, with rugs, books and puffy armchairs in the spacious lounge areas; designer chairs and low ambient lighting on the terrace exude a fashionable vibe. There are no standardised rooms here; all of the 38 rooms and 19 suits vary greatly in size, shape and décor. Espace Chenot spa attracts its share of fashionistas and celebs from nearby Milan.
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