Europe in Bloom- This Week’s Destination of Wonder and Inner Peace

As spring stretches her bloom across Europe, the week beginning this Monday invites us to slow down, look closer and lean into the richness of experience. This is so much more than another week on the calendar, a vibrant fabric of art, music heritage and renewal.

From the snow-dusted peaks of Zermatt echoing with the acoustic soul of Zermatt Unplugged, to the golden glow of Brussels’ Art Deco facades brought to life in a year-long celebration, this is a moment for those who crave depth in beauty. From April 8 to 12, 2025, the pristine alpine village of Zermatt—nestled beneath the iconic Matterhorn—transforms into a world-class destination for lovers of live acoustic music.

Now in its 18th edition, Zermatt Unplugged has become more than a festival. It’s a feeling. An experience. A rare intersection of sound, snow, and soul.

What began as a small, intimate gathering has grown into one of the most beloved acoustic music festivals in Europe, while still keeping its heart close to its roots. The charm of the event lies in its unplugged concept: artists strip their sound down to its raw core, letting melody and emotion take center stage without the heavy layering of electronics.

From open-air stages with snow-dusted peaks as the backdrop, to cozy après-ski lounges and candlelit tents, every venue is designed to feel personal. Over 100 concerts are scheduled across 17 stages, ranging from small pop-ups to the legendary The Alex, the Ferdinand Pop-Up, and the grand Marquee Stage.

This year’s lineup includes a mix of international headliners, emerging indie acts, and beloved European performers, offering something for every musical taste. It’s not unusual to hear acoustic reinterpretations of chart-topping hits in one tent, while the next venue hosts soul-stirring folk ballads or stripped-back jazz sessions.

But Zermatt Unplugged is not just about music. It’s a celebration of atmosphere and alpine culture. Between concerts, festivalgoers sip glühwein, enjoy fine mountain cuisine, and carve down sunlit ski slopes before the evening’s entertainment begins. The blend of luxury and authenticity makes this one of the most unique music experiences in Europe.

Even if you are simply looking for an unforgettable spring escape, Zermatt Unplugged is an invitation to reconnect with sound, with nature and with the simplicity of human connection in one of the most breathtaking settings on earth.

Further north, Scotland’s landscapes are adorned with the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms. In Helensburgh, just a short journey from Glasgow, West Argyle Street is transformed into a pink paradise with its mile-long avenue of cherry trees in full bloom.

This enchanting setting has become a favorite for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

King Charles III‘s royal footsteps heading toward the Vatican, for a historic state visit.

Amid the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and the stillness of Vatican gardens, the visit resonates as a gesture of peace, unity and shared spiritual reflection.

This week, Europe becomes more than a destination—it becomes the perfect spot to slow down, to savour and to reconnect with nature, with culture, and with the sacred quiet within.

For those seeking a more secluded retreat, Velika Planina in the Slovenian Alps offers a serene escape. The plateau is currently awash with purple crocuses, creating a mesmerizing carpet of color against the backdrop of alpine cottages and snow-kissed peaks. Staying in these traditional huts provides an immersive experience into the region’s pastoral charm. ​

Embrace the season’s offerings and find your own slice of paradise amidst Europe’s blooming landscapes. The air is thick with anticipation, not only from tulips bursting in Dutch gardens. The world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens have opened their gates for the season with over seven million blooming bulbs.

Visitors can wander through a kaleidoscope of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, capturing moments of floral splendor. The gardens have thoughtfully curated Instagram-friendly spots, ensuring that every snapshot is as breathtaking as the surroundings.

In Austria, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley invites us into one of Europe’s most spellbinding spring experiences. Straddling the banks of the Danube, Wachau is a land of rolling vineyards, baroque architecture, and whispering history. And in April, it becomes the stage for the Wachau Gourmet Festival—a celebration that has quickly carved out its place on the international culinary calendar.

The festival is a true indulgence: multi-course dinners by acclaimed chefs, intimate cookery shows, lively table talks with culinary celebrities, and exquisite wine tastings led by the region’s top vintners. The Wachau, long celebrated for its outstanding white wines and as one of Austria’s most prized gastronomic regions, opens its doors—and its cellars—with unmatched hospitality.

A highlight of the event is The Top Trade Show, where over 50 elite winemakers from Lower Austria present their finest, reinforcing Wachau’s stature as a global wine destination.

But this week isn’t only about flavour but about feeling. Whether you’re sipping Grüner Veltliner in a sun-drenched vineyard, walking through tulip fields in the Netherlands, or marveling at Art Deco treasures in Brussels, Europe this week is bursting with life.

This week, Europe isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. A quiet awe. A shared breath between the past and the present. Join us as we explore the stories, rituals and events worth celebrating now. The best lifestyle choices start with celebrating what is happening all around us.

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