6 Places To Spend Summer In The Mountains
FOR THE ULTIMATE ECO RETREAT
Saltus, South Tyrol, Italy
Where: At 1,100m above sea level in the village of San Genesio overlooking the town of Bolzano in South Tyrol. Also known as Alto Adige, this is Italy’s northernmost province bordering Austria and Switzerland, where more than half the population is German speaking.
The Lowdown: Family-owned Hotel Saltus is the epitome of serenity the instant you walk in, as you take in the calming interiors and incredible views of the Dolomites. Run by three remarkable women – sisters Claudia and Nadja Mumelter and their mother Hedwig – the minimalist, eco retreat opened in 2019 and was built almost entirely from locally sourced natural materials. Although relatively new, the hotel’s vibe is anything but and is deeply rooted in its heritage – the land on which the hotel stands has been in the family since the 1950s. Surrounded by forests and the mountains, wellness is at the core of the hotel’s philosophy, with the emphasis on slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
The Accommodation: In line with the ethos of the hotel, the 39 spacious rooms and loggias (suites) are design-led and nature-focused, built around the views of the Dolomites and the surrounding forest. Expect rich textures in muted earth colours, lots of clay, limestone, untreated wood, linens and huge windows that bring the outside in. Though minimalist in style, they are super comfortable and feel warm and welcoming with huge beds, a day bed by the window and a balcony. Bathrooms have large walk-in rainfall showers and Susanne Kaufmann organic products.
The Food: The main restaurant’s menu celebrates local cuisine and ingredients but with contemporary inventive touches. The dinner menu is seasonal and changes regularly – we ordered the tastiest local tomato salad, white asparagus, beetroot tartare, Tyrolean dumplings, locally caught sea bream and tender braised ox cheek. In the summer, breakfast is served in the conservatory or on the sunny terrace – from the buffet, you can choose from sourdough bread and rolls, croissants and home-made jams, juices and smoothies and then go on to order as much as you like from the extensive à la carte menu. At lunchtime, Saltino Bistro does great pizzas, club sandwiches and salads all of which can be ordered wherever you happen to be – your room, by the pool, in the lobby area or on the terrace.
Things To Do: You could easily do very little here, drifting in your bathrobe between your room, the fabulous 17m outdoor infinity Sky Pool (filled with mountain water), the Forest Spa with its two saunas (the hay sauna was a particular favourite), the Turkish steam room and relaxation area. Throw in a holistic massage and life is pretty much perfect. If you want more, there’s a daily wellness schedule of classes including yoga, meditation, Qi Gong, sound baths and Pilates, and once a week, Nadja takes guests on a forest bathing session (nothing to do with water or swimming). This mindful two-hour immersion into nature where you might walk barefoot, hug a larch tree and share your innermost thoughts with a pinecone is not necessarily for everyone but, however sceptical you are, research shows that time spent among trees is a calming experience, lowers blood pressure, strengthens the immune system and reduces stress levels.
Most guests come in the warmer weather to explore the 800km of hiking trails that start on the hotel’s doorstep. Whatever your level of fitness, this is a great way to see Europe’s highest larch tree plateau and enjoy lunch in a mountain restaurant – think plates overflowing with cured meats, cornichons and local breads, washed down with a cold beer, carafes of local wine or cider.
The Details: The room rate starts from £278 per night, including breakfast. For more information and to book, visit Hotel-Saltus.com
FOR SOME NORDIC CHIC
Storfjord Hotel, Skodje, Norway
Where: Perched above one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords on the west coast amongst the snow-capped Sunmore Alps. Ålesund airport is a 40-minute drive away or helicopter transfers can be provided on request by the hotel.
The Lowdown: Turf-topped eco lodge Storfjord Hotel is a secluded alpine-chic log cabin hotel where nature and luxury meet. It’s the perfect location to unwind and enjoy an immersive summer mountain escape rooted in Norwegian nature, open-fire dining and the ancient philosophy of friluftsliv (the free air life). Summer brings near-constant daylight to this untouched corner of the country – think long, golden evenings to enjoy the outdoors and explore the local forests and trails.
Nestled above the fjord with some of the best views to be had, Storfjord combines modern comforts with traditional log cabin exteriors and tasteful contemporary interiors. The main focus of the hotel is the cosy sitting room and library in the main building… if you’re here between 3-5pm, the staff will bring you tea and delicious biscuits.
The Accommodation: Most of the 32 rooms, spread throughout the main building and three separate annexes, have large windows and balconies or terraces with views overlooking the fjord or across the surrounding hills and forest. They all differ in style, some with traditional four-poster beds, and their décor reflects the natural surroundings – think pale bare wood, bedding in shades of grey and brown, thick wool blankets, as well as rich tweeds, tartans and sheepskins. Bathrooms are chic but warm, many with soaking tubs positioned beside large windows.
