There is something wonderfully restorative about escaping to the mountains. Fresh air, wide-open views and the chance to slow down make these holidays feel a world away from everyday life.
From a contemporary spa retreat in the Dolomites to a Scottish lodge overlooking a misty loch, these eight European mountain retreats offer very different experiences. Some are perfect for skiing and outdoor adventures, while others are places to switch off, eat well and simply enjoy the view.
The question is not which one is the best. It is which one is the best fit for you.
In This Guide
- Which Mountain Retreat Is Right for You?
- Austria: Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol
- Italy: Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti
- Portugal: Casa de São Lourenço, Serra da Estrela
- Scotland: The Torridon, Highlands
- Switzerland: Badrutt’s Palace, St Moritz
- France: Aman Le Mélézin, Courchevel
- Norway: Storfjord Hotel, Sunmøre Alps
- Germany: Schloss Elmau, Bavaria
- How I Help
- The Blue Turtle Escapes Difference
- Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mountain Retreat Is Right for You?
All eight retreats offer beautiful surroundings and a high level of comfort, but each suits a slightly different kind of holiday.
- For an exceptional spa: Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti
- For a romantic hideaway: Storfjord Hotel
- For skiing in style: Aman Le Mélézin
- For Scottish scenery and excellent food: The Torridon
- For traditional Alpine glamour: Badrutt’s Palace
- For somewhere quieter and less familiar: Casa de São Lourenço
- For wellness and culture: Schloss Elmau
- For families and outdoor adventures: Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol
If you are not sure which sounds most like you, do not worry. Helping you work that out is all part of my service.
Austria: Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol
High in the Seefeld Alps, Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol is a traditional five-star retreat with spacious rooms, a warm Austrian welcome and an impressive spa.
The panoramic pool is a real highlight, with uninterrupted views across the surrounding mountains. Winter brings skiing and snowy walks, while summer is perfect for hiking, cycling and spending time outdoors.
Its spacious accommodation and range of facilities also make it a good option for families who want a luxurious mountain holiday with plenty to do.
The hotel is approximately 30 minutes from Innsbruck Airport.
Best for: Spa breaks, skiing holidays, families and beautiful Alpine views.
Italy: Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti
Set among the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti combines contemporary design with an exceptional focus on wellness.
Its extensive spa is one of the largest in the Alps, with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and peaceful relaxation areas overlooking the mountains.
In winter, you can ski around Madonna di Campiglio. During the warmer months, the surrounding trails make it a lovely base for walking, cycling and exploring the landscape.
The resort is approximately two hours from Verona by car.
Best for: Wellness breaks, outdoor adventures and anyone drawn to the scenery of the Dolomites.
Portugal: Casa de São Lourenço, Serra da Estrela
Casa de São Lourenço offers a quieter and less familiar side of Portugal. This intimate retreat has just 17 rooms and sits within Serra da Estrela, the country’s highest mountain range.
Large windows make the most of the views, while the interiors combine contemporary design with traditional Portuguese burel wool. There is also a peaceful spa inspired by the surrounding landscape.
This is a lovely choice if you want to experience Portugal beyond its cities and coast, without compromising on comfort or style.
It is approximately three and a half hours from Lisbon.
Best for: Couples, design lovers and anyone looking for a peaceful mountain retreat away from the usual tourist trail.
Scotland: The Torridon, Highlands
Once a Victorian hunting lodge, The Torridon is now an inviting Highland retreat with just 18 individually designed rooms.
Food is an important part of the experience, with ingredients coming from the estate and surrounding waters. There is also an impressive whisky collection to enjoy after a day outdoors.
The setting beside Loch Torridon is beautiful, whether you want to walk, kayak, watch for wildlife or settle beside the fire and take in the view.
The hotel is approximately one and a half hours from Inverness.
Best for: Nature lovers, outdoor adventures, excellent food and a proper Highland escape.
Switzerland: Badrutt’s Palace, St Moritz
Badrutt’s Palace has been welcoming guests since 1896 and remains one of the most iconic hotels in the Alps.
Overlooking Lake St Moritz, it combines a grand historic setting with beautiful rooms and exceptionally attentive service.
Winter is all about skiing and snowy scenery, while summer brings walking trails, mountain lakes and long days outdoors. The journey to St Moritz can also become part of the holiday, with scenic rail routes through the Swiss landscape.
St Moritz is approximately three hours from Zurich by car or train.
Best for: Skiing, special celebrations and anyone who enjoys traditional Alpine glamour.
France: Aman Le Mélézin, Courchevel
Aman Le Mélézin brings the brand’s calm, understated style to Courchevel 1850.
