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Top 10: the most astonishing beach retreats in Europe

The Luxury Travel Expert

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (March 27, 2017): Top 10 most astonishing beach retreats in Europe.

I previously published top 10 lists of the most stunning (and my preferred) beach resorts in Asia and Africa, two continents blessed with spectacular, sugar white beaches. Today, I take you to my home continent, Europe, where summer is around the corner and millions are preparing for a sundrenched holiday in the South. However, the Mediterranean Sea – where Europe’s most fabulous coastal resorts are located – is not particularly known for its beaches, which often tend to be narrow and composed of pebbles, mostly explained by the fact that the Mediterranean Sea has tides of a very low amplitude due to its very narrow outlet/inlet into the Atlantic Ocean. Nevertheless, it’s the Europe’s prime summer playground, offering spectacular natural scenery including ancient pine forests and scalloped bays. Here, you can treat yourself to an unforgettable holiday in one of my 10 favorite coastal retreats.

There is more info below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite European beach retreat in the comments section, or take my poll below!

10. HOTEL CALA DI VOLPE, SARDINIA, ITALY
9. W BARCELONA, SPAIN
8. BELMOND VILLA SANT'ANDREA, SICILY, ITALY
7. THE ROMANOS, COSTA NAVARINO, GREECE
6. HOTEL DU CAP EDEN ROC, FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCE
5. HOTEL SANTA CATERINA, AMALFI COAST, ITALY
4. AREIAS DO SEIXO, COSTA DE PRATA, PORTUGAL
3. AMAN SVETI STEFAN, MONTENEGRO
2. MANDARIN ORIENTAL BODRUM, TURKEY
1. AMANZOE, GREECE
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10. HOTEL CALA DI VOLPE, SARDINIA, ITALY

Lying on the most strikingly romantic stretch of the Costa Smeralda, the Hotel Cala Di Volpe, A Luxury Collection Hotel, resembles a charming fishing village, with its picturesque Sardinian houses and landing stage jutting out into a sea of translucent turquoise, emerald-green and deepest azure. Each of the 100 sea-view rooms and 21 suites pays tribute to Sardinia’s unique artistry and natural beauty. The minimal chic decor is inspired by traditional Sardinian workmanship. And for an even more exclusive ambience, you should book the Presidential Suite, with three bedrooms, two lounges, a steam bath, one private heated swimming pool and a stunning view of the emerald bay.

HOTEL CALA DI VOLPE, SARDINIA, ITALY
9. W BARCELONA, SPAIN

Located in the stunning waterfront area of Spain’s most dynamic and stylish city, W Barcelona boasts unparalleled views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the City of Barcelona from most of its 473 fabulous guest rooms and suites. Rising like a sail from the Mediterranean’s brown sands, it is as much a work of modern art as it is a luxury brand hotel. Designed by world-renowned architect Ricardo Bofill, W Barcelona sets the scene for a spectacular stay just steps from the famous Barceloneta boardwalk. The hotel offers direct access to the 2-mile long man-made Barceloneta beach, where you also find the property’s private beach club.

8. BELMOND VILLA SANT’ANDREA, SICILY, ITALY

With an exclusive location on the Bay of Mazzarò, considered one of the most beautiful in all of Italy, the elegant Villa Sant’Andrea nestles on its own private beach, facing the glittering aquamarine sea. Built by an aristocratic family in 1830, the Villa, surrounded by lush, subtropical gardens, retains all the charm of a private residence. Mazzarò is conveniently connected to the Toarmina’s town centre by cable car and is therefore just three minutes from the heart of Taormina’s many attractions. Villa Sant’Andrea has 60 elegant rooms and suites, the majority of which look out over the beach and pristine waters of the private Bay of Mazzarò. Most rooms feature expansive balconies and terraces, equipped with tables and chairs so that guests can enjoy an al fresco breakfast overlooking the sparkling sea.

BELMOND VILLA SANT’ANDREA, SICILY, ITALY
7. THE ROMANOS, COSTA NAVARINO, GREECE

Largely untouched by mass tourism, Costa Navarino harbors cultural values, traditions and a history of more than 4,500 years, which live in harmony with one of the most stunning scenic landscapes of the Mediterranean. It’s also the home of the stunning Romanos resort, which rests on a breathtaking stretch of sandy beach along the coast of the Ionian Sea, offering easy access to the best this intoxicating region has to offer. UNESCO World Heritage List sites, including famous Olympia, Mystras and the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, as well as Ancient Messini, the Palace of Nestor, are all within driving distance. This is the perfect location for unrivaled relaxation within one of the 321 incomparable rooms, suites and villas.