The Food: The relaxed restaurant, called the Kitchen, has an open plan kitchen so you can observe the chef creating his nightly four-course dinner. He works closely with nearby producers and the unpretentious menu changes regularly depending on what is being foraged, fished or sourced locally to showcase gourmet Nordic cuisine with a twist. Meals are served at a vast dining table but, if you prefer something more intimate, smaller tables are also set up next door. In high summer, the hotel opens the forest Lavvo tent for an atmospheric open-fire dining experience under the trees. For breakfast, you’ll get a selection of homemade breads, smoked salmon, pastries and Norwegian specialities.
Things To Do: On land, there are miles of scenic mountain trails for keen hikers, or e-biking through musk-scented forests is also a great way to explore the region. On the water, the hotel can organise guided kayak tours to hidden waterfalls and caves, private speedboat journeys to UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and Hjørundfjord and wildlife sea safaris spotting seals, eagles and puffins. When it comes to wellness, the spa has a sauna, a relaxation area and two treatment rooms. You can book locally inspired facials and massages which use products by Norwegian brand Sprekenhus and then enjoy lazing in the outdoor jacuzzi. Wild swimmers will love a dip in the lake’s crystal-clear waters against the stunning mountain backdrop.
For some local culture, you’re also a short drive from Skodje Church and Norsk Møbelfaglig Senter, a fascination museum dedicated to exploring the history and heritage of Norwegian furniture.
The Details: The room rate starts from £347, including breakfast. For more information and to book, visit StorfjordHotel.com
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FOR A MULTI-GEN HOLIDAY
Grand Forest Metsovo, Epirus, Greece
Where: At 1,350m above sea level on the slopes of the Pindus mountains in the Epirus region of northern Greece. Ioannina airport is a 45-minute (slightly hair-raising) drive away, while Thessaloniki airport is about two and half hours away. The historic town of Metsovo is just across the valley.
The Lowdown: It often comes as a complete surprise to discover that 80% of Greece is covered in mountains when most of us associate the country with Santorini and Mykonos. But the lesser-known Pindus mountains attract skiers in the winter months then offer miles of walking trails for hikers in the late spring through to autumn. Sitting within acres of private land in the Pindus National Park, family-owned Grand Forest Metsovo is surrounded by ancient forests, home to golden eagles, wild boars, brown bears and over 80 bird species. Rooted in privacy, authenticity and a deep respect for nature, this is the perfect place to slow down and reconnect. It’s also a great destination for a multi-gen holiday – designed with families in mind too, the accommodation is spacious and there’s a host of thoughtful touches for little ones, including a kids’ club and indoor playground, as well as babysitting and child-friendly dining options.
The Accommodation: The 62 suites blend effortlessly into the alpine landscape, where every detail is inspired by the beauty of the surrounding wilderness – think dark woods, soft muted tones and rustic handwoven rugs. Most of the suites open onto sprawling terraces or balconies from which guests can soak up the panoramic views, and each has a marble bathroom with both a bathtub and separate walk-in shower. The standout is the Grand Forest Suite which has a separate living room, two bathrooms and unobstructed views across the valley and forest.
The Food: Ingredients in all three restaurants are mostly sourced from Metsovian farmers and suppliers and are 90% organic. The main restaurant, Metsovo 1350m, showcases the region's traditional cuisine with a twist – think wild mushroom ragout, Greek lamb with creamed fava beans and handmade gnocchi served in a sauce made with local cheese and truffles. For something more intimate, The Pines offers a private dining experience with a tasting menu and wine pairings, while The Lobby is more laidback affair with an all-day dining menu that can be served on the terrace or by the pool.
Things To Do: The pace here is intentionally slow – much of the appeal lies in simply switching off and spending long afternoons reading on your balcony, soaking up the silence of the forest or drifting between the indoor-outdoor spa facilities. The spa itself offers a tranquil sanctuary where ancient Greek wellness traditions meet modern healing. Here, you can enjoy tailored treatments such as detoxifying scrubs, restorative massages, hydrotherapy and hot stone therapies, with seasonal signature rituals and bespoke options. Facilities include a hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, fully equipped gym, heated indoor pool and an outdoor rooftop infinity pool with amazing panoramic mountain views.
