Up until recently, mountains to me meant annual winter ski trips with the family – but now, like an increasing number of people, I’m looking at European mountain resorts in a new light.
Keen to avoid the sweltering summer temperatures of some parts of southern Europe, travellers will find a host of mountain resorts waiting for them, and this has many other benefits too, helping to spread the season of these locations, plus – there are plenty of luxury hotels to choose from. Decent train connections mean it’s additionally an attractive alternative to flying around the continent once clients get there.
I start my trip at the five-star Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol, part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection. Set in the Austrian Alps 1,300m above sea level, this secluded, chalet-style luxury resort has 282 guest rooms and 32 suites – but what I soon fall in love with is its blend of traditional Tyrolean interiors, outstanding hospitality, top-class food, vast spa area and an idyllic setting in the heart of the mountains.
Add to that Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol’s bags of charm and a warm, friendly atmosphere and I’m definitely hooked; service is slick and staff make you feel like a long-lost friend.
Guests here can choose from seven dining options, ranging from the hotel’s gourmet restaurant to a charming alpine mountain hut serving delicious regional specialities. With its authentic, secluded mountain lodge feel I’m soon loving the alpine landscape – forgetting all about my usual urge to go up and down in chairlifts skiing.
At a hotel stay in the summer, I instead find myself indulging in excellent spa treatments, indoor and outdoor pools, Finnish sauna, infrared rooms, steam and saltwater baths, fitness classes – and blissfully, simply finding a quiet space in the beautiful gardens to take in the mountain views.
For those guests who do want to get outside and explore the local area a bit more, the hotel offers a seasonal programme of activities. Close to Seefeld and Solden, there’s so much to do see and do in the Tyrol region of Austria: take your pick from mountain hikes, e-bike and mountain bike trails, wellness activities – even 007 elements for James Bond fans.
Innsbruck is around a 30-minute drive away for travellers who want to explore this atmospheric city, capital of the Tyrol region. Lovers of crystal can head to Swarovski Kristallwelten where they’ll find art installations and enchanting gardens in the shadow of the Alps.
Twin-centre by train
Transport connections in the region are excellent; the train from Innsbruck to Trento in Italy is cheap, fast and reliable. In around two-and-a-half hours we arrive in Trento via a stress-free scenic train ride. Within the hour, we’re checked into Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, set within the Madonna di Campiglio ski area in Pinzolo, Italy.
The second of Lefay’s Resorts collection, the hotel boasts 88 spacious suites and 21 residences. Located right in the heart of the Unesco World Heritage Site, it combines cutting-edge architecture, gourmet food offerings and one of the largest spas in the Dolomites, at around 54,000 square feet.
Rest and relaxation is very much the order of the day here, and I’m soon onboard with the philosophy. Guests follow the Lefay Spa Method that blends the therapeutic power of alpine nature with the five movements (or elements) of traditional Chinese medicine.
Combining different temperatures and humidity with dedicated phyto- and aromatherapies, the spa area offers a huge sauna with unique mountain views, indoor and outdoor pools, plunge pools, whirlpool, saltwater lake and salt grotto. Book in for signature spa treatments, couples’ rituals and beauty services or get active in the 24-hour fitness centre overlooking the hotel’s well-manicured gardens.
Unforgettable backdrop
Hotel interiors here are more on the calming and contemporary side. Bedrooms offer comfort and luxury with balconies looking out onto the mountains, natural materials and muted tones.
The lounge bar is the heart of the hotel, where vast floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the natural landscape and create an unforgettable backdrop. With two stand-out restaurants – Grual and Dolomia – guests can choose a high-end culinary journey through the mountains or a more laid-back dining experience.
There are plenty of summer activities to choose from in the Dolomites that combine adventure, wellness and relaxation. Hikers can take advantage of the numerous walking routes and secluded mountain lodges serving regional specialities, while mountain bikers can enjoy deserted trails and guests in search of wellbeing can experience forest bathing, yoga, meditation and foraging in the mountains. The region also offers climbing and mountaineering opportunities, rafting, canyoning, horse riding and paragliding.
While I know I will still definitely enjoy a warm summer trip into Spain or Croatia, and I will always be keen to return to the mountains in the snow, this trip offered something of an eye-opener – being able to experience what these beautiful parts of the world have to offer year-round.
And these places are not just cool in temperature, they’re increasingly being seen as cool spots in the chic sense of the word as well – agents should definitely consider helping their clients join this growing club soon too.
How to book
Rates at Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, start from £600 per night, based on two sharing on a half-board basis, including breakfast, dinner and daily activities such as wellness experiences and excursions.
Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti is also a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection and rates start from £360 per night, based on two sharing a Prestige Junior Suite including breakfast.
With more than 100 member properties, Preferred’s Legend Collection focuses on celebrating the world’s most refined independent hotels, resorts and residences. Agents can find out more about its hotels online.
