It’s the location of this beautiful hotel that you’ll be awed by on arrival. Set on the promenade of the port of Hvar at the south-western tip of the island, you’ll find yourself in the heart of a chic restaurant and bar scene by night, with captivating views to enjoy by day. On the shores of the shimmering Adriatic, the hotel also overlooks the historic Cathedral, Arsenal, Venetian piazza, yacht harbour and pristine bay. The spa is excellent, embracing a holistic philosophy with an extensive menu of sophisticated treatments. Inspired by the sunshine, fragrant plants and sea air, the six-level Sensorí Spa offers everything from an olive leaf and sea salt polish to a healing sea mud wrap. Head to the famed private Bonj ‘les bains’ luxury beach club and you can even have a treatment from the comfort of your sun lounger. Meals are a lively affair at the waterfront steakhouse, Butchery&Wine, where there’s grilled top-quality steaks including Argentinian rib-eye and Scottish Black Angus strip loin. Head to The Top Bar lounge and nightclub, one of Hvar’s most popular night spots, for after-dinner drinks. Order your favourite tipple from the dramatic 19-metre-long turquoise glass bar, then relax in the deep sofas to views of the ancient city, yacht harbour and bay by candlelight. The rooms are stylish with a focus on natural materials with fine linens, rich colours and warm wood tones. En suites have a walk-in power shower and locally produced lavender toiletries. We recommend Superior Rooms with Sea View for postcard views of the water and traditional red-roofed buildings.
This hotel lies a little to the east of Hvar port, tucked into a glistening bay and surrounded by fragrant pine groves. It’s large but has a big heart – you’ll be warmly welcomed from the moment you step inside, and with a range of facilities, there’s plenty to fill your days spent here. The swimming pool area is spectacular, enhanced by cascading waterfalls, Mediterranean gardens and a swim-up bar so you don’t even have to leave the water to enjoy a drink. Meanwhile, the sail-covered upstairs terrace at the poolside restaurant is a great place to share a delicious lunchtime pizza. If you’re more inclined to relax on the beach, the 1930s-style Bonj ‘les bains’ luxury beach club on the eastern shore of the bay is sure to be a hit. Expect private stone cabanas, lots of sun beds and delicious grilled meats at the beach restaurant. The club is also home to the elegant Sensorí O spa, where you can have an oceanside treatment from the comfort of your lounger. Dining is varied. Bonj Restaurant & Lounge serves delicious steak and seafood against a beautiful backdrop. Hidden among pine trees and facing a beautiful cove beach, the Maestral Restaurant’s menu features locally sourced ingredients that showcase the unique flavours of the Balkans and the Mediterranean. For 360-degree views, the Windows on Hvar Restaurant has an unrivalled location and serves all of the modern favourites with a Mediterranean twist. The rooms have an airy and light feel, and are decorated with natural fabrics in cosy shades of cream, beige or gold.
In a quiet coastal location to the north of Dubrovnik with panoramic views of the Elaphiti Islands, this seaside getaway has much more to offer than its stunning scenery. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this family-friendly resort has a private beach, an outstanding spa, three freshwater pools and world-class sports facilities to keep you entertained. In the summer, the rooftop is the perfect spot for breakfast, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful surrounds before heading to the climbing wall or watersports centre for an adrenaline-filled morning. If you prefer to spend your days relaxing, rejuvenate in the award-winning spa. The dining options here are varied and delicious, with 16 restaurants and bars to choose from. Savour fresh Mediterranean food at Cilantro or divine Italian dishes at La Pasta. We especially love The Market, where the menu has fresh seafood specialities each evening. Rooms are decorated in cool Mediterranean blues and greens, and there are plenty of options available. Stay in a Deluxe Room and have a balcony with breathtaking sea views. For something a little more luxurious, opt for one of the charming Suites or chic Residences, which feature spacious interiors, contemporary furnishings and elegant oak flooring. These also have the option of one, two or three bedrooms and come equipped with a kitchenette, living room and sofa bed.
Chic and modern, Almyra is one of the best hotels on the island that’s perfect for both families and couples. For those with children, there’s a great pool area with plenty of loungers and shade as well as a fun and educational kids’ club which is open during the summer. The brand-new infinity pool and the four terraces that surround it are sure to become some of the most sought-after spots in the hotel throughout the year. There's a pool house for shade or an open fireplace for when the temperatures drop in the autumn and winter months. While the children enjoy making new friends at the kids' club you can head to the spa or the adults-only indoor and outdoor pools which are located on the quieter side of the hotel. You can also use the facilities at Annabelle, the adjacent sister hotel, and you’re really close to Paphos’ harbour with its many restaurants, bars and shops. A range of contemporary restaurants offer a variety of local and international cuisine, from Greek delicacies to freshly-caught fish, sushi and Japanese cuisine with a Mediterranean twist and Asian-fusion seafood. There are plenty of options for kids too. If you’re a fan of discovering new things try the Omakase menus or Zen Meze – tasting menus to tantalise your palate. Rooms are simple and understated, each offering either land or sea views. Inland View Rooms offer great value, however it’s worth upgrading to one of the Veranda Sea View Rooms for a balcony. If you want to be in a quieter, adults-only section, then the Premium Sea View (Aethon) Rooms are for you. There are also Kyma Suites which have a wonderful private roof terrace with sea views.
Attentive and personalised service, a breathtaking setting and low-key luxury – the world-renowned Anassa has it all and more. Exuding the sleepy charm of a traditional Byzantine village, the resort's collection of classically styled low-rise buildings are set around a village square which has views out over the long sandy beach and the Mediterranean Sea. One of our favourite European spots for either a romantic retreat or a luxury holiday, there is no shortage of facilities, activities and perhaps more importantly, secluded spots to escape to. The Roman-style Thalassa Spa is an award-winning retreat with an indoor pool, thalassotherapy pools and a range of treatments using 100% organic products and seawater. Your children are well catered for here with clubs for youngsters from four months to 12 years. There are four wonderful restaurants allowing for a varied culinary experience with a real local touch as the fish is all fresh and much of the produce is sourced from local farms and villages. Most of the restaurants are aimed at providing fresh, wholesome and delicious food, with a couple specialising in family-friendly dining and one offering an adults-only retreat for those special romantic dinners. The rooms and residences reflect the local style of the resort with Mediterranean-inspired décor, marble floors, light airy interiors and a balcony or terrace. In the main building you’ll find the pretty Garden View Rooms, as well as the Studio Suites which are more spacious and offer full sea views. For a little more privacy, the Garden Studio Suites are located in the landscaped gardens and have sea views. If you're looking for a little more space we recommend choosing one of the Junior Suites.
Set on the golden sands of Kato Paphos, this all-suite hotel is perfect if you’re seeking a quiet place to retreat to. The focus here is on attentive service and getting away from it all. Your days can be spent by one of the two interconnected swimming pools, in a shaded spot in the gardens or on the sandy beach, where a number of sun loungers are scattered. Guests in the Sea View Executive Suites with Private Pool will also have the use of a private beach cabana. The Elixir Spa boasts an open-air private massage area with sea views, a relaxation room and a variety of signature treatments to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. What really stands out here is the food – both the range of the cuisine served at the four restaurants and the option to upgrade to a number of meal plans. With breakfast served until 11am there’s no need to wake too early, and we think that the poolside setting of the Estia Restaurant is the perfect place to start the day. The Estia is also open at dinner, offering themed buffets as well as a table d’hote menu. There are two options for lunch including the popular Kymata Restaurant and the al fresco Pool Restaurant, while the elegant À La Carte Restaurant is open for dinner. The rooms are decorated with neutral colours and light wood furnishings and each features a balcony with views overlooking the surrounding area, the gardens or the pool. Some have a limited sea view while others have panoramic views of the water. The Junior Suites are a spacious choice and feature a view out over the resort. For a separate living room and a balcony opt for one of the One Bedroom Suites which have resort views or limited sea views and front sea views for a supplement. The Executive Suites are a real treat as they have their own private plunge pool.
This charming hotel next to beautiful Athena Beach is a great choice if you want a relaxing adults-only retreat, waterfront views and easy access to the sightseeing spots, restaurants and bars of this popular resort. There are three freshwater pools here, each with a Jacuzzi, and the Elixir Spa has an extensive range of treatments. For days when you wish to do little more than relax there are sun loungers throughout the resort’s grounds and gardens. Each morning a buffet breakfast is served at the Oasis Restaurant which offers both indoor and al fresco dining. You can also enjoy the first meal of the day at the Mediterranean Evelina. For Superior Room and Suite guests breakfast can also be enjoyed at the Pygmalion Restaurant until 11am. This is the main restaurant for dinner and there's a buffet which is often themed. For special occasions or just a change of scene, there is the à la carte restaurant Aphrodite – all you need to do is reserve your table in advance. Light lunches are served at Oasis Restaurant or the poolside Olive Tree Restaurant plus a 'Garden Basket' can be served at your chaise longue. The rooms and suites here are bright, light and have modern and vibrant décor. Standard Rooms offer resort views or limited or full sea views for a supplement. Superior Deluxe Rooms (Elite Class Superior Deluxe Rooms from April 2020) are more spacious and you’ll have a choice of land or sea views. One Bedroom Suites (Elite Class One Bedroom Suites from April 2020) feature panoramic sea views and a bathroom with Jacuzzi. If you opt for a Superior Room (Elite Class Superior Room from April 2020), or a One Bedroom Suite (Elite Class One Bedroom Suite from April 2020) you’ll be able to enjoy a late breakfast until 11am. If you stay in a Superior Deluxe Sea View Room (Elite Class Superior Deluxe Sea View Room from April 2020), a Junior Suite with Sea View (Elite Junior Suite with Sea View from April 2020) or an Executive One Bedroom Suite (Elite Executive One Bedroom Suite from April 2020), you'll also have the use of a private cabana on the beach.
Sloping gently upward from the sparkling waters of Pissouri Bay, this romantic village-style hideaway has recently reopened following extensive renovations. Designed in the style of a Cypriot village, the hotel provides a mix of luxury and sense of place. At the heart of the resort there is an 80 metre-long lagoon-style swimming pool where you’ll find the swim-up Poseidon Pool Bar – the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing drink. The Blue Flag beach is a fantastic spot for taking part in an array of watersports, while the indoor swimming pool, which is part of the beautiful Hébe Spa, is perfect if you wish to swim in the cooler evenings or retreat from the midday sun. You have a choice of four restaurants at this resort including the Apollo Taverna where there’s a delectable menu of local mezes At Bacchus Gourmet Restaurant a vast wine menu perfectly complements each of the imaginative à la carte dishes. If you’re down on the beach during the day you don’t have to move too far to order a drink or a hot or cold snack from the seasonal Poseidon Beach Bar. And once the sun sets, the traditional taverna Ouzeri or the chic Eros Cocktail bar are the place to be. With an open-plan layout, the attractively designed Junior Suites offer a view over the resort’s gardens, with pool or sea views available for a supplement. For a little more space we recommend the spacious Executive Suite which features a seating area and views of the gardens, pool or sea (the latter two views are available for a supplement) from the furnished terrace or balcony. Beautifully refurbished Executive Side Sea View Suites and Executive Suites with a pool or sea view are also available. See our selection of spa and wellness packages
You’ll be greeted by the scent of lavender, basil and rosemary from the moment you arrive at this secluded retreat. Wrapped in over 30,000 square metres of garden, this old-world resort is an elegant hideaway on the western side of relaxed Gozo, just a ten-minute drive from the capital, Victoria. Take a stroll among the beautiful grounds on a cool morning, or spend long summer days under a parasol by one of the three outdoor pools where refreshing cocktails are served poolside at the bar. At Kempinski The Spa & Ayurveda Centre, traditional treatments like the hammam and facilities including a heated Jacuzzi instantly ease away everyday stresses. The food here focuses on fresh, organic ingredients, echoing the local way of life on Gozo. Vegetables, fruit and herbs served in both the exquisite Mediterranean L’Ortolan and Italian Trattoria San Lawrenz are hand-picked from the hotel’s own garden. During the warmer months, you can experience al fresco dining at the grill and fish restaurant, Gazebo, and order a refreshing cocktail or snacks at the Pool Bar. As the evening draws in, head to the Il-Baldakkin Lounge for sunset drinks on the elegant terrace. The rooms and suites have a classic Mediterranean feel and each features a private balcony. Standard Rooms have countryside views of San Lawrenz, while Deluxe Pool View Rooms are slightly larger and look onto the resort’s meandering pools. To upgrade on space, opt for a Junior Suite which also features a small seating area.
The Palace is an elegant hotel in the heart of Sliema, with intricate chandeliers and plenty of art adorning the walls. Its superb location means you’re just a few minutes’ walk from both the seafront and the main shopping centre. Mornings start with a wholesome breakfast at The Tabloid. Then make your way up to the rooftop where sun loungers line the infinity pool with views of the city and the sea beyond. The pool bar is just steps away and the top floor of the hotel is entirely dedicated to leisure facilities including a spa and fitness room. Head to the award-winning TemptAsian Restaurant for panoramic ninth-floor views and an innovative menu of Asian-fusion dishes with flavours from China, Japan and Singapore. The Tabloid buffet restaurant focuses on Mediterranean fine dining with tables for al fresco dining. The cool rooftop Lounge360 bar is a great place to unwind after a long day with comfortable seating to sink into and a seasonal bar for late summer nights. The classic Comfort Rooms overlook the hotel’s central atrium. The larger Deluxe Rooms have a balcony with city views while Superior Rooms are larger again and are on the higher floors of the hotel.
Daios Cove has a cool and sophisticated vibe, and a child-friendly private sandy beach whose shallow waters are great for families. The infinity pool – heated all summer – is surrounded by a sun terrace providing glorious views of the private cove. And there’s even a funicular-style lift or golf buggies to take you back to your room. For dining, the open-air Beach House is located in a scenic private cove and plays breezy chill-out tunes against a backdrop of the waves. Food here is seasonal and locally grown and cocktails are inspired by the sun-drenched coastline and flora of Crete. Pangea is the main buffet-style restaurant. The atmospheric Taverna is great for Greek and à la carte dishes with a view while for poolside fine dining, Ocean is a great spot. The 2020 menu here has been designed by the team at Ducasse Conseil, with dishes inspired by the sea and land. You can dine inside an elegant dining room or out on the sun dappled terrace with its earth textures and stone walls. Once dinner is over, head to the Ocean Poolside Lounge where there are DJ nights and other live events. The lounge has a wonderful menu of cocktails created by the award-winning masterminds behind The Clumsies, one of the world’s best bars. And with the dine-around Half Board option, guests can enjoy meals at the main buffet-style restaurant, or take advantage of a set credit at the three à la carte restaurants. The Deluxe Rooms have a sea view and you can upgrade to room with a private pool. For a luxurious family escape, the two-storey Two Bedroom Family Villa has two en suite bathrooms and a private pool and is set up perfectly for those with young children, meaning you can travel light. Book a Junior Suite room type or higher to enjoy Residents’ Club benefits like meals, selected drinks and ice cream for kids.
A member of the Autograph Collection, which celebrates unique, characterful properties of the highest quality, Domes of Elounda combines Mediterranean architecture with the opulence of ancient Greece. Its setting is fabulously romantic for honeymooners, yet it’s excellent for families too, with a well thought-out design that keeps facilities separate enough to make sure everyone’s happy. Head through the underground tunnel to the private narrow stretch of natural beach, where there’s a decked walkway lined with olive trees and a quiet zone for those seeking peace and solitude. Dining at Domes is as laid-back or romantic as you choose. Tholos serves buffets while Topos 1910 offers innovative seafood dishes on a decked promontory leading out to sea. Two new restaurants include Yaosai for Asian cuisine and Blend specialising in Italian fusion. The huge suites are individually designed and are light and airy. All offer an outdoor pool or heated Jacuzzi. Premium Suites Gardenview with Jacuzzi have a heated Jacuzzi on the balcony. For families – and particularly families with older children – the Family Luxury Suites are ideal as they have two en-suite bedrooms for added space and privacy. The Domes family plaza has a family focus, with a large family pool and shaded kids’ pool with cooling fountains. Secluded Domes Luxury Residences have sea views, their own private eco-heated pool with whirlpool and waterfall, and benefits including a villa manager and use of the resort’s chauffeured club car. Haute Living Selection The new ‘Haute Living Selection’, featuring Domes Private Residences, Domes Luxury Residences and Domes Luxury Villas, offers a new accommodation selection with exclusive club level services. ‘Haute Living Selection’ guests have access to a whole new level of luxury, including a private lounge, exclusive gym facilities, a reserved beach area, afternoon tea and signature canapés from the resort’s executive chef as well as the benefit of Dine Around.
One of the island’s most sought-after hotels, St Nicolas Bay occupies a secluded spot in pretty citrus gardens overlooking Mirabello Bay. It’s luxurious yet comfortable, tranquil yet close to vibrant ‘Ag Nik’, and typically Greek on the outside with pristine white exteriors while the interior is modern and stylish. By day, laze on the protected cove’s private sandy beach before taking a dip in the clear shallow waters. There are even steps straight into the sea. The main pool area has two adjoining pools (one that’s heated) and a pool bar for refreshing drinks. At the Poseidon Spa, Elemis and Cinq Mondes products are combined with seawater therapy for revitalising treatments for the face and body. There are five restaurants serving a diverse range of cuisine. Start your day with breakfast at the Club House, dine at Blue Bay for à la carte lunch, and then choose from three à la carte restaurants for dinner. Labyrinthos offers buffet-style dining and has an open kitchen and a terrace for al fresco dining; poolside Minotaure brings a sushi menu and international fine dining, perfect for romantic candlelit dinners under the stars; and barbecues are hosted by the beach at The Greek Kafenion with seafood and authentic Cretan food. There’s also an entertainment programme with live musicians and orchestras. Rooms and suites are light and airy. Double Limited Sea View Rooms have a modern design and open up to a balcony. Interconnecting rooms can be requested for families. Uninterrupted views are reserved for the front-row Junior Suites and Suites, which have a secluded terrace for extra privacy and a large private seawater pool (heated April to mid-May and late October).
Nestled in the verdant oasis of northern Greece, the family-run Eagles Palace is fringed by one of the best beaches on the Athos peninsula. It’s not just the surrounding area that's spectacular, the hotel itself is pure luxury. The beach here is long, golden and sandy, and if you're busy lounging the day away on a sun bed and need refreshments, simply press a button on your parasol and your drinks will be delivered. For some welcome shade, stroll through the wonderfully fragrant gardens with scents of olives, pines and herbs. Eagles Palace cleverly caters for couples and families. For adults looking to indulge and unwind, there's an award-winning spa. And children will be entertained with their own playground, pool and age-group-based Explorers Club, which runs excellent activities and a regular six-day introductory watersports programme. There's plenty of choice for dining, with gourmet and à la carte restaurants as well as the laid-back main buffet restaurant, Melathron. Rooms are light and bright with splashes of colour, and all have a balcony or terrace. Family Suites have a bedroom plus a lounge/second sleeping area separated by a sliding door.
Part of Sani Resort, Sani Club sits within the 1000-acre family-owned ecological reserve of pine forest, olive groves and golden beaches. It’s a low-rise hotel with views over Mount Olympus and the Aegean Sea and has a great range of facilities, including a new area with a pool and welcome lounge. Alongside the Sani Resort's exisiting sports academies, which are run in partnership with the likes of Chelsea Football Club and Rafael Nadal, there's a new addition for guests over 6 years old. At the Bear Grylls Survival Academy you can learn about - and put into practice - the famous adventurer's survival techniques in the resort's thousand-acre eco-reserve. This fun and active programme is a great way of getting the kids (and the whole family if you want to join in) out into the wild and learning skills such as tieing knots, picking wild food and fire lighting. This is one of the best resorts for families in all of Greece. The white-sand beach has Blue Flag status, and the Sani Waterpark has some excellent inflatable water activities for under 14s. There are plenty of dining options to suit all tastes. The new Pines restaurant relishes in the farm-to-table concept served with local produce, and for authentic Greek food and drink, head to Ouzerie, a chic taverna where you can dine on classic dishes washed down with local wine. The Olympos Restaurant offers casual all-day buffet dining in a contemporary setting and the relaxed beachside setting of Cabana is perfect for its Mediterranean menu. Rooms are in bungalow-style blocks built into the hillside, each with a fresh blue and white colour scheme and garden or sea views. For private outdoor space, opt for a Deluxe Double Room with Private Garden. The Family Suite Grand Balcony here has plenty of space as it consists of two interconnecting rooms.
With its sensational architecture, extraordinary views and exceptional service, it’s no wonder the Lindos Blu is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Its design is distinctly modern, but the use of local stone and huge floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the incredible sea views beyond allow it to blend seamlessly with the ancient natural landscape. If you're looking for a honeymoon hotel in Greece, this is one of the best. Spend your days around one of the two elegant infinity pools, which have magnificent sea views, or use the steps or lift to make your way down to the beach. Pay a visit to the spa and treat yourself to a soothing holistic therapy – hot stones and full body massages are particularly popular to re-energise and invigorate tired bodies. Dining is a delight at this luxury hotel. The Five Senses Fine Dining restaurant exudes chic white-washed glamour and overlooks the sea. It serves a creative à la carte Mediterranean dinner menu with an extensive wine list to match. Smeraldo is the main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and daytime snacks. The cuisine here is Greek and Mediterranean and the views are again superb. There’s also a lounge bar for aperitifs and a pool bar for refreshing juices and cocktails. Rooms are light and airy, with an elegant design. Choose a Sea View Room or a Junior Suite, both of which can be booked with a shared private pool between two rooms, or a Deluxe Room which has a Jacuzzi on the balcony.
Dramatically nestled on a hillside in charming Imerovigli, with spellbinding views of the caldera, glistening waters and volcanic cliffs, this boutique hotel is perfect for a peaceful escape. Built in typical Cycladic style, the Regina Mare has friendly staff that help create a lovely home-from-home atmosphere. After waking up and admiring the views, head to the breakfast room where a buffet of home-made delicacies and pastries awaits. The pool is the next natural stop to lay back on a comfortable sun lounger and gaze out over the waters. Dinner is a glorious affair with home-made Greek dishes and traditional recipes created with locally sourced ingredients. If there’s a dish you fancy that isn’t on the menu, just let the chef know and he’ll do his best to create it for you. Choose to dine in the candlelit restaurant or on the privacy of your balcony for a more romantic evening. Once the sun has set, Fira is a magical place to spend an evening. Closer to home, Imerovigli has some lovely bars and tavernas as well as some shops to stroll around. Junior Suites Sea View have been beautifully refurbished and if you opt for one of these you’ll be welcomed with a basket of fresh fruit and a bottle of local wine on arrival. For the best views, choose a Honeymoon Room with Whirlpool Sea View. These suites are set on the highest level of the hotel, have a heated whirlpool on the balcony and overlook the sea, Thirassia Island and the town of Oia.
This resort is in wonderful landscaped gardens and has spectacular ocean views. It’s ideal as a quiet base for relaxation and activities, and you’ll have easy access to the traditional fishing town of Lagos, just a 20-minute walk away or a short ride in the hotel’s free shuttle service (seasonal). Spend your days next to the huge lagoon pool, getting stuck into a good book or just basking in the sunshine. Feel the sand between your toes at the smaller pool which has a natural sand floor and is great for little ones and building sand castles. There’s an excellent gym used by professional sports teams, a driving range, two tennis courts and exercise classes including yoga. A weekly activities programme (seasonal) offers a range of excursions such as a guided bike tour of Lagos, horse riding and surfing lessons (local charge). During the summer, kids can enjoy the Caskiddy Kids’ Club, leaving parents time to unwind at the renovated spa - fitted with a new sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and spectacular ice fountain. Enjoy delicious international and Portuguese cuisine at a range of excellent restaurants. Senses Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine with a twist, a show kitchen and fantastic Atlantic Ocean views from a spacious outdoor terrace. Mundi Restaurant serves contemporary and innovative dishes using fresh, local produce. The chic new Lighthouse Bar is a great spot to enjoy a signature cocktail, while The Gastropub next door serves authentic meals and snacks. Head to the seasonal Sandy Bay Pool Bar for light snacks and drinks during the daytime. The luxurious and contemporary rooms are in five wings, each styled with influences from either Portugal, Europe, Asia, Africa or South America. Twin Rooms overlook the resort, and we recommend upgrading to a Sea View Room for great views. Spacious Suites have a living room and include extras such as an espresso machine and luxurious L’Occitane toiletries. One or Two Bedroom Apartments are also available.
This hotel right at the heart of Vilamoura is a superb choice if you’re looking for an active and luxurious holiday. The resort is set in five acres of landscaped gardens, with six pools and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace of Moscada before soaking up the sun on a lounger from around one of the pools. The poolside snack bar serves mouth-watering dishes and refreshing drinks. While you enjoy the excellent circuit at the 7 Seven Spa, the kids can get stuck in at the Paradise Island Kids’ Club. Take the free shuttle to Praia da Falésia, which has a private concession area for guests and a range of watersports, or to the two golf courses nearby. Enjoy a family-friendly themed buffet at Moscada restaurant or head to Aquarela for a Mediterranean barbecue, fresh seafood and seasonal salads. Cilantro is a smaller fine-dining restaurant, specialising in Mediterranean and Algarvean flavours while the new beachfront restaurant, AL.MAR – Tapas by the Sea serves tasty regional tapas. It’s a great spot for a chilled signature cocktail, glass of crisp white wine or refreshing juice while admiring the sunset by the sea. As the evening draws in, head to the stylish Rubi Bar for live music and delicious cocktails. The rooms overlook the resort and Twin Deluxe Rooms have garden views or, for a supplement, golf course or pool views. Open the curtain of your bathroom to reveal a glass wall and enjoy watching TV from the comfort of your bath (there’s even a built-in speaker in the bathroom). One and Two Bedroom Apartments, with a living room, dining area and kitchen, are perfect for families and available on request.
This contemporary hotel has a chic low-rise design and is in a fantastic setting. It’s a very family-oriented hotel; there’s a baby concierge service which provides everything from bottle warmers to buggies, and the kids’ clubs cater for 6 months to 16 years. The resort even has its own village shop so you can easily stock up on essentials, as well as freshly baked bread and takeaway meals. Enjoy activities with the whole family, from football, table tennis and archery to films, spa pampering and exploring the surrounding parkland. Sink into a huge beanbag under a shady parasol by the pool or on the beach, or head to Club 98 to enjoy sports facilities. The Village Square is the lively heart of the resort and you can enjoy pizza or pasta at Os Gambozinos while keeping an eye on the kids in the adjacent playground. Enjoy an expansive breakfast buffet and Portuguese cuisine overlooking the sea at O Terraço and tuck into the catch of the day at As Dunas Beach Bar and Restaurant. The surf shack-themed M Bar is a coffee shop by day and a bar by night; sip a latte or raspberry mojito and take a seat in the full-size VW campervan. Each of the rooms has partial or full sea views. Beach Rooms are in clusters of four close to the golden sands; Terrace Rooms are in the main building surrounded by gardens and have a lawn area and sea views. The beautiful Suites have airy living spaces and can interconnect with Beach Rooms – perfect for families with older children. The One Bedroom Garden Houses are semi-detached villas with a fully equipped kitchen and open-plan living area.
