Why I swapped the Med for the mountains this summer

Website: romantikhotels.com

Arula Chalets, Lech, Austria

Chalets aren’t just for ski season. In the small town of Lech, Arula chalets offer five-star luxury and privacy with their two adjoining properties, which can host 30 guests in total or can be booked separately. Each chalet comes with a 24/7 concierge, a butler service and a private chef, making Arula the perfect place to go with a group of friends or family. With its own private luxury spa facilities, featuring indoor pools, saunas, steam baths, infrared cabins, treatment rooms, relaxation zones, and outdoor hot tubs overlooking the mountains, there’s no doubt you will feel completely relaxed here. When you’re not indulging in the private wellness offerings, there are entertainment and cosy spaces to be enjoyed. Dedicated rooms filled with games, shuffleboards, and pool tables are excellent for those with young kids or teenagers. The property even has its own ice rink, which is open year-round. If you fancy a movie, then you can head down to your very own cinema room, make popcorn with the in-room machine and hunker down on the comfiest lounge sofa. Whilst there are activities aplenty in the surrounding areas of Lech (hikes, e-biking, forest swimming, fishing and trail running), all of which can be arranged by the concierge team at Arula, you might find it too hard to leave.

Website: thearulachalets.com

Forestis Dolomites, South Tyrol

This spa hotel, nestled in the Dolomite mountains, is for those seeking exclusive and unique wellness. Forestis honours the Celtic tradition of the four elements: Earth, Fire, Water, and Air. You experience this through their intentionally designed spa treatments and throughout the hotel’s design, which emphasises minimalism and spaciousness. The spa spans over 2000m2, starting with an infinity pool filled with local spring waters which opens onto a view of the UNESCO heritage Dolomite mountains. The facilities here will blow you away, with multiple sauna types (Finnish, bio and outdoor cabin). There is an offering of daily Aufgüsse, a sauna experience led by a trained professional who uses a fan or towel technique to spread hot air, essential oils and natural Alpine herbs to help enhance the experience and power of heat. Dining here is as much of an experience as the spa; the amphitheatre-style space feels cosy, intimate, and unique, serving exquisitely presented food from a daily changing menu. Food is locally foraged and sustainable, and traditional practices are used to create food that not only tastes good but also makes you feel good.