Hotels Around The World That Frame Fall Foliage Views
Autumn officially ends on November 30, and with trees across the Northern Hemisphere turning their annual riot of orange, red and yellow, there’s still time to travel and catch these spectacular displays of nature – from the comfort of a gorgeous hotel, of course. Whether a minimalist glamping experience in Japan, a modernist mountain retreat in Northern Italy or a classic English country manor appeals, the following five properties not only provide exceptional service in stunning surroundings but some of the best fall foliage views too for anyone keen to go “leaf-peeping” or indulge in a spot of on-trend forest bathing. Cozy sweaters not included.
The Modern Mountain Hideaway
Miramonti | Merano, Italy
Tip: TAP our galleries for more photos
Perched 1230 meters above sea level in the Italian region of South Tyrol, this modernist alpine retreat enjoys wow-factor views that stretch from the Alto Adige winegrowing region to the dramatic saw-toothed Dolomites. Whether dining at the aptly-titled Panorama Restaurant, swimming in the salt-water infinity pool or soaking in the outdoor onsen, the surrounding forest serves as a stunning backdrop and birdsong its main soundtrack. Guests can also soak in those mountain views from the Swedish sauna and yoga house.
See and Do: Schedule a Forest Therapy hike with local expert Monika Laner or a wine tasting tour with guide Klaus Alber. The nearby town of Merano and the Botanical Garden at Trauttmansdorff Castle are also well worth exploring.
The British Country-House Hotel
Heckfield Place | Hampshire, England
Surrounded by 400 acres of woodlands, fields and gardens, hole up for an autumn weekend in one of the Master Rooms at this handsome Georgian manor home and look forward to plenty of bracing walks across the grounds, plus a leisurely stroll around its working biodynamic Home Farm. Both of which are sure to leave appetites ready for hearty dishes like the wild nettle risotto at Marle, whose terrace also overlooks the idyllic Hampshire countryside.
See and Do: Nature threads its way through almost all experiences here, from treatments at Little Bothy Spa using the hotel’s Wildsmith Skin product line to cocktails crafted with garden-made liquors and tinctures at the Moon Bar.
The Five Star Glamping Resort
Hoshinoya | Yamanashi, Japan
While across the lake postcard views of Mount Fuji are without doubt show-stopping here, nature is really the main event at this minimalist five-star resort where “glamping masters” can assist with scheduling everything from sunrise canoe excursions on nearby Lake Kawaguchi to star-gazing walks. Breakfast boxes are delivered to cabins each morning, while at night, guests can cook outdoors in the Forest Kitchen or grab a table at the Dining Hall if they prefer.
See and Do: De-stress with an aerial hammock stretching session in the forest, join a group trek to take in views of the iconic Mount Fuji or hop on a two-hour guided walk through the ancient Aokigahara Forest and nearby lava caves.
The Turf-Topped Eco Lodge
Storfjord Hotel | Øvre Glomset, Norway
Tucked away in a private forest overlooking Storfjord in Romsdal county, its slow life and elegant simplicity personified at this charming log cabin meets boutique hotel on the west coast of Norway. Rooms and suites clad in traditional lafta wood afford equally majestic forest and Sunnmøre Alps views. Surrounded by towering pine trees, follow a meandering path into the woods to find the hidden spa, outdoor jacuzzi and woodland-view sauna.
See and Do: Learn about Norway’s cultural heritage with a visit to a local food farm. You’ll also want to add kayaking Glomset Bay, hiking mountain trails, and exploring the nearby art nouveau town and seaport of Ålesund to the list.
The Historic Country Estate
Troutbeck | Amenia, NY
With views over the garden, Dunham Creek, and a myriad of trees planted back in 1835, ask for The Sycamore Suite or four-bedroom Garden House for larger groups at this understated country retreat whose distinguished former guests include Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway. Afternoon rambles through the neatly manicured yet sprawling estate grounds are highly recommended, followed by a farm-to-table meal or Sunday brunch at The Dining Room. Also surrounded by towering Sycamore trees, don’t miss landing on yoga mats at Scandi-chic wellness facility The Barn.
See and Do: The rolling hills and lakes of Hudson Valley lend themselves well to outdoor pursuits like hiking, horseback riding, fishing and canoeing. Guests can also go on a bird-watching ramble with the local Audubon Society.