This large resort has influences from Portugal’s Arab heritage, and beautiful architecture which creates a charming setting. It sits in beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and red sandstone cliffs, with direct access by lift and steps down to Praia da Falésia. Enjoy use of the loungers, parasols, towels and a beach bar with a choice of sandwiches, snacks, grilled fresh fish, ice creams and drinks. During the warmer months, there are plenty of watersports such as windsurfing, waterskiing, kayaking and banana rides. There are eight outdoor pools, a 9-hole golf course, five tennis courts and a health club. Budding Wimbledon champions can enjoy coaching and tennis clinics at the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy. Kids can let their imagination run wild while playing in the two life-size pirate ships and take part in a range of daily activities such as treasure hunts and games. There’s a great choice of restaurants which range from themed buffets at Jardim Colonial, the main restaurant, to mouth-watering prime cuts at the Piri Piri Steak House. Try some of the region’s fresh and delicious seafood at the O’Pescador Restaurant and tuck into delicious Japanese-fusion cuisine at Yakuza Algarve by Olivier. The elegant lobby bar is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of port or local spirits. The elegant rooms and apartments reflect Moorish heritage in their style and are in gardens, with some overlooking the sea. Deluxe Rooms are in the hotel’s main building. Upgrade to a Deluxe Sea View Room for views over the red cliffs and sea. Spacious Grand Deluxe Rooms have a living area while the One Bedroom Ocean Suites have an open-plan living area and kitchen, as well as a dining area.
This fresh hotel is set between Vilamoura Marina and chic Purobeach – a private beach club with two zones, Poolside and Beachfront. The golden beach is only a short walk away – spend lazy days in the sun and cool off with refreshing dips in the sea – or lounge by the hotel’s outdoor pool (with a separate kids’ pool). Stay refreshed throughout the day with snacks and drinks from the poolside bar. You can easily access the buzzing marina by a lift that takes you down to street level. If you’re into golf, there’s a putting green as well as six local courses, and a complimentary shuttle will take you to the course of your choice. The resort’s health club has a gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and Turkish bath. While the kids are enjoying their activities and the golfers are out for the day, visit the luxury Tivoli Spa; it has a wide range of treatments and therapies, ranging from rejuvenating facials to invigorating massages. There’s a choice of restaurants including steak, Portuguese, beachfront fusion at the new Purobeach restaurant, and buffet outlets. Pepper’s Steakhouse is known for its exceptional cuisine, melt-in-the-mouth steaks and superb views over the marina, with an extensive wine list accompanying all menus. Al fresco drinks are also available at the Side Bar where you can enjoy a glorious sunset while sipping a signature cocktail. Alternatively, stroll to the marina and choose from a host of waterside restaurants and lively bars. The elegant rooms are fresh and contemporary, with a glass-fronted balcony to maximise the sea or marina views. Deluxe Rooms have a rain shower while Junior Suites have extra space, a separate living area and fantastic views.
This colonial-style resort with Moorish buildings is in landscaped gardens and bordered by two white sandy coves. The authentic décor includes light blue colours, hand-made linens and local Porches pottery, and there are numerous pools, lakes and gardens to relax in. Take the steps down to a secluded golden-sand beach with access to sun loungers, or hop on the shuttle to nearby Armação Beach Club for a choice of watersports. There’s a pitch and putt, putting green and driving range and you can enjoy discounted rates at other nearby courses. Kids have their own three pools; adults can unwind on the Residences’ dedicated clifftop sun terrace, by the adults-only infinity pool or in two other pools. Enjoy ten restaurants and locally sourced food including meats, jam and wine from the resort’s farm and vineyard. Dress up for dinner at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant with a sea view, Ocean. The restaurant Bela Vita, has a garden terrace, while Adega is a typical Portuguese restaurant which serves innovative dishes. For fine dining, head to Aladin Grill, Atlântico and Japanese restaurant Mizu-Teppanyaki. If you’re with the family or little ones then Whale is ideal. Take a free shuttle to three different restaurants; there’s German Biergarten in Porches, as well as Arte Náutica and the informal Praia Dourada at Armação Beach Club. Rooms are either in the main building, family-friendly Oasis Parc, or adults-only Residence area. Deluxe Garden View Rooms are in the main building, while the spacious Oasis Premium Garden View Suites have an open living/sleeping area. Oasis Rooftop Suites have a rooftop terrace with day beds and rain shower – perfect for couples wanting extra privacy. Oasis Family Garden View Suites are on the ground and first floors with an open-plan living and sleeping area plus a separate bedroom and terrace.
This magnificent building is a former residence of King Humberto II and has been restored into a superb facility. It’s a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and lies near the stylish town of Cascais, where nine miles of sandy beach are a haven for watersports enthusiasts. The interior of the hotel is elegantly decorated in keeping with its regal surroundings, and no expense has been spared in the construction, decoration or excellent facilities available. Spend long lazy days around the pool and find shade under a palm tree if things get too hot. A walk to the pretty marina to check out some fabulous boats breaks the day up nicely. Enjoy buffet breakfast at the Navegantes Restaurant which has a range of patisserie, bakery and charcuterie products. La Terraza Restaurant serves cocktails, snacks and Mediterranean cuisine, while Belvedere Restaurant does traditional Italian dishes. Take a seat on the sea-facing terrace and soak up the panoramic views while sipping a chilled cocktail or crisp white wine. The spacious rooms all have modern amenities. Standard Deluxe Rooms overlook the gardens and you can upgrade to a Grand Deluxe Garden View Room for extra space or a Standard Room with side sea or sea views. Garden View Suites are larger and have a separate seating area.
This spacious hotel has a chic design, with all-white walls and sparkling glass. The mix of stunning sea views and top facilities makes it the perfect place for a relaxed holiday, and there are plenty of options to stay active including diving and watersports. Enjoy a great start to your day with a delicious breakfast and a choice of everything from smoked salmon and Champagne to fresh fruit and pancakes. Follow this up with a stroll through the gardens down towards the sea. There’s a fabulous ocean deck – one of the largest on the island – that’s perfect for gazing out at the beautiful views or enjoying direct access to the tempting waters. It’s well worth splashing out on treatments at the fabulous spa which has a range of excellent facilities, Thalassotherapy therapies and relaxation areas. There are plenty of dining options to suit every taste. The Ocean Buffet Restaurant puts on a variety of themed nights, or you can go for Italian, Japanese or local cuisine at the speciality restaurants. Side Sea View Rooms overlook the beautiful gardens, with partial ocean views. Double Premium Sea View Rooms are on the upper floors. If the kids are with you, book a spacious Family Sea View Room which has an additional private sleeping area with twin beds. Suites are even more spacious, on the top floor with a separate living area.
This spacious and contemporary hotel is set right at the heart of the Lido area. It has spectacular panoramic views across the ocean and a range of impressive facilities including an excellent spa. After a generous breakfast, wander down to the small pebble beach for a dip in the ocean or find a spot by the lagoon-style pool with underwater sun beds and fabulous views. For a relaxed lunch, enjoy pizza and fresh salads at the pool bar while you plan your afternoon. Unwind in one of the delightful cabanas on the upper level for some welcome shade, or spend some time in the spa. There are two great international dining options here – buffet dishes at Mare Nostrum, with a live cooking station, or à la carte cuisine at Il Massimo. After dinner, head up to the terrace for an evening of cocktails and conversation. The rooms are comfortable and modern. Standard Side Sea View Rooms have a balcony and there’s the option to upgrade to a Standard Front Sea View Room for full sea views. For more space and wonderful ocean views, book a Premium Sea View Suite with a separate living room and sofa bed.
Quinta da Casa Branca is set in exquisite botanical gardens with a large banana plantation, and has been a member of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World for more than a decade. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, the award-winning glass architecture integrates beautifully into the natural environment and highlights the wonderful garden views. This charming hotel dates back to the mid-19th Century when the renowned wine-producing Leacock family first planted the gardens, and it’s a refreshing alternative to more modern hotels. Spend an afternoon enjoying a revitalising spa treatment, or just wandering the superb gardens. Nestled amongst pretty bougainvillea, you’ll find the freshwater pool and the elegant Garden Pavilion restaurant; it was built using glass, wood and green marble, and is a peaceful spot for buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and afternoon tea. The Manor House is at the front of the property, with six luxurious suites and The Dining Room; it has an al fresco terrace where you can indulge in delicious à la carte and table d’hôte meals for dinner. There’s also Casa da Quinta Bar & Restaurant, a great spot for a more informal bistro dinner. Twin Garden View Rooms are on the ground floor with a terrace opening onto the gardens. Double Premium Rooms have a balcony or terrace and marble bathroom with separate bathtub and walk-in shower. There are two luxurious Suites in the main building with a more spacious balcony, separate living room and whirlpool bath. The six Manor House Suites are in the elegant Manor House building, which has antique furniture, paintings and tapestries from the owners’ private collection. Each of these has been individually decorated with different architecture and has a lounge and balcony or terrace.
The stunning grounds at this hotel are the perfect backdrop to jaw-dropping Atlantic Ocean views. Spot butterflies and lizards as you wander the walkways, admiring the 1000-plus plant species or relaxing with a good book in a secluded spot. Naturally the three restaurants here are supported by a well-stocked kitchen garden, supplying fresh organic ingredients such as lettuce, mint, garlic, tomatoes and pineapples. Experience a world of flavours including organic gourmet Mediterranean cuisine at La Perla, Asian at the Thai Lounge, and Mediterranean dinners and buffet breakfast at Galeria. All rooms, including Standard Twin Rooms, feature a terrace or balcony that’s integrated into the gardens. Studio Rooms have a kitchenette and a small terrace or balcony either overlooking the botanical gardens or with a side sea view. One Bedroom Apartments have a living room, kitchenette and partial sea view. If you’re planning to enjoy the spa then you might want to consider booking one of the hugely spacious and contemporary Spa Suites. With a terrace overlooking the ocean, floor-to-ceiling windows and crisp Egyptian cotton bed linen, these suites also include complimentary access to the spa facilities plus a VIP breakfast each morning.
This classic and luxurious retreat has been welcoming guests for over a century. The hotel is renowned around the world for its exceptional service, and is highly sophisticated yet never stuffy. Stroll through the beautiful subtropical gardens and you’ll find the chic spa tucked away behind the trees. Make your way down to the sea-level terrace and admire the views, or pick a shady spot by one of the three pools. After a relaxed lunch at the pool terrace, enjoy some tennis or golf coaching. The hotel’s afternoon tea is deservedly world-famous – in the lounge or outside on the terrace, you’ll enjoy a selection of freshly baked scones, home-made pastries and dainty sandwiches alongside premium quality teas. There’s a range of fine dining options here; the Michelin-starred William Restaurant serves modern European cuisine with international influences, overlooking the Funchal coast; while Ristorante Villa Cipriani has excellent Italian dishes on the open-air terrace. The elegant rooms overlook the botanical gardens or sea. Classic Rooms have partial sea views from the balcony. Book a Superior or a larger Deluxe Room for a balcony or terrace with either garden or sea views, or upgrade for more space and comfort to a Junior Suite Garden with a semi-private terrace overlooking the gardens. The Superior Suite has an extra sitting area and sea views.
This renowned resort is in a spectacular and dramatic clifftop spot, with enchanting Atlantic Ocean views. It’s surrounded by beautifully manicured tropical gardens, where you’ll find plenty of secluded corners shaded by palm trees. After an indulgent Champagne breakfast, take the lift down from the clifftop and make your way to the sunbathing platform by the hotel’s jetty to enjoy views across the bay to Funchal, or there’s direct sea access for swimming and snorkelling. The pool area is equally gorgeous – cool off in one of the two pools or grab a terrace table at the Blue Lagoon Snack Bar & Restaurant for delicious fresh salads and barbecued fish. Dining options are excellent – for bold Mediterranean flavours, choose The Rose Garden buffet restaurant, or for something special, you have Madeira’s first two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Gallo d’Oro. Chef Benoît Sinthon combines fresh local ingredients to create a fabulously aromatic menu. After dinner, it’s time for a Madeira Night cocktail and live music at Le Cliff Bar & Bistro. Rooms have views of the land, sea or Funchal. Upgrade to one of the lovely upper-floor Superior Sea View Rooms to enjoy complimentary soft drinks from the minibar and à la carte breakfast at Il Gallo d’Oro.
This unique and stylish retreat was named World’s Leading Design Hotel 2018 at the World Travel Awards — step inside and you’ll experience dynamic colours and shapes which create superb interiors, as well as five-star service. You may find it hard to tear yourself away from the rooftop pool terrace – it’s the perfect spot for spending lazy days relaxing, with panoramic views from the comfort of a giant bean bag or a double sun lounger. After a relaxed breakfast at the earthy Terra Restaurant, spend afternoons detoxifying and pampering at the fabulous spa or head out to explore Funchal’s picturesque Old Town. Head back up to the rooftop to visit the gourmet UVA Restaurant & Wine Bar for dinner; it serves sensational fusion cuisine from Thomas Faudry. Afterwards, make your way to the bar for a chilled-out evening. You’ll notice that the chic touches aren’t just in public areas – the colour and design of the four floors of accommodation reflect either spring, summer, autumn or winter. Each of the open-plan rooms feels like a work of art, with stunning swathes of colour and large focal pieces of art adding to the modern vibe, and a glass-panelled bathroom occupying the same stylish space as the bedroom. Book one of the Superior Rooms or, for more space, a Prestige Room. Grand Deluxe Rooms are larger, while Junior Suites have a seating area and upgraded toiletries. Design Suites are the ultimate treat, with a spacious open-plan seating area.
This unique boutique hotel is named after Florence’s most revered architect and the genius behind the city’s beautiful cathedral, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, which it overlooks. Built around a 6th-Century Byzantine tower, this attractive hotel’s historic façade is complemented by a sophisticated early 20th-Century interior design and décor. The location is perfect for exploration of the city’s main attractions. You’re a stone’s throw from Brunelleschi’s magnificent Renaissance dome, and the Ponte Vecchio, world-renowned Uffizi Gallery and Leonardo da Vinci Museum are just a short stroll away. The surrounding narrow streets are lined with restaurants and shops so everything is right on your doorstep. Antiques and works of art adorn the hotel’s public spaces and its private museum displays Roman artefacts. The intimate fine-dining Santa Elisabetta Restaurant has just seven tables and is housed within the ancient Byzantine Pagliazza Tower. It offers fantastic new menus created by award-winning Chef Rocco De Santis and paired with fine wines selected by the sommelier. The Osteria della Pagliazza offers authentic and delicious Tuscan dishes infused with regional flavours and in the summer you can dine al fresco in a charming square. The recently renovated rooms offer free Wi-Fi and some feature beautiful views over Brunelleschi’s Cupola, the Via dei Calzaiuoli shopping district or Giglio square. The cosy Classic Executive Rooms overlook the del Giglio Square or Via de’ Calzaiuoli and the spacious Junior Suites offer a separate living room and large bathroom.
The Hotel Village is the resort’s family-friendly property. With a setting close to the resort’s main facilities, yet still offering spots for some sun-kissed rest and relaxation, it really offers the best of both worlds. Days can be spent together as a family, perhaps taking the free shuttle down to the glorious Dune di Campana Beach, or taking part in the many water and land sports on offer throughout Chia Laguna. Alternatively, the children can head off to the kids’ club or the Chia Laguna Football Academy (please call for applicable dates), while you make the most of the Chia Natural Spa or even take part in a diving excursion. Your designated restaurant for breakfast and dinner is Bouganville, where there are regular themed buffets and live cooking shows at the food stations. As part of your Half Board package you can also dine at La Pergola, all you need to do is make reservations. There are a selection of further restaurants where you can dine at for a supplement. There’s a wide choice of accommodation options at the Hotel Village, with simply-designed cottage-style rooms available. Our favourite room for those travelling with children are the Family Garden and Family Superior Cottages. These spacious cottages feature a mezzanine level with a further bedroom, the perfect haven for your kids.
An oasis of elegance and privacy, Grand Relais dei Nuraghi lies hidden amid the pink granite rocks and deep green junipers that are typical of this region. A beautiful swimming pool forms the centrepiece of this small hotel and it is surrounded by a large sun terrace with magnificent views of the Gulf of Arzachena. Spend days around the pool with light refreshments from the poolside snack bar or step outside and walk down the short path down to the charming beach strewn with sun loungers and parasols. Although it’s tempting to spend the entire holiday relaxing, you can choose to take some time to explore the local area on the hotel’s complimentary-use mountain bikes (subject to availability). The Tramonti Restaurant has a fabulous location on the terrace overlooking the archipelago. Experience why it has such a good local reputation and try gourmet cuisine that has been recommended in many gastronomic guides. Intimate candlelit dining can also be arranged in the private garden and there’s a bar for a pre- and post-meal cocktail. There are just 35 rooms and junior suite. The style is beautiful in its simplicity with rustic wooden furnishings and light, warm and soothing colours. The Classic Rooms are a comfortable choice; for something a little more spacious we recommend a Junior Suite or a Junior Suite with Garden. There’s even a Junior Suite that features its very own plunge pool.
Perched high on the hillside with sweeping views over the Bay of Naxos to Mount Etna, Villa Diodoro is a real gem. The vibrant heart of Taormina is just moments away but inside the beautifully maintained and fragrant Mediterranean gardens, it feels like a private oasis. You’ll also have the use of the Hotel Caparena – the Villa Diodoro’s seafront sister property – and shuttle buses take you between the hotels with ease. You’ll find some of the best views from the poolside terrace; it’s also a great spot for a casual lunch, with wonderful rainbow-coloured salads on the menu. Dining here is focused on fresh, locally inspired Mediterranean cuisine, with a smattering of international favourites and the occasional buffet. Large French windows at the Diodoro Restaurant offer up stunning views. For drinks, Il Vecchio Carrubo serves fine wines and classic cocktails alongside an extensive tea menu. Taking its name from the age-old carob trees that line the terrace, it’s perfect for an early evening aperitivo accompanied by the soothing sounds of the piano. Standard Rooms have a classic villa style and views over the Mediterranean gardens. Alternatively, choose a Superior Side Seaview Room and enjoy views over the hotel’s gardens and side sea views from the small balcony. A Superior Seaview Room allows you to enjoy the beautiful ocean vista. The larger Deluxe Rooms have a spectacular view over Mount Etna and the southern Sicily coast.
With a prime setting in the hilltop town of Taormina, overlooking the Bay of Naxos and striking Mount Etna, this fine hotel is all about timeless vistas. Whichever way you turn, you’ll want to capture the image. The luxurious grounds are bordered by the remains of Greco-Roman walls, built by Andromacus in 374 BC, putting the hotel’s one hundred years of hospitality into perspective. You will be based just outside the Porto Catania – the oldest of the original city gates of Taormina – so as you step out of the hotel you’re right at the start of a wonderful stroll down the Corso Umberto. Back at the hotel follow the path through the terraced gardens to the large clifftop pool, the perfect spot on a warm summer’s day. With great views of the bay, the poolside terrace is also a lovely spot for lunch. Come evening, the elegant Charleston restaurant serves a local and international menu with a well-stocked wine cellar with a carefully curated list of Etnean, Sicilian and Italian wines. After dinner, grab a table at the outdoor bar terrace for spectacular views. The rooms feature a blend of old-fashioned atmosphere and modern comforts. And depending on the room you choose you may be lucky enough to have views of the volcano or sea. Classic Rooms are simple yet comfortable while Superior Rooms overlook the medieval convent or, for a supplement, Mount Etna. For a sea view, opt for an Elegant Room.
Located in peaceful parkland, this hotel started life as a stunning private villa in the late 1800s and still holds all the charm of its aristocratic origins. The service you will receive is at the level you would expect from a Belmond property and the views are just as spectacular as you can imagine from a coastal setting. Dining here is a pleasure with regional cuisine being served at Oliviero Restaurant; the top table here is out on the terrace which overlooks the bay and sea. Featuring its own stretch of private beach, it’s no surprise that water-based activities feature heavily on the agenda here. During the summer months (mid-May to mid-September) soak up the sun on the free daily boat rides around the stunning east coast and the Ionian Sea. You’ll be able to discover the coast aboard a traditional boat, setting sail to the Blue Grotto, Isola Bella, the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, the Fortune Cave and the Siren’s Bay. Away from the beach, you’ll find spectacular panoramic views from the beautiful infinity pool, and there’s a host of Mediterranean-inspired treatments at the wellness centre. The rooms and suites overlook the courtyard or the Bay of Mazzarò and have calm Mediterranean colours, often with a splash of colour. Classic Rooms overlook the pretty gardens or courtyard, some with a French balcony or terrace. Superior Rooms have fabulous views of Mazzaró Bay, again some with a French balcony. Deluxe Rooms have bay views, with some featuring a terrace or balcony. For a guaranteed balcony with sea views, opt for a Superior or Deluxe Junior Suite.
You’ll love this award-winning resort, set deep in 570 acres of olive groves and countryside on Sicily’s south-west coast which has been sensitively created using local materials and influenced by traditional architecture. There’s over a mile of private coastline to enjoy but the distance is no problem – just hop on one of the many bikes you’ll spot around the complex. Golfers are spoilt for choice; there are three championship 18-hole golf courses, a 9-hole course, putting greens and a driving range to keep you busy, plus a Clubhouse with a golf shop and restaurant. Off the green, brush up on your serve at the tennis academy or have a game on the six clay courts. There are four restaurants and five bars to keep the dining options varied. At Zagara, celebrity chef Fulvio Pierangelini showcases the best of Mediterranean cuisine, while at beachfront Amare, the chefs barbecue the freshest fish, seafood and meats right in front of you. Rooms are designed in fresh Sicilian style, feature a four-poster bed and you’ll always have an unrestricted sea view. Deluxe Rooms are on the first floor and have a balcony you can sit out on to take in the sea views. The Superior Deluxe Rooms are on the ground floor, while the Superior Deluxe Seafront Rooms are closer to the sea and feature a terrace. For more space, opt for a Junior Suite with sitting area or a Classic Suite with plenty of outdoor space. Or splash out on a Grand Suite for the luxury of a courtyard, living room and kitchenette.
Sicilian architecture meets English Arts and Crafts style in this historic villa, built in 1908 by the British architect Robert Charles Ashbee. Small but perfectly formed, this member of the Leading Hotels of the World group has been lovingly restored with meticulous attention to detail. The décor features delicate antiques complemented by bold statement wallpapers and opulent textures. There are some stunning views from here as citrus groves cascade down towards the clear blue waters that stretch out towards the Italian mainland, which is visible on a clear day. In keeping with the hotel’s British history, the generous breakfast spread includes an elegant take on a cooked breakfast with eggs, crispy bacon and little pots of baked beans. During the day the poolside snack bar serves fabulous cocktails and snacks, while dinner is served in the St George Restaurant by Heinz Beck. Depending on the season, you can choose a table inside or sit out on the terrace among gentle breezes and fragrant lavender. It’s also the perfect spot for a sunset mojito made with fresh mint picked from the hotel’s own gardens. As you would expect from a hotel of this calibre, the rooms and suites are a beautiful fusion of original features and modern furnishings with quality linens. Classic Rooms feature a colour scheme that blends chocolate and cream with a hit of magenta. Superior Rooms have a little more space with some featuring an outside terrace. For guaranteed outdoor space, opt for a Deluxe Room or upgrade to one of the spacious and individually designed Suites. These are available with a sea view for a supplement.
This picturesque retreat's setting, overlooking Ayios Yiannis Beach – known as Shirley Valentine beach after the movie that was filmed there – and the sacred island of Delos, is one of the best. Attendants are on hand to cater for your every need, allowing you to laze back on comfortable loungers under shady parasols, and to keep the peace, you won't find any motorised watersports on this part of the beach. Even the dining experience here is an opulent one. Dolphins of Delos has panoramic sea views in clean and crisp al fresco surroundings. All herbs are sourced from the hotel garden and produce is local. The wine list is extensive and there’s something to accompany every dish. Aqua e Sole Restaurant serves fresh, seasonal cuisine by the poolside, and the cool, minimalist White Bar has a spectacular outdoor terrace that's the perfect spot for drinks before a night out in Mykonos Town. Rooms are set along cobbled paths, housed in the cube-shaped white-washed buildings typical of Cycladic architecture. Recently refurbished, the Premium Garden View Rooms have a more modern design with splashes of rich colour and are on the ground floor with a terrace. Premium Sea View Rooms have a touch of classic romance, with canopied beds and marble bathrooms. Suites have a separate living room, free standing bath and terrace with sea views. For access to your own pool, opt for a spacious Suite with Private Pool.
Set in a picturesque cove, the vibe at La Plage is very much one of laid-back luxury, Sicilian-style. This informal beachfront retreat feels wonderfully peaceful, yet you will be just a short walk to the cable car which will take you to the boutiques and bars of lively Taormina in just a few minutes. Back at the hotel you can while away blissful hours at the tranquil Expure Spa, choosing from an extensive menu of wellness and beauty treatments as well as a variety of rejuvenating massages. The stunning views that accompany breakfast on the terrace make for a wonderful start to the day, whether you are planning to spend it exploring the island or just relaxing at the hotel. At the waterside Beach Club (open April to October), which has a fantastic setting on a natural bay, there are sun beds and beach umbrellas, as well as attendants who will serve you delicious drinks, gelatos and light dishes. From here you can also enjoy the breathtaking views of Isola Bella and the Mediterranean Sea. By night, the popular Fusion Restaurant is an upmarket take on street food, creatively combining the culinary traditions of Sicily with rich Mediterranean flavours. The style of the rooms and bungalows is very modern with light tones and a splash of colour. Superior Garden View Rooms have a small outdoor terrace while Deluxe Sea View Rooms have a balcony with sea views. For more privacy and space, choose one of the bungalows nestled beneath a fragrant pine forest. Garden View Bungalows have views of a terrace while Seaside Bungalows are closer to the beach.
Hotel La Rocca Resort & Spa fits the bill for something a little quieter than the livelier Costa Smeralda resorts. Set in spacious grounds amid ancient olives and oleanders, it’s a charming building with a fresh Mediterranean style – think irregular terracotta roofs and colour-washed walls. For days in the sun you can relax by the attractive swimming pool which is surrounded by sunbathing terraces. There is also a private beach which can be reached by the hotel’s shuttle. Due to the remote location of this hotel, we recommend hiring a car if you want to head out and explore the island or head down into Baia Sardinia. The hotel’s main restaurant has tranquil views and typical regional cuisine with a variety of seafood dishes. The buffet breakfast will set you up for the day with sweet and savoury pastries, cereals, jams and fresh fruit. If you are spending some time down by the sea, there is also the beach club and restaurant Rocca Beach. Calming décor and simple furnishings make the rooms here a delight. Standard Rooms have a spacious terrace that overlooks the gardens. The individual Superior Rooms have all been beautifully refurbished and have pretty garden views or for a supplement, the sea. For a little extra space opt for a Junior Suite or one of the Deluxe Junior Suites which are in the separate Villa del Parco building. The Premium Sea View Suites are more spacious, with a separate sitting area.
