Coolcation calling: Spend this summer in the mountains

This feature was originally published in TTG Luxury

Keen to avoid the sweltering summer heat in some parts of Europe, travellers are increasingly finding solace in the cooler clutch of mountain resorts, choosing to spend time away from the beach, finding respite in Europe’s mountains and forests instead. With decent train connections from the UK to Europe there’s never been a better time to head to the mountains and embrace slow travel.

I start my trip at the five-star Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol, part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection. Set in the Austrian Alps 1,300m above sea level, this secluded, chalet-style luxury resort has 282 guest rooms and 32 suites – but what I will soon fall in love with is its blend of traditional Tyrolean interiors, outstanding hospitality, top-class food, huge spa area and idyllic setting in the heart of Seefeld - a premier spot for cross country skiing in the winter months. Add to that the charming staff who make you feel like a long-lost friend and I’m all in.

Guests can choose from seven dining options, ranging from the hotel’s gourmet restaurant to a charming alpine mountain hut serving delicious regional specialities. With its authentic, secluded mountain lodge feel I’m soon mesmerised by the alpine landscapes not to mention the handsome singers clad in traditional leiderhosen.

Embracing the coolcation I find myself indulging in excellent spa treatments, daily swims in indoor and outdoor pools, Finnish sauna, infrared rooms, steam and saltwater baths, fitness classes – and blissfully, simply finding a quiet space in the beautiful gardens to breathe deeply and take in the mountain views.

For guests who want to get outside and explore, the hotel offers an engaging seasonal programme of activities. Close to Seefeld and Solden, there’s so much to do see and do in the Tyrol region of Austria: take your pick from mountain hikes, e-bike and mountain bike trails, wellness activities and the brilliant 007 Elements for James Bond fans. Book a table for lunch at the iconic Ice Q restaurant - sitting 3,048 metres above sea level it was a shooting location for Spectre.

Innsbruck, the atmospheric capital of the Tyrol region, is around a 30-minute drive away and worth some of your time. At Swarovski Kristallwelten crystal lovers will find art installations and enchanting gardens in the shadow of the Alps.

Twin-centre by train 

Transport connections in the region are excellent; the train from Innsbruck to Trento in Italy is cheap, fast and reliable. In around two-and-a-half hours we arrive in Trento via a stress-free scenic train ride. Within the hour, we’re checked into Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, set within the Madonna di Campiglio ski area in Pinzolo, Italy.

The second of Lefay’s Resorts collection, the hotel boasts 88 spacious suites and 21 residences. Located right in the heart of the Unesco World Heritage Site, it combines cutting-edge architecture, gourmet food offerings and one of the largest spas in the Dolomites, at around 54,000 square feet.

Rest and relaxation is very much the order of the day here and I’m soon onboard with the philosophy. Guests follow the Lefay Spa Method that blends the therapeutic power of alpine nature with the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine.

Combining different temperatures and humidity with dedicated phyto- and aromatherapies, the spa area offers a huge sauna with unique mountain views, indoor and outdoor pools, plunge pools, whirlpool, saltwater lake and salt grotto. Book in for signature spa treatments, couples’ rituals and beauty services or get active in the 24-hour fitness centre overlooking the hotel’s well-manicured gardens.

Unforgettable backdrop

Hotel interiors here are more on the calming and contemporary side. Bedrooms offer comfort and luxury with balconies looking out onto the mountains, natural materials and muted tones. 

The lounge bar is the heart of the hotel, where vast floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the natural landscape and create an unforgettable backdrop. With two stand-out restaurants – Grual and Dolomia – guests can choose a high-end culinary journey through the mountains or a more laid-back dining experience.

There are plenty of summer activities to choose from in the Dolomites that combine adventure, wellness and relaxation. Hikers can take advantage of the numerous walking routes and secluded mountain lodges serving regional specialities, while mountain bikers can enjoy deserted trails. Guests in search of wellbeing can experience forest bathing, yoga, meditation and foraging in the mountains. The region also offers climbing and mountaineering opportunities, rafting, canyoning, horse riding and paragliding.

These places aren’t just cool when it comes to temperature, they’re increasingly being seen as cool spots in the chic sense of the word as well – why not try a coolcation this summer before everyone else beats you to it.

How to book

Rates at Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, start from £600 per night, based on two sharing on a half-board basis, including breakfast, dinner and daily activities such as wellness experiences and excursions.

Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti is also a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection and rates start from £360 per night, based on two sharing a Prestige Junior Suite including breakfast.