Armchair travel: in the mountains

Not only are mountains beautiful to look at, but they can also bring positivity to different aspects of a person's life. Because of this, there are many reasons why you may want to plan your 2021 getaway to the mountains.

Mountains offer us a sense of inner peace, relaxation, and calmness. As a result, individuals suffering from stress or anxiety typically feel better when they are surrounded by the sights and sounds of the mountains. Furthermore, mountain air is also filled with beneficialsecondary metabolites that come from the abundance of plants and trees. These secondary metabolites provide plants with their distinct aromas while also providing a range of health benefits to humans. For example, lavender, commonly found at the tops of mountains, has been shown to promote good sleep.  

Today we are transporting ourselves to these properties located in the mountains - the perfect way to ease the mind and heal the soul...

Tschuggen Grand Hotel, Arosa 
The majestic landscape of Arosa offers solace and adventure for an active summer getaway. Have a go at wild swimming in the lakes or cycle through the mountain passes whilst breathing in the fresh air. If you want to explore further, take a picnic for lunch over a hike or sleep under the stars at the top of the Weisshorn mountain. 

Globally acknowledged as one of the most forward-thinking environmental hotel groups, and affiliated with Earth Matters, the iconic Tschuggen Grand Hotel, the group's flagship offers welcome respite at the end of an active day with the 5000m2  Mario Botta-designed Bergoase Spa and Michelin-starred dining in La Vetta restaurant. The therapeutic effect of nature on physical and mental health lies at the heart of this Swiss town, which was first established as a health resort by German doctors in 1883. 

Visit https://tschuggen.ch/en

Das Central, Sölden 
In the Austrian Ötztal valley, enjoy a range of scenic hiking and biking routes - varying from leisurely walks and rides through idyllic pasturelands and alpine lakes or enjoy challenging peak conquests or mountain hut tours. 

Soelden is also home to AREA 47 – Europe's largest adventure park, with rafting, wakeboarding, a high rope course and zipline. Stay at Das Central offering 121 individually designed rooms and suites, four restaurants and a 3-storey spa with of variety of thermal cabins. 

Visit https://www.central-soelden.com/en/

Hotel Sassongher, Corvara 
For fitness enthusiasts, find a new challenge in the mountains with skyrunning in Corvara. Challenge yourself with mountain running trails over 6,600 ft, where high altitude combined with slopes at a gradient of more than 30% provides the ultimate fitness test. 

After spending your morning running along stunning trails and taking in the panoramic views, afternoons can be spent at Hotel Sassongher, a traditional South Tyrolean family-owned hotel located in the heart of Alta Badia.  

Visit https://www.sassongher.it/en/