A Weekend in Europe: Metropolis Breaks and Countryside Escapes

Milan + Lake Garda, Italy

Pack your Bottega Veneta bag and head to Milan, the cosmopolitan hub of Italy’s north, for a getaway. Keep at Casa Cipriani Milano, the place basic Milanese hospitality meets the old-world really feel of an English gentleman’s membership. Absorb a treasure trove of masterpieces—Da Vinci’s The Final Supper, Il Duomo di Milano Cathedral and world-famous opera home La Scala. If the countryside calls, you’re a scenic 4.5-hour drive from the most important lake in Italy, Lake Garda. Right here, adult-only Val di Sogno sits amongst small villages, picturesque hamlets and mountain slopes. Examine in, hearken to the sound of waves being gently pushed onto shore by passing sailboats and savor a poolside Aperol Spritz below the shade of olive timber.

A Weekend in Europe: Metropolis Breaks and Countryside Escapes

Paris + Lyon, France

If sitting at a neighborhood bistro, slowly sipping a café crème and tearing right into a flaky croissant sounds preferrred proper about now, then Paris is the proper metropolis break for you. Situated within the 1st Arrondissement between the Opéra Garnier and well-known rue Saint Honoré, you’ll discover Nolinski Paris. After a stroll alongside the Seine and move via the Palais-Royal gardens, dine on the property’s two Michelin-starred Palais Royal Restaurant or take to the Spa Nolinski by La Colline. In search of extra large metropolis vitality? Hop on a two-hour TGV practice certain for Lyon, France’s third-largest metropolis. Keep at Boscolo Lodge & Spa Lyon, a classically styled lodge sprinkled with Italian design relationship all the best way again to the Nineteenth century. Go on a culinary journey at Mediterranean-focused Angelo Restaurant and return in time with a dip within the historic Roman thermal baths on the Boscolo Lyon spa. Past the property, you’re steps away from Place Bellecour, the picturesque district of Vieux Lyon and the majestic Basilique de Fourvière.

A Weekend in Europe: Metropolis Breaks and Countryside Escapes

London + Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

London brims with issues to do. You might catch a sporting occasion, with Wimbledon rolling round every July and the Premier League gearing up in August (town is residence to seven groups). If the humanities are extra your jam, London has over 192 museums and an unimaginable lineup of summer time music festivals, together with BST Hyde Park, All Factors East and Discipline Day. There are all of the basic sights, too—Westminster Abbey, Huge Ben, Trafalgar Sq.. Fortunately, a keep at Nice Scotland Yard Lodge makes decision-making just a little simpler with its good location in Westminster. Its proximity to the practice station at Charring Cross and underground strains makes it straightforward so that you can see all the metropolis and past. A one-hour experience north of London Marylebone is Oxfordshire. Right here, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Lodge embodies the perfect of the dreamy British countryside—channel your interior Jane Austen heroine and wander via the vegetable gardens, flower borders and orchards.

A Weekend in Europe: Metropolis Breaks and Countryside Escapes

Rome + Porto Ercole, Italy

Whether or not stumbling upon a neighborhood trattoria serving heavenly cacio e pepe or encountering a famend Caravaggio masterpiece in an unassuming church, Rome affords surprises at each flip. Retreat to Villa Spalletti Trivelli Rome, a really perfect residence base full with a library, Italian backyard and a rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi. Should you can’t get near the Trevi Fountain due to the crowds, save your needs for the Tuscan Coast, only a two-hour drive away. On arrival, get a style of glamorous Nineteen Sixties Italy at LA ROQQA. Quench your thirst (and transfer your hips to the music) after your journey on the lodge’s seaside membership, Isolotto.

A Weekend in Europe: Metropolis Breaks and Countryside Escapes

Madrid + Barcelona, Spain

When in Spain, go large and daring. Begin in Madrid the place artwork lovers can spend the day exploring three of the world’s greatest museums, aka the Golden Triangle of Artwork. Historical past buffs will love town’s structure and historic landmarks, together with the oldest restaurant on this planet and an Egyptian temple. And you’ll’t go improper with the booming culinary scene right here—it’s made Madrid considered one of Europe’s finest meals cities. Hyatt Centric Gran By way of Madrid is a 10-story Artwork Deco constructing inside strolling distance of cocktail bars, procuring and leisure. Subsequent, proceed your Spanish adventures by taking the AVE high-speed practice to Barcelona—you’re there in lower than three hours. Near town’s prime sights, together with the Gothic Quarter, The Barcelona EDITION is the place you possibly can savor a Spanish Gin and Tonic whereas having fun with the breathtaking views from a nook desk on the rooftop terrace. Don’t neglect to stroll alongside town’s most well-known boulevard, La Ramblas, scout out the most effective paella and luxuriate in a day siesta on one of many metropolis’s finest seashores.

