Six Design-led Stays to Reset in Nature, Style and Serenity

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As the leaves turn and the air begins to shift, autumn is the season for a reset. Whether you're craving forest bathing, eco-conscious living, or a quiet luxury hideaway, these six boutique retreats combine thoughtful design, wellness experiences, and unforgettable locations.

From the Dolomites to the Azores, these design-driven escapes are ideal for travellers seeking beauty, balance, and a deeper connection to place.

A Serene Alpine Sanctuary – FORESTIS, Dolomites, Italy

Located in the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, FORESTIS is an alpine wellness retreat where architecture and nature exist in perfect harmony. Nestled among mountain peaks and pine forests, this high-altitude hideaway is ideal for autumn slow travel.

Why go:

Minimalist suites made of timber and stone with panoramic views;
Ski-in/ski-out access and private plunge pools;
Spa inspired by Celtic medicine, with Wyda yoga and alpine botanicals;
YERA restaurant serving wild herbs and mountain-foraged cuisine.

Coastal Eco-Resort – Santa Bárbara Eco‑Beach Resort, Azores, Portugal

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on São Miguel Island, Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort is one of the best eco-hotels in Portugal. Surrounded by volcanic cliffs and black-sand beaches, it blends sustainability with barefoot sophistication.

What to expect:

Natural-material studios and villas with private jacuzzis and sea views;
Onsite organic restaurant with farm-to-table menus;
Surfing, hiking, paddle-boarding and wellness rituals;
Carbon-neutral operations and a deep respect for the Azorean landscape.

Treetop Design Adventure – Treehotel, Harads, Sweden

In the heart of Swedish Lapland, the Treehotel offers a design-forward escape in the treetops. Each architectural suite is suspended above the forest floor and offers a different creative perspective on nature and place. This is a one-of-a-kind stay that reconnects you with nature and your sense of wonder.

Why it’s worth the trip:

Iconic treehouse designs by top Scandinavian architects;
Panoramic views of pine forests and the northern sky;
Seasonal experiences like forest saunas, local cuisine and aurora sightings.

Alpine Spa Escape – Naturhotel Forsthofgut, Leogang, Austria

Set at the edge of the forest in Leogang, Naturhotel Forsthofgut is where alpine tradition meets design-led wellness. Family-run for five generations, it offers immersive seasonal experiences.

Why it stands out:

Award-winning waldSPA with Japanese onsen pools, saunas and panoramic mountain views;
Creative culinary concept with five in-house restaurants, from fine Alpine dining to a fully plant-based menu and a Japanese experience;
Autumn Escape Package that includes yoga, guided forest hikes, wellness workshops and seasonal tasting menus;
Child-friendly amenities with a nature playground, pony rides and a Kids’ Club.

Remote Design Refuge – Kyle House, Sutherland, Scottish Highlands

Tucked deep into the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands, Kyle House is an architectural gem made for two. Designed by studio GRAS, this cottage reinvents solitude with stripped-back luxury and soul-stirring views.

Why it’s special:

Architectural retreat crafted with reclaimed stone, brushed oak and Highland textiles, blending Scottish heritage and Scandinavian elegance;
Just one cottage, for one or two guests, offering absolute privacy and stillness in nature;
A chance to disconnect fully, slow down and explore Scotland’s wildest coastlines and hidden lochs.

Vineyard Spa Haven – Les Sources de Caudalie, Bordeaux, France

Just twenty minutes outside Bordeaux, Les Sources de Caudalie is a luxurious retreat set in the Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards. Known for pioneering vinotherapy, it combines French hospitality with wellness innovation.

Why we love it:

Spa treatments using grape-based skincare and vineyard ingredients;
Michelin-starred dining at La Grand’Vigne and rustic charm at La Table du Lavoir;
Elegant design-led suites and the option to rent the entire château.

Whether you're heading into the woods or out to sea, these autumn retreats offer more than just beautiful scenery; they offer space to pause, reconnect and recharge. Let this season be your reason to slow down and seek something new.

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