EUROPEAN HOT LIST

With summer in sight, there is no better time to escape to the wondrous destinations right on our doorstep in Europe. The most culturally diverse continent on the planet, Europe boasts splendid sunshine throughout the summer holidays and is a dream destination for travellers looking to discover ancient traditions, intriguing history, ornate art and architecture, and breathtaking scenery. And if that’s not enough, it’s also a beach-lover’s paradise with gorgeous world-renowned coastal scenery. With travel to Europe being so easy, this really ticks the box as a stress-free summer holiday destination, and with the opening of a number of stunning luxury hotels along the southern peninsulas of Greece, we have a whole host of gorgeous and exclusive hideaways to tempt you away on your next unforgettable holiday.

 

SANI DUNES, HALKIDIKI, GREECE

Sani Resort’s brand new hotel opening on 30 June 2017, is set to be one of the finest beach escapes in Europe. Welcoming guests over 12yrs, it will prove the perfect destination for more grown up families or couples. All rooms are contemporary and stylish, and our particular favourites are the Deluxe Junior Suites with Private Garden, just steps from the hotel’s private beach. At the beach your experience is guaranteed to be extra special, with king-size umbrellas, luxurious mattresses and a continuous food and drinks service. A true highlight is the ‘Dine Around’ offering, where you will have the opportunity to dine at other Sani Resort restaurants to try a variety of delicious cuisines. Our favourite features are the brand new D Spa, housing seven treatment rooms, and the Teen House, “Ozone”, designed for teenagers to enjoy independence whilst making new friends on holiday through group gaming, night-time stargazing, or just chilling at the snack bar enjoying delicious milkshakes. There’s also a whole host of ways to explore the beauty of Halkidiki, such as mountain biking or canoe tours.

EXPLORE FURTHER: Sail towards Mount Athos Peninsula to see
the ‘Holy Mountain’ and its fantastic monasteries. ‘The Garden of
the Virgin’, when viewed from the sea is spell-binding in its
unspoiled beauty.

7 nights from £1,049 per person, based on 2 adults sharing a Double Room Private Garden on Half Board. OFFER: Save 20% between 06 - 28 Oct 2017. 

+ Read more on SANI DUNES, HALKIDIKI

 

IKOS OLIVIA, HALKIDIKI, GREECE 

Experience a new level of luxury on the Grecian coast of Halkidiki at IKOS Olivia, launched in May 2015. On the edge of a magical private white sand beach fringed with fir trees, IKOS Olivia is a spectacular all-inclusive family escape featuring luxurious low-rise bungalows and suites set in breathtaking grounds. The hotel is all about sleek lines, open spaces, calming colours and floor-to-ceiling windows to connect you to the crystal blue waters of the Aegean Sea sweeping out into the distance, with many of the bungalow suites boasting private pools. You’ll be treated to delightful Greek hospitality, excellent service and luxurious facilities in equal measure – all included in your stay.
Foodies will love the four à la carte restaurants where you can enjoy Michelin starred menus, but the unique ‘Dine Out’ programme also encourages you to experience traditional Greek cuisine and hospitality at especially selected local restaurants as part of your all-inclusive plan.
A stay would be incomplete without treating yourself to a rejuvenating massage in the cocoon of tranquillity that is the IKOS Spa by Anne Semonin. For kids, the excellent Heroes Kids’ Club goes above and beyond to make this a trip of a lifetime, and there is so much to do here for all ages: tennis lessons, kayaking, yoga on the lawn, or even Greek dancing lessons – let your Grecian education begin!

EXPLORE FURTHER: Make the most of your beautiful surroundings and take mountain bikes out to explore the unspoilt, rugged countryside that makes this region so stunning.

7 nights from £999 per person, based on 2 adults sharing a Superior Double Room on All-Inclusive. OFFER: Save 20% between 08 - 28 Oct 17

+ Read more on IKOS OLIVIA, HALKIDIKI

 

THE GRITTI PALACE, VENICE, ITALY 

The epitome of elegance and majesty, The Gritti Palace is an exclusive palatial jewel steeped in history, beautifully restored to be one of the most luxurious hotels on the Grand Canal of Venice. Adorned with Italian works of art, the elegantly decorated rooms are the perfect blend of Venetian style, with sophisticated modern touches, enhanced by original wooden ceilings, stunning marble floors and 18th Century furnishings. We particularly recommend The Gritti Palace for its personal service, nothing is too much trouble, and dining here is exceptional - be sure to enjoy a cocktail on the terrace looking out to the stunning Santa Maria della Salute church.

EXPLORE FURTHER: Make use of the hotel’s private Riva boat which can be used for private excursions to explore even more of this fascinating
floating city.

4 nights from £1,199 per person based on 2 adults sharing a Venetian Room including breakfast. OFFER: Stay 4 pay 3 between 31 Jul - 31 Aug and 01 - 12 Nov 2017.

+ Read more on THE GRITTI PALACE, VENICE 

 

MARBELLA CLUB GOLF RESORT & SPA, MARBELLA 

The legendary Marbella Club, set on golden Mediterranean shores, is an elegant luxury hotel, enhanced with a wealth of world-class facilities, a relaxed ambience and an enviable beachfront location. The Andalusian style villas with fresh and stylish interiors offer the utmost privacy, some including private heated pools and outdoor dining areas – perfect for family holidays with children aged 2-14 kept entertained by
a huge range of activities available at the Kids Club. The Club appeals for its many wellness experiences, watersports andtennis, as well as its own 18 hole golf course nearby, and a fabulous Equestrian Centre offering lessons for all levels. In the evenings, enjoy an aperitif on the lively terrace of the Summer Bar, adorned with hanging flowers and twinkling lights. You’ll be treated to refined world class menus at the Grill, one of the most exclusive fine-dining restaurants in Marbella. Don’t miss the live jazz evenings at the Club’s ultra-glamorous Art Deco Champagne Room, which oozes style and has hosted celebrities for decades.

