Top 10 lakes and mountains
If the bustle of Europe’s cities and beaches becomes too much, leave the crowds behind and head for all the natural splendour that ten of the world’s most breathtaking lake and mountain destinations can offer.
1. Lake District, UK
The Lake District National Park shows the splendour and beauty of Cumbria’s countryside. The area offers many outdoor activities including hiking, biking, fishing and various water sports.
Lakes Lodge Hotel
A Victorian townhouse set in the Cumbrian town of Ambleside, 100 metres from the banks of beautiful Lake Windermere. Near to the hotel there are many recreational activities available including golfing, boating, swimming, sailing, hiking/biking trails, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and bird watching. Nearby attractions include World of Beatrix Potter, Rydal Mount (William Wordsworth's home) and Windermere Steamboat Museum.
2. The Great Lakes, USA/Canada
The Great Lakes include Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario and Lake Superior. The Niagara River connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and forms the border between the USA and Canada, with the USA on the east side and Canada on the west.
Michael's Inn By The Falls
Less than 300 yards from the falls and overlooking the Niagara River, this boutique-style inn is close to most of the attractions in this area such as the Niagara Falls Aviary, Maid of the Mist boat tours, Casino Niagara and Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. Marineland Canada is just two and a half miles away.
3. Pyrenees - France/Spain/Andorra
The Pyrenees are ideal for those interested in backpacking, mountain biking or simply looking for natural beauty.Areas within the Pyrenees include Andorra, Aragon, Catalonia, Basque Country, Midi Pyrenees, Navarra, Atlantiques and Orientales. At the foot of the Midi Pyrenees on the French side you have Lourdes with its Holy Sanctuary and Grotto. Within the Pyrenees lies the principality of Andorra which is now well known for skiing and its duty free shops. On the Spanish side are the Catalonia Pyrenees which form a fantastic backdrop for the town of Girona and the Costa Brava.
Hotel Princesa Parc
A modern leisure hotel with spa facilities; situated in the centre of Arinsal. Guests can enjoy ten-pin bowling and play video games or pool in the games bar. In summer, activities include horse-riding, mountain biking and hiking.
4. Italian Lakes
The picturesque lakes of Italy include Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, Lake Como, Lake Bolsena, Lake Monate, Lake Martignano, Lake Bracciano, Lake Trasimeno, Lake Orta and Lake Mergozzo. Each lake has its own charm and the beautiful towns that surround them leave visitors with treasured memories.
Barchetta Excelsior
This hotel enjoys a privileged location on the shores of Lake Como, on Piazza Cavour and only 40 minutes drive from Milan’s international airport. Stylishly decorated, most rooms offer lake views; all are soundproofed and air conditioned for additional comfort. Guests can either stroll around the lake admiring the historical centre of Como with its monuments and churches; or why not take a boat trip out on the lake with its breathtaking views?
5. Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rocky Mountains cover a vast expanse of land between Montana and British Columbia. The area includes many national parks such as Banff and Jasper and is ideal for walking, hiking and climbing. The scenery is spectacular with glaciers, mountain formations, wildlife and wild flowers.
Banff Park Lodge
Located amidst the Rocky Mountains this is an excellent base for a wide variety of adventures such as skiing, walking/hiking and wildlife viewing. Fishing and canoeing can be enjoyed in summer on the nearby Bow River, and horseback riding is popular. The 27-hole golf course at the Fairmont Banff Springs is close by.
6. Table Mountain, Cape Town
One of Cape Town’s top tourist attractions providing amazing panoramic views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. Make your way to the top by taking the revolving cable car and then follow one of the many fantastic hiking trails where you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Mount Nelson Hotel
This pink-painted colonial hotel is a Cape Town institution and set at the foot of Table Mountain in nine acres of landscaped gardens. The hotel is home to one of Cape Town’s most stylish night spots; Planet is a chic champagne bar.
7. Norwegian Fjords
Full of culture and tradition Norway offers fantastic lakeside resorts set amongst the magnificent Fjords. Bergen is known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’ and has its original harbour quarter, ‘The Bryggen’. Voss is situated between two of Norway's most beautiful fjords - Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord. Visitors can also take a trip on the famous Flam scenic railway.
Bjornefjorden Gjestestun
A family-run working farm which was formerly a monastery dating back to 1146; the guestrooms have a typical Norwegian style with wooden beams. Bergen is 28 kilometres away and it is just one kilometre to the beach. Guests can enjoy a game on the nine-hole golf course or take advantage of the many activities nearby which include sailing, horse riding, bird watching, boating and fishing.
8. Garmisch – Bavarian Alps
The picturesque village of Garmisch is overlooked by the fantastic scenery of the Bavarian Alps. This is a wonderful location for hiking, climbing and partaking in other outdoor activities that are set in and around the mountains and beautiful lakes of Starnbergersee, Staffelsee, Riessersee and Eibsee.
Renaissance Riessersee Hotel
Modern chalet-style hotel set on the Bavarian Alps on the banks of Lake Riessersee, located 90 kilometres south of Munich. Guests can work up a sweat in the hotel’s fitness centre and then relax in the indoor pool and jetted spa or take advantage of the many outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
9. Lake Tahoe, USA
Tahoe has some of the most breathtaking, scenic landscapes in North America with its rugged mountains set against crystal waters; it’s perfect for those looking for adventure and beauty. In summer there are miles of public beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing and the nightlife is great all year round.
Avalon Lodge
Located among pine trees, this hotel is two blocks from the Heavenly Ski Resort, Lake Tahoe, and various casinos. Recreational activities are either onsite or near the hotel and include miniature golf, skiing, snowboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, fishing, golfing, boating, water skiing, mountain biking and horse riding.
10. St Moritz, Switzerland
Offering some of the finest scenery in Switzerland, St Moritz is a great summer or winter destination. In winter it offers some of the best skiing in Europe, while in the summer months visitors can enjoy the breathtaking countryside and natural springs. St Moritz also boasts a collection of top class hotels and restaurants.
Kempinski Grand Htl Des Bains
Located just 500 metres from the ski slopes, the Kempinski Grand is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding attractions of St Moritz as well as those looking to take advantage of the great skiing.
