Europe Archives - OFFSHORE

European Holiday Markets Worth Travelling For

November 18, 2025

Twinkling squares, centuries-old traditions and the scent of mulled wine in the air — if you’re craving a festive getaway, these are the holiday markets worth travelling for in 2025.

Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz — Vienna, Austria

Dates: 14 November – 26 December 2025
Few cities do nostalgia quite like Vienna in December. At Rathausplatz (featured in our header image), strings of lights droop from towering trees, children swirl around the ice rink, and vendors hand out warm punsch in ceramic mugs. Come for the atmosphere — stay for the vanilla-scented pastries and beautifully crafted ornaments.

Old Town Square Christmas Market — Prague, Czech Republic

Dates: 29 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
Prague feels made for Christmas. In the shadow of its Gothic towers, the Old Town Square fills with carollers, wooden stalls and the glow of one of Europe’s most impressive holiday trees. Don’t miss a warm trdelník, rolled in cinnamon sugar and served piping hot.

Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market — Budapest, Hungary

Dates: 8 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
Budapest’s most beloved market blends old-world charm with festive creativity. Browse handmade ceramics, sip spicy mulled wine and tuck into hearty favourites like goulash served in a bread bowl. As the sun sets, the surrounding buildings light up with cascading illuminations.

Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market — Cologne, Germany

Dates: 17 November – 23 December 2025
Set beneath the dramatic spires of Cologne Cathedral, this market delivers pure holiday spectacle. More than a hundred red-roofed stalls sell everything from artisanal woodwork to gingerbread hearts, while the city’s giant Christmas tree anchors the scene.

Winter Wonders — Brussels, Belgium

Dates: 28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Brussels stretches its celebrations across the city centre, creating a lively trail of more than 250 chalets, light projections and a charming Ferris wheel. It’s also the perfect place to sample seasonal Belgian treats: think warm waffles, speculoos and rich hot chocolate.

Christkindelsmärik — Strasbourg, France

Dates: 26 November – 24 December 2025
Often called the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg’s centuries-old market unfolds across the city’s half-timbered old town. Expect glowing lanterns, Alsatian specialties and some of the most beautifully decorated streets in Europe.

Amsterdam Christmas Markets — Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dates: 15 November 2025 – 3 January 2026
With ice rinks, cosy pop-up markets and canals draped in fairy lights, Amsterdam turns into a winter postcard. The city’s neighbourhood markets are especially charming — smaller, more local, and perfect for browsing with a warm stroopwafel in hand.

Tallinn Christmas Market — Tallinn, Estonia

Dates: 22 November – 27 December 2025
Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town becomes a storybook come to life each winter. Expect a traditional village square, twinkling lights against medieval stone walls, and steaming mugs of glögi (Nordic mulled wine). Rumour has it, this was home to Europe’s first public Christmas tree.

This Spanish UNESCO City Just Got a Palace Hotel Worth Travelling For

September 9, 2025

Few cities in Spain are as cinematic as Cáceres, the Extremaduran gem where cobbled streets and stone façades earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986. Now, the historic centre has a new jewel: the Palacio de Godoy Cáceres, Curio Collection by Hilton, which opened this September following a €14-million restoration of a 16th-century palace once home to conquistador Francisco Godoy.

The 73-room property blends heritage with contemporary flair. Interiors by BSV Arquitectos highlight original features, while gardens designed by Álvaro de la Rosa draw on native and New World plantings, irrigated by natural rock springs beneath the city. From the Bar Virú lounge to the rooftop terrace overlooking Cáceres’ medieval skyline, the hotel offers elegant spaces that invite guests to linger.

Dining is a central narrative. At Mamay Aldana, chef Antonio Manuel Céspedes Rodríguez pays tribute to the women of Extremadura, particularly Godoy’s mother, María de Aldana. Menus trace centuries of cultural exchange, blending regional traditions with the culinary influences brought back during the conquest of the Americas. The site itself once housed a maternity home, lending the concept even deeper resonance.

The hotel also features a spa and event spaces, positioning it as both a retreat and a gathering place. “It’s a remarkable building, intricately restored, and we’re confident guests will be amazed by its stylish interiors and relaxing outdoor spaces,” says general manager Joaquín Arimón.

Managed by Panoram Hotel Management, the project has created 60 local jobs and introduces Hilton’s lifestyle-leaning Curio Collection brand to Extremadura. For travellers in search of a less-discovered destination, Cáceres’ film-ready streets and rich cultural crossroads provide an evocative setting — now anchored by a palace reborn.

