Off the beaten path: four escapes from the city

By Emma Howarth

July 31, 2023

From rugged mountain trails to seaplane expeditions, adventure can be closer than you think.

Even the most dedicated urbanite needs a break from the city every once in a while. We’ve found the perfect solution: a best-of-both-worlds urban adventure. These four back-to-nature experiences feel a million miles from the metropolis, but aren’t so far from the action that you have to skip cocktail hour. Breathe some fresh mountain air, go wildlife-watching or hop on a seaplane to a far-flung island, returning to the city feeling energised and inspired.

A verdant archway running through the Promenade Plantée in Paris

Go off the rails in Paris

See Paris from a whole new angle with a stroll along the Promenade Plantée, the inspiration for New York’s High Line. The Parisian original is a scenic three-mile trail, tracing the path of an old railway line from the Place de la Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes. It’s been charming locals, visitors and movie directors since 1993, making a memorable cameo in 2004’s Before Sunset. Meditate on love and life – or just take in the views – as you stroll above the city past rose-tangled trellises and romantic rooftop vistas. The smart approach is to start your walk at the trail’s eastern end, working your way back to Mandarin Oriental, Paris, and stopping off at Place de la Bastille for lunch at La Grande Brasserie. You’ve unquestionably earned one of its famed desserts, whether it’s glossy, chocolate-topped profiteroles or a heady baba au rhum.

The mini-adventure Discover a mountain escape in the middle of Paris: the small, beautifully planted Jardin Alpin. With an easily missed entrance, it’s the Left Bank’s best-kept secret.

Stepping stones alongside a waterfall running through Mount Mitake

Climb a mountain in Tokyo

Leave the city behind for the wooded slopes of Mount Mitake, less than two hours’ drive from Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. Set in the mountainous Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, it’s a glorious spot for a hike, with its rustling cedars and mossy rock garden. Make the ascent on foot or take the cable car, then walk up to the summit’s Shinto shrine, guarded by scowling stone wolves. Back at the hotel, soothe aching muscles with a signature kiatsu massage, expertly combining shiatsu and Thai techniques.

The mini-adventure Head to Tokyo Bay for a half-day sea-fishing trip, reeling in suzuki (Japanese sea bass) and silver-scaled Spanish mackerel.

Take a seaplane to Nantucket

Staying at Mandarin Oriental, Boston, and keen to see more of New England? Take an hour-long seaplane flight to Nantucket: a tiny, time-warp island of cedar-shingled houses and dreamy, dune-backed beaches. Stroll its historic wharves and bijou boutiques (Current Vintage is a must), before heading to the waterfront for Champagne and local oysters at Cru. Seasonal whale-watching tours, meanwhile, tap into a seafaring past – also vividly brought to life at the Whaling Museum. After a butter-pecan ice cream at Juice Bar, head back to the bright lights of the city, still mulling over that quaint fisherman’s cottage and a brand-new life in the slow lane.

The mini-adventure Join certified guide Nadine Mazzola for a forest bathing session at Boston’s Arnold Arboretum, ending with a tea ceremony and meditation.

View through the trees out across Sierra de Guadarrama National Park

Look for golden eagles in Madrid

Wildlife spotting might not be the first activity that springs to mind when you think of Madrid, but that’s probably because you haven’t yet set foot in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. Just over an hour’s drive from Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, it feels like another world: one of snow-capped granite peaks, glacial lakes and rolling swathes of pine and oak forests. Little wonder it’s perennially popular with hikers, bikers, rock climbers and winter-time cross-country skiers. Bring binoculars and look out for the resident wildlife, from wild boars and watchful ibex to magnificent golden eagles. Back to Madrid, rejoin the swing of city life with dinner in the Palm Court with its soaring glass roof, restorative Champagnes and exceedingly civilised menus.

The mini-adventure It’s a five-minute stroll from the hotel to the Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid, a botanical wonderland that dates back to 1755. Head here if the neighbouring Prado’s crowds get too much.

About the Author

Emma Howarth

Emma writes about wellbeing and luxury travel, and is the author of A Year of Mystical Thinking.