Its ski-in, ski-out setting makes it an excellent choice for a luxurious skiing holiday, while the spa provides a peaceful place to relax at the end of the day.
The service is thoughtful, the rooms are beautifully designed and everything feels very easy from the moment you arrive.
The hotel usually welcomes guests during the ski season from December to April and for a shorter summer season in July and August.
Best for: Skiers, spa lovers and those who prefer quiet, understated luxury.
Norway: Storfjord Hotel, Sunmøre Alps
Storfjord Hotel is a hand-built timber lodge tucked among the forests above the fjords, with views towards the Sunmøre Alps.
It feels intimate and wonderfully peaceful, with spacious rooms, warm interiors and thoughtful local touches.
Days can be spent hiking, exploring the fjords by boat or visiting nearby Ålesund before returning to the comfort of the lodge. Its secluded setting makes it particularly well suited to couples looking for somewhere special without the formality of a larger hotel.
The hotel is approximately 45 minutes from Ålesund Airport.
Best for: Couples, photographers and nature lovers looking for a quiet Norwegian hideaway.
Germany: Schloss Elmau, Bavaria
Surrounded by the Bavarian Alps, Schloss Elmau combines the character of a historic castle with modern spas, cultural events and beautiful mountain views.
The hotel is known for its concerts and literary programme, as well as its rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Zugspitze.
You can explore the surrounding walking trails, take the cable car up Germany’s highest mountain or simply enjoy the spa and peaceful setting.
Schloss Elmau is approximately 90 minutes from Munich.
Best for: Wellness, culture and travellers who enjoy history alongside contemporary luxury.
The Blue Turtle Escapes Difference
I’m Rachael, and booking through me costs you nothing.
Here is what it adds.
Design
I listen first. How you travel, what you’ve loved before, what you’d rather avoid. Then I design your holiday with you. You work with one person, start to finish.
Discover
I work with 200 trusted partners who have actually been there. I pick the right ones for you, then work closely with them on every detail.
Travel well
Before you arrive, I tell the people looking after you what matters to you. And you have my support from when you first contact me until you’re home.
How I Help
Choosing a beautiful hotel is the easy part. Choosing the right hotel for you takes a little more thought.
Some of these retreats are best for skiing, while others are better for walking, wellness or simply switching off. Transfer times, seasonal opening dates, room choices and what there is to do nearby can also make a real difference to your holiday.
I take the time to understand how you like to travel, what matters to you and what you want the experience to feel like. Then I do the research, narrow down the options and recommend the retreat I genuinely believe is the best fit.
I can arrange your flights, transfers, accommodation and any experiences you would like to include as one tailor-made, financially protected package. You will also have one person to contact from your first enquiry until you are safely home.
You do not need to know which country or hotel you want before getting in touch. Helping you work that out is all part of the service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit a mountain retreat in Europe?
That depends on the type of holiday you would like. Winter is ideal for snow, skiing and cosy evenings by the fire. Spring and summer are perfect for walking, outdoor adventures and spa days, while autumn often brings beautiful colours and fewer visitors. I can help you choose the right destination for the season in which you would like to travel.
Are these mountain retreats open all year?
Many welcome guests throughout the year, although some close for a short time between their winter and summer seasons. I will check the opening dates and availability before recommending the best options for your trip.
Are these mountain retreats suitable for families?
Some are particularly well suited to couples and peaceful wellness breaks, while others offer spacious accommodation and plenty for families to do. I will help you find a retreat that suits everyone travelling, whether you are planning a family adventure, a romantic escape or a multigenerational holiday.
Can I combine a mountain retreat with another destination?
Yes. A mountain stay can work beautifully as part of a longer tailor-made holiday. You could combine the Alps with a few days beside a lake, add a relaxing mountain retreat after a city break or spend time in the mountains before continuing to the coast. I will plan the route, accommodation and timings so the whole trip fits together comfortably.
Are mountain retreats suitable for non-skiers?
Absolutely. You do not need to ski to enjoy a mountain holiday. Depending on the destination and time of year, you could enjoy guided walks, spa treatments, scenic train journeys, local food, cultural experiences or simply a peaceful few days surrounded by nature.
How do I choose between the different mountain regions?
Each offers something different. The Alps are known for classic mountain scenery and an excellent choice of luxury hotels. Portugal’s Serra da Estrela is quieter and less familiar, while the Scottish Highlands offer a wilder landscape closer to home. Tell me what you would like your holiday to feel like, and I will help you find the region and retreat that suit you best.
Can you arrange flights and transfers?
Yes. I can create a complete tailor-made package including flights, accommodation, private transfers, airport parking and any activities or experiences you would like to add. My aim is to make the whole holiday feel easy, from the initial planning until you arrive home.