Kiwi Curated
Off the Beaten Track Across Europe
by Darren DunneWhen it comes time to plan out a Euro vacation, major locales like Rome or Paris are a given. However, the eclectic continent has over 50 countries, so there’s plenty to discover for those inclined to meander off the beaten track. With this in mind, we decided to devote attention to some of Europe’s hidden gems in this week’s blog.
Off the Beaten Track Across Europe
Where to Stay: The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Dating back to Roman times, Bath has been the go-to leisure and wellness destination for well-heeled locals. This is thanks to the city’s famous thermal springs, which were deemed worthy of recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. The Gainsborough Bath Spa was originally built in the 1800s and is centered on its own private thermal water source. This source has allowed the construction of one of the world’s foremost hotel spas, set beneath a glass atrium in an extravagant relaxation space.
Off the Beaten Track Across Europe
Where to Stay: Alva Park
Less heralded than other parts of the Spanish coastline, Costa Brava is nonetheless scenic, romantic and worthy of exploration. Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso are heavily intertwined with the history of the region, having found inspiration in the myriad of small towns that dot the landscape. One such town is the charming fishing village of Lloret de Mar, home to Alva Park Costa Brava. Relaxation is on the menu at this distinctly modern retreat, with a Molton Brown Spa and a spectacular outdoor heated pool (pictured above). Drop the children off at the Kids’ Club and relax on one of the many available pool loungers or cabanas.
Off the Beaten Track Across Europe
Where to Stay: Hotel La Tabbacaia
The sleepy town of Castelfafi is located a short drive southwest of Florence and is the perfect destination for delving into Italian countryside living. The town dates back to the 8th century, and a deep sense of history is palpable in the many period buildings and rolling hills. Hotel La Tabaccaia is no exception as it’s housed in a former tobacco factory. Here, Italy’s iconic Toscano cigar was manufactured, before a change in process left the building without a use. A thoughtful restoration has turned it into a beautiful boutique hotel with outdoor pool and distinctly Tuscan design.
Off the Beaten Track Across Europe
Where to Stay: Castel Fragsburg
The breathtaking Alpine region of South Tyrol is another hidden Italian gem. This wild and romantic landscape is located in Italy’s mountainous northern region, where waterfalls, lakes and vineyards hold sway alongside traditional villages. Castel Fragsburg sits in the spa town of Merano; an exclusive setting that was the vacation destination de jour of Empress Sissi of Austria. This former hunting manor offers panoramic views, a spa, outdoor pool and a quiet, cliffside setting for yoga and meditation.
Off the Beaten Track Across Europe
Where to Stay: the g Hotel
All cobblestone streets and friendly locals, Galway has positioned itself as Ireland’s bohemian capital and a more intimate alternative to the bustle of Dublin. The city provides the gateway to the rugged isolation of Connemara, a sparsely populated land of mountains and lakes. The g Hotel is located on the outskirts of the city and boasts such a unique look it has its own in-house design director. Think dollhouse come to life, with a carpet of thousands of red Swarovski crystals adorning the cocktail bar and a suite that features the actual bed Linda Evangelista claimed she wouldn’t get out of for less than $10,000 a day.
Off the Beaten Track Across Europe
Where to Stay: 101 Hotel
Thanks to an isolated location, Reykjavik can slip by unnoticed. The world’s northernmost capital is the heart of Iceland’s rich cultural output and one of the cleanest and safest cities on earth. The city is located in southwest Iceland in an area characterized by peninsulas, coves and islands. In summer, it’s light nearly 24 hours a day, while winter offers a chance to see the spectacular Aurora Borealis. 101 Hotel is a boutique hotel with a focus on Iceland’s distinctive art scene (pictured above). The Icelandic Opera and National Theater are a short stroll away, while staff are happy to organize something a little more adventurous for those seeking to explore glaciers, fjords and active volcanoes.
Where to Stay: The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Dating back to Roman times, Bath has been the go-to leisure and wellness destination for well-heeled locals. This is thanks to the city’s famous thermal springs, which were deemed worthy of recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. The Gainsborough Bath Spa was originally built in the 1800s and is centered on its own private thermal water source. This source has allowed the construction of one of the world’s foremost hotel spas, set beneath a glass atrium in an extravagant relaxation space.
Where to Stay: Alva Park
Less heralded than other parts of the Spanish coastline, Costa Brava is nonetheless scenic, romantic and worthy of exploration. Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso are heavily intertwined with the history of the region, having found inspiration in the myriad of small towns that dot the landscape. One such town is the charming fishing village of Lloret de Mar, home to Alva Park Costa Brava. Relaxation is on the menu at this distinctly modern retreat, with a Molton Brown Spa and a spectacular outdoor heated pool (pictured above). Drop the children off at the Kids’ Club and relax on one of the many available pool loungers or cabanas.
Where to Stay: Hotel La Tabbacaia
The sleepy town of Castelfafi is located a short drive southwest of Florence and is the perfect destination for delving into Italian countryside living. The town dates back to the 8th century, and a deep sense of history is palpable in the many period buildings and rolling hills. Hotel La Tabaccaia is no exception as it’s housed in a former tobacco factory. Here, Italy’s iconic Toscano cigar was manufactured, before a change in process left the building without a use. A thoughtful restoration has turned it into a beautiful boutique hotel with outdoor pool and distinctly Tuscan design.
Where to Stay: Castel Fragsburg
The breathtaking Alpine region of South Tyrol is another hidden Italian gem. This wild and romantic landscape is located in Italy’s mountainous northern region, where waterfalls, lakes and vineyards hold sway alongside traditional villages. Castel Fragsburg sits in the spa town of Merano; an exclusive setting that was the vacation destination de jour of Empress Sissi of Austria. This former hunting manor offers panoramic views, a spa, outdoor pool and a quiet, cliffside setting for yoga and meditation.
Where to Stay: the g Hotel
All cobblestone streets and friendly locals, Galway has positioned itself as Ireland’s bohemian capital and a more intimate alternative to the bustle of Dublin. The city provides the gateway to the rugged isolation of Connemara, a sparsely populated land of mountains and lakes. The g Hotel is located on the outskirts of the city and boasts such a unique look it has its own in-house design director. Think dollhouse come to life, with a carpet of thousands of red Swarovski crystals adorning the cocktail bar and a suite that features the actual bed Linda Evangelista claimed she wouldn’t get out of for less than $10,000 a day.
Where to Stay: 101 Hotel
Thanks to an isolated location, Reykjavik can slip by unnoticed. The world’s northernmost capital is the heart of Iceland’s rich cultural output and one of the cleanest and safest cities on earth. The city is located in southwest Iceland in an area characterized by peninsulas, coves and islands. In summer, it’s light nearly 24 hours a day, while winter offers a chance to see the spectacular Aurora Borealis. 101 Hotel is a boutique hotel with a focus on Iceland’s distinctive art scene (pictured above). The Icelandic Opera and National Theater are a short stroll away, while staff are happy to organize something a little more adventurous for those seeking to explore glaciers, fjords and active volcanoes.