The Lake Escape: Experience a Lakeside Adventure With These Mesmerizing Stays on Tripeden.com
Whether travelers prefer to be at one with nature, admire breathtaking surroundings or feel alive on the shores of shimmering water, they need look no further than a lakeside destination. With three quarters (75%)* travelers agreeing that being close to water instantly makes them feel more relaxed, we have dived into our deep pool of properties to share some must-see travel destinations with stunning lakeside views.
Lake Annecy, Annecy, France
The third largest lake in France, Lake Annecy lies just to the south of the picturesque alpine town of Annecy – the ‘Venice of the Alps’. The town, which dates back to medieval times, is dotted with colorful canal houses and bridges decorated with flowers that line its three canals and the Thiou river that runs through. Located in the Haute-Savoie region bordering Italy and Switzerland, the town and lake, with its crystal clear waters, are a magnet for summer crowds and watersport fans while the nearby peaks, including the famous Mont Blanc, attract walkers and climbers. Visitors looking to explore beyond the lake can enjoy the Annecy Walking Tour that reveals the charm and character of the town, including its historic sights, such as the 12th century Palais de l’Ise, the Chateau d'Annecy and the Pont des Amours.
Where to stay: Overlooking the glistening waters of Lake Annecy is Les Ô d'Annecy, nestled within woodland surroundings. The guesthouse is set in one of the city’s most historic buildings, Saint-Jorioz, with guests able to make the most of the communal garden space, indoor pool and onsite yoga classes. Visitors staying in the charming property are encouraged to soak up the panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, while indulging in a fabulous selection of a la carté and continental breakfast options that can be enjoyed on their balcony.
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand
Regarded as one of New Zealand’s prettiest locations, Queenstown is home to breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife, thrilling activities and the country’s longest lake, Lake Wakatipu. Nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World”, many of Queenstown’s visitors and adrenaline junkies find themselves heading to the lake for skydiving, skiing, paragliding and bungee jumping. While an adventure playground, Lake Wakatipu also offers much for zen travelers to admire too, with picturesque hikes up and down the coast, scenic boat trips and must-visit attractions including Skyline Queenstown, Coronet Peak and Queenstown Gardens. Whether coming to Queenstown for a relaxing holiday or to feel a rush, visitors can try the TSS Earnslaw Scenic Boat Cruise or a Moa Zipline Experience overlooking the blue waters of the lake.
Where to stay: Looking for a lake view property to stay in Queenstown? The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments offers guests spectacular lakeside views with private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows in each room. With Queenstown lying close to the center of the world’s most southerly wine region, visitors can take advantage of the property’s Bordeaux Wine Lounge, while the hotel’s restaurant True South Dining offers international and local cuisine day or night.
Lake Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
Located in the German-speaking part of Switzerland is Lucerne, the most populated city in central Switzerland and also home to the “Lake of the Four Forested Settlements”, Lake Lucerne. With a surrounding landscape similar to Scandinavian fjords, Lake Lucerne offers travelers daily boating excursions, cable car trips into the clouds and city tours. Lying on the shores of the lake, the city has much to offer visitors culturally and socially, including the sights of Chapel Bridge, Lucerne Old Town and the gothic architecture of Hofkirche St. Leodegar. To capture all the spectacular sights, travelers can take the Mount Pilatus Sightseeing Tour. From ascending the mountain via a cable car gondola with panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped alps to a one-hour boat cruise on Lake Lucerne during summer months, this tour is the perfect excursion to see the beauty that Lake Lucerne has to offer.
Where to stay: On the banks of Lake Lucerne is The Seehotel Sternen, in picturesque Horw Bay. Surrounded by unforgettable mountain views, this charming hotel hosts 25 rooms, all with balconies overlooking the turquoise waters and rocky landscape. The natural surroundings provide hotel guests with an array of activities, including hiking on numerous walking paths, swimming in the natural bays of Lake Lucerne, boat rides and sports such as tennis and golf.
Lake Bled, Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural sights and Bled is one of its most picturesque towns. Located in the northwest of the country, it lies next to Lake Bled, whose exquisite glacial waters are a draw for visitors from across the globe. Perched on a rock overlooking the lake is the popular Bled Castle, with tiny islands surrounding the historic landmark. Travelers can find much to enjoy where they can soak up the stunning views, such as a walk in the mountains on a Panoramic Hike in Julian Alps or searching for secluded swimming spots, while those looking for adventure can try a Rafting Experience. Indulge in the locally grown produce with this Two-hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience or, for those activity enthusiasts whether swimming or hiking or just looking for somewhere to rest and recuperate, Lake Bled should please most travelers.
Where to stay: One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Grand Hotel Toplice features spectacular views of Lake Bled and the Alps. All rooms and suites in the property come with a balcony overlooking the waters, while a wellness center equipped with a thermal pool, saunas and various beauty and wellness treatments help guests to relax in their surroundings even further.
Lake Nahuel Huapí, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
In the Río Negro province of Argentina in the foothills of the Andes lies the glacial Lake Nahuel Huapí with the city of San Carlos de Bariloche on its southern shores. Regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, Nahuel Huapi’s blue waters are beautifully clear and with its islands and surrounding mountainous landscape, is one of the most attractive destinations in Patagonia. Located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, visitors can enjoy popular attractions in the area such as the peaks of Cerro Campanario and Cerro Catedral, each within a short drive of the lake, while keen hikers who enjoy a challenge are rewarded with stunning views from the renowned mountain hut, Refugio Frey. Travelers can also discover why San Carlos is one of the biggest winter sports resorts in South America, and find out how it got its name as the artisan chocolate capital of Argentina.
Where to stay: Set in San Carlos de Bariloche, Llao Llao Resort, Golf Spa offers breathtaking views of the surrounding lake waters and mountains. The resort is ideal for the whole family to enjoy and boasts a fitness center, a shared lounge, gardens to explore and a children’s playground as well as a kids’ club to keep the little ones entertained. Two popular tourist spots, Parque Nahuelito and Serena Bay are both located within a short drive of the property.
*Travel Predictions 2024 research commissioned by Tripeden.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,730 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1008 from Argentina, 1012 from Australia, 505 from Austria, 1001 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1009 from Canada, 1009 from China, 1002 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 504 from Denmark, 1011 from France, 1011 from Germany, 1016 from Hong Kong, 1004 from India, 510 from Ireland, 504 from Israel, 1014 from Italy, 1004 from Japan, 1009 from Mexico, 1014 from The Netherlands, 1015 from New Zealand, 500 from Portugal, 502 from Singapore, 1010 from South Korea, 1009 from Spain, 502 from Sweden, 507 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1003 from Thailand, 502 from the UAE, 1007 from the UK, 1005 from the US and 1007 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July 2023.
**Endorsement data from Tripeden.com based on the most recommended and relevant destinations by global travelers for lakes