Romantics will be in their element at Il Sogno di Giulietta, or ‘Juliet’s Dream’, an elegant town house set in the heart of Verona in the beautiful courtyard of Juliet’s House. It’s not often that you have the chance to stay so close to such an iconic site and every evening the hotel’s guests can enjoy sole access to the courtyard when it is closed to the public. Share a private moment in the romantic streetlight beneath that most famous of balconies and pose for photos by the bronze statue of Juliet. As well as an impossibly romantic setting, this charming hotel also offers superb personal service and luxury. Due to its small size there is no restaurant in the hotel which means that you can enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your room before exploring the sights of Verona. This intimate hotel is just a short stroll from the city’s best restaurants, bars and famous sights including the Verona Arena, so it’s perfectly placed for exploration, sightseeing and opera lovers. There are just 16 elegant rooms that are set on two sides of the building, and either face the bustling Via Cappello or offer views of the courtyard. Although classical in style and romantic to the core, modern flourishes and comforts are standard, including flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi and luxury bathrooms with a Jacuzzi.
Conrad Algarve was named World’s Leading Luxury Leisure Resort 2018 at the World Travel Awards, and as you walk the palm-lined avenue leading to this exclusive hotel in the Quinta do Lago resort, you may feel as though you’ve stepped foot into an art gallery. The grand atrium-style lobby showcases exhibitions from local artists, and there’s a remarkable collection of paintings and sculptures – even the garage walls have some incredible graffiti by Portuguese street artists. The resort was built in the style of an 18th-Century Moorish palace but has a lovely relaxed vibe. There's a fire and water theme throughout and torch-lit fountains and pools create a dramatic effect. Take the seasonal shuttle to the beach, enjoy Pilates on the terrace, lounge by the peaceful infinity pool or take a dip to experience its underwater music system. Families will love the spacious Sensations Pool with family cabanas, while children can enjoy their own kids’ pool and the ‘Little C Palace’ kids’ club with activities including face painting and cooking classes. If you’re into golf, the world-famous Quinta do Lago North, Sul and Laranjal courses are right on your doorstep, while the exceptional Conrad Spa has a great selection of innovative treatments. Dining here is first-class. Louro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving modern Portuguese cuisine Michelin-star restaurant Gusto by Heinz Beck fuses Mediterranean flavours with Scandinavian design in an open-display kitchen. Dado and Sereno are the poolside restaurant and bar, offering a selection of refreshing menus and cocktails. The fresh and luxurious rooms have lots of space, Wi-Fi, a Nespresso coffee machine and a bath with a built-in television. Upgrade to a Double Deluxe Pool View Room for views over the sparkling pool or a Double Grand Deluxe Room for extra space.
This luxurious retreat is at the tip of a rocky peninsula overlooking the wide sweeping bay of St. George’s. It’s elegant, beautifully designed and has six pools around the resort, as well as access to the private rocky beach through The Lido St. George’s Bay. The Lido, which is open to the public as well as guests, has a range of watersports, as well as diving and late-night swimming until 9pm (July to August). If you’d rather spend your days relaxing, there’s a wide selection of beauty therapies, saunas, an indoor pool and Jacuzzi at the Apollo Day Spa. The dining options are just as diverse as the leisure facilities. Have a delicious buffet breakfast at Fra Martino Restaurant and Terrace, eat Asian-inspired dishes at Buddhamann and grab a seat at the casual all-American Henry J. Bean’s Bar and Grill with happy hour each day from 5.30-7pm. Caviar & Bull has a more sophisticated tone – run by chef, Marvin Gauci, it’s one of the best modern Mediterranean restaurants in Malta. The rooms are all about relaxation. Deluxe Seaview Rooms have a balcony and views over the Mediterranean. Family Rooms have two double beds for a great-value option for those travelling with small children. The Executive Seaview Twin Rooms are on the Executive Floor and include extras like designer toiletries and a dedicated host service. You’ll also get access to the Executive Club Lounge, with complimentary refreshments served throughout the day. For the ultimate indulgence, try a Junior Suite for a separate lounge area divided by shutters, a sofa bed and Executive Club Lounge access.
Set on a hillside overlooking golden sands and the sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea, the Grace is one of Mykonos’ most luxurious boutique properties and it prides itself on its exceptional service. Its appearance is award-winning and effortlessly attractive, incorporating traditional elements and local craftsmanship into a simple, elegant design. Begin the day here as you mean to go on – in style, with a late à la carte Champagne breakfast. Juice is even squeezed to order. Then lounge the afternoon away poolside on one of the cool king-size sun beds. If you want to explore, let the concierge – who has the best contacts on the island – recommend a ‘Bespoke by Grace’ experience to you based on your interests. A treatment from the Boutique Spa is the ideal way to complete a day of indulgence, whether it’s a facial or a full body massage. For food, The Grace Restaurant serves up contemporary Greek cuisine in sophisticated surroundings, either indoors or poolside. The Grace pool bar is white-washed and wooden, and tempts guests with refreshing cocktails, cool beers and crisp refreshing wine. Rooms are set over five levels and are light, understated and elegant. There’s a wide range to choose from, some with their own heated plunge pool, but all have high-spec furnishings as standard. If only the best will do, opt for the Honeymoon Suite on the hotel’s highest level for a pretty French window opening onto a portico, plus a private terrace with plunge pool, or the VIP Suite – which is reached by its own exclusive lift.
Carved out of a clifftop and set on different levels, Grace Santorini is an architect’s dream. Sleek and minimalist, its white-washed colour scheme leaves the exceptional quality and spellbinding views to do the talking. After waking up and taking in the jaw-dropping scenery, enjoy a decadent late morning Champagne breakfast before spreading out on one of the double loungers and soaking up the sun. There’s an award-winning heated infinity pool, which runs along the hotel front and overlooks Skaros Fortress. Light snacks and chilled cocktails can be enjoyed from the poolside bar. You might not want to eat too much during the day though, as dinner at the hotel restaurant is a real treat. On the clifftop, the Santoro restaurant is intimate and open-air and has magnificent views of the infinity pool, the caldera and the ocean. Indulge in Mediterranean fusion creations from the daily menu or simply ask the chef to prepare a dish of your choice – accompanied by the signature Grace cocktail designed by renowned mixologist Salvatore Calabrese, of course. The 363 Champagne lounge is the perfect spot to soak up the famous Santorini sunsets. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. Scattered down the hillside, with all mod cons and pure white décor from the walls to the crisp cottons, all of the rooms, suites and the villa have sunset views. And some of the rooms come with their own private plunge pool on the terrace.
With characterful features and a private plunge pool and spa tub in every room, it’s no wonder that this luxury boutique hotel is renowned as one of Santorini’s ultimate escapes. The architecture here is particularly impressive, with old and new coming together to create something super sleek, and the quiet location is still within easy reach of livelier parts of the island by car or taxi. As well as the private pools, the hotel has an expansive infinity pool surrounded by a large sun terrace with plenty of loungers. For uninterrupted relaxation and rejuvenation, pay a visit to the Wellness Thelma Spa and enjoy a detoxifying massage or facial. If you’re too relaxed to move, a therapist can even come to your suite or sun lounger. Omega3 is one of Santorini’s most sought-after restaurants, with an elegant poolside setting and carefully crafted Greek dishes. Fresh fish and seafood dishes, served with the freshest local ingredients and hand-picked artisan products, are exquisitely presented. Ask the resident sommelier to choose the perfect accompanying wine from the extensive wine list. Spacious rooms and suites have white-washed walls and traditional vaulted ceilings in keeping with local design, but you won't be without mod cons or short of luxury amenities here. Every room has custom-made furniture, sea views, its own private pool and spa tub. Superior Deluxe Rooms offer something a little unusual – carved into the volcanic rock and accessed through a tunnel. For more space, there's a range of Luxury Suites, while the Infinity Cave Suites – accessed by a steep tunnel through the rock – are the perfect choice for honeymooners.
Situated on Fethiye’s beautiful coast, the Hillside Beach Club has a resort and beach club atmosphere that allows everyone to make the most of their holiday. You’ll find quiet, adults-only areas and beaches throughout the hotel, as well as plenty of family-friendly spots. There’s the main Blue Flag beach, which is the place to be for water-based activities and is popular with those on holiday with children. There’s also the adults-only Silent and Serenity Beaches. Kids will love the popular kids’ club, while parents can sneak off to one of the two beautiful spas to indulge in a little rest and relaxation. The standard of food is high here and you can choose from three contemporary restaurants, each overlooking the peaceful Aegean Sea. Enjoy international and local buffet dishes in the main restaurant, the perfect spot if you're looking for quick and easy, yet delicious food. For a romantic evening, look no further than Pasha on the Bay, an intimate spot which overlooks the hotel’s private bay serving Mediterranean specialities, or the Beach Bar & Restaurant if you wish to dine on Italian cuisine beneath a blanket of stars and by the pretty beach. Each of the chic, well-appointed rooms have modern conveniences such as free Wi-Fi. Standard Side Sea View Rooms have a limited sea view. For couples, the Superior Double Rooms have plenty of space, a large private terrace and views of the Aegean Sea. Families and groups should choose a Superior Family Room with Private Terrace, for two bedrooms as well as a large terrace.
Situated on a sweeping stretch of golden sand where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, this all-inclusive resort is one of the best luxury family hotels in Turkey, if not Europe. There are a total of 10 pools to choose from, and the young (and young at heart) will love the aquapark pool complex, where there are chutes and waterslides. For a taste of pure relaxation, head to the resort’s private beach or one of the many shaded spots in the landscaped gardens. For a real treat we recommend hiring a gazebo where you'll have butler service and a variety of included drinks and snacks. Your children can spend time at the brilliant Kidz Paradise enjoying a wide range of activities such as cooking classes, film screenings and Olympic games, while making new friends from around the world. This leaves you free to indulge at the rejuvenating spa, with access to the sauna, steamroom and whirlpool. Savour the flavours of the world at a choice of one buffet and five à la carte restaurants dotted around the expansive resort grounds. Your all-inclusive package includes all meals at Sarigerme Main Restaurant where you can dine on both local and international dishes. Whether you fancy an authentic taste of Turkey at A La Turca, or eastern and Asian cuisine tempts you to visit TAO, there are also plenty of à la carte options. Kids are also welcome to enjoy the children’s buffet, with specially selected menus. The rooms here are spacious and modern in style with warm tones and comfortable furnishings. Standard Rooms have a small seating area, furnished balcony and views over the mountains of Sarigerme, or for a supplement, the river or sea. Deluxe Rooms allow guests direct access to one of the resort’s swimming pools via a staircase leading down from the balcony. If you're travelling as a group or family we recommend the Family Rooms – a combination of two rooms with interconnecting doors for peace of mind and convenience.
Whether you’re travelling with friends, family or a loved one, the Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel is a welcoming, laid-back haven with wonderful ocean views. You’ll find plenty of facilities to keep you entertained and the busy centre of Paphos is only a short journey away. There is a fine stretch of sheltered beach that's shared with the hotel’s neighbouring sister properties, as well as a variety of pools – including two children's paddling pools and a water slide – and the Elixir Spa, a staple at Constantinou Bros resorts. While adults are at the spa, on the beach or lounging by the pool, younger guests can meet new friends and enjoy activities at the kids' club, which is open during the summer months. The restaurants here make the most of the beautiful Cypriot weather with a number of al fresco dining venues dotted around the resort. At breakfast, head for the main restaurant Atrium for a hearty buffet breakfast, or enjoy a Mediterranean-style buffet at Leda Italian Restaurant. If you are staying in a Superior Room or Suite you can enjoy breakfast at Zephyr until 11am. At dinner there are a wide range of international dishes on offer at Atrium, from Mediterranean to Far Eastern. À la carte restaurants include the Mediterranean Adonis, Leda Italian Restaurant and Zephyr À la Carte. Rooms and suites are attractively furnished in neutral tones and feature a bathtub with a rain shower, as well as a balcony. There is a wide range of accommodation categories to choose from, from the simple yet comfortable Twin Rooms, which have either land, limited sea or sea views, to the spacious Executive One Bedroom Suite. We recommend upgrading to a Superior Deluxe Terrace Room for a large terrace with sea views or a Junior Seaview Suite which has a private plunge pool with views out over the Mediterranean. Families and groups should opt for the Superior Seaview or the Junior Suite duplexes – both of which consist of two rooms with one main entrance.
The IKOS Olivia has a fabulous location, in 22 acres of beachfront landscaped gardens on the pretty Halkidiki peninsula. With an all-inclusive package that includes meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, room service, a Dine Out experience at a local restaurant and non-motorised watersports, it brings the concept of affordable luxury to Halkidiki. There’s plenty going on here, with everything from watersports to mountain biking. Children are well looked after with their own pool and playground, as well as dedicated kids’ meals at all restaurants – it’s no wonder that IKOS Olivia is popular with families. Dining is an exciting venture here too; there are buffet and à la carte options at restaurants overseen by Michelin-starred chefs. Three of the resort’s restaurants are open throughout the day, serving Mediterranean, traditional Greek and French fare, while at dinner there’s the choice of Italian and Asian cuisine too. There's also round-the-clock complimentary room service. Wine lovers will be pleased to learn that the Cava wine cellar stocks local and international labels, and for a taste of local flavours the innovative Ikos Dine Out service invites guests to dine out in a restaurant in the nearby coastal village of Gerakini. Contemporary rooms such as the Promo Double Rooms and the larger Superior Double Rooms are located in the main building, while the Double Bungalow Garden View Rooms are housed in bungalows. They all have a balcony or terrace with garden or sea views. Bungalow Suites are slightly larger, with a private garden or balcony. If you choose a Deluxe Collection suite you'll have access to an exclusive shared deluxe pool, a dedicated beach area and deluxe concierge service.
Set in a marina resort, the D-Resort Göcek is a contemporary and informal retreat, close to local life yet with a wonderful feeling of seclusion, especially when you’re down on the private man-made beach (which can be reached on foot, by bicycle or golf cart). Relax by the pool, visit the chic spa and just let time drift away. You’ll be within walking distance of the centre of the trendy yet low-key town of Göcek, a favourite stop with sailors and the set-off point for a number of traditional gulet cruises. Here, you'll find a selection of shops, cafés and restaurants and a number of lively marinas. Back at the hotel there’s the chic D-SPA which, as well as the standard treatments, features a traditional Turkish hamman and a tranquil zen garden with Jacuzzi and sun loungers. For dining with beautiful views, head down to The Breeze restaurant that’s set right on the oceanfront and serves a delightful collection of fresh seafood specialities. There’s also the relaxed Olive Tree restaurant for fantastic buffet fare in an elegant and welcoming setting – this is where all your included meals will be served. At the clifftop restaurant, Q Lounge, exquisite Japanese fare is complemented by the far-reaching views over the bay. Four bars are set throughout the property to ensure you’ll never be thirsty, whether you’re down on the beach or by the pool. All of the rooms and suites are chic and comfortable, decorated in light and bright colours and seaside-inspired tones. Standard Penthouse Rooms have two rooftop windows in a high sloped ceiling with blackout blinds as well as a small terrace. Standard Rooms are larger, though they don’t have a terrace. If you’re looking for extra space and a terrace, there’s the Superior Rooms, or the even more spacious Deluxe Rooms. The Deluxe Poolside Rooms offer direct access to the pool while the Junior Suites are slightly larger with a living area.
Situated on the island of Lesvos in the Northern Aegean Sea, The Neilson Aeolian Village Beachclub in Lesvos is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the better-known islands and is a firm favourite with new and returning guests. Sailors and windsurfers of all abilities will enjoy the extensive sailing area and consistent cross-offshore winds, while the surrounding hills are great for mountain biking with a wide variety of trails to explore.
Vassiliki is one of Europe's most famous windsurfing destinations bordering the shores of an impressive bay to the south of Lefkas island. It's a mecca for windsurfers who want to blast on flat water in the afternoons. The awe-inspiring mountains of Lefkas Island ensure the action doesn’t stop at the beach, with great terrain for all mountain bikers.
Contemporary design and minimalist architecture together with the clean lines of the design add a distinctly modern touch to the accommodation and public areas of Neilson's Messini Beachclub. Here you can enjoy the ultimate active escape with a vast sailing area, beautiful 50m swimming pool, excellent mountain biking and great tennis facilities. The location on Analipsi beach is idyllic, with uninterrupted views across the bay and large sailing area. The unspoilt, long sandy beach stretches as far as the eye can see with plenty of room to find a peaceful spot to get away from it all should the mood take you.
From the bay, the views towards Mount Athos on the Greek mainland are beautiful and most evenings you will be treated to the most spectacular sunsets over the pool and bar area. The spacious, flat layout, 50-metre swimming pool, lovely spa and short airport transfer make it a popular choice with everybody, especially families. It’s a great choice for all activities, in particular dingy sailing and mountain biking.
A collection of beaches forms the edge of the watersports area and a unique feature of the Retreat Beachclub is a shallow sand bar that leads the way through warm shallow waters to the sailing beach on a tiny wooded island. The flat water and light winds ensures fantastic conditions for waterskiing and wakeboarding, whilst the surrounding bay and coves are excellent for stand up paddle boarding and kayaking. Nestled amongst a wooded hillside, rooms sit between terraced gardens and are linked by a series of stone pathways and steps, which lead down to the waterfront below. The aptly named Retreat Beachclub is an idyllic haven that draws people back time and time again.
The Beachclub sits on the shores of a large sailing area with consistent winds and easy launching, whilst the mountain biking is simply superb with a huge variety of trails to explore. Families will also enjoy the easy-going atmosphere, large, spacious rooms, short airport transfer and fabulous children's clubs.
Newly refurbished, The Phoenicia Malta is one of the country’s finest hotels. It’s the oldest luxury hotel in Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Valletta icon just outside the city gate. A favourite with honeymooners for its sumptuous interiors, the hotel has recently been beautifully restored with modern touches that complement the elegance and nostalgia of this local landmark. The seven and a half acres of beautifully manicured gardens that form the centrepiece of the hotel have been re-landscaped, and a new infinity pool gives guests sweeping views of the harbour. Relax at the Bastion Pool deck and bask in the breathtaking views of the Marsamxett Harbour from your sun lounger or swim beside a huge bastion in the infinity pool. Award-winning restaurant The Phoenix serves a choice of buffet or à la carte breakfasts and an eclectic menu for lunch and dinner that’s inspired by traditional Maltese and European flavours. The Palm Court Lounge is a great spot for a morning coffee, traditional afternoon tea or an early evening cocktail. Head to the Club Bar where you’ll find colonial décor reminiscent of Malta’s past and a terrace with beautiful harbour views. The rooms are refreshed and colourful with youthful pops of colour that breathe a freshness into the historic building. Superior Rooms are comfortable and light, while Executive Rooms and Harbour View Rooms are more spacious with respective views of the city or harbour.
With views of the Mediterranean to the south and the Toros Mountains to the north, this hotel sits on the outskirts of the yachting centre of Göcek. Make your way along wide pathways and meticulously manicured gardens down to the huge pool, the restaurants and the waterfront – the hub of activity here. Perfect if you’re looking for a sociable atmosphere as well as a taste of luxury, this is an upmarket all-inclusive property. During the day you can take a short boat ride to the hotel’s private beach – Secret Beach – or head out on your free boat trip (one per stay) to some of the region’s best swimming spots. There's also a spa where you can enjoy traditional Turkish, as well as Far Eastern, treatments. There’s no shortage of dining options here, from international dishes at the all-day restaurant to seafood and barbecue specialities. Each morning a buffet breakfast is accompanied by views of the marina at the restaurant Turquoise, which is also open for buffet lunches and dinners. One of the favourite spots for lunch and dinner is the informal à la carte restaurant People’s, which is located close to the waterfront. If you’re looking for somewhere that is relatively lively post-dinner, the waterside Nox Bar is the place to be. The spacious and beautifully designed suites are located in two-storey buildings throughout the main resort. Deluxe Garden View Suites feature a private terrace or balcony and have views of the gardens, while the more spacious Junior Suites have a separate living room and bedroom. For families and groups, the two-bedroom Friends Suite provides a little more space, featuring a master bedroom with king-size bed and a second bedroom with twin beds.
Mykonos Theoxenia is an original ’60s hotel with a rich history and status. Stay here and you’ll be following in stylish footsteps – previous guests include Jackie Onassis. Part of the Louis Hotels Group and member of the Design Hotels, the hotel is a national preserved property thanks to its innovative style and architecture showcasing local stone and craftsmanship. It’s since been renovated, but retains a sense of ’60s glam and the low-rise design gives a private, intimate feel. The palm-fringed pool is the focal point of the hotel, and you’ll just need to decide whether to opt for a poolside lounger or a four-poster day bed with drapes. Either way, you’ll be able to soak up views of the floral gardens, Mediterranean Sea and iconic white windmills in peace. There’s a lot of care and attention given to the food here and it’s beautifully presented. Breakfast at The Plate is particularly good – it’s served buffet-style, but the choices change daily and you’ll find delicious premium produce. Breeze Out restaurant serves up a new all-day dining menu for lunch and dinner, while the Breeze In bar offers an extensive cocktail list, headed up by the signature Theoxenia Vertigo and served in mason jars and other creative glassware. Stylish rooms have a neutral colour palette and subtle ’60s throwbacks with patterned feature walls and fabrics. All have a balcony or terrace. Classic Double Rooms have garden or sea views, while Deluxe Sea Front Rooms have a lounge area and a raised bedroom area.
In 15 acres of palm-strewn landscaped gardens that lead down to the beach, this luxury resort has wonderful views of the Mediterranean coastline. The ‘Infinite Lifestyle’ concept aims to bring a new era of hospitality to the Mediterranean by focusing on the best parts of all inclusive: a great choice of dining including snacks throughout the day, an inclusive minibar refilled daily, live shows, selected land and watersports, and a Dine Out service where you’ll be taken to one of the best local restaurants in the charming town of Nea Moudania nearby. Dining is a particular highlight here. Most of the restaurants – including the luxury Greek restaurant, Ouzo, and the traditional Italian trattoria, Fresco – have menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs. For each dish, there’s the perfect accompanying wine; just ask the sommelier for a recommendation from the extensive Ikos Cava wine cellar. Rooms and suites are contemporary, with a teal and white colour scheme, and are spread throughout the gardens. All have floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony or terrace, and many have sea views. Guests staying in Deluxe Collection rooms have access to an exclusive shared deluxe pool and a dedicated beach area, as well as extra benefits. These rooms include the Deluxe Junior Suites Sea View and some great spacious options for families like the Deluxe One Bedroom Family Suites Sea View.
With a wonderful location in the historic heart of Ostuni – the ‘White City’ – yet just a short drive from the beach where you can hire sun loungers and umbrellas, the Ostuni Palace simply oozes old-world glamour and sophistication. To explore on foot, it’s just a short walk to the picture-perfect old town which showcases an artist’s palette of white-washed streets, silver-green olive trees and the piercing blue of the distant ocean. Sit in the square and watch the world go by while sipping a rich cup of coffee or treating youself to a delicious gelato. At the hotel’s new wellness centre you can have a massage in a unique setting – in a treatment room carved into an ancient cave, and make use of the facilities which include a Jacuzzi, sauna, steambath and chromotherapy emotional showers. After a refreshing spa circuit, chill out in the relaxation area with a herbal tea. For fine dining, tantalise your tastebuds with excellent Mediterranean cuisine at the elegant Ostuni Palace Bistro. After dinner, have a coffee or an evening cocktail at the chic Palace Café. Standard Rooms are elegantly appointed and decorated to create a relaxed yet luxurious experience. Upgrade to a Romantic View Room for beautiful panoramic views. For more space, including a separate living area, opt for the luxury of a Junior Suite.
This luxury residence has a fine heritage and has been welcoming guests since 1880. Upon arrival, the resort’s resplendent historic façade gives way to luxurious, contemporary interiors that set the tone for your exploration of this beautiful city. You’re only moments away from all of Lecce’s famous sights – or you can revive your senses in the spa on the days when you don’t want to venture too far. The fabulous breakfast makes a wonderful start to the day, and dining at the resort is always a pleasure. Whether you choose the sophisticated gourmet tastes of Le Quattro Spezierie or the laid-back city bistro vibe of The Salento, both serve up superb Puglian cuisine in an elegant setting. Pick a table on the stylish roof garden for stunning views of the cathedral towering above the narrow terraces. Creative design touches are in evidence throughout all of the rooms, where natural fabrics and traditional colours have been given a stylish, modern treatment. Superior Rooms have marble-panelled bathrooms while Deluxe Rooms have extra space. Executive Rooms feature a lounge area and if you opt for a Junior Suite, you’ll have the luxury of a separate living room and wonderful views.
This award-winning resort is ideal if you’re looking for a beach holiday with the opportunity to dip your toe into the world of wellness, or if you want to kick-start a healthier lifestyle with a detox programme. Set on a gently sloping hillside with a design inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the landscaped gardens lead down to an inviting stretch of beach lapped by the clear waters of the Aegean Sea. It’s up to you how active or relaxed you want to be and there are plenty of activities available, from gentle nature walks and energising yoga sessions to tennis matches and heart-pumping circuit training. The Muu SPA & Sianji Life Wellbeing Centre specialises in healthy living and detox programmes but also offers fantastic facilities for pampering and relaxation. Enjoy traditional Turkish treatments including salt peels and foam massages, take a dip in the thalasso pool, rejuvenate your skin with ozone and electro therapies at the anti-ageing treatment centre, or enjoy a soothing massage in one of the oceanside cabanas. The resort offers a great choice of dining options so you can be indulgent or super-healthy, depending on your mood. Elani beach restaurant serves Mediterranean gourmet fusion cuisine and is a great spot for enjoying the sunset. If you’re on a health kick or a detox programme then head to the café-style Eiffel restaurant to enjoy organic alkaline cuisine (based on 80% alkaline and 20% acidic food) and sea views. Sianji Life Cafe and Juice Bar is a spacious sea-view lounge offering fresh juices, healthy shakes and fresh gourmet dishes prepared or dehydrated with local flavours. The resort also offers cooking courses so you can continue your healthy and nutritious diet when you return home. All of the rooms and suites are very spacious and feature modern amenities including Wi-Fi. The Junior Suites offer partial sea views and Seaview Suites feature a balcony and panoramic sea views. See our selection of spa and wellness packages.
