This summer, when the city streets shimmer under relentless heatwaves and the nights refuse to cool, the call of cooler climes grows louder. Escape the urban oven for a breath of crisp mountain air, the gentle lap of lake waters, or the whisper of ancient woodlands. Our guide to cool escapes at historic hotels uncovers timeless retreats where history breathes through stone walls and old trees, and every detail invites you to unwind deeply — from feather-soft linens to shaded terraces with panoramic views. Whether you’re seeking a serene lakeside manor or a Georgian country house by the sea, these are the places where the air feels fresher, the nights are truly restful, and the pace slows to welcome summer’s gentler rhythm.
Poland: Pałac Wojanów
Romantic refuge in the Karkonosze Mountains
In the shadow of Poland’s highest peak, Śnieżka, the majestic Pałac Wojanów rises from 16 hectares of lush parkland, its stone facades whispering stories since 1281. This romantic manor house blends centuries of history with a quiet modernity — an invitation to pause, breathe, and soak in the mountain air, cool and fragrant with pine and wildflowers. Inside, each of the five buildings offers individually styled rooms where antique charm meets thoughtful comfort; crisp linens promise a night’s rest undisturbed by the city’s heat.
The spa beckons with its 18-meter swimming pool, a steamy sauna, and rituals inspired by centuries-old traditions — imagine slipping into warm waters scented with herbs, steam rising gently as tension melts away. Dining at the Garden Restaurant is a sumptuous affair, set amid interiors that recall Princess Louise’s and Prince Frederick of the Netherlands (who resided here during the Romantic era) refined tastes, while the terrace presents sweeping views over the historic park and distant peaks. Whether celebrating a wedding, hosting a business retreat, or simply seeking sanctuary from summer’s scorch, Pałac Wojanów offers an unforgettable cool embrace.
Ireland: Rathmullan House, Donegal
Atlantic breezes and Georgian grace
Where the wild Atlantic meets the rugged coastline of Donegal, Rathmullan House stands proud, a Georgian country house where warm hospitality and tranquil surroundings combine effortlessly. Set on seven acres of wooded gardens and just a stone’s throw from the 3km stretch of golden sands along Lough Swilly, this family-run retreat is a haven for those craving fresh sea air and gentle, restorative rhythms.
Wake to the sound of waves and seabirds, step outside to the salty tang of the Atlantic breeze, and stroll beneath towering trees rustling softly in the wind. The house’s interiors blend classic elegance with cosy touches — imagine sinking into a deep armchair by the fire after a day exploring the Wild Atlantic Way’s breathtaking cliffs and beaches. Whether rekindling romance or making memories with family and friends, Rathmullan House is a place to slow down, enjoy long summer evenings, and feel the city’s heat melt away.
Sweden: Wallby Säteri Resort
Lakeside calm and Nordic tranquillity
Hidden amid the gently rolling forests and shimmering lakes of the Swedish countryside, Wallby Säteri Resort offers a peaceful retreat where the pace slows and nature’s cool embrace soothes the senses. Here, centuries-old manor charm meets the fresh simplicity of Scandinavian design — think authentic wood-clad cabins, airy rooms filled with natural light, and soft textiles that invite you to unwind.
Step outside to find walking trails that thread through quiet woodland and along the sparkling shores of Lake Skirösjön, where the fresh, pine-scented breeze mingles with the crisp air rising off the water. The lakeside sauna is a highlight, where the heat is followed by a refreshing plunge into the cool lake, a ritual that refreshes the body and sharpens the mind. Dining at Wallby focuses on local, seasonal flavours — wild berries, fresh fish, and crisp vegetables — served with the understated elegance that defines Nordic hospitality. There’s no fixed menu, just honest, generous dishes served best shared. It’s a sanctuary for those seeking summer’s cool, slow moments, far from the city’s relentless heat.
Northern Ireland: Dromore House
Georgian elegance by the rugged coast
Set in the rolling countryside of Northern Ireland, yet just a short drive from the dramatic cliffs and ancient ruins of the Causeway Coast, Dromore House is a Georgian country house that feels like a step back in time — but with all the comforts you crave on a hot summer’s day. Crisp Egyptian cotton sheets, stylish bedrooms with sleek bathrooms, and open fireplaces offer both luxury and welcome respite.
The gardens here provide a peaceful retreat all their own, with mature trees shading woodland paths and sweeping views across the countryside. Take time to wander, pause by the orchard, or settle beside the kitchen garden with a book, soaking up the stillness. The grounds are a gentle sanctuary for local wildlife — hares, badgers, foxes, and hedgehogs make frequent visits, while each year migratory birds return to nest, often in the same spots, filling spring and summer days with birdsong. It’s a place of quiet renewal, alive with nature’s rhythms throughout every season.
Mornings might begin with soft light filtering through tall sash windows, and a quiet moment with coffee in the leafy gardens before venturing out to nearby wonders — the honey-hued limestone of Mussenden Temple perched above the sea, the haunting beauty of Downhill House, or the iconic basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway. For Game of Thrones fans, the landscape is an open-air set of epic vistas and secret coves. After a day of exploring, return to the house and sink into the warm atmosphere of open fires and gracious hospitality. While dinner is not served on site, local pubs and eateries nearby offer delicious, locally sourced fare — perfect for sampling the tastes of the Causeway Coast. Here, summer is a time to explore and unwind in equal measure, wrapped in the generous welcome of an Irish country house.
Switzerland: Chesa Grischuna
A cool alpine retreat steeped in Hollywood glamour
When the city bakes under summer heat, escape to the crisp mountain air of Klosters and the timeless elegance of Chesa Grischuna. This iconic 1930s manor, lovingly crafted from warm Swiss pine and local materials, offers a serene alpine sanctuary where the air is fresh and the pace slows.
Since opening in 1938, Chesa Grischuna earned its nickname “Hollywood on the rocks” by hosting stars like Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn, Bing Crosby, and Gene Kelly — whose legendary tap dance on the Chesa Bar is still whispered about today. The guest book, kept under lock and velvet gloves, preserves this glamorous legacy.
Designed by Zurich architect Hermann Schneider, the hotel has preserved much of its original charm — from the wood-panelled rooms and furniture to the richly detailed interiors — while recent restorations have gently modernised the facilities, earning it a fourth star in 2024.
Summer days here are a breath of fresh mountain air. Relax on the terrace with a sparkling champagne or a cooling beer beneath murals by celebrated painters Carigiet and Schöllhorn, or savour homemade pasta in the lively Pastabar where tradition and conviviality meet. The gourmet restaurant, led by Austrian-born chef Ronald Fressner, celebrates the region’s bounty with scratch-made dishes and locally sourced ingredients, offering a true taste of Prättigau in every bite.
Here, summer’s heat feels worlds away, replaced by cool mountain breezes and nights that invite deep, refreshing sleep.