7 Alluring Hotels In Eugene Levy’s New ‘The Reluctant Traveler’ 2024

08.03.2024 - 18:47 / forbes.com

In the much-awaited second season of The Reluctant Traveler, which premieres March 8 on Apple TV+, award-winning actor, writer, producer and comedian Eugene Levy isn’t quite as adamantly travel-averse as he used to be. In fact, last year’s filmed far-flung journeys have worked magic on Levy, who now anticipates getaways with less apprehension and more appreciation. While he still dislikes the getting there via airports part of travel, Levy loves staying at pampering hotels. Who wouldn’t? This year’s seven distinctive European hotspots, where Levy slept, are fascinatingly cool. Which one would be your fantasy destination?

Floating like a dreamy mirage on Sweden’s Lule River, Arctic Bath’s innovative circular main building—encased in dramatic wood poles reminiscent of a log-jam in river rapids—was designed as an homage to the country’s important golden timber-era industry, when just-cut trees were buoyantly transported on the waterway. Relish the midnight sun during summer and northern lights in winter at this wellness-centric oasis in Lapland amid serene natural splendor. Arctic Bath leans into relaxation and an array of spa experiences: saunas (dry and steam), open-air Jacuzzis, an invigorating cold pool, massages, facials, yoga and meditation. On-the-river guest cabins are accessed along an over-water pedestrian-route and surrounded by a wooden deck. Larger land-based suites contain a living room, plus a full wall of windows, perfect for spying wider panoramas. All guest rooms have underfloor heating. For sporty adventures (dependent on season), choose snowmobile tours, ice fishing and moose safaris. Head chef David Staf finesses remarkably sophisticated and graciously presented Arctic dishes using local, sustainable ingredients.

Candacraig Mansion is a ritzy and restful marvel, an exclusive-use hospitality venue hugged by Scottish Highlands in the vicinity of the British royal family’s Balmoral Castle. Idyllic for private family vacations or business off-site events during which the entire property can be rented out, this Scottish Baronial-style castle feels—let your imagination leap here!—as though suave Scottish actor Sean Connery as James Bond 007 could materialize around a corner, holding a martini. Dating to the 15th-century, Candacraig remained in the same family for 300-ish years, was enlarged in the 1800s, switched hands several more times and then, a decade ago, new owners, Lynne and Marc Lino, committed to invest in modernizations, while embracing Candacraig’s yesteryear charm and charisma. Among its classic spaces: gloriously comfy bedrooms, a signature tartan plaid-swathed dining room (replete with chef and staff), a drawing room with log-fire hearth and a whisky library of libations.