It's time to bundle up, but also to enjoy a steaming soup in the snow, bathe in a heated pool overlooking the Cantabrian countryside, or stroll through Europe's best craft markets. The key is to change the scenery.
Located in Wenceslas Square, right in the heart of the Czech capital, the W Prague is a new excuse to visit Kafka's city. Because W hotels, with a focus on design and modern luxury, are always exciting. The Art Nouveau-style building was already a gem in itself, but the intervention of different architecture and design studios has created an accommodation with many visually stunning corners. It has 161 rooms and suites, such as the Wow Bohemia Duplex... stunning.
The Art Nouveau facade of the new hotel.
Morasverdes, art in Campo Charro
Opened a year ago in the Salamanca countryside, the Morasverdes center of the Maria Cristina Masaveu Peterson Foundation (FMCMP) is a cultural space with works by the leading representatives of land art, as well as by top international artists such as Marina Abramovic, Anish Kapoor, or the Spaniards Agustín Ibarrola and Cristina Iglesias, among many others. There are always scheduled activities, but during holidays, they also offer family workshops and guided tours.
Lapland and Salzburg, now with direct flights
Christmas markets, snow sports like skiing or sleigh rides, and enjoying the magic of Christmas by visiting Santa Claus's hometown. All of this is possible in cities like Salzburg and Innsbruck in Austria; Tromso in Norway; and Rovaniemi in Lapland, four experts in offering travelers the best winter experience. These are also the four destinations to which Iberia has just launched two weekly frequencies (four in the case of Rovaniemi) until March.
The Austrian city of Salzburg, with its castle in the background.SHUTTERSTOCK
Cantabria: Getaway to an antique hotel
Every object and corner of the Palacio de la Helguera, the Cantabrian manor turned into an adults-only hotel, catches the eye. Furniture from different parts of the world, collectible tableware, sumptuous fabrics... Every detail has been chosen by the owner of this 17th-century palace in the middle of the Cantabrian countryside, the interior designer Malales Martínez. Moreover, some of the exhibited antiques are for sale. This is one of the attractions of this hotel with only 11 rooms. Another one is its chef Renzo Orbegoso and his proposal of seasonal dishes with a Cantabrian touch. Many travelers, however, will prefer to spend hours by the pool and fireplace, who said they couldn't be together?
Pool at the Palacio de la Helguera overlooking the Pasiegos valleys.
Baqueira: Ready, set... après-ski
You have to be prepared for when Baqueira gets covered in snow, something that can happen at any time. Because the slopes are waiting for us, but to experience après-ski, planning is necessary. After its debut last season, Fandando Baqueira has reopened its doors in Salardú, in the heart of the Aran Valley and just three kilometers from the ski lifts, to treat us to a mountain culinary delight. Think onion soup with valley cheese, lentils with foie gras, or duck meatballs... The offer is complemented with live music, DJs, and themed events.