A Weekend in Europe: Metropolis Breaks and Countryside Escapes

Porto + Douro Valley, Portugal

Lengthy thought to be Lisbon’s little sister, Porto is lastly rising as a prime vacation spot, drawing weekenders searching for the final word 48-hour escape. Popping up like a storybook from the banks of the Douro River, Portugal’s second-biggest metropolis is steeped in historical past and shortly turning into a haven for design and meals lovers. Don’t miss Mercado do Bolhao, Porto’s historic central market. Reopened in October 2022 after a two-year renovation, it affords many delights, such because the well-known francesinha sandwich. Discover the UNESCO Heritage Cais da Ribeira neighborhood, then unwind at The Rebello. This boutique lodge options an indoor and out of doors pool and numerous eating choices, together with the Foyer Bar and a classy rooftop restaurant serving recent pizza with metropolis views. Within the temper for vinho? It’s time to enterprise 90-minutes east to the Douro Valley, the place Nineteenth-century manor Six Senses Douro Valley awaits, providing winery excursions, wine libraries and tastings aboard a classic boat.

A Weekend in Europe: Metropolis Breaks and Countryside Escapes

Good + Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France

It has the seashores, it has the sunshine and it undoubtedly has the glamour—Good is certainly good. Nestled a number of blocks away from the seaside alongside picturesque Boulevard Victor Hugo, Boscolo Lodge & Spa Good exudes timeless allure. Uncover one of many metropolis’s most unique rooftops, BClub, boasting an outside pool and scrumptious cocktails. Simply an 8-minute stroll away lies Ruhl’s Non-public Seashore, the place lodge friends are pampered with an array of facilities, together with plush mattresses, parasols and towels. Drive east alongside the Côte d’Azur for 25-minutes and let the Mediterranean information you to your subsequent vacation spot: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Keep at The Maybourne Riviera, standing sentry on a rocky outcrop close to Monaco. Taking the twenty sixth place on 2023’s World’s 50 Finest Accommodations listing, this gravity-defying architectural marvel places friends 300 meters above the Mediterranean Sea. Plus, it’s the proper base for one of many sporting highlights of the yr—the annual Monaco Grand Prix in Could.

A Weekend in Europe: Metropolis Breaks and Countryside Escapes

Santorini + Paros, Greece

Santorini is a head-turner. It’s obtained the immediately recognizable white-washed homes, well-known caldera and iconic sunsets. To not point out, that crystal clear Aegean Sea. Equally as gorgeous is Andronis Arcadia, carved into cliffs close to the long-lasting city of Oia. Intimate and secluded, the property options open, vivid interiors and personal swimming pools. Benefit from the lodge’s Pacman Restaurant with its al fresco allure and breathtaking sundown views over the Aegean Sea accompanied by world-renowned dwell music Could via August. If trying to escape the bustle of Santorini, jump over to low-key Paros and go for a keep at Parīlio, an island retreat in full concord with the encompassing sea and mountainous terrain. For these trying to absolutely embrace the slow-paced Cycladic way of life, the Elios Spa affords the final word trip timeout.

A Weekend in Europe: Metropolis Breaks and Countryside Escapes

Dublin + Ardmore, Eire

James Joyce’s novel Ulysses famously takes the reader throughout Dublin on a single day in June 1904— think about what you may with a whole weekend. So, what’s the craic (that’s Irish slang for enjoyable) within the Emerald Isle’s capital? Stroll the cobbles of Trinity Faculty, wander St. Stephen’s Inexperienced, store on Grafton Road or dine at one of many 5 Michelin-starred eating places on the town. If all that appears just a little too fancy, seize a pint of Guinness in an 800-year-old pub. Examine into The Merrion, an impeccable restoration of 4 Georgian townhouses with rooms and suites overlooking stunning manicured gardens. Go away town and expertise the Irish countryside in County Waterford. Make your lodging Cliff Home Lodge, clinging to a cliff on the south facet of Ardmore Bay, the place there has lengthy been a fishing village. The lodge options an intimate Irish vacation spot spa and a floating golf inexperienced.

A Weekend in Europe: Metropolis Breaks and Countryside Escapes

Venice, Italy + Rovinj, Croatia

Unfold throughout greater than 100 small islands, Venice stands as Italy’s Veneto gem, adorned with winding canals, majestic Renaissance palaces and sleek bridges. Close to Piazza San Marco, discover Splendid Venice. Launch out from the lodge’s non-public dock for a tour of town. Whereas day-trippers hurry from the Rialto to St. Mark’s Basilica, contemplate slowing issues down by heading to the Venice Biennale, a global cultural exhibition hosted yearly. Able to zip overseas? Set sail to Croatia. Skip the automotive leases and go for the ferry to coastal Rovinj. Perched amidst pine forests overlooking the azure Adriatic, Grand Park Lodge Rovinj is a serene escape with seven eating venues, together with a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a 3800-square-meter spa set in Mediterranean gardens. Enterprise into Rovinj’s outdated city, rising from the ocean, to wander its timeless streets.

