Enticed by Europe this summer, but still deciding where to go? From Scottish golfing and Swiss lake swimming to Monte Carlo luxury and Turkish bazaars, Fairmont has you covered.
History, Hiking and Golf in St Andrews
Famed for its sweeping stretches of sand, 15th-century university and championship golf courses, St Andrews is a delightful town that’s packed with history. You can explore the ruined medieval cathedral or take a peek into the bottle dungeon of St Andrews Castle. Alternatively, go for a jog along the shore at West Sands (seen in the movie Chariots of Fire), then track down Prince William and Kate’s favorite student haunts.
A hike along the Fife Coastal Path is a terrific way to enjoy the dramatic surrounding scenery. The 14.5-mile section from Cambo Sands to Leuchars passes through St Andrews and takes in rugged cliffs, rocky outcrops and panoramic sea views. Treat yourself to a well-deserved cone afterwards at Jannettas Gelateria, a local institution since 1908.
Just outside town, Fairmont St Andrews is an elegant seaside retreat with a choice of spacious rooms, suites and villas. Guests can tee off on two world-class courses, The Torrance and The Kittocks, and unwind at the hotel spa, whose signature “Escape to the Meadows” treatment is sure to leave you feeling revitalized.
Lake Dips, Biking and Fancy Watches in Geneva
With its gorgeous lakeside setting and spectacular mountain views, Geneva is a cosmopolitan city where you’ll feel truly connected to nature. For an invigorating start to your day, take a dip at the Bains des Pâquis, public baths built on a pier with a swimming beach, saunas and a hammam. A popular bike ride is the 16-km route to the centuries-old village of Hermance, part of the longer Tour du Léman.
Switzerland is renowned for its high-quality watches, and you can browse an astonishing horological collection at the Patek Philippe Museum. Covering five centuries of watchmaking, the exhibition displays exquisite timepieces created by the Patek Philippe brand as well as antique European watches dating to the 16th century.
Overlooking the lake, Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva is in the heart of the city, putting you within walking distance of upscale boutiques and relaxing summer cruises. Featuring a large indoor heated pool and fabulous gourmet restaurants, it’s the perfect base for your Swiss break.
Sunbathing, Gardens and Villas in Monte Carlo
If you’re looking for a glamorous stay on the Côte d’Azur, look no further than Fairmont Monte Carlo. A short stroll from the principality’s belle époque casino, this resort is the ultimate Riviera getaway. In summer, the action centers on Nikki Beach, the hotel’s chic rooftop club where you can lounge poolside on luxe day beds over cocktails and lunch.
Tiny Monaco may be densely populated, but you’ll find tranquil pockets of greenery tucked among the principality’s soaring apartment towers. Close to the hotel, the Japanese Garden blends traditional features like bamboo hedges, a pond and a teahouse with Mediterranean plants such as olive and pomegranate trees. In the Fontvieille quarter, the Princess Grace Rose Garden is a memorial to the film-star wife of Prince Rainier III and features an incredible 6,000 rosebushes.
A wander around the Moneghetti district leads you along winding, hilly streets past handsome early-20th-century villas. One example is Villa Paloma, now a branch of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco. Pop inside to view eye-catching art, then step into the terraced garden for unforgettable Mediterranean vistas.
Mosques, Bazaars and Gourmet Cakes in Istanbul
You’ll experience a captivating mix of European and Asian culture in Istanbul, a dynamic metropolis where the two continents collide. From elaborately decorated mosques to lavish palaces, this mesmerizing city is rich in historical sites. Hopping on a ferry across the Bosphorus is one of the best ways to take it all in.
For souvenir shopping, bring your best bargaining skills and immerse yourself in the city’s markets. The Grand Bazaar is a labyrinthine sprawl of shops selling carpets, jewelry and pottery, while the Egyptian Bazaar has stalls heaped with colorful spices and Turkish sweets. You can rummage through stacks of textbooks and secondhand novels at Sahaflar Çarşısı, the city’s book bazaar.
Within easy reach of Istanbul’s top attractions, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul offers luxurious rooms and exceptional service. Enjoy magnificent views of the Bosphorus and city skyline from the Ukiyo infinity pool, then indulge in delicate cakes paired with fruity teas at in-house patisserie Demlique by Tonka. Finish your day with a traditional Turkish hammam treatment in the Willow Stream Spa.
Ready to create memories in Europe this summer? Book with Fairmont today.