EXPLORE FURTHER: Typical Andalusian towns are wonderful to explore on day trips; we would recommend visiting historic Granada, Ronda, and the white villages of Vejer de la Frontera, steeped in culture.

7 nights from £1,339 per person based on 2 adults sharing a Deluxe Double Room including breakfast. OFFER: Save 10%.

+ Read more on MARBELLA CLUB GOLF RESORT & SPA, MARBELLA

 

VERDURA RESORT, SICILY, ITALY 

With BA’s new direct flight from London to Palermo, it’s now even easier to travel to the beautiful Verdura Resort on the gorgeous Sicilian coast. From its beautiful setting amidst scenic olive groves, to its secluded private beach, Verdura exudes endless charm. One of the few resorts in Europe that is open year-round and with a fantastic kids’ club we highly recommend Verdura for families. With 3 golf courses, numerous cycle trails, tennis and football academies, your kids will enjoy the adventures in store. The sumptuous suites are the ultimate extravagance, enjoying fabulous Mediterranean views. Our favourite Verdura virtue is its incredible spa, with
a range of amazing health programmes; the pampering experience will make you want to come back for every holiday.

EXPLORE FURTHER: We would highly recommend an island tour to visit Noto, Ragusa and Modica – amazing cities with a rich cultural history.

7 nights from £1,489 per person based on 2 adults sharing a Deluxe Room including breakfast.
OFFER: Save up to 35% between 28 Apr - 30 Jun 2017 and 10 Sep - 03 Jan 2018.

+ Read more on VERDURA RESORT, SICILY, ITALY

 

THE RITZ-CARLTON ABAMA, TENERIFE, SPAIN 

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more idyllic spot overlooking the Atlantic Ocean’s brilliant blue waters than The Ritz-Carlton, Abama. The luxuriously chic design, relaxed ambience and superb service make this the most special place to stay in
Tenerife. Only a 4 hour flight away, Tenerife is perfect for all seasons, and makes for an ideal winter sun escape as well as summer. Why not try the adult-only Tagor’ Villas for that extra sense of tranquillity? You’ll have access to an adult-only pool and exclusive benefits. If you’re looking for an active getaway, take your pick from the hotel’s own golf course, tennis academy and seven swimming pools. Or, if you’re after a more laid back European break, indulge in a remedying treatment at the fantastic spa, or enjoy the beach, accessible by funicular, where there’s an amazing little Beach Club restaurant looking out to La Gomera Island – the most stunning sunset spot.
The resort’s real pièce de résistance is its two Michelin star restaurants - what more could you wish for!

EXPLORE FURTHER: From a private catamaran, go whale and dolphin watching below the amazing cliff of Los Gigantes – Tenerife is the best place in Europe to view these
incredible creatures.

7 nights from £999 per person based on 2 adults sharing a Deluxe Room including breakfast.
OFFER: Stay 7 pay 6 + save 15% between now - 16 Oct 2017.

+ Read more on THE RITZ-CARLTON ABAMA, TENERIFE, SPAIN

 

BLUE PALACE A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA, CRETE, GREECE

Nestled on the famed coast of Elounda, Blue Palace’s spectacular views of Crete’s coastline from almost every angle will astonish. The resort is ultra-luxurious, providing the perfect hideaway for those seeking excellent service in a breathtaking beachfront location. With three outdoor swimming pools, five fabulous restaurants including Blue Door, a traditional Greek-style taverna on the water’s edge, award-winning Elounda Spa and private pebble beach mean there are plenty of wonders for you to revel in.

EXPLORE FURTHER: Just across from the resort lies the archaeological site of Spinalonga Island, where an impressive Venetian fort became a leper colony until 1957. And just 10 minutes walk away you can explore the traditional fishing village of Plaka.

7 nights from £1,319 per person based on 2 adults sharing a Superior Bungalow Sea View on Half Board. 
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save 20% + complimentary upgrade to Half Board+ Spa treatment for bookings 7 nights or more.

+ Read more on BLUE PALACE A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA, CRETE, GREECE

 

ELOUNDA BEACH HOTEL & VILLAS, CRETE, GREECE 

The first hotel in Crete, Elounda Beach has more than withstood the test of time and still reigns as one of the most exclusive hotels in the Greek Islands. For an ultra-luxury experience, the Platinum Yachting Club section is home to the prestigious Yachting Villas, which boast two levels, private decks with heated pools, and stunning state-of-the-art interiors with views out to the spectacular marina. You’ll want for nothing; the service is flawless, the cuisine at Dionyssos restaurant is award-winning and the spa is renowned as one of the finest in Europe. All this is enhanced by days spent relaxing on the resort’s two private sandy beaches.

EXPLORE FURTHER: Explore Elounda village square with authentic Greek tavernas and views to the mystical island of Spinalonga.

7 nights from £1,239 per person based on 2 adults sharing a Classic Room Sea View on Half Board. EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Save 15% + £50 spa credit. 

+ Read more on ELOUNDA BEACH HOTEL & VILLAS, CRETE, GREECE