Kiwi Curated
Cozy Countryside Getaways in Europe
by Joy PecknoldComplaining about the cold and plotting escapes to warmer climates is a popular winter pastime. A drop in temperature isn’t all bad though, because it means cuddling up to a fire and sipping hot cocoa. For those in Europe looking to hunker down outside the city for a few days, here are the coziest countryside getaways.
Cozy Countryside Getaways in Europe
Within the walls of this old stone villa is true Tuscan indulgence. The eight opulently adorned rooms of Borgo Santo Pietro feature hand-carved beds, fireplaces and claw-foot tubs—televisions too, but those are hidden behind period paintings. When not lazing in bed, feast homemade pasta and brick oven bread, or take a treatment at the spa housed within a 800-year-old bakery.
Cozy Countryside Getaways in Europe
On the edge of Ireland, saddled next to the North Atlantic Ocean, Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland also comes with a Greg Norman-designed golf course. Suites and cottages are Irish country manor-style with antique furnishings and gas fireplaces. Their five-star spa draws its ingredients from the sea, using natural salts, seaweeds and algae. Or course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without a pint of Guinness.
Cozy Countryside Getaways in Europe
In Hampshire, 90 minutes outside London, Lime Wood is a hunting-lodge-turned-hotel which boasts 32 charming suites with four-poster beds, roll top tubs and views of New Forest Park. Their three-level Herb House Spa is wildly popular, and includes a mud house, steam room, meditation area and two pools. Borrow a pair of Hunter wellies and their experienced forager to learn how to harvest edibles from the surrounding woods.
Cozy Countryside Getaways in Europe
Striking a fine balance between tradition and trendiness, Aurelio Lech retains a classic chalet exterior and amps it up with sleek contemporary interiors. Each of the 19 rooms are individual, while sharing touches like pine walls and rich, natural fabrics. Take advantage of the hotel’s twin spas, where there are sauna cabins and steam rooms, or call on the concierge to arrange all sorts of snowy activities, such as sleigh rides, tobogganing or heli-skiing.
Cozy Countryside Getaways in Europe
What was once a farm is now a five-star alpine retreat overlooking Austria’s legendary Streif ski slope (and the village of Kitzbühel just a 10-minute walk away). The experience at Tennerhof Gourmet & Spa de Charme Hotel is a highly traditional one, with heirloom furniture decorated the place, complimentary shoe shines offered and welcome pastries made by the hotel’s own patisserie. Cuddle up to a candlelit dinner at their award-winning restaurant or get your temperature rising with a session in their Finnish sauna.
Cozy Countryside Getaways in Europe
The owners of this retreat outside Stockholm have managed to marry that old country manor feel with modern playfulness—where mixed prints meet heritage fixtures. To boot, c/o Krägga Herrgård is pet-friendly and eco-aware, so bring the pup and chow down on locally-sourced fare (dogs can even eat with their owners in some dining rooms). There are lake views to be had and adorable alcoves to occupy.
Cozy Countryside Getaways in Europe
Overlooking Norway’s Sunmore Alps, this family-run property sits on six acres of private land. The beautiful buildings of StorFjord Hotel are constructed of stacked logs insulated with lambswool, a technique known as “Lafta.” The 23 guest rooms feature four-poster beds, goose-down duvets, hand-hewn furniture and a private balcony or terrace. Their dining hall, with a crackling fire and plenty of candlelight, offers meals made of the freshest seafood, wild game and local produce. The best way to work up a want for warmth is to take a brisk hike in the surrounding forest, or stroll the streets of nearby Ålesund with all its Art Noveau architecture.
Cozy Countryside Getaways in Europe
Tunnels and caves that once served as a cloister are now romantic guest quarters replete with Turkish carpets, traditional fireplaces and enveloping beds. Argos in Cappadocia‘s Splendid Suites are precisely that, with the added benefit of Romanesque private heated plunge pools. In the underground lounge, enjoy a glass of local wine and a little live jazz. From the terrace, take in a panorama of Pigeon Valley and snow-capped Mount Erciyes. If a higher view is desired, there’s always a sunrise balloon ride over Cappadocia.
Cozy Countryside Getaways in Europe
Down one of Ponte de Lima’s country roads, surrounded by cedar trees, Carmo’s Boutique Hotel blends modern minimalism with old romance. Outside, it’s all whitewash and clean lines; inside, the 15 rooms feature the owner’s art works and antiquities with plush beds and grand bathrooms—their spa will even arrange an in-suite treatment to take in your own tub. There are also tailored day trips to a local wineries or horse-drawn carriage rides along the riverside to take.