Out and about, the hotel offers immersive, guided experiences such as wild truffle hunting, canyoning, horse riding, hiking and mountain biking (e-bikes are available). Each activity is thoughtfully crafted to mirror the surrounding landscape, creating experiences that will leave you feeling restored and inspired by the natural beauty of Northern Greece. If time allows, it’s worth exploring the nearby UNESCO-listed Meteora monasteries (just under an hour away) or venturing into charming Metsovo with its traditional stone houses, artisan shops and family-run tavernas.
The Details: The room rate starts from £240 per night, including breakfast. For more information and to book, visit Grand-Forest.gr
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FOR A LAKESIDE STAY
Hotel Bohinj, Triglav National Park, Slovenia
Where: In the heart of Slovenia’s Julian Alps in the peaceful village of Ribčev Laz. The shores of Lake Bohinj are a few minutes’ walk away, and Ljubljana airport is just over an hour away.
The Lowdown: Hotel Bohinj, with its stunning views of Triglav National Park, has real wow factor. It was refurbed five years ago with sustainability in mind and its makeover focused on local craftsmanship and the natural surroundings, with lots of larch timber, Slovenian stone, marble, soft lighting and huge windows that frame the surrounding peaks. The vibe is relaxed and unfussy, yet chic and quietly luxurious, attracting outdoorsy couples and wellness seekers alike.
The Accommodation: The 62 rooms and suites are designed with an alpine feel and decorated with a silhouette of the Bohinj mountains, as well as lots of wood, linen, wool and handcrafted Slovenian touches, alongside floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies overlooking the forest and mountains. Bathrooms are sleek and modern with rainfall showers, while the best rooms have freestanding bathtubs. We love the slippers which are made out of felt recycled from discarded plastic bottles. For the best panoramic views, book into the apartment-like suite on the top floor which comes with its own jacuzzi.
The Food: Off the lobby, the airy dining room overlooks the front of the hotel and is open all day. Breakfast is a generous spread of fresh fruit, local cheeses, freshly baked bread, homemade granola, mountain honey, pastries as well as made-to-order egg dishes. In the evenings, the seasonal menu celebrates traditional alpine flavours with a modern twist and focuses on ingredients sourced from nearby farms, dairies and producers. Expect the likes of freshwater trout, wild herbs, handmade dumplings and beautifully cooked local meats, all paired with excellent Slovenian wines. There’s also a lovely terrace for drinks and light lunches.
Things To Do: In the summer, the temperatures are ambient and rarely exceed 22°C. Lake Bohinj’s famously clear water is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking or simply spending long afternoons stretched out on the shore. The surrounding Julian Alps offer endless hiking and cycling trails, ranging from gentle lakeside walks to more challenging mountain routes with spectacular panoramic views, or you can take the Vogel cable car for high-altitude hiking, visit nearby waterfalls and gorges, or explore the charming alpine villages scattered throughout the national park. Back at the hotel, the small but beautifully designed wellness area – complete with saunas, relaxation spaces and holistic treatments – is the perfect place to unwind after a day in the mountains. The hotel also has outdoor wine tastings around the fire pit, weekly alfresco live music and a Sunday farmers’ market in the grounds where local producers showcase cheese, honey, wine, ceramics and some lovely trinkets to bring home.
The Details: The room rate starts from £238 per night, including breakfast. For more information and to book, visit HotelBohinj.si
FOR A MINIMALIST HAVEN
Casa De São Lourenço, Serra Da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal
Where: At 1,200m above sea level near the town of Manteigas in the remote Serra da Estrela range, home to the UNESCO-listed Estrela Geopark. Porto is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away or you can take the three-and-a-half-hour train journey from Lisbon to the nearby train station of Covilhã.
The Lowdown: Probably one of Europe’s most under-the-radar mountains escapes, this former pousada (traditional guesthouse) dates back to the late 1940s. Now a member of Relais & Châteaux, it has been beautifully reimagined as a design-led boutique hotel that celebrates both the landscape and Portugal’s rich craft heritage. The atmosphere is calm, understated and deeply connected to the mountains, with interiors that blend modern Portuguese design, natural materials and warm alpine influences. A floor-to-ceiling glass façade frames the peaks and valleys, while soft wool textiles, stone, timber and open fireplaces create a cosy yet contemporary feel. Sustainability and local craftsmanship are central to the hotel’s identity, with close ties to the nearby Burel Factory, which has helped revive the region’s traditional wool industry.
The Accommodation: The hotel’s 21 rooms are spread between the original pousada buildings and a newer extension. Those in the extension are minimalist, yet elegant, and centred around the views with vast picture windows and private terraces; they all have large beds, the décor is muted with modern, handcrafted Portuguese furniture and crisp cotton linens. In the original building, the rooms are more traditional, with burel wool-clad walls and original furniture and artwork by Maria Keil, one of the most important Portuguese artists of the 20th century.
