Renowned worldwide for its dazzling architecture and wealth of world-class museums, Vienna provides visitors with a glimpse into the traditional architecture of Austria at its most grandiose—and this historic capital city is no slouch when it comes to hospitality, either. In recent years, Vienna has welcomed a wealth of high-end hotels and cozy lodges across city limits, and for those hoping to explore one of the most dazzling new additions to the Innere Stadt, the Almanac Palais Vienna is the perfect spot.
Officially opened in April 2023, this opulent property stands as a testament to the timeless beauty of Austria’s capital city, housed in a pair of refurbished palais built in the mid-1800s—and while the exterior of the building dates back over a century, the accommodations around here are anything but antiquated. There are 80 lavish suites gracing hotel grounds, with the Art Suite serving as the perfect option for discovering the exquisite culture of Vienna. Measuring in at 190 square meters, this sprawling space comes equipped with polished marble bathrooms, picturesque city views and a unique array of decorative flourishes for guests to admire.
While certain rooms across the property come equipped with an in-unit sauna, each individual guest can join in on the experience during a trip to the Almanac spa. Located beneath the lobby, this massive space comes equipped with its own steam room, fitness center and sauna for visitors to enjoy—but no stay is complete without taking a dip in the pool. Serving as the centerpiece of the entire spa, this heated indoor water feature measures in at fourteen meters in length, offering an opportunity to experience Vienna’s centuries-old bathing culture firsthand.
Vienna has developed a stellar drinking and dining scene in recent years, and the Almanac continues the trend with three dazzling on-property dining destinations. Coffee aficionados can kick off the day with a perfectly-crafted cappuccino at Elias, while cocktail fans can sample high-end concoctions like the strawberry-infused Retro Gimlet and spirit-forward Almanac Martini at the Donnersmarkt Bar, but when it comes to truly impressive dining, there’s no beating the Donnersmarkt Restaurant.
Operated at the behest of Executive Chef Andreas Mahl, this colorful space has mastered the art of elevated Alpine dining, providing guests with a carefully-curated menu that specializes in plant-based dishes. During an evening visit, diners can look forward to ultra-flavorful dishes like chili-loaded marinated tofu and slow-cooked aubergine—and as an added bonus, the restaurant also operates in the early morning, offering hearty breakfast dishes like smoked salmon, huevos rancheros and Vienna-style shakshuka.
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Ready to depart next Summer, the extravagant Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, will travel to the Italian Riviera for the very first time in its four-decade history, connecting Paris and Portofino. The new, annual overnight journey will see the train winding through the French countryside and along the coastline of the Mediterranean Riviera, concluding at Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, where guests will stay for two nights.
In the historic streets of Trieste, an often overlooked town on Italy’s Istria peninsula, there is an aroma of coffee in the air. Dating back to the early 18th century, when the tax on coffee beans arriving at its port was waived, the city has had a deep association with coffee and was the main entry point for coffee beans into Europe. In the historic centre, visitors can still find some of the original coffee houses, modelled on those found in Vienna at the time and, each year, the city hosts the Trieste Coffee Festival.
Welcome to a brand new week, folks! I would say I hope you’re keeping warm, except I find myself wiping droplets of sweat off my keyboard on this 89 degree day in Mumbai.
As options for the traditional chalet ski break have dwindled and prices risen, venturing to Europe’s far corners and beyond for a ski break can reap rewards. Costs are often lower, while luxury accommodation can be similarly priced to budget options in mainstream European ski resorts. As well as being potentially cheaper, skiing in territory off the beaten track can offer a rich cultural experience, plus better flight routes, less crowded slopes, sunnier days and a friendlier welcome.
While countries like Germany and Austria tend to get the lion’s share of attention when it comes to Christmas markets, the Czech Republic should be a prime destination for those seeking enchanting holiday markets. Prague's Old Town Square is a picturesque and festive spot come holiday time, but you’ll also find lesser-known treasures in places like Brno and Plzeň, each offering incredible markets. Here’s a closer look at three fantastic destinations in the Czech Republic where you can immerse yourself in the holiday spirit while enjoying the festive charm of Christmas markets.
With Christmas markets in full swing and a skyline of baroque spires and domes guiding the eye to snow-frosted mountains, Salzburg is the most festive of cities. Travellers who stroll around its medieval streets during winter will glimpse trees glistening with fairy lights, hear the angelic voices of carollers singing Silent Night (a carol whose first ever performance was in the city) and catch the alluring smells of gingerbread and glühwein (mulled wine) in the air. Beyond the city there’s the beauty of the Alps, best enjoyed on skis or from a horse-drawn sleigh. Here are the best ways to enjoy the city of Salzburg during the festive season.
November is a great month — and a hard month. It's a mix of cold air and elections, hearty meals with family, airport chaos and, if you're like me, lots of time spent scouring the internet for incredible travel deals in the days after Thanksgiving.
With an international train station in the heart of the stunning alpine city, Innsbruck provides a unique opportunity for winter sports enthusiasts to travel by rail. Innsbruck Main Station (Hauptbahnhof) is a hub for major European rail routes, enabling visitors from London St Pancras to be in the Capital of the Alps in approximately 12 hours, depending on the route.
There’s something truly magical about meandering through a Christmas market with a glass of hot wine or apple cider in hand. The sights, sounds and smells of the market—wherever you are in the world—make it hard not to get into the spirit of teh season.