How many times have you scrolled through Instagram and found yourself drooling over the changing leaves in Autumn around the edges of the lakes in Vermont and Italy, or lost yourself in the crystal blue waters of the lakes and valleys in Slovenia and other far flung parts of Europe?

As a species, we are intrinsically drawn to views and destinations which make us feel happy, safe, and at one with nature. Large open spaces and views across lakes are the mainstay of survival – they offer bounty beneath the surface waters, they offer cleanliness in the form of the water itself, and, for the modern travel, they offer the opportunity for the perfect Instagram shot which will make your followers both hate you and wish they were you, all in one fell swoop.

As the world continues to find ways of living with this pandemic, lakeside stays are becoming more and more popular due to the opportunity for isolation and social distancing. From standalone cabins to floating suites which sit atop the lake itself and offer complete privacy and intimacy for every party, the range of ways in which visitors are invited to enjoy these lakes is every growing.

So, where are the best lakeside stays on the market right now, and how do they use the splendour presented to them to drive consumer demand?

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como in Italy is one of the best lakeside destinations in the world, with its sheer size giving way to both commercialisation and complete peace – depending on which side you approach the lake from. Lake Como is the spot where travellers can find some of the best hotels in Italy, including the Grand Hotel Tremezzo which boasts incredible landscaping, its own spa, and multiple terraces backing out over the lake so that you literally feel like you are floating on your own piece of waterside heaven.

Ashford Castle, Ireland

It’s not often that Ireland makes it onto these lists – and from our side especially, we believe this to be a real oversight. Ashford Castle is a fairy tale castle situated on the shores of Lough Corrib, and has recently undergone a huge makeover which has transformed it from old worldly glamour into something worthy of a modern day princess. The site features an exclusive hideaway cabin as well as the main house giving one lucky party the joy of complete isolation and freedom, while the rest enjoy the facilities and amenities presented in the castle walls of Ashford in Ireland.

Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand

Home to the Matakauri Lodge, Lake Wakatipu is not only fun to say but is also a real treat to stay alongside – offering a whole host of incredible views, water based activities and opportunities for exploration. New Zealand is often renowned for its views and its dramatic changes throughout the seasons – and at Lake Wakatipu you really do get to enjoy it all – snow capped mountains in Winter to rolling green hills in Spring.

Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

We couldn’t do a post on lakes around the world and not make a quick stop off in Switzerland. Renowned as being one of the most extravagantly expensive destinations in the world, Switzerland comes at a fee – but the views from the Palace Luzern are totally worth it, both inside and out. Tranquil glass decorations fill the hotel’s 129 rooms, while the terraces overlook the lake and into the distance of nearby towns which you revel in your own peace and quiet on one of the world’s grandest lakes.

British Columbia, Canada

Like New Zealand, Canada is also known for its spectacular views and its offerings all year round as the activity base and scenery changes dramatically as you move through all four seasons. The Emerald Lake Lodge is an idyllic escape in the middle of nowhere, and as you approach the alpine lodges you will not only see your phone signal disappear but you will also notice the surrounding atmosphere change – the sounds of civilisation dropping away as you become lost in lakeside paradise.

Lake Austin, Texas

The spa resort of Lake Austin plays on the glamour of luxury and provides visitors with an experience which highlights the quaint splendour of natural beauty without losing any of the modern day amenities that five star guests have come to expect. This is a lakeside stay where you still easy access to the city centre, but where for a few short hours you can lose yourself in waterfront views from the outside hot tub or your own corner of the expansive terrace overlooking the blissfully tranquil lake. The ideal getaway for those looking for an escape – without losing complete access to the outside world.

The beauty of a lakeside stay

A lakeside stay, whether in a room, a secluded cabin, a private home or a floating suite, means losing yourself in the ever-changing views of water. The view over a lake will never been the same twice – every day brings different wildlife and different water creatures, and every sunset is different.

The only thing that remains the same is the quality of stay that you can expect to get from any one of these lakeside properties!