Four breathtaking destinations where nature sets the pace
Winter offers a rare invitation to step away from the everyday and into a quieter rhythm. With an aspiration to inspire, we invite our community to seek adventures out of the ordinary - where nature sets the pace and solitude becomes a luxury. In this feature we unfold four special winter destinations, each offering a chance to embrace the season with fresh eyes and a sense of serenity. From a secluded boathouse on Slovenia’s Lake Bled to an architectural retreat high in the Dolomites, from watching the Northern Lights dance over Iceland to feeling the stillness settle in Norway’s fjords - each place is a study in beauty, tranquility, and time well spent.
A PURE WAY TO EXPERIENCE NATURE
Staying in a glass cottage in the middle of Iceland’s vast wilderness might not be an unusual choice, but few places offer such an unfiltered way to experience nature. Surrounded by endless lava fields, snow-covered plains, and wide-open skies, these cottages provide a front-row seat to one of the most untouched landscapes on Earth.
With nothing but glass separating you from the elements, the ever-changing scenery—from winter storms rolling across the horizon to the elusive dance of the Northern Lights—becomes part of daily life.
The interiors are intentionally simple, allowing the raw beauty outside to take center stage. In a country known for its dramatic landscapes, this stay offers one of the purest and most unspoiled ways to connect with Iceland’s rugged terrain.
ACCESSIBLE ONLY BY A THREE-HOUR HIKE
Perched at an altitude of 2,734 meters within the Rosengarten massif of the Italian Dolomites, the Santnerpass Hut offers a secluded mountain refuge accessible only by a two to three-hour hike.
Designed by Senoner Tammerle Architekten, this modern alpine shelter replaces a historic structure, blending contemporary architecture with sustainable design principles.
Overnight stays at Santnerpass Hut include half-board lodging, with prices starting at €100 per person for shared rooms and €120 for smaller private rooms. The stay includes a four-course dinner and breakfast, with drinks available at an extra cost. Due to limited capacity, advance reservations are required, and guests are encouraged to embrace the hut’s communal atmosphere.
WHERE TIME MOVES WITH THE RHYTHM OF NATURE
Tucked away in the fjords of western Norway, Storfjord Hotel offers a retreat that feels as timeless as the landscape itself. Built in the traditional lafta style, using hand-crafted timber, the hotel blends seamlessly into its surroundings—dense forests, towering mountains, and the deep, still waters of the fjord below.
Life here moves at a slower pace, with days spent exploring the snow-covered trails or simply watching the shifting light over the water. Inside, the warmth of crackling fireplaces and the scent of locally sourced cuisine create a sense of quiet comfort.
In a world that often moves too fast, Storfjord offers a rare chance to experience Norway as it once was—calm, unhurried, and deeply connected to nature.
AN UNCONVENTIONAL RETREAT
Choosing a lakeside boathouse in the middle of winter may seem unconventional, but Lake Bled’s private boathouse offers a perspective on the season that is both unique and rewarding.
Away from the more familiar alpine lodges, this secluded spot provides a direct connection to the lake’s stillness and the surrounding Julian Alps. Mist rising from the water in the early morning, the snow-dusted forests, and the quiet lapping of the lake create an atmosphere of complete tranquility.
The boathouse itself is designed with a minimalist approach, offering just the essentials—making it an ideal setting for those who appreciate solitude and a slower pace. Hidden away from the more popular winter destinations, this could easily be considered one of the region’s best-kept secrets, offering an experience that is both unexpected and deeply serene.
Wherever the road leads - be it a quiet lakeside retreat, snow-dusted peaks, or beneath the vast northern skies - travel is as much about the journey as the destination. A trusted companion makes all the difference. Our collection of travel bags is designed for movement, crafted with both purpose and elegance, seamlessly accompanying you wherever the journey takes you.