1 /10

Milan + Lake Garda, Italy

Pack your Bottega Veneta bag and head to Milan, the cosmopolitan hub of Italy’s north, for a getaway. Keep at Casa Cipriani Milano, the place basic Milanese hospitality meets the old-world really feel of an English gentleman’s membership. Absorb a treasure trove of masterpieces—Da Vinci’s The Final Supper, Il Duomo di Milano Cathedral and world-famous opera home La Scala. If the countryside calls, you’re a scenic 4.5-hour drive from the most important lake in Italy, Lake Garda. Right here, adult-only Val di Sogno sits amongst small villages, picturesque hamlets and mountain slopes. Examine in, hearken to the sound of waves being gently pushed onto shore by passing sailboats and savor a poolside Aperol Spritz below the shade of olive timber.

2 /10

Paris + Lyon, France

If sitting at a neighborhood bistro, slowly sipping a café crème and tearing right into a flaky croissant sounds preferrred proper about now, then Paris is the proper metropolis break for you. Situated within the 1st Arrondissement between the Opéra Garnier and well-known rue Saint Honoré, you’ll discover Nolinski Paris. After a stroll alongside the Seine and move via the Palais-Royal gardens, dine on the property’s two Michelin-starred Palais Royal Restaurant or take to the Spa Nolinski by La Colline. In search of extra large metropolis vitality? Hop on a two-hour TGV practice certain for Lyon, France’s third-largest metropolis. Keep at Boscolo Lodge & Spa Lyon, a classically styled lodge sprinkled with Italian design relationship all the best way again to the Nineteenth century. Go on a culinary journey at Mediterranean-focused Angelo Restaurant and return in time with a dip within the historic Roman thermal baths on the Boscolo Lyon spa. Past the property, you’re steps away from Place Bellecour, the picturesque district of Vieux Lyon and the majestic Basilique de Fourvière.

3 /10

London + Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

London brims with issues to do. You might catch a sporting occasion, with Wimbledon rolling round every July and the Premier League gearing up in August (town is residence to seven groups). If the humanities are extra your jam, London has over 192 museums and an unimaginable lineup of summer time music festivals, together with BST Hyde Park, All Factors East and Discipline Day. There are all of the basic sights, too—Westminster Abbey, Huge Ben, Trafalgar Sq.. Fortunately, a keep at Nice Scotland Yard Lodge makes decision-making just a little simpler with its good location in Westminster. Its proximity to the practice station at Charring Cross and underground strains makes it straightforward so that you can see all the metropolis and past. A one-hour experience north of London Marylebone is Oxfordshire. Right here, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Lodge embodies the perfect of the dreamy British countryside—channel your interior Jane Austen heroine and wander via the vegetable gardens, flower borders and orchards.

4 /10

Rome + Porto Ercole, Italy

Whether or not stumbling upon a neighborhood trattoria serving heavenly cacio e pepe or encountering a famend Caravaggio masterpiece in an unassuming church, Rome affords surprises at each flip. Retreat to Villa Spalletti Trivelli Rome, a really perfect residence base full with a library, Italian backyard and a rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi. Should you can’t get near the Trevi Fountain due to the crowds, save your needs for the Tuscan Coast, only a two-hour drive away. On arrival, get a style of glamorous Nineteen Sixties Italy at LA ROQQA. Quench your thirst (and transfer your hips to the music) after your journey on the lodge’s seaside membership, Isolotto.

5 /10

Madrid + Barcelona, Spain

When in Spain, go large and daring. Begin in Madrid the place artwork lovers can spend the day exploring three of the world’s greatest museums, aka the Golden Triangle of Artwork. Historical past buffs will love town’s structure and historic landmarks, together with the oldest restaurant on this planet and an Egyptian temple. And you’ll’t go improper with the booming culinary scene right here—it’s made Madrid considered one of Europe’s finest meals cities. Hyatt Centric Gran By way of Madrid is a 10-story Artwork Deco constructing inside strolling distance of cocktail bars, procuring and leisure. Subsequent, proceed your Spanish adventures by taking the AVE high-speed practice to Barcelona—you’re there in lower than three hours. Near town’s prime sights, together with the Gothic Quarter, The Barcelona EDITION is the place you possibly can savor a Spanish Gin and Tonic whereas having fun with the breathtaking views from a nook desk on the rooftop terrace. Don’t neglect to stroll alongside town’s most well-known boulevard, La Ramblas, scout out the most effective paella and luxuriate in a day siesta on one of many metropolis’s finest seashores.