Perched on a hillside overlooking the bay of Altea, this contemporary resort radiates elegance and a Zen-like calm. The simple but stylish design – all gleaming marble, natural stone, crisp white interiors and trickling water features – has a soothing effect, putting you in the perfect frame of mind for a healing wellness experience. This multi-award-winning resort offers a fusion of eastern and western medicine with a focus on naturopathy and a healthy diet which explores the basic principles of Macrobiotics. A personalised prescription of diet, exercise and treatments will treat you from the inside out, boosting your body’s healing power and helping you to achieve both physical and mental wellbeing. Choose from a range of results-driven programmes including detox, weight loss and stress management, or simply enjoy a healthy break, making the most of the incredible facilities and beautiful setting. The SHA Academy offers a range of daily activities. Rise early for a gentle guided walk to the lighthouse or a challenging Nordic walk up a steep hill that rewards you with incredible views. Enjoy a revitalising Pilates or yoga class, learn how to recreate healthy dishes at a Macrobiotic cooking class and gain invaluable wellness advice at lectures by health experts. The spa has large indoor and outdoor swimming pools, waterfalls and relaxation areas. Lounge by the stunning infinity pool or experience the hydrotherapy circuit which offers jets, sprays, a resistance wall, underwater massage, steam, sauna and ice. Find a peaceful spot on one of the expansive terraces and admire the spellbinding views over white-washed villas, olive groves and the sea, all framed by the rugged Sierre de Bernia mountains. The Macrobiotic diet lies at the heart of the resort and you can experience the benefits of healthy nutrition which rebalances the body and boosts its ability to restore itself. Enjoy guilt-free but delicious organic gourmet cuisine at SHAMADI restaurant which overlooks the bay of Altea and forgo toxin-loaded alcohol to sip cleansing herbal teas in the tea room. The chic and minimalist suites are lavishly spacious – they range from 70-320m² – and feature designer furniture, the latest technology, a large terrace and free Wi-Fi. Deluxe Suites offer mountain or sea views. Superior Suites are even more spacious and boast a second bathroom. See our selection of spa and wellness packages
With a spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains and an emerald valley, this classic resort offers the perfect setting for kick-starting a healthy lifestyle programme. The irresistible combination of inspiring landscapes, a year-round mild climate and fresh Alpine air perfectly complements a host of wellness programmes. Learn how to boost your optimal health, increase your energy levels, lose weight, or undergo healthy ageing treatments under the guidance of an expert medical team. As the resort is small and intimate you can enjoy a really personalised experience and if you’re on the weight loss and detox programme then you’ll get to see a doctor on a daily basis, not just at the start and end of your stay. Spend your days relaxing in the magnificent gardens and enjoying treatments and daily classes, or venture out to explore the pretty town of Merano during an afternoon excursion or independently. Rise early for an invigorating power walk before breakfast and admire the scenery as your guide takes you along different paths each day. Join an afternoon yoga class or find a shady spot under a tree or by the lily pond for quiet reflection. Lounge by the pool and lose yourself in the spectacular views over the valley or experience the rejuvenating benefits of the Alpine air during a guided hike. The restaurant’s terrace setting takes advantage of the incredible mountain and valley views. Fresh, locally sourced and mainly organic ingredients feature on the healthy menu of low-GI and low-sugar cuisine and there is a choice of dishes tailored to meet the needs of your particular health plan. Tuck into nutritious and revitalising dishes including the resort’s own low-GI bread and pasta or opt for the tempting gourmet menu if you aren’t on a restrictive diet. The elegant rooms and suites feature ETRO toiletries and a healthy minibar. Elegant Rooms are spacious. Prestige Rooms have a separate living area and a terrace with garden, pool and mountain views. Garden Suites all vary slightly in design with plenty of space in each. See our selection of spa and wellness packages
This small and intimate hotel is tucked away in a peaceful courtyard near the River Arno but it’s just seconds from the Ponte Vecchio and close to all of the city’s main attractions. Owned by the Ferragamo Family, this chic hotel is part of the Lungarno Collection of luxury hotels and it blends classic Italian design with minimalist Asian style. Blurring the lines between hotel and gallery, the public areas, including the lobby and the lounge-library, serve as exhibition spaces for contemporary art and photography by artists such as David Lachapelle, Steven Klein and Andy Warhol. The Fusion Bar & Restaurant offers an irresistible blend of Italian and Japanese-Peruvian cuisine washed down with innovative cocktails. Guests are also invited to use the rooftop terrace at neighbouring sister hotel, the Continentale. Discover Italy’s finest art treasures at the renowned Uffizi Gallery, stroll to the beautiful Boboli Gardens, admire the stunning architecture of the nearby Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio, or enjoy free entry to the Ferragamo Museum which houses an impressive collection of fashion and art. The contemporary rooms are stylishly furnished in wood, leather and linen, and feature striking black and white photography and free Wi-Fi. The magnificent suites (available on request) are set on the upper floors and offer a luxury terrace and spectacular views over the city.
Far removed from Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, Chania is Crete’s second largest city. Bursting with history and heritage, its Old Town’s strong Italian influence and Ottoman, Venetian and Greek architecture has long been popular with culture seekers, but there are some fabulous beaches and a high-end bar scene here, too. Domes Noruz Chania is the sister to the award-winning Domes of Elounda resort and sits on the beachfront on the outskirts of the city. Its domed design is inspired by the Venetian Arsenals from Chania’s old port, but is brought up-to-date with lofty, airy spaces and sleek furnishings. There’s a cosmopolitan approach to food, with a focus on delicious organic Greek produce with an international twist. Zeen is the all-day restaurant, where breakfast corners include a bakery and vitality bar, while Raw Bar by Moët & Chandon is a chic spot for superfood salads, premium wines and Champagne. At sunset, make your way to the beach or the bar area to take in the view. The hotel encourages guests to get out and explore the local area, and its aim is to curate your experience, whether it’s arranging moonlight jazz on the beach or taking a helicopter ride over the breathtaking Samaria Gorge. Clean-lined rooms and suites all have a cool design and a private outdoor Jacuzzi or plunge pool. Upgrade to a Sublime Loft Sea View Suite for space and sea views, where you’ll have a ground-floor bedroom, mezzanine sitting area and terrace with private plunge pool. Haute Living Selection In the ‘Haute Living Selection’, which features Sublime Loft Sea View Suites and Haven Suites, you can enjoy exclusive club level services. You’ll have access to a whole level of luxury, including complimentary upgrade to Dine Around Half Board, Elemis toiletries, and personalised monogrammed bathrobes to take home.
A setting on a beach that regularly appears in top 10 lists of Europe’s best beaches is what really sets this modern hotel apart from the crowd. Add to that the proximity of one of southern Cyprus’s most family-friendly resort towns and you have a perfect location for a relaxing Mediterranean break. At the hotel you’ll find two large pools as well as pretty gardens full of sun loungers. And you don’t even have to get up early to reserve your spot for the day – sun beds are assigned to you for the duration of your stay. If you want a change of scene from the pool, the waters that lap the Blue-Flag-awarded Fig Tree Bay are sheltered with a gently sloping sea bed – perfect for little ones to go paddling and swimming. Other facilities here include a wellness spa. Each day begins with a sea-view breakfast at eléa, the hotel’s main buffet restaurant. The restaurant is also open for a themed buffet dinner every now and again. Three further restaurants include Mama’s, where Mediterranean dishes are served at lunch and dinner, the Italian venue Cucina, and Koi, a unique restaurant where the dishes have a fusion of Asian and Mediterranean flavours. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to be found in the heart of Protaras, just a short walk away from the hotel. The rooms and suites are light-filled, modest and modern in style and each has a balcony or terrace. While Inland View and Side Sea View Rooms are available, we highly recommend upgrading to one of the rooms with a full sea view. There are also Triple and Quad rooms for those travelling as a small group. The Deluxe Sea View Rooms are slightly more spacious and feature an Espresso coffee machine, and the Duplex Suites are set over two floors with a living room on the lower floor and a master bedroom on the upper floor. These suites feature not one but two outdoor spaces, with the lower floor terrace featuring a heated whirlpool tub and the upper floor balcony providing you with sea views.
You know you’re in for a treat when the name of your hotel translates to ‘eternal bliss’. And thanks to the charming Byzantine-inspired architecture, beautifully tendered gardens and oceanfront setting, the Elysium Hotel is appropriately named. Local materials have been sourced to provide a real sense of place and there’s a focus on the style and traditions of the region with design features such as mosaics, archways and columns throughout. There’s a huge split-level pool at the heart of the property as well as an adults-only sunken pool for the exclusive use of Royal Studio guests. The resort’s Opium Spa is one of the finest in Paphos, if not the whole of Cyprus. The Elysium Hotel is also the perfect destination for a luxury family holiday as there’s a complimentary kids’ club and family-friendly accommodation options. There’s an excellent choice of dining here. The main restaurant, Lemonia Piazza, is styled on a village square and each day provides a buffet service at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each evening there’s a themed buffet so you’ll never grow tired of the same food. There are also dishes for the younger, and often fussier, guests. Four further venues include Mediterranean, Italian and Asian restaurants. The rooms and studios here have the same Mediterranean style as the rest of the resort; they are light, airy and spacious. The recently renovated Deluxe Bedrooms have inland views or, for a supplement, a side sea view or full sea view. A particular favourite with those travelling with younger guests are the Family Cyprian Maisonettes. These suites have a living room on the lower floor and master bedroom on the mezzanine. For a more romantic atmosphere we recommend the Royal Studio Garden View with Plunge Pool.
This hotel offers understated elegance, Relais & Châteaux status and a fantastic beachfront location with views over the Aegean Sea's glistening waters. It belongs to the family-owned Elounda Hotels & Resorts complex – three low-rise sister hotels that share facilities including a 9-hole golf course and sumptuous Six Senses Spa, but have their own distinct area, with an olive grove between them. A complimentary golf cart shuttle runs between the hotels and around the resort. Privacy and personalised service are the order of the day at the Elounda Mare. There's a private Blue Flag sandy beach and large seawater swimming pool in the beautiful manicured gardens. Spend long decadent days on a lounger working your way through your holiday reads and take a dip in the invitingly warm waters. There are three restaurants at the hotel all with sea views. The Deck serves up generous breakfasts with a view, and the Yacht Club is a Mediterranean beach restaurant offering fresh seafood and traditional local dishes. The gastronomic highlight here is the award-winning Old Mill, set around an ancient millstone. It is one of Greece's finest restaurants and its setting is as charming as its menu, which specialises in Cretan cuisine created from local ingredients. There's a classic theme throughout, with old stonework, dark wood and antiques that have been collected from the owners’ travels around the world. Rooms, suites and bungalows are traditional in style. Sea View Rooms and the larger One Bedroom Sea View Suites can be found in the main building. The range of bungalows all have their own private pool. For extra space, opt for a Superior Bungalow with Private Pool.
This spectacular classic resort combines with its sister hotels – the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel and Elounda Mare Hotel – to form the family-owned Elounda Hotels & Resorts complex, offering outstanding service and superior facilities that include a Blue Flag beach, 9-hole 3-par golf course and Six Senses Spa. The Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort is particularly great for families – it's where you'll find the impressive 'Kids' Ark' club, which has a lovely animal theme, and two kids' pools: a shallow pool for little ones and a slightly deeper pool with water slides for older children. On the waterfront overlooking the deep blue waters of Mirabello Bay, the location is superb, and the dining options are great here too. Poolside Nafsika is the resort's buffet-style restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner. Odysseas – named after Homer's seafarer – sits beside the beach, with a suspended wooden deck and glass-bottomed floor over the sea. It serves traditional Greek dishes and is a family lunchtime favourite. For Italian dishes, Aglio-e-Olio is a pretty Italian restaurant set in an old olive grove. There's also a town square here with a church and shops and a mini market for essentials, plus two bars for pre and-post dinner sundowners. If that's not enough choice, a free shuttle can take you to the resort's sister hotels for further dining options. Rooms and suites are beautifully furnished. Porto Sea View Rooms have views over the resort towards the sea and some have a shared or private pool. Porto Sea View Suites have extra living space. Two Bedroom Porto Sea View Suites and the Porto Exclusive Suite are even more spacious and have a private pool.
This stylish hotel has a real boutique feel as well as a blend of traditional charm and modern luxury. It also has an enviable setting close to the Piazza della Repubblica, Via Veneto, Villa Borghese Gardens and the Via Condotti shopping area. The cool interior features of this chic property have contrasting tones and details that blend perfectly with the building’s historic charms – this is contemporary Italian design at its finest. The hotel is home to the glamorous ‘Visionnaire Cafè which prides itself on creative cocktails and mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres. The bar and its shaded courtyard are the perfect places to sip a refreshing glass of prosecco after a busy day spent discovering famed Roman attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. You can also make use of the hotel’s leisure facilities which include a steamroom, Jacuzzi and massage services. The modern feel of the rooms is reflective of the hotel as a whole. The grey and white tones and space-maximising mirror details are complemented by chic and comfortable furnishings. The Classic Rooms offer a great value choice while the Deluxe Rooms are more spacious.
Within beautiful Chia Laguna, the Hotel Laguna has a secluded setting and a mixture of traditional Sardinian-style and modern luxury. Whether you're travelling as a family or a couple there are plenty of facilities and activities to enjoy. While you can make use of the resort’s main facilities, you could head to the VIP section of the beautiful Dune di Campana Beach which is reserved for the exclusive use of Hotel Laguna guests. The hotel is also adjacent to the beautiful Chia Natural Spa which offers an ideal retreat and indulgent treatments, while the watersports centre is the place to head if you are keen to keep active on holiday. As a Hotel Laguna guest you’ll be able to enjoy the resort’s most comprehensive Half Board dine-around package. Alongside the assigned restaurant La Terrazza, you can have dinner at four further venues. The Laguna’s hillside setting means the rooms and suites have fantastic views over the resort towards the sea. You can opt for one of the Superior or Deluxe Rooms, or for a little more space there’s the open-plan Junior Suites and Suites which have beautiful bay views.
With a prized setting across the Grand Canal from the lively heart of historic Venice, this is the perfect choice for those seeking a spot away from the crowds, yet still within easy reach of all the city’s attractions. It's just a boat ride across the Grand Canal followed by a 10 minute walk from St Mark’s Square and within walking distance to attractions such as the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. Housed in a former convent that has retained its historic charm, the hotel has a Neo-gothic façade which belies its contemporary interiors. Classic Venetian touches add to the unique décor, from silk-lined walls to ornate mirrors and gold bathrooms. Dine on haute cuisine at the restaurant Antinoo’s and relax with a glass of wine in the secluded courtyard garden or the canal-side terrace.
As Venice’s only hotel to actually overlook St Mark’s Square, Hotel Concordia could not be better placed for sightseeing. Both cosy and intimate, Concordia has a refined elegance and a commitment to quality; it’s also been managed for four generations by the same family so you’ll get a warm welcome from the hotel’s staff. The traditional Venetian interiors, period furniture, marble or mosaic bathrooms and Murano glass chandeliers reflect the classic style and heritage of the 18th-Century building in which it is housed. At the hotel's lounge bar, you can enjoy cocktails, snacks and traditional Venetian aperitifs in front of views overlooking the Basilica.
Set in the heart of historic Venice and adjacent to the Church of San Stae, this beautiful hotel blends an attractive mix of contemporary comforts with authentic Venetian heritage that has attracted illustrious previous tenants including the Mozart family and the King of Denmark. Tastefully restored and with unique access provided by a waterfront door, the hotel is well appointed for exploration of the main sights of Venice yet offers an oasis from the city’s lively centre. Walk to St Mark’s Square, explore the lively Rialto area or enjoy a classic gondola ride along the canal before relaxing in the hotel’s tranquil interior garden. Some of the elegant rooms overlook the magnificent Grand Canal.
This former nobleman’s palace has been carefully restored and converted into a charming hotel with just 26 rooms. This sensitive reinvention has allowed the hotel to retain the feel of an elegant and comfortable private residence. It is set between the Ponte di Rialto and the Ponte dell'Accademia and has a private pier on the Grand Canal – imagine arriving in style by water. The inviting breakfast room combines original wood panelling with silk wall coverings and big picture windows overlooking a canal. The cosy lounge overlooks the Grand Canal and is perfectly placed for watching life on the water while sipping a cocktail.
Our first adult-only beachclub, Buca sits alongside our popular Messini Beachclub, facing the wide, sandy bay at Analipsi Beach, with the mountains that hug the bay providing a dramatic backdrop. Buca Beachclub shares activity areas with Messini beachclub, but the main hotel, bar, restaurant and pool areas are strictly adult-only. With only 57 rooms, a minimalist design and a new à la carte restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it's a small hotel with a boutique vibe. Hammocks in the gardens swing in the breeze, there's a beautiful glass sided swimming pool, where our staff will bring you complimentary refreshments as you lounge, (they'll even clean your sunglasses if you ask). Change it up a little and slide into the outdoor hot tub, or while away the hours on one of the sumptuous daybeds.Need to sooth your muscles? Head to the newly refurbished hydro spa, with sauna, steam room and hot and cold plunge pools. Why not spoil yourself with a treatment or two? To top off a wonderful day, head to the stylish à la carte restaurant for a delicious three-course meal, cooked up by our talented chefs. There's an extensive wine list including a premium selection - ask our waiters for a recommendation, they'll be more than happy to help.
Baia Dei Mori is brand new for 2017. Take a stroll on winding paths through the dunes to the beach. The clear turquoise water lapping at your feet will instantly wash away thoughts of home. It's situated on the north east coast of the Italian island of Sardinia, to the south of the famous Costa Smeralda We include a wide range of activities in your holiday. If you’re into road cycling, you’ll be in your element. On road or off road, it's the best cycling on offer in any of our beachclubs. It can get pretty breezy too, so it’s just great for sailors and windsurfers. You can also kitesurf at a nearby beach (non inclusive activity), when the wind blows the conditions are great. We’ll be adding lots of additional facilities and refurbishing others. We’re planning four new tennis courts, a new pool and a new kids’ pool. The pool bar and terrace is having a makeover and we’re busy creating some new treatment rooms.
Set away from the city’s bustling crowds in a charming 15th-Century building, this welcoming family-run hotel and former residence occupies a peaceful spot on the banks of the River Arno yet is just a short stroll from Florence’s wealth of cultural treasures including the Ponte Vecchio. The pleasant interior courtyard is dotted with pot plants and you can enjoy breakfast on the sunny tree-lined terrace, which overlooks the river and a pretty park. Discover some of the world's most renowned works of art, including sculptures and paintings by Botticelli and Da Vinci at the Uffizi Gallery or stroll to the Giardino Bardini, an Italian Renaissance garden offering incredible views of the city's skyline. This intimate hotel features Florentine style rooms. Comfort Rooms are cosy and Comfort Single Rooms are for sole occupancy. Premium Rooms are more spacious.
The beautifully renovated Chia Laguna’s Hotel Baia sits just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Monte Cogoni beach. The style here really gives you a sense of place with white-washed interiors brought to life with splashes of Mediterranean blues, rustic wooden features and modern furnishings. There’s a half Olympic-sized infinity pool on site, as well as a restaurant where all your included meals will be served. Out of the four properties within the resort, this is the closest to the sea, making it perfect for couples and families... Monte Cogoni Beach can be reached on foot in just a few minutes. The diving centre sits adjacent to the hotel and the watersports centre is located nearby on Dune di Campana beach. The main restaurant here is La Pergola which has also gone through extensive restyling to create beautiful contemporary spaces with calming light wood and stone colour décor. Your included meals will be served here, however you can dine at additional Chia Laguna restaurants for a supplement. The rooms echo the resort's Mediterranean chic design and they are fantastically situated on the promontory. Some of the rooms overlook the lagoon where wild birds, including flamingos, can be seen. The Prestige Mare Rooms are worth the upgrade for sea views.
This modern hotel is a good-value base for self-drive holidays in Puglia, especially if you’re planning on exploring the region’s famous trulli houses. Stroll into the historic heart of Alberobello and discover the unique buildings with conical roofs that house shops, restaurants, homes, a church and a museum. A guided tour of Alberobello is a great way to learn about the history and construction of these distinctive UNESCO-listed buildings. There’s lots to see and do in this charming region, from wine tasting and olive oil-making experiences to bike tours and exploration of the beautiful nearby trulli village of Locorotondo, which is just ten minutes away. It’s also just half an hour from the coast so you’re within easy reach of seaside towns such as Savelletri and Monopoli. Prepare for a day of local exploration by filling up at the breakfast buffet and choose from a range of Pugliese, Mediterranean and international dishes for dinner at Eden. Choose from a selection of local wines that are housed in a rock-walled cellar. There are also a number of local restaurants just a short stroll away. During balmy summer evenings, head to the roof terrace for cocktails or coffee. The modern and cosy Double Classic Rooms overlook the street or an olive grove and include free Wi-Fi.
Away from Rome’s grand Baroque centre sits this charming hotel with its pretty orange- and lemon-grove gardens, which are a real rarity in the Italian capital. The hotel is surrounded by the remains of imperial Rome, and you couldn’t be better placed if you want to immerse yourself in the ancient history of the city. The hotel overlooks the ruins of the Palantine Hill, while the Colosseum, the chariot racing stadium Circus Maximus and Piazza Venezia are located just a short walk away. The more ‘modern’ sights can be reached by a short taxi ride or metro journey. The style of the hotel itself has a more 21st Century feel to it with exposed brick walls, glass doors and contemporary furnishings. The first meal of the day is served in the light-filled breakfast room or out on the patio; the dishes are largely continental with eggs and bacon also available. The unique Al Palatino Garden Restaurant has both indoor and outdoor spaces, the latter of which has the real top tables. The quality of the cuisine certainly matches the beautiful setting with gourmet Italian dishes on the menu served at dinner. The simply designed rooms provide a modern retreat amid the surrounding history, with wood-panelled walls, large windows that allow light to flood in, and tiled bathrooms.
This resort captures quintessential island life with a laid-back vibe and views of Marinella Bay. A private section of the beach is reached via a short walk through landscaped gardens, and there’s a refreshing freeform pool overlooking the gardens and the sheltered turquoise waters of the Golfo di Marinella are ideal for swimming and watersports (available locally). The spa is a fantastic addition to the resort, featuring a Turkish steam bath, ice fountain, and relaxation room with salt wall. The lively Costa Smeralda town, Porto Rotondo, is just a short distance away and is well worth a visit if you like to explore your local surroundings while on holiday. The most popular tables at Central Restaurant for the generous buffet breakfast are the ones on the terrace overlooking the gardens and the bay. Dinner is also served here with rich starter, side dish, fruit and dessert buffet offerings and a selection of show kitchens where pasta, meat and fish dishes are created. For beachside lunches look no further than Marinella Restaurant for quick snacks and a grilled buffet. For a taste of local food, head to the Tzia Maria & Bonaria which has indoors and al fresco seating. The rooms are individually decorated with an calm island style with colour-washed furniture and tiled floors. The Double Standard Rooms feature a balcony that shows off the pretty hills behind the resort while the Superior Rooms have views over the resort's grounds towards the Mediterranean. For direct access to the garden from your own terrace, opt for a Garden Deluxe Room.
This chic boutique hotel is on a romantic cobbled street flanking the Palace of Jesuits, and is made up of five heritage buildings ranging from the 18th to 20th Centuries. The location is second to none, within walking distance of the city’s historical sites, churches, restaurants and museums. The hotel is ruggedly beautiful, with exposed stone arches and wooden rafters, but it also has contemporary bedrooms, modern art and plush extras as standard. The decked rooftop has a heated outdoor pool and solarium with panoramic harbour views, while the Til Spa has a hydrotherapy circuit, indoor pool, sauna and Turkish bath. There’s also a library and coffee and cocktail bar. You’ll be in a prime spot and will no doubt want to savour the historic town’s wonderful restaurants, but if you’ve spent a day seeing the sights (the hotel offers bike hire), it’s always a pleasure to know you can come back to an intimate little on-site restaurant. Tipografia certainly delivers, with a Mediterranean menu and an enchanting internal courtyard for al fresco dining. Rooms create a boutique feel with soft furnishings and city or courtyard views. Twin Rooms have double or twin beds. Twin Deluxe Rooms have a balcony with seating and courtyard or city views. Junior Suites are larger and have an adjacent living area, while Suites are even more spacious and have a separate living room.
This Italian summer village-style residence has arresting views of the still jewel-blue water and pretty cliffs of the Bay of Kotor (Boka Bay). It’s just two hours from Dubrovnik and 10 minutes from Tivat airport, making it perfect for a twin-centre holiday where you can retreat to the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor, on the edge of the luxurious Porto Montenegro village among designer stores and superyachts moored in front of the hotel’s grand yellow façade. Its charm is continued within, from the plush interiors of Murano Restaurant to the tranquil Library Bar terrace which looks out to a water feature that's peppered with tea lights at night. As you might expect in these luxurious surrounds, the service is exemplary. There’s a 20-metre infinity lap pool for morning swims overlooking the bay, four pools at the Regent Pool Club Residences and guests also receive a discount for entry to the stylish Yacht Club just few minutes’ walk away, where its über-cool pool stretches out right over the water (at extra cost). Back at the hotel, dining is decadent. There’s a patisserie counter of tempting fruit tarts and macarons and a light savoury menu at Gourmet Corner, or you can sink into an armchair with a drink and soak up the Library Bar’s sophisticated vibe. Meals are served at the graceful Murano Restaurant with dishes showcasing regional seafood like calamari straight from the Adriatic Sea. There are 175 modern nautical rooms and suites in the original Venezia Wing and Regent Pool Club Residences' Aqua Wing and Baia Wing. All include complimentary Wi-Fi, a Bose sound system, Nespresso machine and Aromatherapy Associates amenities for high-class comfort. Deluxe Rooms have a balcony or terrace and all other rooms have mountain or sea views. If you prefer to have extra space, opt for a One Bedroom or Junior Suite which feature a separate living area.
Combining the crisp upscale feel of sister hotel Eagles Palace with the indulgence of standalone accommodation, this all-villa, Small Luxury Hotel of the World offering is a stunning option for those who want intimacy with all the amenities. It has two on-site restaurants including Lofos – a relaxed dining venue with Mediterranean-meets-Scandinavian interior design – and guests are also welcome to use the facilities at the nearby Eagles Palace. Sink into an Elemis treatment at the spa (at Eagles Palace), choose from six restaurants for gourmet and al fresco dining, and drop off younger guests at the popular kids’ club where they can try out watersports (age restrictions apply) – all just a short walk away. While it’s hard to pick just one, a winning feature here has to be the Blue Flag beach; it’s exclusively for Eagles Palace and Eagles Villas guests and the gentle slope of golden sand into the Aegean Sea makes it child-friendly too. If you’re more adventurous, you’ll love the watersports on offer including PADI diving courses, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing. The staff are worth a mention too – there’s a warm, personal vibe that has carried through to the new Eagles Villas and it’s something that often receives glowing praise from guests. The villas here are gorgeous. Each has been positioned in a way as to offer amazing sea views and there’s a selection of sizes to choose from to suit your needs. Junior Pool Villas are just the right size for a chic and comfortable hideaway for two, while larger villas include options to add an extra bed, like the Ocean One Bedroom Pool Villa. If you like to have some additional outdoor space, opt for an Ocean Pool Villa with Private Garden which has one or two bedrooms and a living area that can be converted to a further sleeping space.
Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa proves that all good things come in small packages. Tucked away on the northernmost tip of the island, there are just 53 suites at this boutique gem so the peaceful composure of the hotel is completely undisturbed. Its location is made for quieter holidays on Kos, with a sandy beach just over the road where the hotel’s sun loungers are laid out and Kos Town is under 10 minutes away by car, or you can rent one of the hotel’s bicycles and make the most of Kos’ cycle-friendly roads. With details like large mattress-like sun beds by the pool, you wouldn’t be blamed for not leaving the hotel at all. Its understated and modern décor provides a crisp sophistication, and there's also the fact that Aqua Blu exclusively welcomes guests over 16. The service also deserves a mention; going above and beyond, the staff are what make this hotel. It’s impressive how this level of luxury can feel so intimate at the same time, where staff greet guests by name on a regular basis and warmly offer their undivided attention while remaining discreet and professional. And if you are after a memorable culinary experience, don’t miss dinner at the hotel’s fine dining Cuvée Restaurant. It’s arguably one of the best restaurants on the island and serves exceptional Greek and Mediterranean dishes with creative flair. The suites are elegant and minimalist in design, offering an abundance of light through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Suites offer partial or full sea views, and for an extra-indulgent stay, opt for your own pool with a Suite Superior Terrace with Private Pool.