A Fresh Peak: Aman Debuts Rosa Alpina in Alpine Splendour

August 12, 2025

Tucked into the storybook village of San Cassiano in Italy’s South Tyrol, Rosa Alpina has long been a cherished retreat for those in the know — a place where alpine charm meets refined hospitality. Now, under the Aman banner, this iconic property reopens after a transformative renovation, offering a new chapter in Dolomite luxury.

The relaunch blends Aman’s signature serenity and sleek design sensibility with Rosa Alpina’s deep-rooted ties to the region. Interiors by architect Luigi Vietti and designer Bambi Sloane have been subtly refreshed, honouring the building’s heritage while adding a contemporary Alpine polish. Think warm timber, natural stone, and plush textures, all framed by sweeping mountain views.

Aman Rosa Alpina‘s 52 rooms and suites — including newly reimagined accommodations in the main lodge and adjacent chalets — are havens of understated elegance. For a more private escape, the property’s standalone three-bedroom Chalet Zeno offers the ultimate hideaway, complete with its own spa area.

Epicurean experiences remain a star attraction. The hotel is home to St. Hubertus, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Norbert Niederkofler, famed for his “Cook the Mountain” philosophy that champions hyper-local, seasonal ingredients. Guests can also dine more casually at the Wine Bar & Grill or savour traditional Ladin dishes in the intimate Fondue Stube.

Wellness is equally central to the experience. The newly enhanced spa features a pool, hammam, and saunas, alongside Aman’s holistic treatments designed to soothe and revitalise after a day on the slopes or hiking trails.

With direct access to the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, the property offers year-round adventures, from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to mountain biking and alpine wildflower walks in summer. And after days spent in the crisp mountain air, evenings unfold in a world of candlelight, fine wine, and fireside relaxation.

By combining Rosa Alpina’s timeless soul with Aman’s meticulous eye for detail, Aman Rosa Alpina sets a new standard for European mountain escapes — one where authenticity and indulgence go hand in hand.

Auberge Resorts just debuted its first Italian property, and it’s a Renaissance-era dream

July 28, 2025

Renaissance meets modern romance at Collegio alla Querce, the newest showstopper from Auberge Resorts Collection—and their very first in Italy. Perched in Florence’s north hills, this boutique property occupies a former convent and boarding school, with restored 16th-century frescoes, cloistered courtyards, and front-row views of the Duomo.

The 83-room retreat feels more like a private estate than a hotel. Expect old-world glamour and thoughtful indulgences: a vaulted spa, a wine program run by a master sommelier, and a serene cypress-lined garden perfect for post-museum aperitivo. Plus, there’s that pool.

There’s also a sense of cultural immersion baked into the experience—art and architecture tours can be arranged on request, and local chefs frequently collaborate with the kitchen team for intimate pop-up dinners. Even the rooms channel a sense of history, with curated antiques and views that feel like oil paintings.

Florence is always a good idea, but Collegio alla Querce makes it a great one. It’s intimate, cinematic, and full of soul—the kind of place where you unpack your bags and never want to leave. Andiamo.

This tour operator is offering a series of self-guided cycling trips through Italy

February 28, 2025

Building on last year’s successful launch of self-guided cycling tours in Italy, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a trailblazer in cycling vacations and leader in active travel, is introducing three new extended itineraries for 2025, offering travellers a deeper dive into the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Italy’s la dolce vita.

These longer trips align with the growing trend of slow travel, combining multiple weeklong routes to create seamless adventures that prioritize immersive and sustainable experiences.

“We think that with the expense and time it takes to travel these days, a longer bike tour just makes sense,” said Maria Elena Price, co-owner of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours. “Not to mention, spending more time in a place – getting to know it in the more immersive and intimate manner that exploring by bike provides – is so much more enriching, rewarding, and overall, a more sustainable way to travel.”

Designed for travellers who love the freedom of choosing their own pace while enjoying the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing key details such as accommodations and route mapping are taken care of, these new adventures offer deep dives into three famed regions: The Dolomites, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany.

For details on all ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours’ guided and self-guided cycling adventures in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America, visit ExperiencePlus.com.

A palace-like hotel is opening in a 17th century building Paris

February 7, 2025

Maybourne has today announced a 2027 opening for its newest development in the Parisian quarter of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, The Maybourne Saint-Germain, bringing a palace-style hotel with 101 keys and 23 ultra-luxury branded residences to Paris for the first time.