The Food: The glass-fronted dining room is one of the hotel’s highlights, with uninterrupted mountain views. Freshly baked bread, home-made cakes and pastries, local cheese and fruit along with hot dishes are on offer for breakfast and a complimentary tea buffet is laid out every afternoon. For lunch and dinner, the restaurant makes the most of the region’s ingredients and you can expect elevated classic Portuguese and regional dishes like octopus rice, river trout, slow-cooked lamb and seasonal vegetables.
Things To Do: There are countless hiking trails through the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, passing waterfalls, pine forests, granite outcrops and wild swimming spots, while guided walks and mountain picnics can be arranged through the hotel. Or book a Jeep expedition along the mountain peaks which includes a picnic basket, visiting Linhares da Beira and its castle and stopping at the Mondego River beach. The hotel can also arrange a tour of the historic and mountain villages that bear witness to centuries of history, culture and tradition, with medieval castles and legends passed down through generations. Nearby Manteigas is worth exploring for its traditional stone houses and relaxed pace of life; and, if you want to know more about the area’s textile heritage, it’s worth dropping into the nearby Burel Factory.
Afternoons can be spent unwinding in the indoor-outdoor heated pool (which is fed by pure spring water from the mountains), sweating it out in the picture-windowed sauna or hammam, then unwinding with a spa treatment – we love the anti-aging facial, birch-stick massage with rosemary and juniper oils and hydrating body wrap.
The Details: The room rate starts from £229 per night, including breakfast. For more information and to book, visit CasaDeSaoLourenco.pt
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FOR ICONIC VIEWS
Cervo, Zermatt, Switzerland
Where: Perched above the centre of car-free Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn with direct access to hiking trails, forests and alpine meadows. The resort strikes the perfect balance between peaceful seclusion and easy access to the town’s restaurants, boutiques and mountain railways.
The Lowdown: Part luxury hotel, part wellness retreat, CERVO has become one of the Alps’ most design-forward addresses. Spread across a collection of chalet-style lodges, the resort combines contemporary interiors with a strong connection to nature, blending raw materials, earthy textures and panoramic mountain views. Since its transformation in 2020, CERVO has established itself as a destination for those seeking a more laidback, lifestyle-led mountain escape, with wellness, sustainability and exceptional food at its core. While it’s best known as a winter destination, summer is arguably when the resort comes into its own, with wildflower-covered landscapes, quieter trails and long sunny days spent outdoors.
The Accommodation: The rooms and suites are divided across several lodges, each with its own aesthetic, from the minimalist Nomad rooms to the more luxurious Alpinist and Huntsman categories. Interiors feel warm and cocooning, with natural wood, stone, linen and soft neutral tones throughout. Many rooms have freestanding bathtubs, fireplaces, private saunas or balconies with uninterrupted Matterhorn views. The overall feel is relaxed luxury rather than traditional alpine grandeur.
The Food: Dining is a major part of the CERVO experience. Ferdinand serves elevated Swiss classics including fondue and raclette, while Madre Nostra focuses on seasonal Italian-inspired dishes. Bazaar offers vibrant, mostly vegetarian plates with Middle Eastern influences, making it one of Zermatt’s most exciting dining spots. Breakfast is generous and beautifully presented, with everything from fresh pastries and local cheeses to made-to-order egg dishes and healthy options designed to fuel a day in the mountains.
Things To Do: From summer 2026, nearby Schali Lago introduces a new alpine playground with lakeside lounging, wakeboarding and relaxed beach style dining in a mountain setting. The CERVO Secret Tips programme further deepens the experience, offering curated local recommendations that lead guests beyond the familiar into the hidden rhythms of Zermatt life. Other summer activities include guided hiking, daily yoga and meditation, biking trails and their very own climbing wall. Wellness is woven into every aspect of a stay here. The Ātman Mountain Spa features indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation spaces overlooking the mountains, alongside a programme of yoga, meditation and Pilates classes.
Beyond the hotel, summer in Zermatt is all about getting outside. Hundreds of kilometres of hiking and biking trails begin directly from the hotel, taking visitors through forests and past alpine lakes and dramatic mountain scenery. The nearby Gornergrat Railway offers one of the most spectacular journeys in the Alps, while cable cars provide access to high-altitude viewpoints with unforgettable Matterhorn panoramas. For something slower paced, afternoons on CERVO’s sun terrace with a cocktail and mountain view are hard to beat.
The Details: The room rate starts from £1,170 per night, including breakfast. For more information and to book, visit Cervo.Swiss
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