Built with contemporary style and symmetry and infusing the stories of Greek mythology throughout, upon entering the main lobby you’ll find yourself in a minimalist gallery-like space where a statue of Poseidon rides a wave and the white walls are adorned with classic Greek art. There’s an emphasis on embracing the surrounding nature, from the pristine lawns to the magnificent lagoon-shaped pool that forms the centre of this impressive resort. It’s just steps to the glistening waters of the sand-and-pebble beach, where you can easily forget the time on a sun bed as you gaze over the sea to nearby islands and Turkey’s outline in the distance. The location is ideal if you like to embrace seclusion and still be in close proximity to amenities; while it’s peacefully quiet, Kos Town is only a 10-minute trip away. In resort, active guests are spoilt with a tennis court, watersports on the beach and a climbing wall to tackle. After you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy the delicious themed buffet at ACHILLES restaurant, the resort’s main dining spot, or treat yourself to the delicious barbecue lunch hosted at ARGO. Rooms have light wooden furnishings and white bedding for a clean and modern feel. All have a terrace or balcony so you can bask in views of the lush gardens, the pool or the sea. Executive Suites offer more space with a separate living area and if you want to maximise on pool time, opt for the cool swim-up-style Double Sharing Pool Rooms which feature direct access to a shared pool from your terrace.
As you approach this award-winning hotel, the opulence is palpable. A palm-fringed driveway leads to luxurious white-washed villas that are surrounded by water wherever you look. The main pool is the showstopper here; not only is it enormous, it’s artfully angled with plenty of shaded sunbeds so it never feels crowded. It’s the ideal place for lazing away with a book. If you prefer a dip in the sea, Lambi Beach, where you can order a drink at the Cushion Beach Bar and take in views of Bodrum over the sea, is just across the road. The hotel’s interior is bold and sumptuous; the lobby is embellished with white marble, green foliage-covered walls and two extravagant golden horses that guard the lobby doors. Dining is a treat with peaceful breakfasts by the pool at the main restaurant, Emerald Restaurant, and a different themed dinner each night. For fine dining that is crowned with sea views, head to the à la carte Perruzi Restaurant. Meanwhile, the Mazarin Spa is the perfect setting for an indulgent massage or yoga class to calm and restore. The rooms follow the hotel’s white and gold theme, with some featuring luxurious round beds. If you want to embrace celebrity-style living, stay in a Poolfront Swim-up Room or Poolfront Swim-up Superior Deluxe for direct access to a shared pool, or splash out on a Suite with Private Pool. Two-Storey Suites are great for groups with room for up to four guests in a chic apartment-style layout.
Overlooking the busy bay of Marina Lunga and the 15th-Century Castle Lipari, this pretty hotel is an intimate retreat on the largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari. The Mea has a typical Mediterranean style with Moorish architecture and design, fresh white exterior walls and cream décor in the interior spaces. The real highlights of the hotel are the hillside setting and the resulting views of the coast and harbour and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Your days could easily be spent in or around the pools – one of which is a hydro-massage pool – however it’s well worth heading out to explore the island, or at least the pretty nearby town where you can visit the Aeolian Archaeological Museum, the Lipari Cathedral and the 16th-Century fortifications. The hotel’s restaurant Chimera has the same beautiful views of the town and bay and you can enjoy your meals on the delightful terrace, or in the dining room. The cuisine served is inspired by local tastes and fresh produce. Enjoy intricately presented plates that are modern twists on traditional Sicilian dishes. Just a 15 minute walk away, you’ll find the cafés and restaurants of Lipari town, perfect if you’re looking for a change of scenery. There are just 37 rooms here so it will never feel crowded. Each room is individually decorated, with light tones and accent colours. The rooms have either an interior courtyard garden view or sea views. We recommend choosing one of the sea-view rooms – Deluxe Sea View Rooms feature beautiful wrought-iron, four-poster beds and a covered terrace.
The incredible beauty of the resort results from its secluded natural setting far off the beaten track. Sitting between crystal clear waters and the slopes of Vulcanello – one of three volcanoes on the island – Therasia has an enviable position overlooking the sea stacks and other Aeolian Islands of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The hotel has been cleverly designed and built using locally sourced materials such as lava stone and cedar wood where possible, so it only adds to its unspoilt natural surroundings. The low-rise buildings feature arched picture windows that draw your eyes to each unique view, and the two infinity pools seemingly blend into the sea. The beautiful spa is an idyllic spot to retreat to following time out exploring Vulcano and the other islands, and you can even enjoy treatments exclusive to the region such as the Vulcano Black Sand Scrub. Although not renowned for its beaches, there are a handful of black-sand beaches that you can reach via shuttle, and the resort also has a sea platform which you can swim off. Authentic Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine is a particular focus here and, although you are in an out-of-the-way location, you certainly don’t have to forego luxuries such as fine dining. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the main restaurant L’Archipelago where the cuisine is inspired by traditional Sicilian flavours. For a light poolside lunch, head to the casual restaurant I Grusoni, an open-air venue that's also open for dinner during the summer months. The standout venue however, has to be the intimate Michelin-starred Il Cappero where six- to ten-course taster menus are served in a delightful setting overlooking the sea and island of Lipari. The innovative menu is also inspired by local cuisine and created using hand-picked seasonal produce. The rooms are minimalistic in style with cream walls, comfortable furnishings and bathrooms decorated with vibrantly-coloured Sicilian tiles. Each Classic Room features a small terrace or balcony which overlooks the resort’s pretty gardens towards the volcano’s slopes. For a full sea view –and who wouldn’t want to wake up to a view such as these – we recommend a Comfort or Deluxe Seaview Room. For more space opt for one of the Junior Suites, the Lipari Suites or the Master Suite, the latter of which has a Jacuzzi on its spacious terrace.
This contemporary high-design hotel features innovative design elements and has a quiet setting outside of the city centre. You can escape the tourist crowds but still be within walking distance of the historic centre and main attractions such as the Uffizi Gallery, Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Pitti Palace. The post-modern design of the hotel provides an interesting contrast to the traditional neighbourhood in which it lies. San Frediano is a charming culturally-rich district offering a real flavour of Old Florence. Wander narrow lanes to discover artisan shops selling everything from hand-made hats, shoes and leather bags to marbled paper and books bound by hand. Watch these skilled craftsmen at work and pick up some authentic souvenirs. The hotel’s super-chic interiors are adorned with unusual features, from the chairs which are sculpted in the shape of faces, to the bar seating area which resembles a giant red spring. Dine at the S-shaped communal table, which lies under a stained-glass ceiling at the UNA restaurant and tuck into Tuscan specialities and international cuisine. And in the summer months you can head out to the courtyard. There is also a café and lounge bar for cocktails. The dark corridors that lead to the guest rooms are a nod to Tuscany’s rich history – the doors are framed by full-length Renaissance-style portraits, but the interiors are thoroughly modern with low lighting and black leather or fuchsia panelled walls with twinkling fibre optic lights. The Double Classic Rooms are cosy and provide a comfortable base.
You couldn’t ask for a better city location than the Sina De La Ville – right in the heart of the famous Golden Triangle and set just behind Piazza Duomo. While ideal for exploring the high-octane delights that Milan has to offer, the hotel itself provides a calming urban retreat, with the bonus of a stylish rooftop lap pool complete with underwater sound system and retractable ceiling. After a day spent sightseeing or shopping in the high-end designer boutiques of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this is the perfect spot for unwinding, with glimpses of the iconic Gothic Cathedral’s spectacular 135 spires. Aching feet and tired muscles can be soothed in the SPA, with its welcome treatment rooms, sauna and steam room. The hotel’s restaurant is brimming with old Italian charm and has been a local favourite for over 24 years. The menu focuses on traditional Mediterranean and creative Italian cuisine, and features a superb wine list. The classically elegant Lounge Bar is reminiscent of a gentleman's club with its cherry wood panelling and sumptuous sofas, and is the ideal spot for an aperitif or after-theatre cocktail. Rooms are either traditional or contemporary in style; the former feature bathtubs with a handheld shower and the latter, a shower. Superior Rooms have double or twin beds while Deluxe Rooms are larger and have city views. Junior Suites have a separate living room and small balcony. Suites have a living room, king bed, balcony and marble bathroom with Jacuzzi.
This chic white-washed hotel is a refreshing alternative to some of the more classic hotels that line Italy’s coast. With its scattering of objet d’art, coffee table books and orchids, it feels more like an elegant villa than a hotel and despite the high service levels and attention to detail, it retains a relaxed, laid-back feel. The soothing cream palette, Apulian white stone and light wood enhance the bright blue of the sea which is just steps away. Yet, despite these modern touches, the hotel respects local traditions and gives you an authentic flavour of Puglia. When you’re taking a break from exploring the region, you can sink onto a sun lounger under the shade of an olive tree, swim a few lengths in the saltwater pool, soak in the warm waters of the Jacuzzi or stroll down to the narrow strip of sand. Savour the best of Puglian cuisine on the bougainvillea-draped terrace of the Ristorante T_imo, which uses locally sourced produce in its daily-changing dinner menu featuring the likes of Puglia’s signature orecchiette pasta washed down with Primitivo red wine. During the summer, tuck into pizzas and grilled seafood at the poolside A_Neto restaurant. The hotel’s Typical Apulian Night is held on selected nights on the terrace, with classic Puglian street food such as Apulian bombette – slices of pork wrapped around cheese, and panzerotti – a delicious fried snack, similar to calzone. You can also learn how mozzarella and burrata cheese are made and watch traditional pizzica dancers. Head to the Cumino Bar for tasty cocktails, fine wines and rosolio – a traditional Italian liqueur made from plants grown in the hotel’s garden. The contemporary rooms are set across two floors and feature memory foam mattresses and a balcony or terrace. Double Classic Rooms have garden views and Double Superior Rooms come with partial sea views. The Junior Suites are more spacious and are available with partial or full sea views while the luxurious Canne Bianche Master Suite has a living area and its own plunge pool.
Nestled away on the private Kommeno Peninsula, this secluded resort embodies the romance of summer escapes. You can wander around the Italianate gardens and bask in the warm ocean air, escape to one of the three coves’ sandy beaches or retire in your beautifully appointed room. Dining here ranges from the generous spread of seasonal Greek and international dishes for breakfast and dinner at Mon Repos to romantic waterside dining at Yali. You can also choose to dine at 15 further restaurants at the resort or at the neighbouring hotels LUX ME Daphnila Bay Dassia and Eva Palace which can be reached by luxury sea-shuttle pontoon boats. It’s also easy to sample the delights of Corfu’s historic town as there’s a complimentary bus service twice daily. There’s also a new concept: the Mediterranean promenade and piazza area for refined or casual dining experiences as well as exclusive retail options. Work up a sweat with a class at the state-of-the-art fitness centre, retreat to the two-storey Elixir Beauty Spa with its indoor pool or head down to the diving centre on the beach. If you prefer a more relaxed way to enjoy island life, lounge on a sun bed on one of the sandy beaches or by the brand new Grand Pool. Alternatively, take a sunset boat trip and enjoy the picture-postcard views. Rooms follow the resort’s classical style, featuring subtle damask prints, light colours and upholstered furnishings. Choose a recently refurbished Corfu Bungalow or Deluxe Guestroom for modern décor and sea views. Family Maisonettes and Deluxe Family Room Sea View are great for those travelling with younger guests with separate areas sleeping up to four, while ground-floor Junior Bungalow Suites have direct beach access.
Framed by fragrant woodland and with breathtaking views across the Ionian Sea, this 25-acre resort has brought the modern luxury experience found in sister resorts of IKOS Olivia and IKOS Oceania to Corfu. IKOS Resorts’ award-winning ‘Infinite Lifestyle’ concept is a standout feature here, a generous all-inclusive concept which includes all meals with a selection of buffet and à la carte restaurants, non-motorised watersports such as windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding as well as kids’ and teens’ clubs. Embodying the same family focus as IKOS Oceania, the list of activities are just as impressive with a complimentary shuttle into Corfu Town and live theatre performances. There is a choice of buffet and à la carte restaurants, each featuring children’s menus and offering a variety of cuisines including Asian-fusion dishes at ANAYA and authentic Italian at FRESCO, with menus overseen by Michelin-starred chefs. They can also cater for a wide range of dietry requirements. If you want to try out traditional tavernas in the area, the ‘Infinite Lifestyle’ Dine Out service will transport you to selected local restaurants for an authentic Greek meal in Corfu Town. Rooms and suites follow the refreshing, contemporary feel, with a palette of whites and soft blues. All have private balconies or terraces with inland or sea views. Suites have extra space to sleep up to five while Family Rooms have two interconnecting rooms and are located in the main buildings. For extra exclusivity, opt for a Deluxe Collection Suite or Villa which includes Deluxe Collection privileges and access to the Deluxe Collection area and dedicated beach. Some of these suites and villas also have a private pool.
This immaculate hotel has a prime spot on Corfu’s east coast. Between two lively villages and around half an hour from Corfu Town, it’s easy to experience a flavour of local life, while activities and entertainment like aerial yoga, live opera singing performances, ceramics classes and robotic labs mean there’s plenty of variety on offer if you don’t want to stray too far away. Gaze out at the alluring panoramic sea views from the hilltop location, where the classic Roman-style balustrades create romantic spots to enjoy the dramatic sunrises. Dining is varied and you can take your pick from beachfront dining at Dolphin Restaurant which is on the Blue Flag beach, internationally themed buffets at the main restaurant, La Terraza, regional specialities at Platea Greek Restaurant and Italian cuisine at Comodo Italian Restaurant. For something quirky that’ll please younger guests, there’s Splash, a retro-style diner serving American classics. The most intimate spot has to be La Bussola, an open-deck set-up with a menu of gourmet seafood. Wherever you choose to dine, service is remarkably warm and genuine. Decorated in soft colours, rooms and suites all feature a balcony or terrace. To make the most of the elevated setting, choose a Superior Room Double Sea View Balcony, or a Panorama Junior Suite Sea View with Whirlpool for a larger balcony and impressive sea views. There are Family Rooms with a separate lounge area and sofa bed, as well as Two Bedroom Suites with two separate bedrooms and a lounge, making them ideal for families.
This luxurious hotel is an adults-only addition to the sister hotel MarBella Corfu Hotel. Here, you'll have access to the restaurants and facilities next door and you can also enjoy the added exclusivity of two restaurants, a gym, pool and spa on site. Tucked on the hillside, this gorgeous hotel has views of the Ionian Sea from almost every corner. A delicate colour palette and stylish furnishings exude classic Corfiot style and a pool terrace with plush sun loungers creates an idyllic sunbathing spot. You're also welcome to make use of the facilities and dining venues at the sister property. Amble down to the Blue Flag beach or head to the watersports centre for a thrilling diving experience or a leisurely afternoon canoeing. Buffet breakfasts and dinners are served in the grand arched interiors of San Giovanni, or you can book a table at the gourmet à la carte restaurant, Apaggio, for an intimate dinner. Suites have a beach-chic feel and a nod to aristocratic style, with understated colours, button-backed chairs and sea views from every suite and villa. Add the luxurious touch of your own whirlpool and stay in a Junior Suite Grand Terrace Sea View , or splash out on a room with a private pool such as a Junior Suite Deluxe Terrace or Balcony with Private Pool.
Alana Beachclub is just great for all the usual inclusive Neilson activities with a large sailing bay and six tennis courts, there's a climbing wall at the beachclub, or you can go rock climbing in the national park. The central tower is a local landmark, easy to spot, standing proud over the pine trees and gardens. It has a fabulous new roof-top cocktail bar with stunning, panoramic views out to sea and is a great place to watch the sun set. We’re planning to spruce up the beachclub with some landscaping in the gardens and a completely new restaurant and terrace in a great spot close to the water’s edge. The beach bar will also have a new look and the fitness facilities will have a new and improved home.
This Portuguese palace is as glamorous as it gets when it comes to wellness retreats. A member of the exacting Small Luxury Hotels of the World, former film set for Bond film On her Majesty’s Secret Service and home to the only Banyan Tree Spa in Europe – there are a few reasons it’s been favoured by royalty and film stars over the years. The staff are longstanding, you’ll feel like a special guest as you’re waited on with a detox juice at the Bougainvillea Terrace. The relaxed approach to wellness means you can choose something from the healthy menu for one meal and indulge a little the next. Just 30 minutes from colourful Lisbon and minutes from the beach in the heart of Estoril, you’re spoilt for choice with premium facilities in-resort and one of Europe’s best cities just a train ride away. Tone up with Zumba or find some zen in a yoga session with around 15 group fitness classes to choose from on weekdays. At the Banyan Tree Spa, every therapist has been fully trained at the flagship Banyan Tree Academy in Phuket and you can choose from treatments including stress-melting head and shoulder massages and firm Thai massages. See our selection of spa and wellness packages
You can uncover Rome’s favourite monuments by foot at this rustic-chic hotel, which overlooks the city from its picturesque setting on the Pincian Hill. You’ll be just a stroll away from the legendary Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese gardens – and you can even walk to the Colosseum in just 25 minutes. To help you get around, the friendly hotel staff will give you a guest smart phone with free 4G data and national and international calls included. You’ll have access to maps, public transport details, tourist guides and ticket booking, so your time out and about will be completely hassle free. Natural light pours in through the windows of every room at Hotel Degli Artisti – and they’re all soundproof, so after a day exploring the energetic Eternal City, you can enjoy the sweet sound of silence in the privacy of your room. Classic Double Rooms are styled with a palette of fresh white and yellow; they have a plush queen bed and alluring views of the hotel’s pretty courtyard or the ancient church of Saint Isidore’s College – or you can opt for a Superior Double Room if you fancy a little more space. Each morning, tuck into a tasty continental buffet in the Breakfast Room, or on the inviting al fresco patio in spring and summer. Other great hangout spots include the sophisticated rooftop Terrace Bar, open from May to October; the cosy American Bar, where you can pair fine liqueur with small-plate nibbles; and in summer, the luxurious rooftop Jacuzzi is a romantic place to sip Champagne and gaze up at the stars.
It’s all about the location at Hotel dei Borgia: the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps are all within a 15-minute walk – you couldn’t be better placed for exploring Italy’s capital. You only have to meander through the surrounding streets to stumble across the white-marble Vittoriano (Altar of the Fatherland), the sculpture-dotted Piazza del Quirinale (a great spot to catch a Roman sunset), and the boutique-lined Via del Corso – duck down side streets to discover artisanal shops. You’re also on the fringes of the boho-cool Monti district, where a knot of cobblestone lanes shelters buzzy pavement cafés, gourmet street food stalls and fashion stores. Behind its blue-bordered shuttered windows, this charming hotel brims with understated elegance – a soothing colour palette of creams and pastels accented with monochrome tiled floors, oversized floor plants and wall-hung portraits. A small spa and wellness centre is filled with all the essentials for downtime – a Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, sauna, mosaic-tiled pool, emotional showers and a relaxation area set beneath a canopy of twinkling lights. There’s also a treatment room for massage therapies. Spread across five floors, the hotel’s 80 rooms are decked out in a classic, refined style, from richly textured furnishings in jewel tones, to bursts of damask wallpaper and wall lamps flanking statement headboards.
Tucked away among Mediterranean shrub, this hidden gem sits above a bay on the Costa Smeralda where the blue-on-blue vistas are best taken in from the outdoor pool. With a dusky pink-tinged façade and terracotta-tiled roof, L’Ea Bianca Luxury Resort nods to traditional Sardinian design, updated with a dose of modern luxury – excellent spa, refined dining and private stretch of beach. This resort is all about slipping down a few gears. While away the hours stretched out on Cala dei Ginepri, rising only to dip into the bathwater-warm bay, or take a boat trip through the pink-sand islands scattered throughout La Maddalena archipelago. End your day by catching a sunset back at the hotel’s outdoor terrace, raised above the rocks for optimum views. This easy-going al fresco vibe – the endearing la dolce vita lifestyle – continues at Lunaria Restaurant, where plates of seafood and Sardinian classics are served up on the wooden veranda with a wine connoisseur on hand to recommend the perfect complementary vintage. You can even request a candlelit dinner-for-two overlooking the sea and the hazy specks of La Maddalena beyond. Afterwards, linger over drinks at the piano bar, surrounded by oleander trees and cacti. Don’t let this hotel’s imposing presence fool you though; rather than hundreds of soulless rooms, just 31 tranquil hideaways create an intimate boutique feel, all with sea- or garden-view balconies, a classic earthy colour palette, wall-hung artwork, dark wood furnishings and canary-yellow tiled bathrooms. Deluxe Rooms are bigger than Superior Rooms and throw in a chromotherapy bathroom, while the super spacious Junior Suites come with a living area and luxury finishes – a 42-inch Smart TVs, pillow menu and hydro-massage bathtubs.
Imagine living in an opulent villa like Sicilian nobility in the 1920s, and you’ve pretty much cracked the vibe at Grand Hotel Miramare. This imposing coral-pink mansion started its life back in 1922 as the home of an aristocratic Taormina family, who then transformed it into an elegant hotel four years later – and it’s been a romantic retreat ever since. It’s all refined Italian glamour with an eclectic twist here: acres of glossy stone, mid-century-style furniture in bold blues and ambers, a smattering of statement artwork. Peeking out from a lush Mediterranean grove of cypress and olive trees, the hillside villa looks out over the bay of Isola Bella and, beyond, the Strait of Messina. These breathtaking vistas also take centre stage in the bedrooms – framed by the windows in the Classic Rooms, or tantalisingly close from the balconies of Superior Rooms. However, the cream of the crop is the view from Junior Suites: an azure sweep of Mazzarò Bay best taken in from the wrought-iron terrace – the perfect spot to sip fresh coffee first thing in the morning. Sleekly understated interiors in warm colour palettes let the views do the talking, while richly textured Italian furnishings and gleaming wood finishes channel that effortless style that Italians do best. Wake in time for a leisurely breakfast on the terrace – grab a seat by the edge for the best views – before staking a claim on a sun lounger beneath the orange trees bordering the outdoor pool. When the midday sun starts to scorch, escape the heat on a shady patio of traditional trattorias lining Taormina’s pretty piazzas, feasting on Sicilian favourites such as spaghetti alla Norma and pasta con le sarde. But be sure to save room for dinner back at the hotel – the seafood dishes and catch of the day are worth it.
With sheer cliffs plunging to deep blue coves and a sprawl of pastel-hued buildings clinging to hillsides, Taormina is a postcard-pretty spot on the eastern coast of Sicily. UNAHOTELS Hotel Capotaormina sits on a peninsula just underneath the town and features an extraordinary design – the main building is perched atop the headland; the seawater pool and outdoor terraces are carved into the rock face; and there’s a secluded private beach tucked into the foot of the cliff (with a lift to whisk you down). Bordered on all sides by the Ionian Sea, this charming bolthole looks out over Naxos Bay – all set against a dramatic backdrop of the smouldering Mount Etna. And the best place to take in this unique location: the 14-person Jacuzzi at the tip of the promontory, which faces the hilltop town of Taormina – the forested speck of Isola Bella to one side, and Naxos and the volcano on the other. There’s also a wellness centre with a sauna and gym, plus a treatment menu of massages and beauty therapies. A trio of restaurants shines a spotlight on the flavours of Sicily and further afield, from al fresco breakfasts overlooking Mount Etna at Alcantara Restaurant, to regional dishes facing the gulf at Naxos Restaurant and catch of the day from La Scogliera Restaurant’s sea-view terrace. There are also three bars, including a poolside option and a terrace spot – perfect for catching a fiery sunset. Rooms are warm and welcoming, with wooden and wicker headboards, classic Sicilian paintings and a furnished balcony – with garden views from Classic Rooms and sea views from the Superior Rooms.
You don’t have to be in the heart of Venice to truly appreciate its beauty. Sometimes it’s better to enjoy a little time away from the crowds but still easily pop over to the city when you want. This Belmond hotel, which is located on the island of Guidecca, gives you just that. There are very few, if any hotels that have a pool in Venice due to size and the nature of the city; the Belmond hotel has an Olympic sized pool in its extensive grounds. And as you laze waterside, attentive hosts will be on hand to cater to your every whim whether that’s a refreshing drink or a light snack. There are also plenty of shaded spots to head to in the gardens, some with beautiful views out over the water, and there’s even a tennis court in the grounds. The interiors are pretty special too with one-of-a-kind antiques furnishing grand spaces, dark wood accents and light-filled lounges. The rooms and suites all have exquisite classical design and sumptuously comfortable fittings. They have views of either the gardens or the lagoon and some even look over towards St Mark’s Square over the water – definitely our favourite rooms. Some rooms such as the Garden View Room, the Lagoon View Junior Suites and the Garden Suites feature a small balcony or terrace. Each morning you can spend a while in bed before heading down to the dedicated breakfast room to make the most of an extensive buffet. Lunch is a casual affair and takes place at the al fresco Cip’s Club which has a deck over the water and Venice City views. This restaurant is also open for dinner and is one of the city’s most romantic spots for a dinner ‘per due’. The Michelin-starred Oro Restaurant is the hotel's delightful waterside setting; open only for dinner, the restaurant's design is sublime with a gold-leaf gilded ceiling and a striking glass chandelier.
Conveniently positioned between the Porta Nuova railway station and Verona Arena, Hotel Giberti sits in a great central location that's within easy walking distance of Verona’s historic heart. Borrow one of the hotel’s free bikes and explore this timeless city – rich in history, culture and the romance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. As a city famed for its fashion and quaint local boutiques, the hotel is close to the bustling shopping street of Via Mazzini. Or, if you'd prefer to sit and people watch in true Italian style, then there are some delightful cafés and excellent restaurants offering local specialities to enjoy in nearby Piazza Brà or Piazza delle Erbe. Inside, this central hotel marries a contemporary style with intricate touches that pay a respectful nod to the city’s rich heritage. Deluxe Rooms have a stylish and modern interior, blending a classic refinement with all the usual mod cons you'd expect of a city hotel. In the marble-clad bathrooms, rainfall showers complement the room's sleek design, and a few even offer indulgent Jacuzzi-style baths.
Anantara’s first foray in Europe sets the bar high. It’s in a prime spot, on the quiet outskirts of Vilamoura overlooking the landscaped Arnold Palmer-designed Victoria Golf Course which annually hosts the Portugal Masters. It’s still just a 15-minute drive from the beautiful red cliffs of Praia da Falésia and restaurants, bars and shops at Vilamoura Marina – the largest in Portugal. Kids can enjoy activities ranging from dance to football, leaving grown-ups to escape to shady poolside cabanas, lined with palm trees and with Sunshine Butlers on hand to serve refreshing drinks. Take the free daily shuttle to Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Hotel for the newly renovated Purobeach Vilamoura – an Algarve beach club hot spot where you’ll have free use of sun loungers. For authentic Portuguese cuisine, we can’t recommend dinner at Emo Restaurant highly enough. It's overseen by Head Chef Bruno Viegas and Wine Guru Bruno Cunha, who combine superb local dishes, from braised octopus with sweet potato dumpling to egg pudding with lemon crunch, with 350 of the finest wines. Anantara are renowned for this kind of attention to detail and bespoke service; choose a tailored Dining by Design evening to enjoy butler service at a private table, where you can toast the sunset in a picturesque spot of your choice. The sleek rooms are open-plan, with sliding wooden doors to separate the bedroom and bathroom. Each has a balcony with a day bed and walk-in rain shower plus a separate tub. Upgrade to the swanky Golf Suite for your own bar, butler service and beautiful views over the immaculate green fairway from a private balcony.
