Grape and olive harvesting at Castello di Vicarello.
From foraging for truffles in the Tuscan countryside to stepping into the role of a biologist in Ecuador’s cloud forest and exploring the Swiss Alps through curated outdoor adventures, these hotels offer opportunities to match experience-driven clients with stays that go far beyond the traditional resort vacation.
Castello di Vicarello
Set in Tuscany’s rolling countryside, Castello di Vicarello features a collection of hands-on experiences tied to the estate’s agricultural heritage and surrounding landscape. The boutique, family-owned property recently reopened for the 2026 season with new programming that ranges from private flight excursions over the Tuscan coastline to perfume-making classes hosted in the estate’s gardens.
Castello di Vicarello
Among the standout offerings is the hotel’s truffle hunting excursion, where guests head into nearby forests alongside a local guide and trained truffle dog before returning for a farm-to-table lunch paired with wines produced on the estate. During harvest season, travelers can also participate in grape and olive harvesting alongside the Baccheschi-Berti family, experiencing Tuscany’s agricultural traditions firsthand.
The property is also spotlighting its Villa La Vedetta, a restored 12th-century watchtower transformed into a two-bedroom private villa with vineyard views, secluded gardens and a rooftop terrace designed for private luxury stays.
For more information, visit castellodivicarello.com.
Mashpi Lodge
In Ecuador’s cloud forest, Mashpi Lodge is turning scientific discovery into part of the guest experience with the unveiling of its newly redesigned Biology Research Laboratory.
Biology Research Laboratory experience with Mashpi Lodge.
Located within the Mashpi-Tayra Reserve, the lodge has long positioned conservation and biodiversity research at the center of its identity. The revamped laboratory now allows guests to engage more directly with that mission through interactive exhibits, curated insect collections and behind-the-scenes insight into ongoing scientific work taking place within one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
Visitors can explore displays featuring newly discovered species, watch footage captured by camera traps throughout the reserve and learn about local wildlife through presentations led by resident scientists. Interactive elements, including 3D-printed beetle models and illustrated guides to regional flora and fauna, are designed to make the experience accessible for both adults and younger travelers.
For more information, visit mashpilodge.com.
The Mansard
The Mansard in Gstaad is positioning the Swiss Alps as a warm-weather alternative to Europe’s busier urban centers.
The boutique property, part of the Miiro lifestyle hotel brand, offers travelers access to a wide range of alpine experiences that blend outdoor adventure with local culture and wellness. Activities include scenic hikes to mountain lakes, fondue picnic trails, lakeside walks and golf excursions surrounded by panoramic alpine views.
The Mansard
The hotel also connects guests with seasonal events such as the Tennis Open Gstaad and Polo Cup Gstaad, while culinary experiences range from traditional fondue dinners to visits to regional chocolate and cheese producers.
Back at the hotel, travelers can unwind in rooms with mountain-view balconies or gather at the property’s rooftop bar overlooking Gstaad’s promenade. The combination of active experiences and relaxed alpine hospitality reflects the growing appeal of destination-driven hotel stays that place equal emphasis on exploration and comfort.
For more information, visit miirohotels.com.