With Easter firmly upon us we are setting our sights on summer adventures and getting reacquainted with nature again, and here are three new recruits all dancing to that same beat! We start with a terrain of orchards, hills and rivers in France where you can stargaze from your very own transparent roofed dome. Next, we cross the Atlantic to the wine region of Oregon for an airstream adventure and perfectly quirky base from which to explore the nearby vineyards. Finally we head to an eco-paradise in Slovenia, with a selection of apartments both inspired by and surrounded by its greatest assets – its natural wonders.
Slowmoov Village des Monedieres, France
Live life in the Slowmoov lane and fall head over heels in love with nature again at this Green Holidays Guide recommended retreat in the Limousin region of France. The scenery here is sensational, surrounded by luscious greenery as far as the eye can see; a protected landscape of orchards, springs and rolling hills. The lodging options are equally inspired by nature, with wooden cabins, caravans and creatively styled Star Cubes with transparent roof domes that allow you to stargaze through the night – with the help of a handy telescope! There is even a cabin boat with the level of comfort of a four-star hotel, set on the river, and the site grounds include a heated indoor pool, sauna, play areas and no shortage of nature trails to explore – all the ingredients for holiday heaven!
Wind back the clock and get immersed in retro Americana courtesy of The Vintages – an other-worldly retro trailer resort nestled in the heart of Willamette Valley, Oregon’s Wine Country region. Here you will find an impressive 31-strong array of incredible vintage airstreams from the 40s, 50s and 60s, as well as some fascinating Neutrons that were built by the owners themselves, so you can guarantee you won’t see these anywhere else! The trailers have been equipped to assure comfort and convenience, including climate control, modern TVs and even L’Occitane amenities. Once you have chosen your own slice of retro heaven all that remains is to take a dip in the onsite pool, maybe fire up the grill in your own private space or explore the neighbouring vineyards and natural scenery.
Our final stop is the rather fitting natural wonderland that is Slovenia, and the ‘stars of nature’ and eco-apartments that comprise Ortenia. Set above the village of Podcetrtek and its iconic castle on a flower-strewn hill, this is a true natural sanctuary in which to revive and recharge the batteries. The studio apartments themselves are futuristic and individually styled from natural materials in harmony with their surroundings, including bamboo blankets, wooden candlesticks, oak furniture and handmade fabrics. Each also comes with its own private garden and terrace, and spa lovers will also find themselves very much at home in the Finnish sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi found onsite. Activities nearby include wine tasting, golf, horse riding and hot air ballooning – that’s if you can tear yourself away from the beautiful grounds!