This sophisticated west-coast hotel is a great option if you’re looking to explore more of Madeira than just its capital, Funchal. After a super-scenic airport transfer with views over the Atlantic Ocean you’ll reach the small port town of Calheta, where the multi-tiered Saccharum sits against a rocky mountain backdrop. Calheta was one of Madeira’s first areas to have golden sand imported from Morocco, and the hotel is only a stone’s throw from a neat little man-made beach and Marina da Calheta. Saccharum was built on the site of an old sugar cane mill; head to Galeria 1425 on the ground floor to see some of the immaculately preserved machinery. Add in bare-brick pillars and walls displaying photos of the island’s sugar cane history, and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret art gallery. The décor here was perfected by famous local interior designer Nini Andrade Silva, and the rooms have a stylish vibe – think sleek wooden floors, olive-green panelling and exquisite close-ups of sugar cane printed onto the walls. All rooms have balconies and superb marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, while some have kitchenettes. Choose one of the Suites to really soak up the sweeping sea views and to enjoy the hotel's Premium Experience – it includes extras like free unlimited use of the spa, plus exclusive access to The Club lounge on the top floor and the Premium Sundeck area with Indonesian-style sun loungers, Jacuzzi, showers and massage area. There’s plenty to do in Calheta – we recommend visiting the internationally acclaimed Casa das Mudas Art Centre, trying local delicacies at the various restaurants or just taking a stroll along the seafront. The hotel has a great range of facilities and dining options, too. Indulge in a detoxifying scrub or hot stone massage at the sumptuous Saccharum Spa before choosing from three restaurants and four bars. The eighth floor has the airy Fly Lounge Bar as well as a rooftop infinity pool; sit at the water’s edge and gaze out over the ocean before grabbing a well-earned drink.
Only a scattering of gently swaying palms come between you and the turquoise-rimmed sands of a Blue Flag-awarded beach at Amavi Hotel. And thanks to an adults-only policy, a stay at this beachfront getaway is all about tranquil relaxation. From massages for two to chic cocktail bars and al fresco Mediterranean dining, this sleek big-hitter knows how to do romance – perfect for honeymooners or couples after some indulgent quality time. As soon as you enter the glossy lobby, its marble-clad interiors illuminated by a canopy of suspended lights, you know you’re in for a slice of luxury. From here, a clutch of stylish dining spaces features interiors as show-stopping as the food: sushi platters and sizzling steaks at the rooftop Immenso; Mediterranean-infused haute cuisine beneath statement chandeliers at Nocturne; contemporary Cypriot cusine served by the sea at Fortolana; and global flavours at the wood-panelled Ezaria. A trio of bars call for lingering drinks, from the swim-up Saffire pool bar and elegant Selene cocktail bar, to the glass-walled Lounge framing stunning sea views. These blue-on-blue-vistas take centre stage in all the rooms, whether you pick a Deluxe Room Sea View or Superior Cabana with Private Pool Sea View for your very own luxurious hideaway. Couples celebrating newly marital bliss should plump for a Honeymoon Suite Sea View for a romantic cocoon with private balcony, before hotfooting it to the soothing spa for some blissed-up relaxation – a side-by-side signature massage in the couples’ suite is a must.
There’s nowhere quite like Cappadocia. This extraordinary pocket of central Turkey is contoured into an otherworldly terrain of stark Anatolian plains and soaring boulders. A scattering of jaw-dropping cave towns are carved into, and beneath, the rippling hills. Clinging to the highest peak is the tiny town of Uçhisar, home to boutique gem argos in Cappadocia. This huddle of caves and old stone houses – set around a 3.5-mile-long labyrinth of subterranean tunnels – hasn’t always been a hotel, and was once a monastery, lodgings for Silk Road travellers and a linseed oil factory. A hefty 23-year restoration project has transformed the half-dozen stone buildings and cave dwellings into 51 stylish rooms and suites, all surrounded by pretty gardens and outdoor terraces. From the bare-stone walls and earthy tones of Stone Rooms, to Deluxe Rooms with rock-hewn bathrooms and fireplaces (or chimineas), no two rooms or suites at argos in Cappadocia are the same. The cream of the crop is the Splendid Suite, with a private terrace overlooking Pigeon Valley and Mount Erciyes, or even its very own private plunge pool set in a cave – the best spot for an early-morning dip. The dining here is as extraordinary as the setting. Imagine waking to leisurely breakfasts of warm-from-the-oven breads, flaky pastries and cooked-to-order omelettes, all while watching brightly coloured hot air balloons float above Cappadocia – nab a window seat for the best views. Later in the day, take to the outdoor stone terrace for an al fresco dinner of Turkish delicacies, washed down with vintages from the hotel’s own vineyard – and served with views of the snow-topped Mount Erciyes.
Turkey’s cultural capital is a fascinating mix of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Here, right at the heart of charming Old Istanbul is the DoubleTree by Hilton Sirkeci, Istanbul a luxurious bolthole set among the historic sites of Sultanahmet. On your doorstep are all the big-hitters; wander the surrounding lattice of narrow streets to stumble across the minaret-studded Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and its magnificent mosaics, the sixth-century Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace’s warren of elaborately tiled rooms arranged around a beautiful Turkish bath. A clutch of Ottoman bathhouses and excellent museums (plump for the three-in-one Istanbul Archaeology Museums if you’re short on time) sits alongside the city’s kahvehans (coffeehouses) and meyhanes (Turkish taverns). However, be sure to save room to sample the hotel’s culinary offerings: three restaurants span everything from traditional breakfasts and all-day light bites through to a more refined à la carte dinner menu. The standout is the rooftop Bosphorus Terrace Restaurant, where diners linger over shared platters of classic Turkish meze, served with captivating views of the Istanbul skyline. The more laid-back Prince Café & Bar rustles up more casual plates like pan-fried Izmir cheese and oven-fresh flatbreads filled with feta and zucchini, washed down with local beers and wines. Rooms are elegant and stylish in earthy colour palettes, accented with bursts of turquoise woven into velvet armchairs and splashed across wall art. Standard Guest Rooms come with luxury finishes like 300 thread-count bed sheets and a Sweet Dreams Sleep Experience, while Junior Suites feature separate bedroom and living areas and Deluxe Suites bump up the space, making room for a dining table.
The Athenian Riviera is the summer playground of in-the-know urbanites seeking a coastal getaway from the capital. Ten miles south of Athens, the city streets begin to melt into beachfront promenades. Keep following the curve of the Saronic Gulf and you’ll reach Cape Sounio, a dreamy sliver of beaches and pretty bays at the southern-most tip of Attica. Here, you’ll find the secluded Grecotel Cape Sounio – a shiny newcomer on the hotel scene. Behind its grand colonnaded façade, expect traditional Greek interiors shot through with a cool boutique vibe, along with eye-popping views of the Temple of Poseidon – best taken in from the outdoor seawater pool. This archaeological marvel (which is just a few miles away and easily reached by car) also provides a backdrop to The Restaurant, a rooftop haunt with a Greco-French menu devised by acclaimed chef Sakis Tzannetos. That’s not the only food offering, though; there’s Asian-fusion cuisine at SO Oriental, fresh seafood atop the waterfront jetty at Yali and Greek mezze at Cape Sounio Restaurant, plus a toes-in-the-sand beach bar and fire-lit lounge bar. The village-like retreat’s 150 bungalows and villas are scattered throughout the lavender-strewn grounds, all with glorious vistas – of sage-scented gardens from the Superior Bungalow Garden View, a tantalising glimpse of water in the Superior Bungalow Partial Sea View, and an azure sweep of the Aegean from the Deluxe Bungalow Sea View. If you're travelling with young ones, opt for a Deluxe Family Bungalow which has a private pool and two bedrooms.
The location of Electra Athens Hotel, on shopping mecca Ermou Street, puts you right at the heart of the ancient capital. From here, you can easily discover the mighty Acropolis, transporting yourself back in time to the 5th Century BC when the temple citadel was built. En route, stumble across the Ancient Agora of Athens – once the cultural and political heart of the city – and the hillside neighbourhood of Plaka where narrow cobblestone streets are lined with candy-coloured houses, tiny shops selling local ceramics, and family-run tavernas with tables and chairs spilling out onto the pavement. You’re also close to some of the city’s best cultural offerings – the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art among them – plus a short hop from an emerging nightlife spot. Rooms are classic in style and rich in understated elegance – all dark wood accents, leather headboards, brass lamps and velvet mint-green armchairs. Classic Rooms come with marble bathrooms and gleaming wood floors, while Superior Rooms throw in city views for good measure. Plump for a spacious Suite, located on the top floor, for a private balcony with views of Syntagma Square and Lycabettus Hill, plus a separate bedroom and living room. If you’re all about the views, head up a floor to the rooftop Xfloor where fine dining is served with a side of Acropolis views – staggering when the sun sets and the Parthenon glows in a burnt-amber haze. This is also where a fresh Greek breakfast is served – what a way to start the day. Street-level Terra is more casual, with Mediterranean small plates and excellent wines, and you can grab a front table for prime people watching over Ermou Street.
The Acropolis undoubtedly steals the limelight on the ancient Greek stage of Athens. Take a front-row seat to the action from Electra Metropolis Hotel, a brand-new bolthole with prime views of the hilltop citadel and its marble monuments. That’s the beauty of Athens: the city is a dizzying mix of history and modernity, where centuries-old landmarks rub shoulders with cutting-edge art galleries, bar terraces and emerging restaurants. The Electra Metropolis encapsulates this classic-meets-contemporary vibe right at the heart of the action, just off Syntagma Square and wedged between shopping hot spot, Ermou Street, and the upmarket Kolonaki neighbourhood with its designer boutiques and wine bars. The brainchild of famous architect Patroklos Karantinos, the striking hotel building melts into the 16th-Century Agia Dynami chapel on the ground floor, while the spa centre is carved through by parts of the Themistoclean Wall, which once wrapped around ancient Athens. Artworks are dotted throughout, from a unique silver bees painting by Greek painter Alekos Fassianos, to a composition made entirely of marble plaques. A central atrium acts as the hub of the hotel, bordered by a Mediterranean-inspired bistro, a smart lounge-bar and a holistic spa and wellness centre. From the ground floor to up high: the 10th-floor rooftop terrace, home to a Greek restaurant and a chic cocktail bar, is the hotel’s crowning glory – a perfect spot to watch the sun go out in a fiery blaze behind the Parthenon. Rooms are sleek and stylish, from Classic Rooms with wooden floors and marble bathrooms to Deluxe Rooms overlooking the cityscape.
This art-rich boutique hotel is a culture-lover’s dream. Gallery-white walls showcase unique artworks by up-and-coming creatives, while graffiti-splashed rooms designed by local street artists give an edgy twist to interiors. There’s even a rotating exhibition of works by different artists – Elena Galanopoulou and Teodosio Sectio Aurea among them. Brimming with personality, rooms and suites are individually styled with quirky features – think all-white expanses broken up by bold pop art and playful sculptures (the neon-yellow pig is a standout). Pick a Superior Guestroom for statement wall murals and bespoke handcrafted furniture, or go all out with a Prestige Pallas Suite, designed like an artist’s studio with pop art from the hotel’s private collection. The art theme streams through to the restaurant, where wall-hung paintings and potted plants set the scene for vast breakfast buffets – head to the Cretan corner for traditional dakos and apaki – and Mediterranean dinners with a seafood focus. Once you’ve had your fill of food and art, head out into Athens to discover the contemporary capital of music, culture, fine cuisine and haute couture, mixed with a rich history dating back 3000 years – the Acropolis is a must-visit for its magnificent temples and artefacts; be sure to head to the museum at the foot of the ancient citadel. You’re also just a short walk from the iconic landmarks of Monastiraki, from Hadrian’s Library to the Ancient Agora, along with its artisanal flea market and traditional tavernas.
In a beautiful location overlooking Dassia Bay and the Ionian Sea, Grecotel LUX ME Daphnila Bay is nestled in a lush forest spilling down onto a great Blue Flag beach where everything from waterskiing to parasailing and pedal boats to Aqua Striding are available. The hotel, its large freshwater pool and three of its restaurants are located on the top of the hill giving you far-reaching over the bay and beyond. The beach and the waterfront restaurants are just a short walk away but there's a free shuttle bus that will whisk you down there (or maybe just back up again) if you'd prefer. And whatever you need wherever you are in the resort, there's a concierge on hand who's just a WhatsApp message away. Dining is a real pleasure at Daphnila Bay Dassia, whether you're after a fancy dinner for two or a casual meal with the whole family. And it's all included as part of the LUXURY MADE EASY all-inclusive package. One 24/7 is open around the clock for coffee, pastries and light snacks, waffles and gelato are on offer until the sun goes down and there’s Italian and Greek Tavernaki-style beachfront restaurants, new Asian restaurant, Asia Oliva and Corfu-Venezia Hot Stone which is located on the poolside terrace. At this fun, interactive restaurant, you can enjoy fresh cuts of meat that are cooked on a hot lava stone. Kids are well catered at ‘Tasty Corner’ at the kids' club; there's fresh fruit, cakes and biscuits as well as ice cream yoghurt and snacks throughout the day and a buffet style lunch with hot and cold dishes. We recommend dropping the children off at Grecoland kids’ club and slinking off to the Elixir Thalassotherapy spa for a massage, hammam or dip in the luxury indoor pool. Rooms are decorated in classic Ionian-style and include super spacious family bungalows and villas. Superior Rooms are intimate but chic with king-size or twin beds and balconies overlooking manicured gardens and forest or, for a supplement, the sea. Paradiso Family Bungalows are light and airy, newly renovated and feature a king-size bedroom, two sofa beds in the sitting room separated by a Japanese sliding door and have a balcony.
You’re never far from water at the stylish Amirandes, whether it’s sea gazing over haute cuisine, a dip in the spectacular Olympic-sized pool, candlelit sundowners by palatial glittering lagoons or sunbathing on the deck of your luxury suite complete with private heated pool. The hotel is fringed by a creamy stretch of coast that extends into two picturesque coves, perfect for the watersports on offer, catch-of-the-day at the swish seafood beachfront restaurant or sinking into oversized sofas for late-night drinks at the al fresco Sunset Lounge overlooking the Aegean Sea. There is a huge focus on kids enjoying themselves and adults getting the chance to relax in style. Grecoland kids’ club is open six days a week with a full programme of costumes, crafts, beach and marine activities, and the chic Elixir Alchemy Spa features an Ayurveda centre, relaxation rooms, signature treatments and an indoor pool. Service is impeccable, whether you’re enjoying a lavish breakfast spread with Greek style eggs made-to-order or indulging in a specially arranged romantic dinner on the beach. The candlelit lagoon setting of Italian restaurant Minotaur is decked out with an amazing collection of Picasso ceramics and at the superb floating Lago di Candia Grill you can enjoy fresh fish and steak alongside specialty coffees served in Bordeaux wine glasses. Kid-friendly menus are created on request at Cretan organic, Xasteria, and the standout Blue Monkey, where you’ll find Asian cuisine with a modern twist in super hip surrounds. We love that much of the produce used to create the dishes here are supplied by the Grecotel's own traditional farm. You can visit the farm, which is located in the hills about an hour and a half from the hotel, and dine at the authentic Greek restaurant (transfers not included). Superior Rooms are contemporary and elegant, with enclosed glass balconies and sea or garden views. For extra indulgence and wellbeing, Luxury Junior Suites come with their own temperature-controlled pool and gym, open-plan living area, raised king size bed and outdoor rain shower.
Nana Princess is raising the bar on the Stalida Coast as one of the most luxurious hotels in Crete. With the golden sands of Hersonissos beach right on your doorstep, it’s all high-tech beauty and extravagant design, from the sleek black stone buildings with sunken walkways that drip down towards the Cretan Sea to palatial suites with in-room gadgets that let you control the temperature of your own pool. This ultra-swish hideaway focuses on holistic wellbeing and exclusive service, capturing the essence of luxury island living. Sumptuous sun loungers and sofas line the glassy blue pools; the private beach offers personal cabanas and dedicated beach boys; and the Eternal Blue and à la carte Carpe Diem restaurants are overseen by a Michelin-starred chef. Every whim is catered for, whether it’s a cocktail at the wet bar while you dip your toes in the pool, an hour-long aromatherapy and tropical shower experience in the impressive neon-lit basement spa or chartering the hotel’s yacht for a sailing trip to the remote island of Dia complete with captain and cabin crew. All suites and villas have spectacular sea views and outdoor heated pools, and are finished with fine wood furnishings and navy and white linens. Deluxe Junior Suites have marble bathrooms, king-size beds and floor-to-ceiling doors leading out to a private pool and deck with oversized sun loungers. Ambassador Wellbeing Suites are super luxurious, with a master bedroom, living room, private pool and gym, and the choice of a Soulsteam or Soulsauna cabin.
With sugar-cube Cycladic style and a striking two-tier infinity pool which seems to tip over into the Aegean Sea, Mykonos Blu Grecotel Exclusive Resort has an exquisite location above iconic Psarou Beach and sits in prime position for the super-luxe shops and nightlife of Mykonos Town. Demand is high for a spot on Psarou, but with the hotel’s exclusive private beach area just steps away from your room, there are complimentary loungers, umbrellas and waiter service for guests. The hotel’s stone walls, crisp white linens and accents of cool blue are an extension of the mesmerising sea views and there are plenty of chill-out sofas and terraces to catch shade whilst enjoying fresh Greek flavours sourced from the hotel’s organic farm at contemporary Aegean Poets restaurant or poolside Brasserie L’Archipel. This exclusive hideaway is more like your own private beach house with luxury bungalows leading out to private pools and lavish breakfast spreads served until late afternoon. Delos Lounge sees ouzo and Champagne served as the sun disappears into yacht-lined waters, or you can slink off for a private dining experience in-suite or on the beach. The morning after brings preening opportunities in the Elixir Spa with an extravagant sea scrub or facial before grabbing your beach towel and lapping the pool. The blue-on-white open-plan rooms and bungalows are spacious and airy with contemporary comforts. Some feature private pools or outdoor Jacuzzis. Clustered in small groups throughout the hotel, Island Garden Rooms offer a chic and stylish space and gorgeous garden views.
Gennadi Grand Resort sits in the tranquil tiny coastal village of Gennadi, overlooking a beautiful stretch of beach with crystal clear waters. Focused on sleek minimalist luxury and eco-friendly measures, expect modern style, lots of fancy frills and a ‘green’ roof. The star of the show is the pool area with three freshwater pools – spacious and long, fed by an eco-friendly reverse osmosis plant. Far removed from traditional Greek-style hotels, here it’s all about floor-to-ceiling glass windows, exposed stone and marble walls and chic low-rise accommodation, some with either private or shared pools. Spoilt for choice with restaurants, there’s fine dining degustation menus, rooftop breakfasts, pizza and pasta stations, superfood and wholefood corners, interactive show kitchens and a traditional Greek Tavern. Kids are kept entertained in the mini and junior clubs while adults can make the most of aerial yoga classes and the state-of-the art spa. Or gather all the family together and let the concierge arrange a sailing boat trip to a private beach or an excursion to the nearby Lindos Acropolis. In muted shades of pale grey, soft white and beige, contemporary rooms and suites are low-key but luxe, with the option of a balcony/terrace or shared or private pool. Double Rooms feature king-size beds, open-plan bathrooms and an open-air sitting room with a balcony overlooking the garden. There’s also the option of Double Rooms with a shared pool. Suites are more spacious and come with shared or private pools and Two Bedroom Suites are the ultimate in luxury, with two king-size beds and the option of a chic private pool and sea views.
This hotel has a cool hideaway style and sits atop the Pounta Peninsula with direct access to four of the best beaches in Skiathos. Its elevated location means your panoramic views of the Aegean Sea are the most enviable on the island and its proximity to the shoreline makes this sophisticated hotel ideal for beachfront bliss. Surrounded by olive groves, forest and a wildlife sanctuary, you’ll feel a million miles away from everyday life. Think bleached wood and stone-washed walls, private pools, plumped up day beds, swanky sun loungers and a huge Elemis Spa. Golf carts take you around the grounds whether you fancy a day on the white sands of Ambelakia, catch of the day at poolside Nest Pool Bar & Restaurant or à la carte dinner on a white-washed terrace overlooking the sea. Every aspect blends into the natural surroundings and promotes a sense of wellbeing, rest and relaxation. The two pools are filled with water purified by electrolysis (no chlorine), there are personal trainers on hand, yoga and Pilates classes, bicycle hire and an indoor pool at the spa. Expect sunrise buffet breakfasts, fine dining with a Greek twist and three cool beach bars where you can relax and watch the sun dip over the glistening waters. The hotel is divided into three different areas with plush Scandinavian-style rooms in each area, many with private pools. The main Elivi Xenia hotel has 32 rooms, the 11 Grace Suites sit on Ambelakia Beach and dotted along the forest, 61 Nest rooms offer total seclusion and tranquillity. Double Deluxe Rooms are perfect for a romantic retreat, set on the upper or ground floors with a balcony overlooking the forest.
Alonissos was one of the first islands of the Aegean to be inhabited and – devoid of mass tourism and busy nightlife – this lesser-known destination is very much about old-world Greek charm. One of the gems on the island is the Marpunta Village Club – a charming white-washed hideaway on the south coast peninsula, surrounded by pine forests and the Aegean Sea. Ideal for laid-back family holidays and couples that want to get away from it all, you’re just a five-minute drive from the stunning bay of Patitiri and the quaint town of Alonissos (there’s a free shuttle bus available) and a five-minute walk from the pretty private pebble beach. Lined by loungers and umbrellas, the spacious freeform pool overlooks the crystal clear Aegean Sea; there’s a casual pool bar serving all day snacks complete with comfy white sofas and a terrace; a Mediterranean à la carte beachfront restaurant for lunch, and dinner is served in the main restaurant with buffet dining and live cooking stations. Laid out in the style of a traditional Greek village, the coastal lounge is perfect for catching some shade, and there is a kids’ pool area, outdoor tennis courts and canoeing, snorkelling and paddleboarding on the beach for when you want to get active. All rooms and suites have a balcony or terrace and garden or sea views. Due to the natural landscape, many are on the hillside and reached by stairs. Rooms are fresh and contemporary, decorated with splashes of bright colour. The cosy Standard Double Garden View Rooms are designed to represent authentic Alonissian fisherman housing and overlook the gardens from floor-to-ceiling windows. Family Rooms feature two double beds and Superior Sea Front Suites have a separate living area and uninterrupted sea views.
Princess Resort Skiathos is a swish spot with lots of family-friendly frills; this spacious beachside escape sits in relaxing surrounds, steps from the golden sands of Paraskevi Beach. There’s no shortage of things to do, with a spa, paddleboarding, excellent watersports, group hiking, beach massages and two sleek pools surrounded by manicured lawns. Expect boho-beachy vibes whether you’re lounging on oversized cushions on the wooden boardwalk leading down to the private beach, indulging in fresh seafood brought in daily from Alonnisos or spending the day under a grassy parasol on one of the best beaches on the island. The superb kids’ club and crèche are open throughout the day, there’s live entertainment four times a week and you’re close to the nightlife, restaurants and shops of Agia Paraskevi. Five restaurants serve everything from Greek specialities to poolside snacks at Muses and fresh fish at PR Ammos beach restaurant. Beach service means cocktails, fresh juices and smoothies delivered straight to your sun lounger. If you’re travelling with children, a babysitting service gives you a chance to slink off for a sunset glass of Champagne. Rooms and suites have a balcony, private garden, Jacuzzi or private pool. Club Double Garden View rooms are classic in design with a balcony overlooking the garden. Extremely spacious and stylish Two Bedroom Suites With Pool are the epitome of luxury with a wooden decked private pool and garden, separate living room, televisions in each bedroom and sea views.
The laid-back stylish charm of Skopelos Village Hotel was the choice of accommodation for the A-list actors who stayed on this lush Greek isle while filming the adaptation of Mamma Mia, and it’s easy to see why it seduced the stars. With lashings of coastal appeal set in fragrant frangipani gardens and with a streamlined pool peeking out onto the Aegean Sea, this is a chic family-run hideaway where you come to get away from it all. And although you’re in a secluded spot, the hotel is just steps from the beach and a 10-minute walk to the cosmopolitan harbour and local tavernas. Skopelos is known as the Green and Blue Isle of the Sporades, with 80% covered in magical pine forests and mountains alongside a Venetian castle and hundreds of white-washed churches. The hotel’s footpath is in a prominent location, winding all the way up to Mount Palouki – the gateway for exploring the island’s famous monasteries. Back at the hotel, the star of the show is Agioli restaurant, which opens up onto an enchanting terrace in an impeccable setting overlooking the sea, serving Skopelitian delicacies and creative fresh Greek flavours until late in the evening. If you’re staying poolside all day, snag one of the loungers on the terrace and saunter in and out of the bar and lounge for all-day refreshments or sneak off to the new Wellness Centre for a personalised treatment. Reflecting white-washed Greek architecture, the two-storey buildings are laid out in the style of a traditional village with rooms featuring balconies and terraces overlooking the pool or gardens. The Double Garden View Rooms are made for two – each uniquely designed and charming, full of seaside influences and local art. For a super stylish coastal stay, the Sea Breeze Suites evoke a true island getaway experience and home-away-from-home style with spacious living and sleeping areas, Cocomat mattresses, espresso machines and Aegean Sea views.
When a hotel once belonged to the Onassis family and has long been the Corfu hotel of choice for royalty and the A-list, you know it’s going to exude sophistication. But there’s no need to worry that it is stuck in a 1960s time warp – the resort has been thoughtfully redefined and is well worthy of 21st-Century travellers. Clean lines, infinity pools and neutral hues accented by splashes of refreshing green and blues of the plants, olive trees and the Ionian Sea set the tone in this romantic, child-free environment. And then there’s the food. Try fresh and locally sourced and inspired dishes from a menu devised by a Michelin-starred chef at the all-day eatery, Makris, or choose from the three degustation menus in a more intimate atmosphere in the evening. At Raw Bar, sushi is served alongside cocktails and a panoramic vista of the sea and at the Blue Bar you can follow in the footsteps of the former King of Greece – this was the spot he used to host visiting dignitaries. While the private beach and calm sea may keep your attention for the majority of your stay here, the rooms and suites provide a tranquil space to spend some of your time. The décor is calming and subtle with a palette that doesn’t stray too far from the white and natural shades. The Emerald Retreats and Suites are set within three two-storey buildings and you can opt for a room that overlooks the gardens or the sea. For an extra-special stay, there’s the spacious Pavilion Retreats and Suites, some of which have their own private Jacuzzi, pool or even both. Haute Living Selection accommodation have a handful of added benefits such as access to the Haute Living Room where all-day refreshments are served, and an exclusive swimming pool. Days at Domes Miramare can range from staying put on your spot on the 600-metre long beach, stepping into the sea every now and again to cool off, to island explorations. The concierge team are on hand to arrange your adventures which could include a meal amid the vines of a hillside winery, a tour of an olive grove and mill, a mixology lesson or a trip out on the resort’s own speedboat, The Miramaretta. Haute Living Selection The new ‘Haute Living Selection’ features exclusive club level services for Pavilion Retreats and Pavilion Suites. ‘Haute Living Selection’ guests have access to a whole new level of luxury, including a private Haute Living Room; an outdoor area with a pool, sun loungers and direct sea access; all-day snacks; soft drinks, beer and branded wine; and a one-button phone for direct manager access.
