Choosing the perfect place to rest
After a day, exploring is crucial. That is why we turned to you, our dedicated WalkingWomen, to understand what truly matters to you when it comes to where you stay.
You responded with your thoughts…
- Safety – a preference for family/women-run establishments that exude warm hospitality.
- Nourishing food, especially a hearty breakfast, to kick-start adventurous days.
- Comfort: Ensuite rooms are a must, exceptions being treks in locations with limited accommodation
- Prime locations: ideally, places where we can walk right from the door. Where we can limit having to use cars, we will.
- Practicalities: features like drying areas for wet clothes, proper baths to soak aching legs and ease of access by public transport.
With all this in mind, we carefully select a range of accommodations, and we are always seeking out new places. Also, when we find that special place, we return again and again. It is the relationships we build with hotel owners and their teams that we love.
Our challenge in smaller places is to find rooms that are all equal, as often they are different sizes and different standards. We will provide as much information about where you stay as we can, and we are gathering more and more photos so you know what to expect. But, of course, we know some of you love the mystery and surprise!
Delightful stays to consider:
A traditional Swiss chalet, Wilderswil, near Interlaken
It was first owned by a woman in 1957 and then passed down through generations. Now managed by Richard and Yvonne, who give WalkingWomen quintessential Bernese hospitality. Food is renowned, and our guests rave about it and the majestic Alpine views from the hotel windows.
Precious Puglia: Dive deep into Italy’s heart as you trek between Lecce and Matera.
One of our chosen stays is a Trulli House transformed into a 4-star hotel, and the food is the very best of Italian cuisine. As well as this one you stay in 3 other fabulous hotels, all very traditional to give you a true taste of the region. This holiday is already a hit and fully booked, but we are registering interest to get a place in 2024 contactus@walkingwomen.com
Spain: Andalucia’s Hidden Gems and the Alpujarras beckon with their undiscovered trails.
We have selected the women-run Hotel Poqueira in the small traditional white village of Capillera. Picture rooms overlooking the cobbled lanes with trails leading to quaint white villages. There is a lovely cafe in the square for those early birds that like that quiet first coffee to sit and stare and take it all in!
One guest said,
It has a great location, great breakfast and beautiful garden area and outdoor pool.
Eastern Crete’s Mertiza and Myrthe Apartments.
This is a new holiday in Crete for WalkingWomen as we work with Angela, our latest women guide in the area. Mertiza and Myrthe are managed by two sisters ( we love this sisterly vibe). We believe women will enjoy the independence of their own small kitchen to make teas, coffees, packed lunches, and simply have a little of your own space. We eat together in the evenings to try out the lovely local tavernas together.
Slovakia: Tatra Mountains exploration
Your guide Alena grew up in Propad and is passionate about bringing women to see this relatively unknown area of Slovakia. The accommodation we use contributes to the local community and is family-run and in the heart of the town.
Norway: Dalseter: A WalkingWomen favourite for over two decades.
This hotel offers panoramic Mountain View’s and the chance to witness nature’s ever changing landscapes from the outdoor terrace or from any of the hotel windows.
UK: We will be featuring our UK accommodation in a future edition
Here’s to more adventures and unforgettable stays with WalkingWomen. Let’s walk and dream together.
Do let us know if you know of any women-run hotels anywhere in the world.