THE ROMANOS, COSTA NAVARINO, GREECE
6. HOTEL DU CAP EDEN ROC, FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCE

The world-famous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc – member of the prestigious Oetker collection – has historically been an inspirational retreat for writers and the creative spirited. The property presides over Antibes with an aura of magnificent glamour, with a distinguished guest list of royalty, dignitaries and Hollywood stars. There is a plaque in the garden quoting French writer Anatole France: ‘What will be, is what was”, and so the legend continues. By the azure Mediterranean Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc offers all the pleasures of the Riviera in the highest style. A private pontoon gives direct access to the sea with an abundance of water sports. There’s the historic pool refreshed with natural sea water and for those in search of seclusion, there are many peaceful corners beneath the shade of a Riviera palm, by an abundant wisteria or in cabanas by the sea.

HOTEL DU CAP EDEN ROC, FRENCH RIVIERA, FRANCE

5. HOTEL SANTA CATERINA, AMALFI COAST, ITALY

A late 19th century liberty style villa immersed in the beautiful scenery of the Amalfi Coast, an elegant seaside residence surrounded by the perennial blue of the Mediterranean sea and sky, by luscious bougainvillea and by lovingly cultivated olive groves and fruit orchards. This is Hotel Santa Caterina of Amalfi, a special place to experience the finest of Italian hospitality and lasting sensations of wellbeing. There are vast, terraced gardens and orchards overlooking the sea, and down by the water is a luscious seawater-pool area, complete with an idyllic thatched-roof, open-air caffè. The hotel has 62 rooms and suites, but the luckiest guests are allowed to book the hotel’s extraordinary, 19th-century hunting-box châlet, set at water’s edge at the far end of the hotel’s romantic orchards.

  • Hotel website: Hotel Santa Caterina
  • Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, late check-out, and daily breakfast for 2).
HOTEL SANTA CATERINA, AMALFI COAST, ITALY
4. AREIAS DO SEIXO, COSTA DE PRATA, PORTUGAL

Located less than an hour away from Lisbon, Areias Do Seixo Charm Hotel & Residences is the realization of the dream of owners Marta and Gonçalo. They had a compelling desire to create a unique place where they could welcome people from the four corners of the globe in a magical yet familiar setting. And the result? A place of enchantment crafted from a range of resources that have been thoughtfully and painstakingly assembled to equal so much more than a simple sum of their parts. The 14 uniquely designed guest rooms & suites come with amazing bathrooms and fuse Moroccan and Asian design elements  with modern minimalism to create fabulous colour schemes. A magnificent beach along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean is located a 10 minute walk from the property, and hats, parasols and beach bags are provided by the hotel.

AREIAS DO SEIXO, COSTA DE PRATA, PORTUGAL
3. AMAN SVETI STEFAN, MONTENEGRO

The most iconic images associated with Montenegro are of the tiny islet named Sveti Stefan, dating back to the 15th century. Today, the island’s cluster of sturdy stone buildings together with Villa Miločer, comprises the idyllic beachside resort of Aman Sveti Stefan, managed by the world’s most exclusive hotel brand. The resort incorporates two kilometres of coastline and provides unparalleled access to the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the island’s historic exterior remains largely unchanged, the resort’s interiors have been restored and updated to meet contemporary expectations. Expect to find 58 unique luxury lodgings, all coming with gorgeous bathrooms and with a myriad of views ranging from sea and rooftops to quaint courtyards and piazzas.

AMAN SVETI STEFAN, MONTENEGRO
2. MANDARIN ORIENTAL BODRUM, TURKEY

With an idyllic location in Bodrum’s secluded Paradise Bay, two private beaches, a range of fabulous gourmet restaurants, a world-class spa and a choice of stylish rooms, suites and villas, this unique 6-star resort will seduce even the most discerning traveler and invite you to lie back, relax and savour the moment. The first beach resort of the Mandarin Oriental hotel group is so phenomenal that it makes the nicest 5 star resorts look like a cheap motel. If you are in need of a luxurious beach break around the Mediterranean basin, then stop looking as this is as exclusive a getaway as you can imagine!

1. AMANZOE, GREECE

Amanzoe is a hilltop property, laying amongst centuries old olive groves, boasting panoramic views of the Peloponnese countryside, the glittering tranquil sea, the neighbouring vineyards, and the awe-inspiring mountains. The property is located within easy reach of a wealth of archaeological sites and the cosmopolitan island of Spetses. Designed by quintessential Aman architect, the legendary Ed Tuttle, this exclusive haven of unsurpassed beauty has quickly become the Mediterranean playground of those in the know. Classically inspired yet sleekly contemporary, Amanzoe’s Pavilions and Villas open to expansive private terraces, creating a seamless extension of the airy interiors and an unrivalled sense of space and seclusion. A stone’s throw away, the Aman Beach Club comes with two lap pools and two children’s pools and will provide fun and games in total privacy by the water.

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