Where private pools blend into the blues of Greece’s biggest bay, this resort is just minutes from the hot spots of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. Follow in suit of past celebrity guests and soak up unadulterated relaxation in-resort, or hop in a taxi to the local tavernas and shops when you fancy exploring the nearby towns. The resort’s private beach club is just 10 minutes away and can be reached by hotel shuttle, where a chic set up of loungers and beach service is everything you need for blissful beach time. There are suites and villas scattered on the steep hillside and each room is different. Some rooms are classic with curvaceous bed frames and chandeliers, while others are more modern with nautical influences. Like a carefully curated collection of art, each suite or villa gives a unique experience so no two stays are the same. Rooms start with marbled and Italian fabric-draped Deluxe Senior Suites which have a separate living area. Deluxe Family Suites have a similar style and have two bedrooms close to the main pool and kids' pool. Every Pool Suite and Spa Pool Villa comes with the option of a heated pool (heated at extra cost at certain times of the year) and is generously sized; we recommend a Pool Villa for larger groups and the best sea views. Buggies are on hand to whisk you from your suite to the sea-facing infinity pool or one of the restaurants – there are two with Mediterranean and international food on the menu. Days start with a buffet breakfast with Cretan dishes washed down with Champagne. Lunch and dinner are à la carte, with the additional option of the gourmet Daphne Restaurant at dinner – and there’s a menu of crowd pleasers like burgers for kids. There’s also a kids’ club and a crèche designed by Worldwide Kids, an experienced UK-based company who have brought their concept to high-end resorts around the world. While the resort doesn’t feel like a family hotel to guests in adults-only parties, this is definitely a family-friendly resort. The kids’ club is excellent and parents can happily check their kids into one of the three complimentary sessions a day for activities like arts and crafts with warm, personable staff.
The Serra de Monchique mountain range provides a striking setting for this resort which offers a combination of fantastic spa facilities and outdoor activities. You could easily while away an afternoon at the Sensorial Spa Thermal Circuit which offers a soothing sensory experience. Experience different temperatures and sensations as you move between the sauna, steam cabin and aroma cabin, brave the icy air of the igloo, and relax in the hydro pool and under tropical showers. Nature lovers and keen walkers can explore the surrounding countryside during a number of different hikes that range from gentle walks to more challenging and hilly treks. The resort is set away from the Algarve's bustling beach resorts but you can easily reach the golden sands of Praia de Alvor by car if you fancy a beach day. You can join the daily group fitness classes - there's something to suit all levels of fitness and paces from stretching and Pilates to aquafit and Zumba. There's also a great range of activities that can be booked locally, from horse riding and golf to surfing and dolphin watching. There are three restaurants to choose from including a family-friendly pizzeria and Mon Chic, a fine-dining restaurant offering seasonal menus with a focus on local produce and fresh fish, complemented with Portuguese wines. The modern suites are very spacious and feel more like mini-apartments than hotel rooms. They are set in three blocks – one is dedicated to families and has its own pool and a playground – and each feature a separate living room with dining area and kitchenette, free Wi-Fi and a balcony or terrace. Upgrade to one of the Panoramic Suites for breathtaking views of the coast and mountains. See our selection of spa and wellness packages
Brought to you by the same group as the exquisite Elysium in Paphos, the AMARA is one of Limassol’s most exclusive addresses for in-the-know travellers. It’s a must visit for foodies – two Michelin-star chefs have restaurants within the resort. With first-class restaurants all around the world, Nobu Matsuhisa hardly needs an introduction; the hotel’s headline restaurant, Matsuhisa Limassol, will be his first in south-eastern Europe. The Lombardy-born, London-based chef, Giorgio Locatelli, will also brings his award-winning cuisine to the AMARA at Ristorante Locatelli. Two further dining venues include the al fresco waterfront Armyra by Papaioannou, where delicious and fresh seafood dishes are served, and The Dining Room, a classy space where Cypriot specialities are served. The AMARA Spa is everything you would expect of a Mediterranean spa and more. Alongside the treatment rooms, there's a selection of humid, dry, hot, warm and cold ‘ariums’ that create a spa circuit inspired by Roman baths. Follow your treatment or circuit with a swim in the indoor or outdoor pools or a soak in the Banya bath. There is also a nutritionist on hand who can create a well-being meal plan. While you cast away your tensions, your children will be making new friends and trying out fun and (subtly) educational activities at the AMARA’s kids’ club. Reflecting the design of the hotel, the style of the spacious rooms, suites and cabanas is light, fresh and cool. They've used natural tones, marble features and furnishings and statement artwork on the walls. Every room has sea views and state-of-the-art technology: think smart televisions, wirelessly controlled mood lighting and panels throughout the room which control television volume, the curtains and the temperature of the rooms at the touch of a button. Any room or suite you choose is going to be a good choice, but we highly recommend one with a pool on the terrace; a couple of our favourites are the Rooftop Duplex Suite and the Deluxe Suites which have either one or two bedrooms.
This masseria (traditional farmhouse) was the first in Italy to open its doors to overnight guests. It’s since claimed status as a Small Luxury Hotel of the World while effortlessly holding on to its 400-year-long authenticity. Gnarled trees and trailing bougainvillea are strewn around the grounds, and antique chairs and dressers used by past owners are put centre stage against the white-washed walls. Each room has its own unique shape, from cosy Classic Rooms to the old family Deluxe Rooms. The secluded location off a modest country road gives you the chance to switch off among olive groves and citrus trees. The hotel has an excellent restaurant, Mùmmulo, where the menu features the best of the season’s produce with fresh pasta and locally made buffalo mozzarella. The chef runs an Apulian cooking class so you can learn how to knead focaccia dough and thumb orecchiette ‘little ears’ pasta, or taste your surroundings with an olive oil tasting session. The masseria is also in a convenient position for making day trips; head to fishing town Monopoli for the seafood and local vibes or go inland to see the famous white trulli (conical houses) in UNESCO-listed Alberobello. It’s just ten minutes for a refreshing dip in the Adriatic, where you can hire sun loungers at discounted half- and full-day rates at the private Tamerici Beach Club. Both indoor and outdoor pools are long enough for lapping, and there are courts for perfecting your serve or learning padel, a tennis-squash hybrid sport. At Petramare Spa, there are aromatherapy-led treatments using French brand Decleor.
In artsy Dorsoduro – home of the Peggy Guggenheim collection and the floating gallery of Fondazione Emilio e Annabianca Vedova – this renovated 16th-Century palazzo sits behind the famous domed church of Santa Maria della Salute. Just a short hop on a vaporetto to the lively crowds of St Mark's Square, this tiny residence is exceptionally exclusive, hidden in one of Venice's most tranquil quarters. Set just off the famous Grand Canal, a private water entrance masterfully hides this grown-up boutique bolthole from any prying eyes. Decadently eclectic and indulgently detail-rich, this retreat is one of Venice's most romantic hotels. Step off the hotel's private mooring deck and you're instantly enveloped into its inspired retro-chic design. Floating couches perch deceptively above internal lit-up waterways in reception, while an exposed brick lounge impresses with its snug design and enticing canal-level views. For alternative views of the Salute's Basilica, head to the saffron hues of the Moroccan Terrace – an exotic open-air courtyard which can double up as a delightful open-air breakfast setting on request. Head upstairs to find an eclectic mismatch of rooms and suites, each one a discreet nod to the city's rich history and heritage. For an original take on classic Venetian style, subtle golden tones complement the dark wood furnishings in the hotel's smaller Deluxe Rooms. For a room with a statement, head to one of the hotel's five Concept Rooms, each one a creative blend of decadent colours and a unique theme or design. On the top floors, the two lavish suites look over superb views of Venice's rooftops. Choose Suite 336 for an original in-room bath, or opt for the furnished terrace in Suite 339, which offers a gorgeous private view of the Salute's domes.
Overlooking the Grand Canal and Piazzale Roma, this 500-year-old former monastery promises easy convenience thanks to its central location in Venice's Santa Croce district. Close the cruise terminal and opposite the train station, there are plenty of local shops, restaurants and museums all within walking distance – the iconic landmarks of the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica are only a half hour walk away. To see more of the city's famous waterways, the hotel has a private dock and there's a vaporetto stop conveniently located near to the hotel's entrance. Sensitively transformed into a boutique palazzo hotel, Hotel Santa Chiara is made up of two parts – an original 16th-Century building and a newer white marble wing. While a contrasting exterior, within the hotel there's a classic Venetian feel throughout. Murano glass chandeliers hang from exposed wooden ceilings, and stylish feature walls add an opulent flourish to each room. Choose a Deluxe City View Room to enjoy views of the gardens or Piazzale Roma, or head to a Deluxe Small Canal View Room to make the most of exclusive Rio Novo canal views. Add a touch more indulgence to your stay and opt for a Deluxe Grand Canal View Room; these are larger and more refined in style, with Rubelli silk wall features and iconic Grand Canal views. Before you head out for a day of sightseeing, start your morning with a hearty buffet breakfast at the hotel. Dine in the comfort of your own room or head downstairs to eat in front of views overlooking the Grand Canal. After your city adventures, head back to the hotel for an aperitif – make the most of the quaint rooftop terrace to drink in a stylish panorama of wonderful city views.
This sleek, modern hotel is just a short hop from Split’s Old City in a residential area for great coastal views away from the crowds. Walk the leisurely half-hour coastal walk or take a quick taxi ride and you’ll soon be wandering around its narrow stone alleys. While back at the hotel, the glass-sided restaurants give you full access to the panoramic sea views of the Brač and Solta islands beyond. The Fig Leaf has all-day international buffet options, and our favourite spot for scenic dinners is at Caper Restaurant where aá la carte Croatian and Mediterranean dishes are served on a terrace to sea views. Down at the private pool, the large decking area has plenty of space with sun beds and super-comfortable four-poster beach beds as well as a Pool Bar for cocktails in arm’s reach. At the resort’s spa – one of the largest in Split – you can make use of its excellent thermal area, traditional Finnish saunas, cold plunge pool and a unique Japanese onsen pool. The hotel’s style is clean and quirky with a neutral palette accented with colour. We recommend a room with sea views – there are plenty of water-facing rooms and suites to choose from. Book a rooms and suite in the newer wing, added in 2018, for a more updated style. Or upgrade to a Junior Suite and relax to island views in your separate living area or take a soak in your bedroom’s freestanding tub.
At the pinnacle of Lindos, Rhodes’ prettiest village, is an ancient hilltop acropolis where people hightail for cinematic sunsets. Now there’s another reason to venture to the southeast corner of the island. Eight miles west along the coastline, Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa has sweeping Aegean views, two leaf-shaped swimming pools, 13 dining and drinking spots, a glossy spa and private beach. The vibe is cool and contemporary, with gleaming white arches, high ceilings and vast windows framing blue-on-blue vistas. Rooms and suites are decked out in a creamy colour palette, accented with splashes of pistachio green and grey-blue, and monstera deliciosa leaves in glass vases. Pick a Double Deluxe Sea View Room to take advantage of a private balcony overlooking the Aegean or go for a Bungalow Deluxe Swim Up Room for direct access to a shared outdoor pool. Couples should choose a Junior Suite for a private haven with a terrace – a romantic spot to catch a sunset.
Lošinj is often overlooked for its southern siblings Brač and Hvar, but this unspoiled island is the understated jewel in Croatia’s crown. Its beauty lies in its simplicity: the sweet scent of pine drifting from its forest-cloaked interior; bays that look like a giant has taken bites out of the coastline. It’s in one of these secluded enclaves that you’ll find Alhambra Boutique Hotel Lošinj. The tranquil hideout hugs the seaside promenade of Čikat Bay, a 15-minute walk from the baroque Venetian fishing village of Mali Lošinj. The hotel is a glorious mish-mash of styles: a modern mosaic-adorned building connects two historic villas – the Art Nouveau Villa Augusta, built in 1908, and sister Villa Alhambra, which sprang up four years later. Villa rooms and suites are rooted in time, with a chic edge achieved with Murano glass chandeliers and marble-topped tables, while the newer wing is more contemporary – think glass sculptures, copper lamps and egg-shaped bathtubs. Pick a Deluxe Room for tantalising forest views or go all out with a luxurious two-bedroom Augusta Grand Suite, where the rich herby aroma wafts across not just one but three furnished balconies – all with gleaming bay views. These herbs feature in the Alfred Keller restaurant (named after Villa Alhambra’s architect), scattered atop day-fresh Adriatic fish or infusing Cres lamb with flavour. The fine-dining venue comes with the much-coveted Gault et Millau stamp of approval. There’s also a more casual beach bar serving food right on the water’s edge, next to the hotel’s private jetty, which is dotted with sun loungers and parasols. You can swim here, or there’s a seawater pool at the spa, along with Finnish and Turkish saunas and treatment rooms for massages and body therapies.
Bellevue Hotel Lošinj peeks out from a lush forested grove, with only spindly pines interrupting the views of Čikat Bay. Although the Bellevue originally opened in 1967, it underwent a complete makeover in 2014. All clean lines and cubist shapes, this shiny abode is a contemporary addition to the Lošinj hotel scene. The design effectively blurs interior and exterior: communal spaces are flooded in natural light, floor-to-ceiling windows frame forest views, and a central glass-walled atrium is filled with orange and lemon trees. Rooms and suites have glass balcony doors, many with sea or forest views; even the Superior Atrium rooms have balconies overlooking the leafy scenes below. But for a slice of luxury, go for one of the suites with a terrace and outdoor hot tub – the three-bedroom Presidential Suite has two for a soak with a view. And what a glorious outdoors it is: Lošinj is a long, slender splinter of forested land, cast adrift in the central northern Adriatic. Measuring 20 miles by two, it’s larger than most of its southern counterparts in the Croatian archipelago – but lesser trodden and blissfully quiet. A reputation as ‘the island of vitality’ is a hangover from the days when it was the summer playground of Franz-Josef I. The Austro-Hungarian Emperor was lured to Lošinj after 19th-Century botanist Ambroz Haračić declared it to have the healthiest climate in the empire. Today, the Bellevue Hotel Lošinj channels the island’s healthy reputation with a focus on wellness. Indoor and outdoor pools are filled with seawater, while spa treatments are targeted at every ailment. Finnish and 'Bio Soft' saunas, a steamroom and cold plunge pool help with the rejuvenation process. A stone staircase leads to the coastal promenade and private beach, where smooth rock slabs are topped by loungers and lapped by those famed waters.
Rixos Premium is cut into the cliff face like a contemporary amphitheatre, cascading down to the water’s edge. A smattering of sun parasols and padded loungers are huddled on a stone terrace, jutting out over the Adriatic, and a rock-hugging ladder trails into the water. It’s the perfect place to sunbathe and swim, particularly as there are few sandy beaches in Dubrovnik. If the cool climes of the sea put you off, take a dip in the seasonal freshwater outdoor pool. The design of the hotel makes the most of this incredible location: glass-walled lounges lined with white armchairs, tiered rooms fronted by sea-view balconies, vast outdoor decks scattered with dining tables. This blurring of interior and exterior streams inside, where palm trees rise up through a glass atrium. You’re within a 20-minute walk of Dubrovnik Old Town, one of the most beautiful walled cities in the world. Dubbed the “pearl of the Adriatic” by English poet Byron, the old town is a knot of limestone streets that unfurls onto elegant palazzi and baroque churches. The hotel is a great for families, with a seasonal outdoor children’s pool and under-sevens staying for free. Plus there’s enough live music and evening entertainment (in high season) so you won’t even have to leave the hotel if you don’t want to.
At the foot of a bottle-green mountain, Perast opens up like a pop-up book from the shores of the Bay of Kotor. With just one main street forming the spine of the Venetian town, Perast may be tiny but it’s packed with baroque churches and faded palazzo – a nod to past days of imperial grandeur. While some of these relics are now in ruins, choked with wild fig and bougainvillea, others have been given a new lease of life – including Iberostar Heritage Grand Perast. Right on the water, the hotel occupies a cluster of honey-tinted buildings, including a restored 18th-century palace and a former textiles factory. Large windows and balconies frame views of the gleaming bay and its pair of islets: St George, home to a 12th-century monastery, and Our Lady of the Rocks, dominated by an imposing Roman Catholic church. A breakfast terrace looms over the bay, where early-risers feast on warm-from-the-oven pastries and fresh fruit, against a cinematic backdrop. Days are spent wandering the cobblestoned alleys of car-free Perast, hiking through the forests, unwinding in the spa and exploring the rock-clinging towns strung along the shores. Come evening, diners make their way to the hotel’s wooden jetty for waterside dinners of traditional Balkan cuisine.
The pace shifts down a few gears at The Chedi Luštica Bay. Montenegrins go by the saying 'Samo Polako', or slow living, which means to be in the here and now. If you’re going to be present, or ‘mindful’, anywhere, it’ll be at this boutique hotel. The Chedi is on secluded Luštica Bay, where the scent of wild herbs and conifers drifts in from the forests, and the sound of crashing waves echoes back from rocky enclaves. This slow-living philosophy streams through the hotel, from chefs working with the land and seasons, to balancing holistic treatments in the spa. It’s here you’ll also find an indoor pool with sea views, a sauna, steamroom, experience shower and fitness room. It’s not all bench-pressing either; sign up for mountain walks, wild swimming or sunset beach yoga to ring the changes. A standout feature is the outdoor pool complex, cascading down three levels and jutting out over the ocean. Rooms and suites are rooted in their surroundings – all muted tones, natural stone and warm oak finishes. Pendant lighting and bursts of tangerine or aquamarine add character. Pick a Grand Superior Room for a bathroom with a freestanding tub overlooking the mountains – a soak with a view. Families or groups should book the huge Grand Deluxe Corner Suite for two bedrooms with private balconies, sea views, a living room, dining area and kitchenette.
Opening in 2020, Angsana Corfu is the brainchild of luxury hotel brand Banyan Tree. A contemporary spin on Greek cubist architecture, the hotel is poised on a cliff edge, plunging 100ft to the sparkling sea below. The best point to soak up these views is the rooftop terrace bar, with its scattering of low-slung white sofas. Just below, an oval infinity pool disappears into the horizon. This is one for globetrotting gourmands: five restaurants specialise in everything from Greek favourites to Spanish tapas. But the standout is Botrini’s, a fine-dining restaurant helmed by Michelin-star chef Ettore Botrini, who reimagines Mediterranean classics with an innovative twist. You can also embark on epicurean experiences such as a mountain picnic or a toes-in-the-sand dinner, illuminated by flickering torches. It’s not just a foodie destination either: spa-goers will revel in the modern wellness centre, with its 50-plus treatments, indoor and outdoor pools, and open-sided yoga deck. Book a massage in one of the al fresco spa pavilions to feel a sea-salt breeze drift across your shoulders. Rooms and suites could be plucked from an interiors magazine, with emerald-green throws, slatted-wood headboards and eclectic wall art. Marble bathrooms and super comfortable beds come as standard, along with thoughtful touches like essential oils and burners. Pick a Hill View Grand Room for a private balcony overlooking the countryside, or a super-spacious Angsana Sea View Suite for a separate living room. Large groups should opt for the Four-Bedroom Executive Villa to take advantage of an infinity pool, and freestanding bath tubs in the en suites.
It’s all about the views at Grecotel Eva Palace. Flower-filled gardens wrap around gleaming pools, cascading down to a pale turquoise bay below, infinity-edge pools merge with the horizon, and tiered dining terraces are poised on a lofty plateau, plunging 30ft to the Ionian Sea below. Open-sided lounges gaze out over the mountain-rimmed bay, and pale-cushioned loungers and sail-white parasols surround a vast outdoor pool complex. Sun beds can also be found at the secluded beach, where jewel-toned waters lap a strip of silver sand. Peeking out from a lush tropical grove, macaron-hued bungalows and villas are scattered around the main hotel building. Inside, rooms and suites are romantic cocoons, awash in cream and blush tones, with billowing fabrics and white-painted wooden furniture. Most open onto a private balcony or terrace, either looking out over the mountains or sea. Honeymooners should book a beachfront Romantic Villa with Private Pool for their own dreamy swimming spot overlooking the sea and a canopied four-poster bed, and sign up for a couples’ massage at the rooftop spa. Larger families or groups of friends should plump for the Palazzina, a private beachfront villa with two pools and panoramic sea views, plus a furnished sundeck and al-fresco dining area, all surrounded by olive and cypress trees.
On holiday, some days call for a culture fix while others demand nothing more strenuous than sinking your toes into powder-soft sand. Agapi Beach Resort has got you covered. This box-ticking retreat is around 15 minutes from central Heraklion, with its treasure-trove museum of archaeological wonders and the Bronze Age ruins of Knossos – considered to be Europe’s oldest city. But that’s only if you can drag yourself away from the resort, with its three outdoor pools, four restaurants and four bars, spa, sandy beachfront, watersports kiosk and evening entertainment – there’s very little reason to leave. A great choice for families, Agapi has a kids’ club, jam-packed activity programme and balmy shallows lining the long beach; plus a toes-in-the-sand bar and ocean-blue loungers for sun-seeking parents. Family Bungalows cater for a little one (or two), while the all-inclusive plan staves off relentless hunger pangs – without breaking the bank. For food, there are Greek classics at Taverna Akrogiali, Italian favourites at Piazza d’Italia and street food at Taka-Taka (don’t miss Cypriot favourite, grilled halloumi), plus a buffet restaurant with international cuisine to cover all bases. Rooms and suites are cool and comfortable, with marble bathrooms and private balconies or terrace. Book a Double Room for sparkling sea views or upgrade to an Exclusive Bungalow for a white-washed cocoon with blush-pink accents and wood furniture. Some overlook the pool, others have direct access for a suite-to-swim perk. Large groups should opt for the Two-Bedroom Maisonette, which has a pair of separate pads connected by a shared entrance – ideal for friends or older families.
Grecotel reimagines the classic Greek sugar-cube architecture at White Palace, giving it an edgy, contemporary spin. A handful of sail-white buildings are dotted around a saltwater pool with sea views, connected by a web of paths winding through manicured gardens. Inside could pass for an art gallery, with light, open spaces and paper-bright walls. The Blue Flag beach is a 1000 metre stretch of pebbles and sand and there's one main pool as well as a kids' pool. Speaking of children, there's plenty to keep younger guests happy thanks to the fantastic Grecoland programme that features three age-appropriate levels - GrecoKids for 4 to 6 year olds, Greco Juniors for 7 to 12 year olds and GrecoTeens for older kids. You'll also have access to the nearby Aqua Park - Kingdom of Poseidon (transport not included). This is a foodie haven, with six restaurants rustling up everything from Cretan specialities and Greek favourites to Italian classics and Pan Asian specialities. There’s also a beachfront gelaterie for generous scoops of creamy artisan ice cream and a pâtisserie filled with the enticing aroma of baking. Throw in four drinking dens – sunset lounge, beach house, wine bar, garden theatre – and you won’t be left wanting, particualarly as many premium brand drinks are included as part of the LUXURY MADE EASY all-inclusive package. We love that you can also visit Grecotel's farm, Agrecofarm, which is located in the hills above the coastal town of Rethimno (transport is not included). Here, surrounded by vines and olive trees, you can dine on traditional Cretan dishes created using produce that's been grown and raised locally at The Taverna. As well as having dinner, you'll get to go on an early evening tour of the farm. Rooms are all white, accented with splashes of palm green, coral pink and oceanic blues in every shade – teal lamps, topaz cushions, cobalt sun chairs. Snow-bright orchids and billowing fabrics add a hint of romance, while private balconies or terraces frame enticing vistas. Pick a Double Room for lush garden or mountain views, upgrade to a Superior Guestroom for a spacious pad overlooking the sparkling sea, or book a Petit Yali Seafront Suite for a tranquil haven with access to a shared pool. Alternatively, go all out with a Villa Luxe Yali, a beachfront hideout sleeping up to four, with suite-to-sand access and your very own private heated pool – great for families or small groups.
Kouros Hotel & Suites is a calm refuge on the fringes of sizzling Mykonos Town, but close enough to dip in and out of its labyrinthine core. You can even see the capital, with its white huddle of houses tumbling down to the harbour, from the outdoor terrace. But the ultimate view goes to the knockout sunsets. Nab one of the low-slung white armchairs to watch the sky streak pink and lilac. Right on the water, a large swimming pool overlooks the Aegean and is flanked by a handful of cushioned loungers – the perfect spot for sun-drenched days. Elsewhere, a cave spa is a cozy cocoon for massages and body treatments beneath curving stone arches. The open-sided restaurant is stunning, with the sea framed in every half-moon window and wooden fishermen basket-style lamps illuminating exposed brick walls and smooth stone floors. A scattering of tables spills outside onto the terrace, with the pool to one side, the Aegean the other. Traditional Greek cuisine is given a modern spin, with the food as artfully presented as it is delicious. Rooms are minimalist-chic in style, with gallery-white walls showcasing eclectic art and sculptures. A scattering of rattan furniture, coastal murals and hanging basket lamps nods to the island surroundings. Sea views come as standard, but the room to book is the Deluxe Suite with Private Pool, which has a glorious infinity pool.
It’s all about the gleaming Aegean views at Electra Palace Rhodes. The hotel is right on the water’s edge and a handful of loungers are peppered along the manicured gardens, all the way down to the shore – the perfect perch for sun-seekers. For all the relaxation, none of the sand, hotfoot it to the lagoon-style pool, which is so spacious that two bridges curve over the water. Despite its size, it feels fairly intimate thanks to olive trees and fanning palms creating a few shady little nooks. Escape the midday sun with a soothing spa session, looping around the indoor pool, hammam and sauna, or take a seat at the poolside bar, cocktail in hand. And if you’re holidaying with small travellers, you can relax safe in the knowledge there’s plenty to keep them occupied, from a kids’ club to a jam-packed activity programme (there’s also a crèche for tiny tots). As the sun sinks, hop into the outdoor whirlpool bath – the best place to catch epic Mediterranean sunsets. Restaurants span from Italian favourites at Al Convento to eastern specialities at Asian Fusion, while six bars and cafés include a French pâtisserie, hip poolside haunt and breezy beach hangout. If you want to mix beach hangs with a dose of culture, you’re only a 20-minute drive from Rhodes Town, with its dizzying mix of Byzantine, Ottoman and Italian influences. Wander the cobblestoned alleys of its UNESCO-listed medieval old town to stumble upon ancient buildings built by the Knights Hospitaller.
