Germany’s Friedrich Kunath is one of today’s finest landscape artists. His vivid interpretations of waterfronts, mountain peaks and fall scenes have realistic light qualities with a touch of whimsy brushed over them. When you’re admiring the pieces, you almost want to dive into the canvas just to take a closer look at the scenery.
There are moments at the following hotels every October and November where you feel as if you’re inside a Kunath piece. If you’ve ever seen the leaves in Cape Cod this time of year, you’d swear you were looking at a work of art. The same can be said for Japan’s golden ginkgoes or red maples — pure masterpieces of nature.
Many properties understand that they neighbor some of the finest natural art galleries, which is why they’re embracing fall in all its splendor by offering everything from outdoor tours to leaf-peeping-themed amenities for their guests. If you want to bask in the living landscapes for yourself, act now because Mother Nature’s colorful show only runs for a few more months.
Chatham Inn
Nothing says “autumn” quite like the striking yellows and oranges do around Cape Cod. This Five-Star 18-room escape goes full fall with historic charm and pumpkins placed in every available corner. Should you want to explore beyond Chatham Inn, hop into the 2026 Volvo EX60 to explore the surroundings for a bit. Once your day winds down, enjoy a nightcap at the Wine Bar or all snuggled up by the in-room fireplace.
Dusit Thani Kyoto
Sitting among numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stunning natural surroundings, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Dusit Thani Kyoto provides access to cultural treasures and special outings. For the latter, hotel guests are advised to visit Dusit Tea Plantation, where they can partake in an authentic matcha experience at a temple teahouse that’s embraced by seasonal foliage.
Conrad Indianapolis
The average October day in Indianapolis calls for a high of 65 degrees Fahrenheit and a low around 43. Those are prime conditions for donning a pullover and exploring around Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Conrad Indianapolis’ neighborhood, where Canal Walk and Eagle Creek Park are but short strolls from your room. Additionally, the property partners with Newfields, a 152-acre campus filled with galleries and gardens that provides a picturesque stop for anyone interested in the changing of the colors.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Bosphorus
The Bosphorus promenade is an ideal setting for a stroll any time. But in the fall, the steps prove even more scenic with distant trees popping in loud hues and the nearby waterfront casting a soft glow. At the Five-Star Istanbul hotel, get in the spirit of the season by reserving the Day at the Bosphorus full-body treatment at the exquisite spa or by enjoying a meal at Ocakbaşı, the new onsite restaurant with a focus on authentic Turkish grilling techniques enjoyed in an open-air setting.
The Little Nell
Summer is special in Aspen. Of course, winter is always magical. But there’s something about fall that’s cool and comforting yet still somehow a bit quiet to travelers. Five-Star The Little Nell shows its appreciation for autumn with a host of activities, ranging from seasonal food festivals (Aspen Pastry Invitational, October 9 to 11) to fly-fishing excursions to off-road tours up Aspen Mountain. Should you want to bask in the beautiful pines and oaks at your own speed, take one of the fully electronic Audis out for a spin.
The Milestone Hotel & Residences
Across the street from the beloved Kensington Gardens, the Four-Star Milestone has some of the most refreshing views in London. Take a walk through the stunning green space or ask The Milestone’s culinary team to prepare an exquisite picnic among the fabulous foliage. Once you return to the hotel, feast on seasonal bites at Cheneston’s Restaurant or try a timely tipple (the Carrot Cake-tail, for example) at Stables Bar.
Inn at Leola Village
Pennsylvania Dutch Country has some of greenest, prettiest landscapes in the United States. During the fall, a cascade of crimson, amber and gold covers the hills, valleys and the Four-Star inn’s enchanting 10-acre campus. Take a casual stroll around the property (including the tranquil garden) before enjoying a seasonal spa service or going on a farm-to-fork journey at Osteria Avanti.
The Europe Hotel & Resort
Killarney, Ireland, where you’ll find Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Europe Hotel & Resort, is amazing any time. Still, the way colors bounce off the area’s largest lake, Lough Léin, and the bellows from native red deer are different this time of year. Let the setting transfix you by walking the manicured gardens or stepping onto the private pier. You can also take a car ride through leafy National Park or, for a truly Irish experience, go pony trekking through the resort’s own woods.
Vintage House at The Estate Yountville
Napa Valley may not be the first place that comes to mind for leaf-peeping, but the region’s vineyards are actually filled with warm hues and tantalizing tones. Shower yourself in the reds and golds by walking or biking around charming Yountville. When you’re ready to come back to the 22-acre hotel, find more fall fun in the way of outdoor fire pits, harvest-inspired dishes at Clementine and autumn-flavored treatments at the spa.
St. Julien Hotel & Spa
Though you can appreciate Boulder’s majestic Flatirons from anywhere at Four-Star St. Julien Hotel & Spa, the mountain-view rooms’ vistas cannot be matched. From the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can see junipers and firs in all their chlorophyll-losing beauty. But if you want a closer look, Rocky Mountain National Park is only an hour from St. Julien. There you’ll discover more than 300 miles of hiking trails enveloped in Colorado’s loveliest leaves.
