Alpine escapes for a restorative break

There is a particular kind of silence you only find in the mountains. A heavy, comforting blanket of snow-muffled quiet that seems to pause time and instantly relax you. As we step into a new year, the urge to disconnect from the constant ping of notifications and reconnect with ourselves has never been stronger.

This is the season for JOMO - the ‘Joy of Missing Out’. It is about trading the endless scroll for the sight of jagged peaks against a crisp blue sky and swapping digital fatigue for the invigorating rush of fresh alpine air. We believe that true wellness isn't just a treatment on a menu; it is an environment. If you are ready to embrace a digital detox and find your balance, we’ve curated four exceptional alpine retreats where luxury meets deep, restorative peace.

Alpine escapes for a restorative break

Badrutt's Palace Hotel, St. Moritz: The legend on the lake

When it comes to high-altitude glamour, Badrutt's Palace in Switzerland sets the benchmark. Yet, beyond its historic façade and reputation for glitz lies a profound sense of wellness. This is where you go when you want to feel looked after on a grand scale.

St. Moritz is famous for its ‘champagne climate’ - dry, sunny, and incredibly energising. At Badrutt's, they harness this natural advantage perfectly. Imagine swimming in an infinity pool where the water seems to merge with Lake St. Moritz and the mountains beyond. It grounds you immediately. The Palace Wellness spa is a cavernous sanctuary carved into the rock, offering everything from Ayurvedic treatments to cutting-edge facials. But the real therapy here is the service. The staff seem to anticipate every need before you even express it, leaving you free to truly switch off and embrace a rare sense of deep relaxation.

Alpenpalace Luxury Hideaway & Spa Retreat: Italian seclusion

For those seeking true privacy, the Ahrntal valley in the Italian Alps offers a different pace of life. Here, you will find the Alpenpalace Luxury Hideaway & Spa Retreat, a property that takes the concept of ‘getting away from it all’ seriously.

This is a place dedicated to refined wellness. The resort feels less like a hotel and more like a private estate. Each suite features a private balcony or terrace facing the mountains, ensuring your morning coffee is accompanied only by the sound of the wind in the trees. The Alpine Spa is vast, spanning 3,000 square metres, but it feels intimate thanks to its clever design. You can lose hours moving between the hot and cold therapy zones, soaking in pools, or experiencing signature treatments that use regional botanicals like mountain pine and juniper. With a resident chemist and hiking guide on hand, you can balance active mornings in the health-promoting altitude with afternoons of total relaxation.

Hôtel Mont-Blanc Chamonix: French elegance

If your idea of wellness involves a touch of chic French style, Hôtel Mont-Blanc in Chamonix is the address to know. This legendary hotel manages to balance historic glamour with a modern, relaxed atmosphere that puts you instantly at ease.

Situated at the foot of the highest peak in the Alps, the views here command attention. The outdoor pool, heated year-round, offers a front-row seat to the drama of the Mont Blanc massif. Inside, the spa by Clarins provides a menu of indulgent massages and rituals designed to soothe muscles tired from skiing or hiking. But wellness here is also about indulgence. The gourmet dining and curated art collection feed the soul just as much as the spa treats the body.

Severin’s – The Alpine Retreat: Austrian intimacy

Hidden away in the magical snowscape of Lech, Austria, Severin’s is the epitome of modern alpine luxury. The design uses ancient wood from Tyrol, stone, and copper, creating a warm, grounding atmosphere that feels protective against the elements. It’s the ideal setting for a digital detox; the suites are so comfortable and the private terraces so inviting that you will forget to check your phone for days.

Severin’s takes a bespoke approach to wellbeing. Their cutting-edge spa facilities combine traditional Austrian healing methods with modern therapies. Having won the SPA Star Award recently, the quality here is undeniable. Whether you are a couple seeking a romantic hideaway or a small group wanting to reconnect, the tailored service ensures your stay is exactly what you need it to be.

Ready to find your perfect Alpine retreat? Speak to your personal Travel Counsellor today.

8 awesome things to do in China

20 January 2026

We don’t know about you, but while Chinese New Year festivities are brilliant in the UK, they also make us dream about wanting to go to China itself. A vast and hugely varied country, it has some incredible sights, whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning explorer. Join us as we reveal our top must-see destinations and unforgettable experiences in China.

A new chapter of luxury at Rixos The Palm Dubai

19 January 2026

When you think of a Dubai holiday, what comes to mind? Is it unparalleled luxury, world-class dining, and endless sunshine? A truly exceptional holiday combines all of this with the blissful ease of having every detail taken care of. This is the experience that awaits at Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites, a destination that has perfected the art of the sophisticated escape. Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, this is Dubai’s only Ultra All-Inclusive hotel. It’s a place we love, not just for its prestigious awards, including ‘World’s Leading Lifestyle Resort’ at the 2025 World Travel Awards, but for its continuous commitment to enhancing the guest experience. It’s this dedication that gives us the confidence to recommend it for your next getaway.

A visitors guide to Qatar

19 January 2026

For the curious traveller, there are few places as captivating as Qatar. It’s a country that expertly balances its deep-rooted heritage with a bold, futuristic vision, creating a destination that surprises and delights at every turn. While many know it for its dazzling Doha skyline, a deeper look reveals a land of rich cultural history, thrilling adventures, and serene natural beauty. We believe that travel should be about more than just seeing new places; it’s about experiencing them. Qatar offers a wealth of opportunities for genuine connection and discovery. It is a place where you can spend your morning haggling for spices in a centuries-old market and your afternoon marvelling at world-class modern architecture. This unique blend of old and new makes it an endlessly fascinating destination, perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers.