Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a luxury weekend break. Indulge in a luxurious countryside retreat with wonderful charm and elegance for the weekend.
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Everyone needs a luxury weekend break at one point or another. Escape daily life by heading to a countryside retreat of your dreams. Leave the stress of everyday life at home and relax.
Whether you’re looking for charming little villages, beautiful picturesque landscapes with vineyards and mountains, or looking for a divine dining experience, these countryside getaways offer a perfect blend of indulgence and relaxation for everyone.
Explore the best luxury weekend breaks with these countryside retreats. Includes The Cotswolds in England, Napa Valley in California, Tuscany in Italy, Provence in France, Hudson Valley in New York, and many more. For more luxury weekend breaks in coastal havens see the post “THE ULTIMATE WEEKEND BREAKS LUXURY COASTAL HAVENS YOU’LL LOVE“. For city escapes see the post “THE ULTIMATE LUXURY WEEKEND BREAKS IN THE BEST CITY ESCAPES“.
This post is all about the best luxury weekend break: Countryside Retreats.
The Ultimate Luxury Weekend Break – Countryside Retreats
The Cotswolds, England
The first amazing luxury weekend break is at The Cotswold in England. The Cotswold is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is also known as one of England’s most charming villages and countryside retreats. This luxurious escape has divine greenery, beautiful stone cottages, and the cutest villages to explore.
There is so much to do in Cotswold like exploring the villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the–Wold, and Bibury. These villages have beautiful streets you can walk through and enjoy some boutiques and coffee shops. Cotswold also has a wildlife park with gardens. There are many different animals to see and stunning gardens to explore. You could also visit Blenheim Palace which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has lots of history around it.
Napa Valley, California
Another great luxury countryside retreat is Napa Valley in California. Napa Valley is famous for its world-class wineries and vineyards. It also has stunning landscapes with beautiful luxury accommodations and exquisite cuisine options. The most famous thing to do in Napa Valley is wine tours and tastings. With over 400 wineries in the region, you can really go anywhere for an exclusive wine experience.
There are lots of other things to do in Napa Valley, California as well. You could take a hot air balloon ride and take in the views of Napa Valley from above. This is a unique experience and the views are just mesmerizing. Also, be sure to enjoy some gourmet dining options as well. There are many Michelin-star restaurants in the area as well as lots of casual dining options. For the perfect relaxing weekend getaway, you need to check into a luxurious spa and wellness center where you can enjoy hot springs and relaxing massages.
Napa Valley also has many outdoor activities to enjoy including hiking through the Valley or even cycling through the trails. There are many golf courses to enjoy all with stunning views all around. Enjoy some retail therapy by checking out the shops in Downtown St. Helena as well.
The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands is another great place to take a luxury weekend break. This countryside retreat has dramatic mountains, and rugged landscapes that are amazing to see. The area is full of rich history, and one-of-a-kind natural beauty, and has lots of luxurious amenities and accommodations.
Explore the Great Glen which has many lochs and glens all around, and includes the famous Loch Ness. Enjoy some divine hiking throughout the highlands paradise. Hike to the highest peak in the UK by climbing the trails of Ben Nevis. Or hike through Cairngorms National Park. The Scottish Highlands are full of historic castles and historic sites that you need to check out. Visit the iconic Urquhart Castle or Eilean Donan. There is also lots of wildlife in this area and you could do a guided safari tour to see golden eagles, deer, otters, and so much more.
While in the Scottish Highlands enjoy some amazing dining features. Also, enjoy a world-class spa like the Cameron House on Loch Lomond which has a rooftop infinity pool and lots of luxurious spa treatments.
The Lake District, England
A stunning luxury countryside retreat is The Lake District in England. The Lake District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has many beautiful lakes, stunning mountains, and cute charming villages. This is a beautiful serene and luxurious weekend escape. The best thing to do here is explore the Lake District by going on lake cruises. Enjoy a glass of wine while touring the beautiful lakeside villages and picturesque landscapes.
There are many hiking and walking trails to take in the Lake District. Some of the most popular trail includes Scafell Pike which is the highest peak in England. Explore the historic medieval ruins of Furness Abbey, Muncaster Castle, and Levens Hall. There are also many water sports to enjoy here like paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and more.
Tuscany, Italy
A divine luxury weekend break in the countryside is Tuscany in Italy. Tuscany is filled with amazing vineyards, rolling hills, and beautiful historic little towns, and is known as one of Italy’s most relaxing regions. Tuscany offers a luxurious escape where you can indulge in some fine wine, limoncello desserts, the best homemade-style cuisine, and one-of-a-kind landscapes.
Wine-tasting tours are a must-do while visiting Tuscany. Located only 20 miles from Florence, Tuscany is home to over 400 wineries and is known as one of the most famous wine regions in Europe. The main wine-growing areas in Tuscany are Chianti, Montalcino, and Montepulciano. Explore the historic towns nearby like the streets of Florence and Siena. Also visit famous landmarks like the Duomo di Siena, the Uffizi Gallery, and more.
The Tuscany and Florence regions are great places to do some cooking classes to learn how to make traditional Italian dishes with local fresh ingredients. Make pasta, pesto, homemade marinara, homemade seasonings, and so much more. Definitely a great unique experience you’ll love. There are also hot air balloon rides available in the Tuscany area that you should check out to see all the Tuscan vineyards from above, this is truly a magical view and experience.
