Temperatures chilling, sweaters finding their way to the front of the closet and cozy flavored beverages all mean one thing: fall is here. It’s also the time of year where the hallmark fall foliage is highly anticipated. Here are a few top destinations around the globe for catching the beautiful, changing leaves:
Niseko Village, Japan
Resting at the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village is considered one of the best places on Hokkaido to see vibrant fall foliage. Most days are clear and sunny with low rainfall and humidity, making it the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities. Travelers can hike, bike, golf, explore the local market streets, and even raft down the Shiribetsu River to admire the changing surroundings. In terms of of accommodations, Hilton Niseko Village is a haven for travelers with an affinity for nature, especially during the fall. The property offers hot springs, an amazing culinary scene, access to extensive trails, and deep historical roots in the local culture all with amazing views of the colorful changing leaves.
Stratton, Vermont
Luxury property and travel club THIRDHOME has a variety of homes available up and down the East Coast, including this Stratton Mountain Contemporary Home in Winhall, Vermont. Set on the highest peak in southern Vermont, this Stratton Mountain home offers breathtaking views of the 46-acre estate and the surrounding countryside. Guests will delight in the variety of hiking and biking trails available on site, an ideal site for taking in the fall foliage. The home, which easily can accommodate 10 guests across 5,500 square feet, features an open floor plan and chef’s kitchen. The exquisite outdoor space has a fire pit and outdoor kitchen, a perfect place for families to unwind after long day of outdoor fall activities.
Arosa, Switzerland
Autumn is an excellent time to visit Switzerland as the fall brings amazing colors to the changing landscapes. The weather is cooler - with the occasional snowflake - and the Alps are full of scenic cloudscapes of all colors. Located just a few hours outside of Zurich, Arosa is a charming mountain town perfect for catching the fall foliage. Visitors can hike and bike the area’s Alpine trails, take a boat out on one of the many lakes, enjoy yoga and other exercise classes on the mountains, visit the Arosa Bear Sanctuary, and more.
Fall travelers to Arosa are invited to stay at the Valsana Hotel and Apartments, inspired by nature and the surrounding Alps. The property boasts 49 rooms and apartments, a spa and a lobby, lounge and restaurant that seamlessly bend together to create a rustic, open concept giving the stunning fall Alpine backdrop center stage throughout the hotel. Each room at the Valsana also comes with a large balcony offering panoramic views and the hotel spa’s pool and relax rooms have giant picture windows to take in the breathtaking sights and changing leaves.
Provence, France
Fall is an excellent time to visit Provence and discover the aesthetic beauty that takes hold of the region for the season. The daytime temperatures are fairly warm and enjoyable, ranging from high 70’s to mid 50s degrees Fahrenheit from September to November. Seasonal fall experiences in Provence include grape harvesting, truffle hunting, porcini and chanterelles picking, chestnut gathering, and hiking cycling to explore the golden countryside.
Hotel Crillon le Brave, a Maisons Pariente property, is the ultimate hideaway for travelers looking for a provincial French fall experience. Against a backdrop of hypnotically beautiful landscapes sits a wonderful labyrinth of 17th and 18th century buildings, where Crillon Le Brave literally merges with the landscape, consisting of around ten ancient Génoise-tiled houses that were acquired over time since 1989. Crillon le Brave offers guests 16 guest rooms/18 guest suites, a rustic spa, two gourmet restaurants, climbing plant gardens, an outdoor heated swimming pool, a terraced pétanque court, and a friendly concierge to arrange experiences to explore the dramatic region.