Your Autumn Break, Sorted!
From fitness retreats in the Alps, to forest bathing in Finland, and truffle hunting under amber skies, these revitalising getaway ideas promise to recharge your body and calm your mind just as the seasons turn
Autumn in the Algarve
Sunshine, average temperatures of 25°C, and fewer crowds transform the Algarve into an idyllic autumn destination. Reset and recharge as you relax on quiet beaches, enjoy scenic coastal walks, and indulge in slow dining experiences under autumn skies. The Algarve is full of charming fishing villages (including Carvoeiro with its iconic Benagil sea caves and Alvor with its laidback ambiance), fresh seafood, and bustling markets; ensuring your trip is as enriching as it is relaxing.
Where to stay: Treat yourself to a stay at Vila Joya, a boutique, family-run, luxe-beachside hotel offering a blend of personalised service and coastal charm. With a gorgeous spa, and airy rooms that exude understated sophistication and stunning sea views, Vila Joya encourages you to savour a slower pace while basking in the autumn sun. Culinary delights are at the heart of your experience, with the hotel’s Vila Joya Restaurant being awarded two Michelin Stars, and a menu curated by Chef Dieter Koschina that celebrates fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, with beautiful presentation. Here, mindful relaxation meets gourmet indulgence, making your autumn escape truly unforgettable.
Sweat it out in the Alps
The crisp mountain air and soft autumnal colours of the Swiss Alps create the perfect backdrop for an invigorating break. Whether you’re hiking up rocky paths, cycling through valleys, or practicing yoga in front of breathtaking Alpine vistas, the season transforms the mountainous landscape into a wellness haven. You can also explore chalet-filled villages including Lauterbrunnen with its stunning Staubbach Falls waterfall, and Mürren, a car-free village accessible only by gondola, or visit the beautiful mountain lakes.
Where to stay:The Capra hotel in Saas-Fee, a quaint village surrounded by 18 peaks soaring above 4,000m, is partnered with Peak Health to offer alpine fitness retreats comprising of research-based wellness strategies to improve your habits, nutrition, fitness, and sleep. Combining the latest scientific insights with state-of-the-art facilities and bespoke training, expert coaches, nutritionists, and wellness specialists work together to develop a fitness journey tailored to you. The Capra sets new benchmarks in your personal health journey with a transformational escape that not only revives your body but also sharpens your mind. For seasonal entertainment, Saas-Fee hosts its annual Autumn Festival from 3-5 October 2025.
Forest bathing in Finland
For a Nordic nature break, Finland is full of golden forests and spectacular lakes. It has an abundance of trails, forest bathing activities, traditional saunas, and mindful outdoor activities. At the same time, explore cities like Helsinki or Turku, praised for their historic buildings and cutting-edge design - both Helsinki Central Library Oodi and St. Henry's Ecumenical Art Chapel in Turku are striking to look at.
Where to stay: Hidden amidst vast forests and on the shores of Lake Saimaa, Jarvisydan Nature Hotel & Spa Resort perfectly complements Finland’s autumnal allure. This serene resort invites you to experience the healing practice of forest bathing. Wander through enchanting woodland trails, simply pause to absorb the quiet magic of nature, or head over to the Forest Café to enjoy tea and cake with its adorable herd of fluffy alpacas. After a rejuvenating forest walk, indulge in a soothing massage, or unwind in the indoor pool, before heading back to your scenic room.
Pasta-making in Piedmont
Autumn in Piedmont, northern Italy, offers a feast for your senses, making it the best season for a foodie break. Mellow sunshine and rolling hills set the stage for culinary adventures that celebrate regional flavours. The gentle pace of autumn allows you to enjoy freshly harvested truffles, aromatic cheeses, and robust wines. Moreover, Piedmont is full of rich cultural heritage and is home to some 526 historic castles, and more than 100,000 wine producers.
Where to stay: Sustainable hotel, Casa di Langa in Piedmont, immerses you in authentic regional gastronomic farm-to-table traditions. Engage in hands-on cooking classes using local produce and vegetables from the hotel’s garden; and learn about the history and techniques of traditional Piedmontese cuisine, and the secrets behind fresh pasta. Amateur chefs can also venture into the countryside on truffle hunting excursions, accompanied by expert guides and their Lagotto dogs, uncovering hidden treasures beneath the autumn leaves.
Seaside and spa
If you're craving a seasonal reset without hopping on a plane, Bournemouth in the autumn is wonderful. With the summer crowds gone, leisurely strolls amidst autumn hues on the quiet sandy beaches are simply magical. Bournemouth charms visitors with its colourful arts scene (the Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a must for art-lovers), pretty tea rooms, famous pier, seven-mile-long beach, and Victorian architecture, ensuring a mix of relaxation and exploration.
Where to stay: At the heart of Bournemouth’s renewed appeal stands The Nici, a stylish sanctuary of wellbeing. Perfect for a chic autumn escape, this dog-friendly hotel with spacious rooms fuses modern luxury with casual beach vibes. The Nici Spa is a gem, boasting eight peaceful treatment rooms, both an 18m indoor pool and 30m outdoor pool, rejuvenating hydrotherapy sessions, and tailor-made treatments using Oto and Oskia products to soothe your mind and body. After indulging at the spa, savour fresh, seasonal cuisine at South Beach Restaurant before relaxing by the fire pits or in the private cinema. The Nici effortlessly captures the essence of seaside renewal, making your stay an opportunity to relish the beauty of autumn.