Provence, France
Another great luxury weekend break is Provence, France. Provence is located in the South of France and it is just a stunning region. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful lavender fields, and adorable villages. Provence has lots of rich history and many luxurious amenities for you to enjoy. This is the perfect place for a serene and indulgent relaxing weekend.
The Lavender Fields are of one the most mesmerizing sights in Provence. The blooming season is around late June to early August. Visitors from all over the world come to see the dreamy lavender fields and the natural beauty. Lavender has calming and therapeutic properties which is why this area is also famous for producing natural soaps, oils, food, and more.
Visit the historic villages of Gordes, Roussillon, and Les Baux-de-Provence. Each of these villages has charming cobblestone streets and local boutiques for you to visit. There are also many wine-tasting tours to enjoy here in Provence and cooking classes to join, all prepared by local chefs.
Blue Mountains, Australia
The Blue Mountains in Australia are located close to Sydney and are famous for their beautiful dramatic scenery, lush forests, and sandstone cliffs. This region is a World Heritage-listed area and has so much one-of-a-kind natural beauty. The area has so much adventure and luxury making it a great luxury weekend break.
Ride the Scenic World Railway which is the steepest passenger railway in the world it takes you through the rainforest and the mountains and it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can see panoramic views of Katoomba Falls and the Jamison Valley. Explore the hiking and nature trails to see the stunning views. There are easy and harder trails to take depending on your experience levels.
Be sure to see the Jenolan Caves which are ancient limestone caves and they are also one of the oldest cave systems in the world. See the underground rivers, unique formations, and crystal-clear pools. There is also a lot of wildlife in the area and you can see kangaroos, koalas, and so many more animals.
Bavarian Alps, Germany
The Bavarian Alps in Germany are famous for their beautiful mountains, charming villages, and rich culture. This area is an ideal setting for a luxury weekend break. Has lots of outdoor adventures, many historical sites, and some of the best luxurious accommodations.
Check out the Neuschwanstein Castle which is a very fairytale and it is also one of Germany’s most famous castles and landmarks. You can take a guided tour through the castle and enjoy the stunning views from within. Take a cable car ride up to the highest peak in Germany, Zugspitze. When at the top you can enjoy some of the most stunning panoramic views of the Alps. Enjoy some hiking trails and enjoy the beautiful nature. Visit Berchtesgaden National Park where you can see crystal-clear lakes, beautiful landscapes of mountains and forests, and unique wildlife all around. Enjoy some world-class spas in the area like Schloss Elmau Spa and Kempinski Spa both of which have indoor pools and saunas for you to enjoy.
Cape Winelands, South Africa
A unique luxury countryside retreat is Cape Winelands in South Africa. Located just outside of Cape Town this is one of South Africa’s most famous and most beautiful wine regions. It has remarkable historic estates, stunning vineyards, and gourmet cuisine, and is an ideal place for a luxury weekend break.
First off you have to enjoy some wine tastings and tours here. This region is home to some of the best wineries in the world and you can enjoy some private tasting at world-renowned wineries like Spier Wine Farm, Vergelegen, and more. Also, see the process of winemaking for some award-winning wines. Explore the historic towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek. Indulge in some gourmet dining while enjoying the region’s fine wine.
Hudson Valley, New York, USA
Hudson Valley is located in New York State just north of New York City. This region is known for its beautiful historic estates, amazing landscapes, and exquisite art scene. The area has lots of natural beauty and many stunning luxury accommodations for you to enjoy.
Hudson Valley is famous for many historic Estates. Check out the Vanderbilt Mansion, Kykuit which is the Rockefeller Estate, and the Lyndhurst Mansion. You can get guided tours through all of these Estates and get a glimpse of the area’s rich history. The art and culture scene here is pretty grand and you can enjoy the Contemporary Art Museum, Storm King Art Centre which is an outdoor sculpture museum, or the Hudson River Museum.
Also enjoy some outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking. Explore the wine and distillery tours in the region and enjoy some fine dining. Also, visit the Culinary Institute of America in Hudson Valley. There are also many luxurious spas and wellness centers to enjoy.
Barossa Valley, Australia
Barossa Valley is located in the south of Australia and it is known as one of the world’s leading wine regions. It has the most amazing gourmet cuisine, a rich cultural heritage, and some of the world’s most fine wines. This is a spectacular place for a luxury weekend break. Spend your days enjoying the one-of-a-kind wineries, walking through the fascinating historic towns, relaxing in the most luxurious accommodations, and so much more.
You can sign up for some unique wine tasting and tours like doing a private tasting at Jacob’s Creek or Penfolds. See how the entire wine-making process is done and sample a large variety of some of the world’s best wines. You could also enjoy a hot air balloon ride in Barossa Valley and see all the vineyards from above, and then after landing, you could have a luxurious champagne breakfast. The charming towns of Angaston, Tanunda, and Nuriootpa are some of the most popular ones and you could enjoy museums here, some fine dining, boutique shopping, and more.
Also, check out the Endota Spa at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort. This spa has amazing massages, facials, body wraps, and a large range of treatments. Another great spa to check out is the Jacobs Creek Retreat Spa. This spa has many personalized treatments available and uses all-natural and organic products. Truly amazing!
This post was all about the ultimate luxury weekend break in the best countryside retreats.
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