BE IN THE KNOW WITH SCOTT DUNN AND GET YOUR SKIS BACK ON FOR 2022
November 16thEUROPE
This adventure packed itinerary will begin with four nights in The Dolomites – a snow lover’s dream consisting of 12 valleys and 760 miles of ski runs, all accessible under one ski pass. In addition to downhill skiing, the area offers some of the most beautiful settings for those who want to enjoy cross country skiing, excursions with mountain guides, snow shoeing, ice climbing or simply sledging. Guests will stay at Aman partner hotel, Rosa Alpina, located in the quaint village of San Cassiano. Home to 51 rooms, three fabulous restaurants – one of which has 3 Michelin stars – and an extensive spa, it’s the perfect place to unwind and indulge the senses after a hard day’s skiing.
From here, guests will be transported to Austria via private transfer for four nights at the 5* luxury boutique hotel – the St Antoner Hof – in the heart of St Anton. With both fabulous skiing and an unrivalled, lively après-ski scene on offer, St Anton is one of Austria’s finest and most popular ski resorts in the Alps. Boasting an excellent snow record and fantastic off-piste terrain it is high on the list for any good skier. Warming Arlberg food with a modern twist is served back at the hotel restaurant complete with a fine selection of wines to indulge in. For total relaxation, the spa offers an indoor pool, Finnish sauna, Turkish steam bath and an extensive range of massages.
Adding a bucket list element to the trip, travellers will then fly to the wild terrain of Finland to experience the Earth’s most stunning natural displays, the Northern Lights. Situated in a picturesque, remote location on the southern shore of Lake Inari, Wilderness Hotel Nangu promises breath taking views and can arrange a number of excursions to set out in search of this natural wonder. Other full-day excursions include husky sled riding to visit a reindeer farm and heading out by snowmobile to try ice fishing.
Next up is the magnetic island of Iceland with a three-night stay at the Torfhus Retreat. Encapsulating Iceland’s heritage, the retreat is a unique and authentic experience, just a short drive from the iconic landmarks of the Golden Circle, allowing easy access to nearby Geysir, Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park. If guests are looking to spend more time around Torfhus Retreat, they can also enjoy horse riding on the owner’s Icelandic horses. The remote location with no light pollution also offers a high chance of spotting the Northern Lights and guests can benefit from their own private geothermally heated basalt plunge pool, spacious living room and a fully equipped kitchenette in each Torfhus. Dining is a unique experience full of theatre – with no menu, the chef will prepare bespoke meals using seasonal produce catered to guest preferences.
The journey concludes at one of the world’s most unique spas, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Although completely manmade, the Blue Lagoon is set within a dramatic field of black basalt lava and its powder blue waters are enriched with natural mineral salts, white silica and blue-green algae. The final night will be spent relaxing at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon which was built on an 800-year-old lava flow with a selection of suites even offering access to their own private heated lagoon. Guests can unwind in the healing waters at any time of day or night and enjoy unlimited access to the Retreat Spa as well as the original Blue Lagoon. A selection of treatments on offer include an in-water treatment where guests are massaged while floating in the silica-rich waters of the lagoon itself. Fully rejuvenated, guests will fly home from Reykjavik.