Kiwi Curated
Better Lake Than Never
by Joy PecknoldCraving a lake escape? Make a break for one of these seven picturesque properties right by fresh bodies of water that offer refreshing activities to match.
Better Lake Than Never
Despite appearances, the South Pacific doesn’t hold the trademark to overwater bungalows. In Switzerland, Hôtel Palafitte perches its guests above cool, blue Lake Neuchâtel with views of the Alps beyond. Each suite’s private terrace has a ladder leading straight down to the water, or grab a complimentary canoe, paddleboard and fishing rod to milk even more of the lake life.
Better Lake Than Never
Being right on the water is undoubtedly grand, but there’s something to be said for the grandeur of a bird’s-eye view. On a lush 27-acre hillside of Italy’s Lake Garda, Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda has all the right views, including a seamless one from infinity pool to horizon line. When the lake calls, request a ride in the resort’s custom 1017 Frauscher Lido speed boat or sign up for sailing lessons.
Better Lake Than Never
Tinged an electric shade of emerald and backed by the Rocky Mountains, Lake Louise provides money shot after money shot—especially if you hop in one of the red canoes the Fairmont Chateau rents out. There are plenty of guided hikes that will having you seeing it from another angle. Come evening, gather around a campfire on the Lakeview Terrace with a hot cocoa and swap ghost stories.
Better Lake Than Never
The Ozarks offer all kinds of family-friendly adventures, and Stonewater Cove Resort makes it extra easy with all-inclusive meals, valet parking, Wi-Fi, kayaking and fishing. On-site, take advantage of the pool, hot tub, bocce ball courts and swim dock. Go beyond by booking a guided ATV ride, zip-line tour or wake boarding excursion. In other words, the phrase “I’m bored” has likely never been uttered here.
Better Lake Than Never
River, lake, Patagonia—a retreat at Correntoso Lake & River Hotel ticks all those boxes. The waterways and surrounding Andes mountains facilitate all kinds of adventures, including fly-fishing, sailing and hiking. Back at the property, stretch out any tight muscles with a yoga class or treat them to a massage and hammam ceremony.
Better Lake Than Never
Asking to “Make an Entrance” at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake means you’ll get picked up by a traditional Chinese wooden rowboat for a 45-minute journey to the hotel. During the scenic, serene ride, you’ll sip on Hangzhou Longjing tea and nibble on delicacies. That’s all before check-in. Learn more about Longjing with a tea tour or explore the fabled area by bicycle—although each suite and the surrounding gardens are pretty enough to keep you firmly and contentedly planted in one place.
Better Lake Than Never
This might be the lake break to blow all other lake breaks out of the proverbial water: Taj Lake Place, Udaipur appears to float above Lake Pichola. Between its ornate white exterior and richly decorated interiors, the property is never not picturesque. Built by successors to the dynasty of Mewar in 1746 and used as a setting for the 1983 Bond film Octopussy, it also has an equally alluring history. If lakeside romance is what you’re after, this is the palace.
Despite appearances, the South Pacific doesn’t hold the trademark to overwater bungalows. In Switzerland, Hôtel Palafitte perches its guests above cool, blue Lake Neuchâtel with views of the Alps beyond. Each suite’s private terrace has a ladder leading straight down to the water, or grab a complimentary canoe, paddleboard and fishing rod to milk even more of the lake life.
Being right on the water is undoubtedly grand, but there’s something to be said for the grandeur of a bird’s-eye view. On a lush 27-acre hillside of Italy’s Lake Garda, Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda has all the right views, including a seamless one from infinity pool to horizon line. When the lake calls, request a ride in the resort’s custom 1017 Frauscher Lido speed boat or sign up for sailing lessons.
Tinged an electric shade of emerald and backed by the Rocky Mountains, Lake Louise provides money shot after money shot—especially if you hop in one of the red canoes the Fairmont Chateau rents out. There are plenty of guided hikes that will having you seeing it from another angle. Come evening, gather around a campfire on the Lakeview Terrace with a hot cocoa and swap ghost stories.
The Ozarks offer all kinds of family-friendly adventures, and Stonewater Cove Resort makes it extra easy with all-inclusive meals, valet parking, Wi-Fi, kayaking and fishing. On-site, take advantage of the pool, hot tub, bocce ball courts and swim dock. Go beyond by booking a guided ATV ride, zip-line tour or wake boarding excursion. In other words, the phrase “I’m bored” has likely never been uttered here.
River, lake, Patagonia—a retreat at Correntoso Lake & River Hotel ticks all those boxes. The waterways and surrounding Andes mountains facilitate all kinds of adventures, including fly-fishing, sailing and hiking. Back at the property, stretch out any tight muscles with a yoga class or treat them to a massage and hammam ceremony.
Asking to “Make an Entrance” at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake means you’ll get picked up by a traditional Chinese wooden rowboat for a 45-minute journey to the hotel. During the scenic, serene ride, you’ll sip on Hangzhou Longjing tea and nibble on delicacies. That’s all before check-in. Learn more about Longjing with a tea tour or explore the fabled area by bicycle—although each suite and the surrounding gardens are pretty enough to keep you firmly and contentedly planted in one place.
This might be the lake break to blow all other lake breaks out of the proverbial water: Taj Lake Place, Udaipur appears to float above Lake Pichola. Between its ornate white exterior and richly decorated interiors, the property is never not picturesque. Built by successors to the dynasty of Mewar in 1746 and used as a setting for the 1983 Bond film Octopussy, it also has an equally alluring history. If lakeside romance is what you’re after, this is the palace.