Expanding its prestigious hotel portfolio, Maybourne is creating an extraordinary property that reimagines bespoke hospitality in the City of Light, affirming its status as the eminent choice for global luxurians and strategically focusing on growth within select urban gateways.

The Maybourne Saint-Germain is located along the Rive Gauche within the iconic 17th-century Îlot Saint-Germain, marking a new era for the historic building. The 23 residences will be envisioned by two renowned French interior designers, with seven by Pierre-Yves Rochon along Rue Saint-Dominque, and 16 residences by Laura Gonzalez, located on Rue de l’Université.

About the Maybourne Saint-Germain

Positioned between Boulevard Saint-Germain and Rue Saint-Dominique, the Îlot Saint-Germain has been a Parisian landmark since the 17th century.

Re-concepted for the 21st century, The Maybourne Saint-Germain will create a fourth era for Îlot Saint-Germain, seamlessly integrating with its heritage and creating a new layer of history.

As with each of Maybourne’s properties, The Maybourne Saint-Germain will be extraordinary in its own right while remaining connected to its sister hotels through the brand’s signature craft, progressive vision, and unrivalled locations. The hotel will feature 50 suites and 51 rooms, surrounding a serene inner courtyard.

Aspiring to be the living room of Saint-Germain, residents and guests will also have access to six food and beverage outlets, including a Japanese restaurant, patisserie, Salon de Thé, and more, and Maybourne’s new wellness and longevity brand, Surrenne. A central part of the project, Surrenne will be one of Paris’ largest luxury spa and health clubs offering immersive health, fitness, and beauty, as well as access to a third pool within the property. The 23 branded residences, all serviced by the hotel, will include access to a designated 25-metre pool accessible only by residents, in addition to the hotel’s 30-metre rooftop pool (pictured above).

This opening, born from a fusion of avant-garde Parisian chic with heritage and artistic flair, will mark Maybourne’s first property in Paris and its second in France.

To find out further information about The Maybourne Saint-Germain visit maybourne.com/development.

Italian masterpiece Casa Brera debuts in Milan with Michelin chefs

February 5, 2025

Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan, has joined the prestigious The Luxury Collection brand by Marriott International.

Strategically located in the heart of Milan, the hotel is nestled in the charming pedestrian Piazzetta Bossi, a few steps away from Teatro alla Scala and the lively Brera neighbourhood.

Originally designed in the 1950s by the esteemed Italian architect Pietro Lingeri, a leading figure of Italian Rationalism, the building’s heritage is celebrated through its geometric graphics present on the walls, floors – true marble carpets – and ceiling, that outline the interiors. The Rationalist inspiration is further reflected in the choice of finishings and stones, with a preference for Italian marbles, especially granite, which echoes the building’s facade and represents a recurring design motif.

An epicurean celebration

The culinary direction is guided by the acclaimed Michelin-starred Italian Chef Andrea Berton, who curates the offerings for Living lounge, Scena restaurant and Etereo skybar and restaurant, while celebrated Chef Haruo Ichikawa, the first Japanese chef to earn a Michelin star in Italy, oversees the Japanese cuisine of Odachi restaurant.

At the heart of the hotel lies Scena, a fine-dining Italian restaurant focused on authentic and innovative Italian and Milanese cuisine. Here, executive chef Francesco Bonato offers timeless dishes paired with a selection of wines that range from the great Maisons to refined and niche labels.

On the eighth and top floor of the hotel, Etereo skybar and restaurant offers magnificent 360-degree view over Milan – spanning from the Duomo to the Galleria, and from the Castle to Porta Nuova. It also features a spectacular rooftop outdoor pool and terrace area with sun beds, sofas, and umbrellas.

Stay in style: guest rooms and suites

The hotel’s101 guest rooms and 15 suites reflect the spirit of Milanese art, culture, and design, seamlessly combining timeless elegance with contemporary touches.

The selected materials include walnut wood, Fior di Pesco marble, backlit brass and printed glass.

The Deluxe and Premiere rooms feature modular Poliform furniture, cozy seating, and custom artworks with a smooth continuity between the sleeping area and the bathroom. For those seeking both an indoor and outside layout, the Studio with Balcony offers a stylish accommodation, with the option for interconnecting rooms.

Details like green ceramic mushroom lamps, geometric wool rugs, Poliform seating, and terracotta vases, all contribute to the eye-catching Italian aesthetic. Furnished with a balcony or terrace, each Junior Suite includes a modular corner sofa and mirror-topped drink bar, providing prime time for leisure.

