Image courtesy of One&Only Kéa Island
Europe never goes out of style. There are the heavy hitters — Paris, London, et. al. — and all deserve a visit (or several). But more off-the-beaten-path destinations are waiting to be discovered (or rediscovered). Lesser-known European locales were a hit at Virtuoso Travel Week this year. Below, our advisors share some of the diamonds in the rough to which they can’t wait to send clients.
France: Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay
“One of the main travel trends I’m experiencing with my own clients is wanting to pair city and countryside,” said Fora Advisor Anna Tretter. “Abbaye Des Vaux de Cernay is 55 minutes from Paris in the countryside just past Versailles. “This is an ancient abbey from the 12th century that used to be the 80-acre country home of the Rothschild family. It’s designed by the same designer as Dior Home, so it's warm and homey. Consider this the French version of Gleneagles, but less formal.”
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Images courtesy of Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay
Greece: One&Only Kéa Island
“This all-villa resort opened in June. Overall, the island Kéa is super secluded and undiscovered,” Fora Advisor Caroline Bernthal said. “It’s great from scuba diving, and there’s over 81 km of hiking or biking on the island.”
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Greece: Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino
“Expect to hear a lot more about Costa Navarino in the future,” Fora Advisor Anna Tretter said of the “rugged, authentic destination known for Kalamata olives.” “It’s a newly developed destination about three hours from Athens by car — no need for ferries,” she added. “The Mandarin Oriental is ideal for multigenerational families and groups of family friends.”
Fora Perks:
$100 food / beverage or spa credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, & an upgrade whenever possible.
Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino
Italy: Fonteverde
“This adult-focused resort is 30 minutes south of Florence and is a Tuscan gem,” said Fora Advisor Gray Grandy. “It is on a natural thermal pool, and is open year round (a lot of Tuscan resorts aren’t). And the thermal pools are hot, so it’s a great option to combine in winter/late fall/early spring with Rome or Florence.”
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, a welcome aperitif, one cryotherapy session, one 20-minute back-and-neck massage, a visit to the archaeological site in San Casciano, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Slovenia: Kempinski Palace Portoroz Istria
“Located only a two-hour drive from Venice, this is the place for people who love Italy but don't love the crowds and prices!” Fora Advisor Lauren Cherney said. “There is plenty of hiking and biking, including a bike trip to local wineries (don’t worry, they will drive you back). They can also arrange truffle hunting — the largest white truffle in the world was found here!”
Fora Perks:
$100 food / breakfast credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Image courtesy of Kempinski Palace Portoroz
Spain: The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
“It's accessible via direct flights from JFK to Tenerife on United Airlines, making it an easier destination for US travelers,” said Fora Advisor Stephanie Vaughn. “I loved the grounds of this property, and it's a great resort option for families…There’s an adults-only pool, family pool, and 10 restaurants on property, two with Michelin Stars. One of my favorite features was the funicular you take down to the beach!”
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Poland: Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw
“I haven’t had a client ask me to book them a hotel in Warsaw before. After speaking with the sales rep from the Hotel Bristol, however, I now want to start suggesting a stop there to clients who want to visit Eastern Europe,” Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez said. “This is one of two Warsaw hotels that was untouched by war, and it is a National Historic Site.” Plus, she added, the hotel “houses one of the top 100 bars in the world, The Lane’s.”
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Feeling inspired? Connect with Fora to plan and book your dream getaway. Also check out our other key takeaways from VTW 2024: Air Travel is Overrated and One-of-a-Kind Experiences Are In.