6 /10

Porto + Douro Valley, Portugal

Lengthy thought to be Lisbon’s little sister, Porto is lastly rising as a prime vacation spot, drawing weekenders searching for the final word 48-hour escape. Popping up like a storybook from the banks of the Douro River, Portugal’s second-biggest metropolis is steeped in historical past and shortly turning into a haven for design and meals lovers. Don’t miss Mercado do Bolhao, Porto’s historic central market. Reopened in October 2022 after a two-year renovation, it affords many delights, such because the well-known francesinha sandwich. Discover the UNESCO Heritage Cais da Ribeira neighborhood, then unwind at The Rebello. This boutique lodge options an indoor and out of doors pool and numerous eating choices, together with the Foyer Bar and a classy rooftop restaurant serving recent pizza with metropolis views. Within the temper for vinho? It’s time to enterprise 90-minutes east to the Douro Valley, the place Nineteenth-century manor Six Senses Douro Valley awaits, providing winery excursions, wine libraries and tastings aboard a classic boat.

7 /10

Good + Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France

It has the seashores, it has the sunshine and it undoubtedly has the glamour—Good is certainly good. Nestled a number of blocks away from the seaside alongside picturesque Boulevard Victor Hugo, Boscolo Lodge & Spa Good exudes timeless allure. Uncover one of many metropolis’s most unique rooftops, BClub, boasting an outside pool and scrumptious cocktails. Simply an 8-minute stroll away lies Ruhl’s Non-public Seashore, the place lodge friends are pampered with an array of facilities, together with plush mattresses, parasols and towels. Drive east alongside the Côte d’Azur for 25-minutes and let the Mediterranean information you to your subsequent vacation spot: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Keep at The Maybourne Riviera, standing sentry on a rocky outcrop close to Monaco. Taking the twenty sixth place on 2023’s World’s 50 Finest Accommodations listing, this gravity-defying architectural marvel places friends 300 meters above the Mediterranean Sea. Plus, it’s the proper base for one of many sporting highlights of the yr—the annual Monaco Grand Prix in Could.

8 /10

Santorini + Paros, Greece

Santorini is a head-turner. It’s obtained the immediately recognizable white-washed homes, well-known caldera and iconic sunsets. To not point out, that crystal clear Aegean Sea. Equally as gorgeous is Andronis Arcadia, carved into cliffs close to the long-lasting city of Oia. Intimate and secluded, the property options open, vivid interiors and personal swimming pools. Benefit from the lodge’s Pacman Restaurant with its al fresco allure and breathtaking sundown views over the Aegean Sea accompanied by world-renowned dwell music Could via August. If trying to escape the bustle of Santorini, jump over to low-key Paros and go for a keep at Parīlio, an island retreat in full concord with the encompassing sea and mountainous terrain. For these trying to absolutely embrace the slow-paced Cycladic way of life, the Elios Spa affords the final word trip timeout.

9 /10

Dublin + Ardmore, Eire

James Joyce’s novel Ulysses famously takes the reader throughout Dublin on a single day in June 1904— think about what you may with a whole weekend. So, what’s the craic (that’s Irish slang for enjoyable) within the Emerald Isle’s capital? Stroll the cobbles of Trinity Faculty, wander St. Stephen’s Inexperienced, store on Grafton Road or dine at one of many 5 Michelin-starred eating places on the town. If all that appears just a little too fancy, seize a pint of Guinness in an 800-year-old pub. Examine into The Merrion, an impeccable restoration of 4 Georgian townhouses with rooms and suites overlooking stunning manicured gardens. Go away town and expertise the Irish countryside in County Waterford. Make your lodging Cliff Home Lodge, clinging to a cliff on the south facet of Ardmore Bay, the place there has lengthy been a fishing village. The lodge options an intimate Irish vacation spot spa and a floating golf inexperienced.

10 /10

Venice, Italy + Rovinj, Croatia

Unfold throughout greater than 100 small islands, Venice stands as Italy’s Veneto gem, adorned with winding canals, majestic Renaissance palaces and sleek bridges. Close to Piazza San Marco, discover Splendid Venice. Launch out from the lodge’s non-public dock for a tour of town. Whereas day-trippers hurry from the Rialto to St. Mark’s Basilica, contemplate slowing issues down by heading to the Venice Biennale, a global cultural exhibition hosted yearly. Able to zip overseas? Set sail to Croatia. Skip the automotive leases and go for the ferry to coastal Rovinj. Perched amidst pine forests overlooking the azure Adriatic, Grand Park Lodge Rovinj is a serene escape with seven eating venues, together with a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a 3800-square-meter spa set in Mediterranean gardens. Enterprise into Rovinj’s outdated city, rising from the ocean, to wander its timeless streets.