For more information or to book a stay, visit www.casabrera.com.

Going to great depths in Franconian Switzerland

December 13, 2024

Ann Ruppenstein sets foot on a rocky journey through Germany’s most cavernous region, discovering the quaint towns, hiking trails and hidden wonders that await.

One thing to know about Franconian Switzerland is that, despite its somewhat misleading name, it’s not actually in Switzerland.

Located in Upper Franconia, Bavaria, Germany, the region filled with unusual rock formations and picturesque villages set in the foothills of mountains first garnered attention for its natural caves at a time when hiking was still on the cusp of becoming a widespread idea.

“At this time, in the beginning of the 19th century, hiking wasn’t a concept that existed. Why would you go for a walk somewhere without any purpose?” said Johannes Stemper, a nature park ranger at Riesenburg, a cave ruin with natural bridges and arches with rock formations that trace back to the Jurassic age 201.4 million years ago.

Receiving its name from the Romantics, who were poets, artists and literates of the 19th century, the region’s namesake was attributed to its comparisons of Switzerland. “At this time Switzerland was the stereotype for beauty and culture and landscapes,” Stemper said.

In the 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment (an intellectual and philosophical movement in Europe from the 17th and 18th centuries), Franconian Switzerland was visited by students from the nearby University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, who set out to explore some of the caves in the area and unintentionally helped establish the destination as a hotspot for natural wonders.

“Before the Age of Enlightenment, no one would have ever dared to go into a cave because it was the place of the devil — the place of evil and darkness,” Stemper said.

AN UNUSUAL DISCOVERY

Upon exploration of the caves, the students found strange animal bones and skeletal remains.

“They could not explain these animals because they were extinct,” Stemper said. “It turned out to be cave bears, cave hyenas, and even cave lions. They published their findings and in the society of educated people, it was a really big thing.”

In the weeks and months that followed, scholars and educated townsmen flocked to the area to set foot in the region’s caves for themselves, inevitably triggering the start of tourism in Franconian Switzerland.

To this day, Franconian Switzerland, located southwest of Bayreuth, is still known for its caves, including intricate limestone caves formed over millions of years.

“We still have more than 1,000 caves in different shapes, many with big rooms connected to tiny corridors where you have to crawl through,” Stemper said.

WHERE TO GO

Closeby on the outskirts of Pottenstein, where Rabenstein castle is perched on a hillside overlooking the charming town, a quite literal hellish dripstone cave called the Devil’s Cave (Teufelshöhle) exists. It has long lured visitors inside with its mixture of folklore, outer worldly stalagmites and stalactites, and an original skeleton of a cave bear that roamed the area some 30,000 years ago.

It’s believed that Devil’s Cave got its name because many animals would vanish into the cave, something that locals attributed to an act of the Devil. Much later, the remains of these animals were found within the cave’s walls. Rather than the handiwork of the Devil, these livestock actually met their untimely demise by falling to their deaths.

Today, the cave is also known to have therapeutic benefits used to help treat lung ailments, but most people come to take part in a guided 45-minute tour through some of its most unique features and to view the piles of animal bones scattered throughout.

A trip to Pottenstein is often paired with a stop in the village of Tüchersfeld, where unique limestone rock formations jet out behind half-timbered houses.

About an hour’s drive from there lies another highlight of Germany’s lesser known natural side — the largest rock labyrinth in Europe. The Luisenburg in the middle of the Fichtelgebirge mountain range offers hiking trails through, above and around granite rocks and huge boulders surrounded by caves and gorges.

With several thermal spas nearby, the area is also popular for wellness and relaxation and forest bathing experiences.

This article first appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to read the digital magazine. Click here to subscribe to the print magazine.

Tauck is launching two new river boats in France for 2026

October 25, 2024

Tauck has announced that two new ships will be joining the company’s fleet of award-winning riverboats in 2026.

The two ships, which have not yet been named, will launch in spring 2026 following construction next year in Serbia and The Netherlands.

The two newbuilds include a 135-meter vessel that will sail on Tauck itineraries along the Rhone. Accommodating a maximum of just 130 guests in sixty-eight cabins, the 135-meter ship will boast twenty-two spacious 300-sq. ft. suites on its upper (Diamond) deck, thirty-four roomy 225-sq. ft. cabins primarily on the middle (Ruby) deck, and twelve 180-sq. ft. Category 1 cabins on the lower (Emerald) deck.