Peeking out from pine and cypress trees, Esperos Village has a prime position overlooking the Aegean. A cluster of low-slung, white-washed buildings tumble down the bottle-green slopes like a classic Greek village. This hillside hideout ticks all the boxes for an idyllic Greek getaway: impeccable service, exclusive beach club, spacious rooms (some with private or shared pools), and an enticing spa with a hammam, sauna and indoor pool. But the hotel’s crowning glory is its rooftop garden, lined with silvery olive trees and scattered with white day beds overlooking the sea – the perfect spot for a sultry Greek sunset. To one side is a gleaming infinity pool, edged by teak open-air pavilions shading sun beds; to the other is a hip bar with mosaic floor tiles, where mixologists rustle together creative cocktails. The vast terrace dips to a sun deck with sea views and luxury loungers, edged by sweet-scented lavender. Inside there’s also a piano bar adjoining a glossy dining space, with live music and full-length windows, and an inviting Mediterranean restaurant hosting fun barbecue nights. A lovely Greek taverna spills onto a courtyard, with twinkling fairy lights and shady trees, while down on the shore is a chilled beach club and freshwater swimming pool – a short walk down the hill, or an easy shuttle ride. Thatched cabanas with oceanic-blue day beds pepper the beach, while groups of young sun-seekers often team up for a game of beach volleyball on the sand. You’re a 10-minute drive from the nightlife of Faliraki or 20 minutes from Rhodes Town, but if you don’t want to go out at night, a DJ plays live music at Esperos Village a few times a week.A lovely Greek taverna spills onto a courtyard, with twinkling fairy lights and shady trees,
Hugging the north-east coast of Rhodes, this white-washed retreat spills onto the biscuity sands of a Blue Flag-awarded beach. A scattering of terracotta-roofed bungalows is arranged around two long, slender pools, lined by towering palms. Cinematic views come as standard here: the vast Aegean unfurls luxuriously before you, at every turn. For the best sea panoramas, nab the double sun bed perched on a tiny island over the swimming pool or one of the beachside loungers shaded by a sugar-white parasol. Children are well catered for at the hotel, with a kids’ club and pool, complete with waterslides, plus an all-day snack corner in the buffet restaurant. This crisp colour scheme streams through to the rooms and suites, where the walls showcase eclectic artwork. Wood floors and beamed ceilings warm interiors, while jewel tones – ruby red and topaz blue – are paired with metallic finishes to stylish effect. Book a Mini Room Garden View for space-savvy digs opening onto a terrace, or upgrade to a LUX.ME Sky Room Sea View for a penthouse pad with a glass-sided balcony framing Aegean views. There are plenty of family options, but the room to book is the Two-Bedroom Bungalow Suite Sea View for perks like an open-plan living and dining area and three furnished balconies – all just steps from the beach. While there’s not much reason to leave the hotel, a 20-minute drive north takes you to Rhodes Town. The capital is a cultural jigsaw whose many layers of history can be pieced together through its architecture styles – Byzantine, Ottoman, Italian. The Old Town is a living museum, with medieval walls wrapping around a labyrinthine core, where the legacy of the Knights of St John is etched across the old stones. Back at the resort, you'll find a collection of restaurants such as the casual Helios Buffet Restuarant and the Taverna Greek Restaurant. And best of all, they're all included as part of the fantastic LUXURY MADE EASY all inclusive package. Kids can enjoy a wide range of food as part of the Grecoland's Petite Gastronomie programme; there's the Tasty Corner at the kids' club which has mini buffet full of fresh dishes between 11am and 5pm and serves hot and cold dishes at lunch; and at dinner you can eat together as a family family with some restaurants featuring special kid-friendly menus.
Just minutes from the walls of the medieval Old Town, this hotel is a sophisticated retreat for romantics seeking the cultural sights over Rhodes’ ocean views. Overlooking an inactive archeological site, its central location is superb – favourite sights like the Palace of the Grand Master, Knight’s Castle and Mandraki Harbour are all within walking distance. If you fancy a day of sun and relaxation, a number of idyllic beaches are also close by. Inside, this Small Luxury Hotel of the World is a boutique modern getaway. Set within an oasis of tranquil greenery, there’s a beautiful pool out front, while a gorgeous rooftop garden and bar provides an exclusive setting overlooking the island. With a sauna, Turkish bath and private Jacuzzi all accessible to hand, head to the luxurious spa suite in the hotel’s lower levels for a rejuvenating wellness experience. Wining and dining here is a real treat, with poolside seating and serene garden views, a feature of both restaurants. Begin your day with a generous Grecian buffet at La Brassierie Restaurant; an elegant dining room with a poolside terrace which is open all-day if you fancy a local fusion-style meal. For a fine dining experience beneath the stars, Il Parco Restaurant sits romantically entwined within the hotel’s gardens. For pre-or-post dinner drinks, music and chat, there are three bars dotted around the hotel to explore: L’Agence and L’Époque offer cosy seating in the lobby, whilst upstairs the wooden-decked Galaxy Roof Lounge Bar (open summer only) combines exciting drink concoctions and glamorous city views. Rooms are contemporary yet classic in style. Simple designs combine with spacious settings, while wall-to-wall marble bathrooms and private balconies add a luxurious touch to the elegant retreats. Double Rooms are invitingly roomy, with views overlooking the nearby archaeological site, while Deluxe Doubles have the option of a sunnier pool and city view. More space and a separate living room can be found in the Executive Park Suites – each one a bespoke design, with an individual style and constrasting theme.
Peace, privacy and refined luxury surround this boutique hotel – an all-white Santorinian retreat in central Fira. This elegant getaway is a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, and is distinctive thanks to its impeccable personalised sevice and innovative modern design. Original houses have been stripped back and transformed into an island escape that charms with a contemporary soul – a soothing palette of whites, greys and blacks add to the interior’s calming atmosphere, and large windows majestically bathe the expansive spaces in natural light. Outside, a large freshwater pool sits on the hotel’s lower level; hand-tiled with local stones, it’s a charming setting surrounded by beautiful bougainvillea vines and romantic day beds. The spa here may be small but it’s a holistic refuge that you’ll love if you’re craving the utmost in indulgent pampering. There are just two private cabins, one that can be used by couples, and expert therapists offer tailor-made therapies, intensive detox programmes and state-of-the-art facilities. For food, there’s just one restaurant at the hotel which offers a great introduction to the island’s delicious local delicacies. Providing a feast for all the senses, expect ingredients on the menu like wild saffron, local black figs and Grecian honey sourced from wild thyme flowers. The rooms are refined and minimalist in style – each one designed to be a calming sanctuary that provides a wellbeing respite from the island’s tourist hot spots. Natural hues flatter vibrant colour splashes and dark wood accents, while large flowing curtains frame huge windows looking out to garden, pool or island views. The Classic Double is a sophisticated retreat, located on the lower level of the hotel with a furnished outdoor patio. Add more luxury to your stay and choose a Junior Suite to enjoy access to a shared pool – or opt for a Honeymoon Sky Suite to enjoy a retractable open roof and a bathtub in-room.
White-washed houses gently tumble down the caldera cliffside at this exclusive hideaway in southern Oia. With one of the most spectacular settings on Santorini, different level terraces bask in gloriously open horizons and panoramic Aegean views from almost every angle. It’s understated yet exclusive – an effortless setting that’s simply made for a honeymoon or a high-end romantic getaway. From the stylish infinity pool and oceanfront Asian Spa to the Cycladic-sculpted suites and villas and the wine cellar grotto, this luxurious hotel is undeniably indulgent. For dining, there are three superb restaurants to choose from, ranging from home-grown Greek cuisine right on the cliff-edge to a one-of-a-kind sushi experience and casual dining in a century-old mansion. If you fancy a more unique dining experience, there’s the option to dine in a number of private venues around the hotel – stay in your suite, choose a private terrace or head down to a secret wine cave that’s over 150 years old> Linked by quaint cobbled pathways, there are just 41 stone-crafted suites and villas in the hotel. Inside, gentle curves blend with sculpted cave-like arches, and colours are muted to enhance the bright interior spaces. Handcrafted furnishings add to each room’s traditional style, and all include a secluded sun terrace overlooking panoramic sea and caldera views. Allure Suites have one of the most simple designs, with a spacious bedroom and indoor Jacuzzi bathtub – opt for a Wet Allure Suite with a Jacuzzi outside to relax in front of views overlooking the Aegean Sea. With one of the most relaxing interiors, the Spiritual Suites include a private fitness room and hydromassage bathtub, while the Secrecy Villas add to this exclusivity with a larger terrace and romantic plunge pool. For the ultimate in privacy, choose the Holistic Villa to stay in the most luxurious retreat in the hotel. This free-standing villa spoils for choice with an outdoor Jacuzzi and a private infinity pool.
Privacy is a rare privilege in Santorini. This stunning hideout breaks the mould. Old stone walls wrap around Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, in the medieval town of Megalohori. Olive trees and huge ceramic pots line the outdoor pool; bright pink clouds of bougainvillea cascade over a pergola, sheltering the handful of low-slung sofas and day beds beneath. An outdoor hot tub, shaded by olive trees and bougainvillea, is next to a tiny bar serving drinks to guests in the bubbling whirlpool. A cluster of wooden-shuttered villas and low-rise houses are dotted around an old mansion and 400-year-old cave wine cellar, which has been turned into an atmospheric restaurant – all rough stone arches and flickering candles. All suites open onto a terrace, with interiors that could be plucked from a glossy travel magazine. Think traditional Cycladic architecture complemented by Berber rugs and Aztec cushions, and finished with original antiques and original artwork; it all feels thoughtful and personal. Pick an Aegean Suite for an outdoor hot tub or go all out with a Presidential Villa for your own private pool. Elsewhere, sunken pathways lead to a spa, a cosy cocoon sculpted into the volcanic rock. Guests can take the complimentary shuttle to Vedema’s sister hotel for epic Santorini sunsets. If it’s these views you’re desperate for, you can hire out the Nafsika Estate, with a five-bedroom villa poised on the volcanic caldera. Here, you can watch the sun drop seaward in a whorl of lilac and pink, right in front of your own pool and terrace. Sleeping up to ten, it comes with a private butler and Executive Chef, an outdoor barbecue and fully equipped kitchen.
PortoBay Falesia is in the charming Olhos de Água area of the Algarve, just a 15-minute drive from livelier Albufeira. It’s a large clifftop resort in pine-dotted grounds with easy access to two stretches of sand – head one way down 136 steps to the lengthy and much-loved Praia da Falésia, or walk 10 minutes the other way to the smaller and more secluded Olheiros de Água Doce Beach. Your stay here can be as active or as laid-back as you want – hit the tennis courts, visit the outdoor spa or pop over to one of the four sea-facing viewpoints to see the region’s instantly recognisable honeycomb-hued cliffs. There are two excellent restaurants here with an extensive selection of food. Madeira Restaurant serves buffet breakfast and dinners full of international flavours, and you can also go for exquisite Mediterranean-inspired dinners at Falésia Restaurant. Enjoy light à la carte snacks by the pool at Falésia Bar before unwinding with a cocktail at the chic Bar Búzios, where there’s also live music. If you feel like exploring a little more, there’s a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants within easy walking distance in the local village. The rooms are bright and stylish, with light cream walls and elegant wooden fittings – each room has a modern bathroom with Rituals products and a balcony or terrace. Sea View rooms have views over Praia da Falésia, the lush pines and the red cliffs. Upgrade to one of the Junior Suites for extra space and an adjoining living area, a great choice for groups or families.
VidaMar Resort Hotel Algarve sits among swathes of palms in a beautiful natural spot on Portugal’s south coast. It’s next to Salgados Golf Course and Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve – one of the most important freshwater wetlands in the Algarve which is a popular spot for bird watching – and just 150 metres down a wooden walkway you’ll find the four-mile-long Praia dos Salgados. The hotel has a great range of facilities, whether it’s just the two of you or you’ve got the kids with you. There are separate adults-only (16+) and family areas and four outdoor saltwater pools; teens have a games room and at VidaClub children can enjoy sports workshops and a reading room. VidaClub is also home to a new spa area for 4 to 12 year olds, open all year and with a special treatment menu – just book in advance at the OSMOS Wellness Center reception. At the OSMOS Wellness Center, you'll find a spa with ice fountains, a Jacuzzi, cold bucket showers and six treatments rooms including one for couples and several relaxation areas. Get a different flavour of the resort each weekday as you work your way through four dine-around restaurants. Breakfast and dinner are served at the Ocean Buffet Restaurant; AJI Oriental Flavours is an Asian pop-up venue which offers three-course, four-course and Chef’s tasting menus; and visit Olivo Meat and Wine to enjoy dishes like the rare and highly sought after Bluefin Tuna. There are also six places to grab a drink – head to Nespresso Caffè to enjoy traditional Portuguese coffee as well as the well-known brand, or the pair of poolside bars which serve colourful cocktails. If you’d rather get out and about, hop on the complimentary 20-minute bus service to Albufeira. All the rooms are modern and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony which offers resort, nature, pool or sea views. Upgrade to a Double Premium Sea View Room to enjoy special extras – you’ll have daily access to the extensive spa circuit and seasonal MAR Club, with its heated outdoor pool, two ocean-view Jacuzzis, an outdoor massage area, a snack bar with terrace and Balinese beds.
Voted eight times as the World’s Leading Thalasso Resort at the World Travel Awards, this unparalleled wellness resort is designed to take its guests to a place of utter relaxation. Visit the modern Thalasso/spa and choose from a menu of treatments crafted to soothe all manner of aches, from firming seaweed body wraps to an aromatic hydro-jet bath to reinvigorate the senses. The impressive facilities include a hammam, Finnish sauna and a huge heated indoor pool filled with seawater. Enjoy a game of tennis at the state-of-the-art clay court tennis centre and take a lesson or two to practise your serve, or attend a Pilates class before relaxing with a massage at the Thalasso/spa. The resort is peppered with tempting pools and there is no shortage of places to take a dip. And daily access to the gym means that you can go as and when you please, if you wish to at all! A pebbled beach at one end of the hotel is a convenient place to sunbathe or swim in the sea without ever having to leave the resort. Sit down to a different menu every night as you try each of Aldemar’s six restaurants. A rich buffet dinner is served at Sympossio, the main restaurant, you can head to the snack bar Allegro for pizza, or to Albatros if you prefer to dine by the sea. Traditional Greek food can be found at El Greco, the Royal Palm restaurant brings you Asian flavours with the likes of sushi on the menu, and if you’re keen to maintain a healthy diet, Candia is just the place to order Mediterranean salads and lighter meals. The rooms are spacious and light. Choose a Junior Suite with a private pool for complete seclusion, with views of the garden and a Jacuzzi to add a touch of grandeur to your luxurious escape. See our selection of spa and wellness packages
From the moment you step into the lobby, you’ll get to feel that typical Greek cool, breezy and bright vibe and take in those Aegean Sea views. Sani Dunes is a haven between ancient olive groves, the glistening Aegean Sea and the cosmopolitan Sani Marina where you’ll find lively bars and restaurants. The hotel is centred around one of the largest heated pool in the Mediterranean which is surrounded by plush sun loungers and crisscrossed by wooden bridges. Head down to Sani Dunes beach where there are sub beds and umbrellas. This is also the setting of the gloriously chic Beach House which is open at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Up at the state-of-the-art D Spa, you can pick from a wide range of Anne Semonin treatments, work out in the fitness studio, join a yoga class or soothe your muscles in the thermal suite and Jacuzzi. Around Sani Resort, there are plenty of facilities like a selection of sporting academies (must be prebooked); younger guests can learn how to play tennis in classes at the new Rafael Nadal Tennis Centre, or learn some new skills at the football centre which is run in association with Chelsea Football Club Foundation. The other academies include Scuba Diving – certified by PADI, Biking by KTM Bike Club, water skiing by British Water Ski & Wakeboard, and the sailing academy which is run in association with Thessaloniki Nautical Club. A new addition for 2020 is the Bear Grylls Survival Academy where guests over 6 years old can learn the famous adventurer's survival techniques in the resort's thousand-acre eco-reserve. The rooms and suites have an understated beach chic vibe with natural tones and subtle sky-blue elements. There are plenty of rooms that are perfect for couples, like the Double Rooms with a Private Garden and the Deluxe Junior Suites with a garden and views of the pool and sea. If you’re travelling with kids, there are Family Rooms and Deluxe Family Suites with are made up of two interconnecting Double Rooms or Deluxe Junior Suites respectively.
Every aspect of this modern hotel has been carefully considered. Set between the glittering waters of the Adriatic and the rich pine forest of the Lapad peninsula, the surrounding environment is a theme that has been intricately woven into the hotel’s design. Locally-sourced wood and natural stone is highlighted by the abundance of natural light that streams through huge glass windows, while the clean, simple décor is complemented by superb views of the Adriatic and the pretty Elaphite Islands from almost every angle. Of the three swimming pools the outdoor pool is a firm favourite with its swim-up bar where you can take in the stunning panoramic views as you sip a cocktail while the kids are kept entertained by the children’s pool. If you like to get out and explore, there’s no better way to do it than on the water. Book a sea kayak and head out around the ancient city walls and beyond to the mysterious Lokrum island, or visit the PADI diving centre and discover what lies beneath the waves. When you’re not in the water, the walking routes in the wooded area behind the hotel are great for exploring, while the variety of activities on offer are sure to impress. With everything from buggy safaris to horse riding and wine tasting nearby, you’ll never get bored. Foodies will love the choice and quality of the cuisine on offer in the hotel’s fine restaurants, serving everything from contemporary Dalmatian at the Maslina Tavern to authentic pizzas at the Beach Restaurant Ponta and delicious raw food and low-fat desserts at Lean & Light. By night, the elegant bars and lounges provide a chic setting for a well-earned nightcap. As the evening fades, head up to your comfortable room and take in the view of the night sky shimmering above the waves from the privacy of your balcony. With every room affording sea views and a balcony, all you have to do is choose whether you want to stay in a Superior Seaview Balcony Room or a more spacious Junior Suite that comes complete with a separate living area.
This comfortable yet stylish hotel is located near the sea in the heart of Spinola Bay in fashionable St Julian’s. Home to a pretty harbour that is often dotted with colourful fishing boats, an expansive beach and some of Malta’s best restaurants and cafés, this small city has retained all of its Mediterranean charm. Providing the perfect base from which to explore, the Hotel Juliani also features a superb rooftop infinity pool, with views out across the city to the glittering sea beyond – the ideal place to unwind after a morning of discovery. Breakfast is served in Café Juliani until 10.30am, meaning you can enjoy a long lie-in. Offering an array of buffet food, you can tuck in to everything from a full English breakfast to savoury pastries, cakes and fresh fruit. There are also plenty of Mediterranean dishes to enjoy, including specialities such as pastizzi, qassatat, fresh Maltese bread and puddina. Open throughout the day, this seafront café offers light meals, sweet snacks, and Italian coffee. In the evening, Zest Restaurant serves up some of the finest dining in St Julian’s to the beautiful backdrop of Spinola Bay. With a menu inspired by the theme of ‘east meets west’, here you can indulge in dishes from Thai curries, Indonesian noodles, and Singaporean seafood laksas to continental pan-fried lamb and Japanese teppanyaki. Rooms are decorated in a Mediterranean style, with a twist of pale blue and dark chocolate furnishings. Standard Rooms are comfortable and functional, while Deluxe Seaview Rooms benefit from a view out across St Julian’s Bay. Junior Seaview Suites are more spacious and feature a Jacuzzi in the bathroom as well as a separate sitting area. For the ultimate luxury, the Ambassador Seaview Suites have a large living area and stunning sea views.
Nikos Villas sits in a tranquil spot uphill from Oia, and there’s a laid-back way of life here. You’ll receive a warm welcome at this authentic family-run hotel, where the owner can tell you all about its history as well as give local recommendations and the friendly staff members are on-hand to help. At the back of the hotel, with stunning views overlooking the Aegean Sea, the pool area is the hub of the property, with a poolside deck with sun loungers and a pool bar serving cool drinks. It’s a great spot in the early morning, at sunset, and at night when the starry sky is reflected in the sea below. Santorini is known for its sunsets, but here, over Oia’s famous blue-domed church, you’ll see some of the island’s best. The a pool bar serves snacks throughout the day, and there's a great choice of tavernas and restaurants a short walk away in Oia for dinner. If you prefer to dine in, all rooms have a kitchenette so just stock up on deli goods and drinks at one of the local mini markets. Be sure to sample the local wine sold at the hotel – it’s made by the family. Rooms cascade down the cliffside and are traditional, simple and spacious, with white walls, tiled floors and colourful print fabrics. All have a kitchenette area with fridge, a sitting area and a balcony or terrace with caldera, volcano and sea views.
Set right in the heart of the city, Artemide overlooks the Via Nazionale and is located within walking distance of the opera theatre and the Via Veneto which is widely known as the one of the city’s premier shopping streets. Some of Rome’s most famous ancient sites, such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, are just a short distance away too. After a busy day of sightseeing you can return to this beautiful hotel with its grand façade and head to the basement where you’ll find the Artemís Spa. A relaxing couple’s or individual massage is the perfect way to end your day. At the superb Ambrosia Rooftop Restaurant & Bar you can enjoy a tempting selection of Italian dishes such as ravioli, gnocchi and fettuccine. It’s a popular choice both with guests and locals. At the relaxed al fresco Terrace Bar delicious cocktails are accompanied by magnificent views across the city’s rooftops towards St Peter’s Cupola and the Presidential Palace bell tower. For a hotel with a rich heritage, the rooms are surprisingly modern in style and décor. The Standard Rooms are a small yet comfortable choice while the highly-recommended Deluxe Rooms offer a little extra space. All the rooms feature modern amenities such as smart televisions and free Wi-Fi. Guests in all rooms can also enjoy a free mini bar which is replenished daily with select soft drinks, water and beer.
Once home to a noble Venetian family and favoured by aristocrats on their ‘Grand Tour’ of Europe, this sumptuous hotel is positively dripping in opulence and saturated in history. Stepping into the spectacular lobby atrium is a jaw-dropping experience and you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a bygone era. The beautiful galleried staircase looks like a film set and the stunning pink marble interiors are draped in shimmering silks and rich velvet, with gold-leaf columns and hand-made Murano glass chandeliers catching the light. Watching gondolas glide down the Grand Canal from the Danieli’s incredible rooftop terrace (open from April to October) brings the Venice of your imagination to life. The panoramic views of the lagoon, San Giorgio Island and some of the city’s landmark domes are breathtaking, and at sunset it is the perfect spot for an aperitif. Venetian nobles once gathered here to watch the arrival of merchant ships loaded with goods from the Orient; and today the rooftop restaurant ‘Terrazza Danieli’ offers a menu inspired by Marco Polo’s voyages to the Orient. The rooms and suites here are located in the three palaces that make up the hotel – Dandolo, Danieli Excelsior and Casa Nuova – all of which have a unique style and design. The Premium Deluxe Rooms are located in Palazzos Dandolo have views of the Calle de le Rasse, while those in Casa Nuova have a Venetian Baroque. For a view of the famous Venice lagoon opt for a Deluxe Lagoonview Room.
This 14th-Century palace has been beautifully renovated and converted into a sophisticated award-winning hotel. It has a blend of historic and contemporary styles, fantastic service, a peaceful ambience and an unrivalled location in the heart of Verona, within easy walking distance of the Roman Arena, Verona Arena, Juliet’s House and the bustling Piazza delle Erbe. It is set right by Corso di Porta Borsari, one of the main streets, which is full of shops, restaurants and charming cafés. Original frescoes, oil paintings and Roman mosaics provide a contrast against the chic and contemporary interiors, and a 14th-Century courtyard provides a charming setting for meals in the summer months. At the excellent restaurant Borsari 36 you can enjoy traditional Italian dishes overseen by a Michelin-starred chef. It also offers early bookings (from 6.30pm) and pre-theatre menus so it’s the ideal spot for a pre-opera dinner as the Verona Arena is less than a ten-minute walk away. At the elegant bar you can enjoy freshly-made cocktails inspired by seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as fine Italian wines. Other facilities include a new fitness centre overlooking Palazzo Victoria’s courtyard, a sauna, classes and massages. The individually-designed rooms vary in size and views. The cosy Classic Rooms overlook the internal courtyard and the Grand Deluxe Rooms are slightly larger. If you’re looking for extra living space then the Junior Suites and Suites both have a living area.
This serene retreat has been inspired by those cool but laid-back beach retreats that line Mexico’s Tulum coastline; it’s all about bohemian luxury with those sandy tones and natural materials but with a distinctly 21st-Century character – think minimalistic clean lines, exposed concrete and accents of grey. It’s one of those resorts that manages to cater equally well for families of all ages as it does for couples – the exceptional service, unique design and easy-going but intimate atmosphere are elements everyone can appreciate. The accommodation has been thoughtfully designed with a handful of the rooms and pavilions that are perfect if you have kids in tow and others that are perfect pour deux. But it doesn’t matter who they were designed for, they all share the same exceptional style you’ll see throughout the resort with sustainable hand-crafted materials, soft furnishings that you’ll just want to sink into and large floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to let you bring the outside in. The Tropical and Sapphire Bungalows are a great choice for couples but we highly recommend one of the Sapphire Pavilions with a private pool. For families, there are the Tropical Family Bungalows which have the room for an extra bed or cot. Again, it’s well worth the upgrade to one of the Pavilions with a pool – either one that’s shared with your neighbours or a private pool. There’s a real emphasis on living like a local at Domes Zeen thanks to the collection of authentic experiences that have been designed by island insiders. You can visit a local vineyard and olive farm to taste their produce, get hands on during a ceramics workshop guided by an expert or take a tour of Chania’s characterful Old Town on foot. A favourite with active guests – and families in particular – are the Gorges Hiking Tours during which you’ll get to see the natural beauty of Crete while burning off all those honey-drenched Greek desserts. Back at the resort, there’s a great kids’ club with its cool yurts and teepees, and the soothing Jungle Spa, an open-air paradise where muscle-melting massages and rejuvenating treatments are available. We also love the daily and weekly ‘Epicurean Moments’ and ‘Be Authentic’ experiences offered around the resort which give you more of a glimpse into local life. You’ll be able to sample Cretan treats created in traditional ways and discover how to create artisan products in hands-on demos. There are also a couple of fantastic restaurants – the Beach House Restaurant and Enino Gastronomy Restaurant – where you can dine on dishes influenced by Greek and Cretan flavours and created with vibrant local produce.
The Ikos Aria is one of those resorts with a wow-factor. It’s location on a gold-sand beach opposite a small islet that’s home to a tiny church, the extensive Infinite Lifestyle inclusions and the facilities all add up to create a retreat that you’ll never want to leave. The style is modern with clean lines and cool and calm beach club influences, however, it’s unmistakably Greek: the snowy tones and crisp hints of colour reflect the region’s white-washed buildings with their azure-blue roofs. But the folk at Ikos Aria don’t want you to spend your entire stay at the resort and actively encourage you to get out and explore the island on a MINI Drive Adventure. You’ll get the keys to a MINI for a day and have the chance to discover hidden-away beaches, visit charming hilltop villages and eat at local tavernas. And best of all, it’s included in your stay. Back at the resort, there’s a peaceful spa, a total of five swimming pools and both kids’ and teens’ clubs (open in July and August) all fronted by a stretch of sun-kissed sand. There are more restaurants at the resort than there are days of the week so you can change up your dining destinations and never have the same dish twice (unless that’s what you want of course). The main eatery is Flavors where a Mediterranean buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are served every day. The seven à la carte restaurants include Fresco which serves Italian favourites, the Asian venue Anaya that’s open at dinner and Kos which specialises in flavoursome island cuisine. Deluxe Collection guests (see below for more information) have exclusive access to Seasons at breakfast and lunch but all guests can reserve their table here in the evening and enjoy locally sourced produce that’s determined by the time of the year. The vibe of the rooms matches that of the rest of the resort – cool, calm and simple style that really lets the region’s natural beauty take centre stage. There’s a real emphasis on indoor-outdoor living with floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall doors that open out onto a glass-fronted balcony or a terrace and private garden. There are plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation from the spacious Double and Superior Triple Rooms to the open-plan Junior Suites and One Bedroom Suites which are perfect for families. For a host of added extra benefits (we particularly love the exclusive pool and stretch of beach and the bottle of Champagne Taittinger on arrival) we would suggest upgrading to the Deluxe Collection – a selection of Junior Suites, One Bedroom Suites and wonderfully spacious Two Bedroom Suites, some of which have private gardens while others feature their very own pool.