Comprehensive doesn’t even come close to describing this pastel pink resort. Complete with streets and squares and twirling turrets, it feels more like a fairy tale town. It’s strange, how a place modelled on a 19th century Spanish colonial village can feel intimate, yet somehow Bahía del Duque manages. One of Tenerife’s original luxury resorts, they’ve hit the sweet spot with a whimsical crowd-pleasing escape that doesn’t sacrifice on individualised service. Expect to leave on a first name basis with most of the charming staff and feeling lik...

A long enduring, standout hotel in Tenerife, its status on the island has flocks of loyal guests returning to reside in its bold Moorish-inspired pastel walls. Far from a shrinking violet, The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama is a blooming rose citadel that closer resembles a small town than a hotel. Despite its vast size (it covers 400 acres), this is a place that feels like a quiet and exclusive club for those eager to quickly sneak off for a week of warmth in Spain’s sunniest spot. With nine restaurants/bars, seven swimming pools and over 450 k...

All gilded and grand with a fondness for fauna, Asian accents and peak French Riviera glamour are the outfit of choice for this genteel chap in Puerto de la Cruz. A face lift may have brought it into the 21st century, but the younger, more contemporary styling hasn’t tarnished Hotel Botánico’s old-school appeal. There’s an eye-catching 380 piece sculpture in reception encrusted with Swarovski sparkles, plush apple red carpets offset rich creamy marble and waiters in white lapels weave between tables donned in napkin art. Diverging from the tra...

This aristocrat amongst trains takes its passengers to some of the most celebrated cities in Europe – Paris, Venice, Budapest, Prague, Berlin and Istanbul. Travelling in its gloriously restored carriages revives the golden age of travel: a 24-hour cabin steward is on-hand throughout your journey, interiors gleam with polished wood and brass, ever-changing landscapes slip past your window and a formal black-tie dinner awaits in one of three dining cars. Cuisine is of the highest calibre, whilst the service is magnificent; breakfast and afternoo...

A pine-clad hillside within the protected Datça Peninsula makes the stage for this elevated retreat, with peripheral-filling views over an azure bay and five porcelain beaches filling the stalls. Lying where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, when renovations took place, instructions were given not to harm the surrounding nature reserve; leading the vibe here to be of unspoilt island isolation, but with more pine trees than palms. East and west rendezvous within the rooms, where exotic accents melt into the arms of the sophisticated and minim...

A whisper of its ancient Greek namesake, “Amarantos”, meaning everlasting, is just the start of the soothing aura at this muted lifestyle hotel; where the soft sway of the ocean and soundproofing technology might just tempt a pin drop.   Vivacious and vibrant, the familiar energy of Limassol’s magnetic coastline isn’t one that would usually prompt a pause for thought; but that’s exactly why AMARA is stepping in with a fetching new pace for things. Being an enthusiast for minimalism and stylishly low fuss, the distractions have all been taken c...

One of The Leading Hotels of the World, Puente Romano Beach Resort enjoys a privileged beachfront position between Marbella and Puerto Banus. Famed for its illustrious clientele, it is the perfect location for a luxury holiday to Spain. Spacious suites, all with terrace or balcony, are scattered throughout the sub-tropical gardens in a private village style, whilst at the heart of the resort lies the Roman bridge from which it takes its name. The exclusive villas are exceedingly elegant, with private swimming pools and dining areas amidst the...

Here, distinctively Spanish, colonial-style suites sit secluded within ancient palm groves that seamlessly roll into the undulating dunes of Maspalomas. Occupying a plum position steps from the sands of the beach and dunes, this is a serene spot in which to kick back and relax. It’s the kind of super-civilised space in which you find a piano bar and a bridge salon, where the feel of a country club combines with the privacy of being at home. But the restful atmosphere is balanced out by the chance to spend days teeing off on eight neighbouring ...

Residing on four of Greece’s most cosseted islands plus the Algarve in Portugal, the colourful characters that make up Domes Resort’s portfolio have made growing a hotel brand look easy. It’s their different personalities that make them special; the sophisticated yet playful atmosphere of Domes of Elounda, the adults-only peace of the legendary Domes Miramare, the cultural infusion of the cosmopolitan Domes Noruz or the eco-conscious boho vibes of Domes Zeen. The brand’s ever-growing cast list resembles that of an all-star film. But despite th...

A win-win for both sun-seekers and get-up-and-goers, Athens Riviera feels a world away from the city and holds within it ancient history, a glamorous past and this modern beach enclave. A city sojourn or an island-hopping adventure might be Greece’s usual spoils for choice; but with a secluded headland and the oh-so-sweet smell of pine, even the locals are calling the riviera the best of both worlds. On the one hand, with a location like the red carpet itself, this Athenian ‘it girl’ that welcomed the likes of Frank Sinatra and Bridgette Bardo...

The epitome of contemporary chic, the Conrad Algarve lies in the exclusive Quinta do Lago enclave, offering easy access to the golden sandy beaches of the Algarve. Beautifully appointed rooms feature every modern comfort and convenience, the roof top Garden Suite coming complete with infinity pool, kitchen, personal host and its own private entrance to the spa. Three Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck heads up One Michelin-star Gusto by Heinz Beck, the sleek signature restaurant with an open kitchen, cocktail bar and Cuban cigar menu; Louro spe...

The cerulean waters of the Kassandra peninsula promise endless pleasure for the lucky ones who stay in these luxurious suites within the Sani Resort. Fronting their own exclusive beach and views to the marina, these low-rise villa-style developments exude sophistication and an invitation to unwind. All of the light and airy suites have a Jacuzzi bathtub and the facilities to truly indulge in the form of a beauty treatment or massage in-room. While peace is relished further with the Babe Watch beach babysitting and crèche services – a winner in...

Leaving the family home of Greece's ‘Emerald Island’ behind, the intrepid little sister of the Mar-Bella clan has ventured near to Parga on Greece’s mainland in search of unearthing more of this remote region.   With a choice of either arriving by a winding hedge-lined road punctured with sea views or a boat ride across the Ionian from Corfu, the journey here may hint at the adventurous side of Elix, Mar-Bella Collection, but what stands out the most is the secluded locale. Cemented in a take-a-load-off way of life, the eight hillside-sloping ...

Fine dining experts Estiatorio Milos have long welcomed guests to have a seat at their table; now, their ‘iconic simplicity’ goes beyond Mediterranean cuisine, inviting you to stay the night at the heart of one of history’s oldest civilisations.   Within walking distance of both the National Historical Museum and Parliament Square, xenodocheio Milos is the place to rest your head after a day weaving through the Grecian capital. Past the hubbub of the city and its popular neighbouring cafés spilling out into the sunshine, find an oasis of tranq...