Cozy Countryside Getaways in Europe
In Catalonia’s Pyrenees Mountains, this family-managed property fills a 16th century castle and overlooks the Cadí-Moixeró nature reserve. El Castell de Ciutat’s Tàpies restaurant draws from a cellar of some 700 wines and serves up international and Mediterranean cuisine made with Catalan produce. Afterwards, a glass of scotch with a side of chess in the library lounge is a nice way to wind down an evening.
Within the walls of this old stone villa is true Tuscan indulgence. The eight opulently adorned rooms of Borgo Santo Pietro feature hand-carved beds, fireplaces and claw-foot tubs—televisions too, but those are hidden behind period paintings. When not lazing in bed, feast homemade pasta and brick oven bread, or take a treatment at the spa housed within a 800-year-old bakery.
On the edge of Ireland, saddled next to the North Atlantic Ocean, Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland also comes with a Greg Norman-designed golf course. Suites and cottages are Irish country manor-style with antique furnishings and gas fireplaces. Their five-star spa draws its ingredients from the sea, using natural salts, seaweeds and algae. Or course, the experience wouldn’t be complete without a pint of Guinness.
In Hampshire, 90 minutes outside London, Lime Wood is a hunting-lodge-turned-hotel which boasts 32 charming suites with four-poster beds, roll top tubs and views of New Forest Park. Their three-level Herb House Spa is wildly popular, and includes a mud house, steam room, meditation area and two pools. Borrow a pair of Hunter wellies and their experienced forager to learn how to harvest edibles from the surrounding woods.
Striking a fine balance between tradition and trendiness, Aurelio Lech retains a classic chalet exterior and amps it up with sleek contemporary interiors. Each of the 19 rooms are individual, while sharing touches like pine walls and rich, natural fabrics. Take advantage of the hotel’s twin spas, where there are sauna cabins and steam rooms, or call on the concierge to arrange all sorts of snowy activities, such as sleigh rides, tobogganing or heli-skiing.
What was once a farm is now a five-star alpine retreat overlooking Austria’s legendary Streif ski slope (and the village of Kitzbühel just a 10-minute walk away). The experience at Tennerhof Gourmet & Spa de Charme Hotel is a highly traditional one, with heirloom furniture decorated the place, complimentary shoe shines offered and welcome pastries made by the hotel’s own patisserie. Cuddle up to a candlelit dinner at their award-winning restaurant or get your temperature rising with a session in their Finnish sauna.
The owners of this retreat outside Stockholm have managed to marry that old country manor feel with modern playfulness—where mixed prints meet heritage fixtures. To boot, c/o Krägga Herrgård is pet-friendly and eco-aware, so bring the pup and chow down on locally-sourced fare (dogs can even eat with their owners in some dining rooms). There are lake views to be had and adorable alcoves to occupy.
Overlooking Norway’s Sunmore Alps, this family-run property sits on six acres of private land. The beautiful buildings of StorFjord Hotel are constructed of stacked logs insulated with lambswool, a technique known as “Lafta.” The 23 guest rooms feature four-poster beds, goose-down duvets, hand-hewn furniture and a private balcony or terrace. Their dining hall, with a crackling fire and plenty of candlelight, offers meals made of the freshest seafood, wild game and local produce. The best way to work up a want for warmth is to take a brisk hike in the surrounding forest, or stroll the streets of nearby Ålesund with all its Art Noveau architecture.
Tunnels and caves that once served as a cloister are now romantic guest quarters replete with Turkish carpets, traditional fireplaces and enveloping beds. Argos in Cappadocia‘s Splendid Suites are precisely that, with the added benefit of Romanesque private heated plunge pools. In the underground lounge, enjoy a glass of local wine and a little live jazz. From the terrace, take in a panorama of Pigeon Valley and snow-capped Mount Erciyes. If a higher view is desired, there’s always a sunrise balloon ride over Cappadocia.
Down one of Ponte de Lima’s country roads, surrounded by cedar trees, Carmo’s Boutique Hotel blends modern minimalism with old romance. Outside, it’s all whitewash and clean lines; inside, the 15 rooms feature the owner’s art works and antiquities with plush beds and grand bathrooms—their spa will even arrange an in-suite treatment to take in your own tub. There are also tailored day trips to a local wineries or horse-drawn carriage rides along the riverside to take.
In Catalonia’s Pyrenees Mountains, this family-managed property fills a 16th century castle and overlooks the Cadí-Moixeró nature reserve. El Castell de Ciutat’s Tàpies restaurant draws from a cellar of some 700 wines and serves up international and Mediterranean cuisine made with Catalan produce. Afterwards, a glass of scotch with a side of chess in the library lounge is a nice way to wind down an evening.