A slightly smaller (125-meter) sister ship will host up to 124 guests along the River Seine, with accommodations including twenty 300-sq. ft. suites on its Diamond Deck, thirty 225-sq. ft. cabins (mainly on the Ruby Deck), and twelve 180-sq. ft. Category 1 cabins on the Emerald Deck. At 180-sq. ft., the Category 1 cabins on both newbuilds will be 20% larger than the Category 1 cabins found on Tauck’s other riverboats.

In keeping with Tauck’s tradition of welcoming solo travelers, all Category 1 cabins on the new ships will have the single supplement waived on every sailing.

In addition, Tauck opened its 2026 river cruises for preliminary bookings earlier this month and guests are now able to reserve space on the 2026 itinerary and departure date of their choosing.

All guests who book 2026 cruises now will have the opportunity to cancel their bookings, and receive a full refund of their deposits, when pricing and final itinerary details are announced in early 2025.

For more information, visit www.tauck.ca.

Six Senses is opening properties in Lake Como and Milan

October 21, 2024

Six Senses has signed hotel management agreements with Gruppo Statuto as part of an exciting new chapter in its Italian story. Six Senses Milan and Six Senses Lake Como will follow the debut opening of Six Senses Rome in 2023 in the restored Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini and the announcement of the upcoming Six Senses Antognolla in Umbria.

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio now features nearly 100 open hotels in Europe, including eight Six Senses properties in Italy, Switzerland, France, Israel, Portugal, Spain and Türkiye.

Six Senses Milan enjoys a prime address at Via Brera 19 in the heart of the artistic Brera quarter, emblematic of authentic Milanese heritage and culture. Six Senses Lake Como will continue the legacy of the first hospitality destination opened on the shores of Lake Como in 1820 in Cadenabbia di Griante, an area rich in history, art, and nature, which over the years has drawn illustrious emperors, monarchs, writers and celebrities to its sparkling shores.

These two latest Italian signings also establish Gruppo Statuto as the leading Italian real estate group with a portfolio of international hotels, having acquired Six Senses London and Six Senses Ibiza in addition to Six Senses Rome.

Six Senses Milan

The galleries around Via Brera and masterpieces within the Pinacoteca Museum offer a pause from Milan’s high-energy rhythms.

Tucked away in this artists’ quarter, Six Senses Milan is therefore well positioned to take guests on a journey of discovery through craftsmanship and timeless style, from the arabescato marble to the antique brass detailing, handmade smoked glass, textured ceilings, and mosaic borders.

Six Senses Milan also showcases the brand’s deep commitment to sustainability, which flows from the materials and furnishings to the prominent space dedicated to the Earth Lab, tranquil internal courtyard, and specialty restaurant and deli featuring seasonal gastronomy.

Of the 68 guest rooms, 15 are suites, and two feature plunge pools. No Six Senses is complete without a state-of-the-art spa to administer a range of high-tech, high-touch treatments, and the rooftop bar and sky pool also make a splash.

Six Senses Lake Como

A nearby retreat for the Milanese, an inspiration for romantics Wordsworth, Shelley, and Byron, and a holiday spot for Queen Victoria and Hollywood legends: Lake Como has long been a dreamy leisure destination with a storied past and glamorous present.

Following a full restoration of the Grand Hotel Cadenabbia on the lake’s western shores, Six Senses Lake Como will blend a resort lifestyle with the region’s rich heritage for a unique retreat amid picturesque gardens, where rare plants and rejuvenated guests will flourish on the lake’s shores.

The number of guest rooms within the six-story property will be significantly reduced to accommodate 102 generously sized rooms and suites as well as more space dedicated to the spa and wellness area. The outdoor pool and sun deck will be complemented by a floating pool on the lake. Along with the specialty restaurant, the terrace bar and restaurant with quintessential lake views on the fourth floor will no doubt continue to inspire poetry, prose, and proposals.

IHG more than doubled its Luxury & Lifestyle offering in Italy in 2023, which also saw the return of the InterContinental brand with the opening of InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace. Six Senses Milan and Six Senses Lake Como join 30 open hotels in the country, and an additional eight in development, including brand debuts for the Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and Vignette Collection brands.

Six Senses Milan is set to open in 2025 and Six Senses Lake Como in 2028. In the meantime, for more on the global Six Senses portfolio, or to book a stay, visit sixsenses.com.

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