Why is autumn an ideal time for a vacation? At this time of year, the clocks seem to stop for a while. Usually, summer returns for a last visit and leaves a few warm, sunny days. The trees take their most colorful dress out of the closet, the autumn sun bathes everything in its golden magic, and the last sun-ripened fruits are transformed into delicious dishes or excellent wine. Perhaps, this is the perfect time for a break in the mountains of Liguria, or a hike through the untouched nature of Piedmont? Or maybe it’s a good time for a reset – how about a detox treatment in paradisiacal surroundings? Enjoy the autumn in our Green Pearls® Hotels.

Golden autumn: Actively experiencing nature 

Those who like to spend time in nature usually take full advantage of the autumn season. A holiday in a biosphere reserve sounds great, doesn’t it? The Rhön is a paradise for recreational sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Pastures, forests, moorland, and orchards – there is much to discover! From the Wasserkuppe, the highest mountain of the Rhön, you have a breathtaking panoramic view. The landscape is protected as it is a sanctuary for rare animal and plant species. Something you can really appreciate and enjoy here is the peace and seclusion since the Rhön is not yet overly crowded. And right in the middle of it: the Biohotel Sturm. Hotel owner Matthias Schulze Dieckhoff will take you on a very special experience – discovering the Rhön from above. The experienced hobby pilot offers flights with his microlight aircraft. A real highlight! But a tour by mountain bike is also very worthwhile – the Rhön offers one of the largest mountain bike route networks in Germany. Those who prefer low-impact activities can enjoy walks in nature and take advantage of the wellness offers and yoga program at the hotel.

Piedmont is also a paradise for active travelers and mountain lovers. An insider tip is the Maira Valley, above Cuneo, in the middle of the pristine mountain landscape of the Alps. In autumn, when the air is fresh and clean, you can even see the highest mountain in Piedmont – Monviso, which at 3,840 meters stands out from the Alpine landscape. The Green Pearls® hotel, Locanda Mistral, offers the perfect accommodation in the region. Renato, the hotel operator is himself an enthusiastic and experienced mountain guide and will be happy to show you the most beautiful corners of his homeland. In cooperation with Giovanni, operator of the eco-village and Green Pearls® member Sagna Rotonda, the hotel offers a number of autumn specials. During full-day hikes, you will not only see breathtaking landscapes but also gain insights into the Occitan culture. In the evening, Giovanni and his wife will make homemade pizza using the Sagna Rotonda oven. Alternatively, there is an Occitan evening with a gourmet menu and wine tasting. Typical local delicacies that should not be missing from the menu in autumn are wild boar and chestnuts.

Detox: The perfect time for a reset 

Autumn is the perfect season for a reset with a detox treatment, and an ideal place for this is the OCÉANO Hotel Health Spa in Tenerife. The Green Pearls® hotel is located in the lush greenery in the northern region of the island, far away from mass tourism and directly on the Atlantic Ocean. The perfect place to switch off and relax. The fresh sea air, the warming autumn sun, and the relaxing energy of the sea offer the perfect setting for a F.X. Mayr detox treatment. This is primarily a fasting treatment that was developed to help detoxify and regenerate the intestines and strengthen the immune system. The hotel is one of the leading Mayr centers in Europe and offers a restaurant exclusively for Mayr guests, and an experienced team of doctors and therapists provide expert guidance throughout the course of your treatment. For relaxation and regeneration, the hotel also offers an excellent SPA area and a sauna area.

Those who prefer to stay in Germany will find excellent detox options at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. The health and wellness hotel with integrated Selfness Centre offers, among other things, therapeutic fasting according to Buchinger and alkaline fasting according to Wettke. The Selfness Centre also offers TCM therapy. Here you will find everything to benefit the overall well-being of the mind, body, and soul. In addition to an extensive range of culinary delights, detox treatments, and yoga, the hotel also offers a large spa area with a mineral thermal swimming pool and saunas. Here you can really relax and just enjoy yourself. The hotel is located in the beautiful Black Forest and in autumn the forest radiates its own mysticism and romance and it’s an ideal time for long, peaceful walks. Or perhaps you would also like to take part in a guided mushroom hike?

Culinary delights and relaxation in the mountains

Nestled between mountains and the sea, in the hinterland of Liguria and only a few kilometers from the glamorous beaches of the Italian Riviera, lies the dreamy village of Borgomaro. Here, village life and the landscape are still original and authentic, and time seems to stand still. But, in reality, a lot has actually happened here in recent years. Small Italian villages are increasingly at risk of disappearing as the younger generation makes the choice to move to the cities. It hurt Elena’s heart to see this, so she decided to raise an Albergo Diffuso in the village of her childhood, and so the Green Pearls® hotel Relais del Maro was born. The idea behind an Albergo Diffuso is to preserve old buildings and to revive the village center and local shops. You will stay either in the main residence or in one of the other homes scattered throughout the village. In this way, you will live next door to people who call the village home. Elena is well connected in the area and gets her vegetables from a nearby farmstead. Here you can get the best olive oil of the region, and the pastries are still baked by the village baker. The kitchen is run by grandmother Piera, she prepares delicious Ligurian dishes such as an excellent Torta Verde. Elena’s program includes guided walks with Luca, a photographer and nature guide, along with yoga courses and cooking classes at the “Cà Sottane” farmstead. You will definitely not be bored here! And the hinterland of Liguria, especially in autumn, is a wonderfully picturesque landscape that you certainly shouldn’t miss.

On the shores of Lake Weissensee in Austria, the highest bathing lake in the Alps, you will find the gourmet hotel, Genießerhotel Die Forelle. Here too, the landscape is beautiful during autumn. And the culinary offerings are no less remarkable! Hannes Müller, operator of the hotel-owned restaurant Weißensee is considered one of the top chefs of sustainable cuisine. His focus is on the use of high-quality regional and seasonal ingredients. This focus is also reflected in the cooking workshops. At one of the koch.work.shop.tage(cook.work.shop.days) in autumn, you will prepare a 3-course autumn menu, and during the cooking workshop Vorratsküche (Pantry Kitchen) you will practice the art of fermentation and preserving. The annual harvest festival is also worth mentioning. During the food festival “Farmer and Cook” in October, 10 chefs and their 10 favorite farmers along with regional winemakers and brewers all come together and the entire event is accompanied by live music!

This might also interest you: Long-distance hiking trails: Over the Alps, Tenerife and the Black Forest

DO YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? SHARE IT!