CAPRI PALACE HOTEL & SPA
Isle of Capri, Anacapri, Italy
Capri Palace Hotel & Spa occupies an exclusive and unspoiled setting in Anacapri, with views extending from the Bay of Naples to the enchanting islands of Ischia and Procida.
The hotel’s extravagance is legendary, from the Penthouse Suite with its hanging garden and private swimming pool to the Capri Beauty Farm, with its sought-after personalized spa programs. Take time for an excursion on one of the private yachts, reveling in the pristine beauty of the region. L’Olivo restaurant, Capri’s only Michelin-starred eatery, boasts innovative Mediterranean cuisine.
GRAND HOTEL VILLA SERBELLONI Lake Como (Bellagio), Italy
For more than a century, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni has been a choice getaway for discerning travelers. Its fabulous location on breathtaking Lake Como aside, the hotel lavishes guests with elegant salons, an expansive lakeside garden, thoughtfully appointed guestrooms, gourmet cuisine, a Spa and Fitness Center, promenade shops and access to the countless activities the Bellagio region offers. From April to November, guests indulge in the peaceful ambiance, sipping a cool drink poolside. Boat rides to local sites can be arranged easily; in fact, visitors from around the world flock to the nearby historic azalea gardens.
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HOTEL SPLENDIDO & SPLENDIDO MARE Portofino Coast (Portofino), Italy
Hotel Splendido & Splendido Mare, an Orient-Express Hotel- the two properties are connected by scenic walking path or shuttle service – is a rare escape along the Portofino coast. Ravishingly elegant, yet gracious this homey yet seaside hideaway offers every creature comformt. Sea-view rooms, with balcony, are the most spacious choice; each brims with locally painted frescoes depicting scenes from around Portofino. Relax by the heated seawater swimming pool, taking in dramatic sea views; then head to La Terrazza for locally caught fish.
LE SIRENUSE Positano, Italy
You’ll have to pinch yourself to believe you’re basking in the beauty that is Le Sirenuse. As John Steinbeck once put it, “It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you’re there and become beckoningly real after you have gone.” Many travelers have fallen in love with this family-run villa with its romantic arches, vaulted ceilings and hand-made floor tiles. Spend lazy afternoons on the sunny terrace, taking in views of Positano, Capri and Li Galli. Come evening, take time for a romantic dinner in gorgeous sea view restaurant, La Sponda.
HOTEL CASA FUSTER Barcelona, Spain
Dating back to 1908, the Hotel Casa Fuster is a decidely modern establishment, offering guests an enviable address at the highest point of the Paseo de Gracia – from here, the panoramic views of Barcelona are breathtaking. Designer shopping and high-energy nightlife is nearby, in the cultural district of L’Eixample. Spend at least one night in, dining at Restaurant Galaxo, where the people-watching is as intriguing as the Mediterranean cuisine. Rooms are deliciously contemporary, with flat-screen televisions, high-speed internet access and remote-controlled lighting. Cafe Vienes has the best live jazz and tapas in town and is the “place to be” every Thursday night.
BARCELO LA BOBADILLA Granada (Loja), Spain
With architecture reminscent of the Andalusian palaces of earlier centuries, the five-star Barcelo La Bobadilla is striking in every way. Just 70 spacious rooms, all with fine wood, marble and brick accents, house fortunate guests, flock here for the natural beauty, and the peace and quiet. The estate boasts its own Mediterranean chapel, and flower-lined walkways lead in every direction. The spa is sublime, with its Vichy shower, Finnish and Turkish sauna and hydro massage bath. Come evening, dine in one of two restaurants. La Finca for its creative cuisine or El Cortijo for its traditional Spanish offerings.
AMIRANDES GRECOTEL EXCLUSIVE RESORT Crete, Greece
Amirandes Grecotel Exclusive Resort was styled after the lavish palaces of the Minoan Kings and Venetian nobles who once ruled and reside in Crete. Today, this welcoming hideaway is marked by its fragrant gardens, gentle lagoons and natural stone terraces, all of which invite guests to sit, relax and stay awhile. Dip into the Olympic-size seawater swimming pool or explore the resort-s two private coves. Enjoy an adventure and discover the archaelogical site at the Palace of Knossos. Experience traditional Greece at Agreco Farm, which uses centuries-old organic practices and features an olive press, watermill and more.
KIVOTOS Mykonos, Greece
An intimate hideaway just 5 minutes from Mykonos town, Kivotos centers around 17 room, 22 suites and one waterfront villa with a private pool, each individually designed by local craftsmen and famous artists. The rule here is relaxation, whether you’re spending a languid afternoon in one of five swimming pools (one is a seawater pool with underwater music piped in.) strolling along the private beach or getting active with watersports. Two fine dining restaurants, La Meduse and Le Pirate, vie for your attention. The hotel’s private 82-foot motorboat, Prince de Neufchatel, is available for cruises around the Greek Islands or a romantic dinner.
CHATEAU DE LA CHEVRE D’OR Eze, France
Boasting one of the most memorable hotel locations in the world, Chateau de la Chevre d’Or perches on a cliff in the heart of a medieval village between Nice and Monte Carlo. From here, your breathtaking panorama includes the sparkling Mediterranean and St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Gourmands are in luck; the hotel offers four tempting eateries, including the legendary Michelin-starred La Chevre d’Or (views from here extend from Monte Carlo to St. Tropez) Guestrooms are just as remarkable, all with classic furnishings and opulent marble bathrooms; there are just 34 rooms and suites, so your privacy is virtually guaranteed. Evenings are welcomed with neighboring fragrant gardens and cascading gorgeous sea views.
PALAIS DE LA MEDITERRANEE Nice, France
Saavy globetrotters return time and time again to the grand Art Deco-style Palais de la Mediterranee on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. The hotel’s reputation for gracious style and hospitality dates back almost 80 years; a major restoration project has recently taken place, and the hotel is once again a landmark of luxury. The casino, which was the hotel’s original attraction, remains and is a sophisticated venue for concerts and gaming evenings. At Le Padouk, the fine-dining restaurant, enjoy Philippe Thomas’ signature Mediterranean cuisine. Just a few steps from the hotel you’ll find Nice’s major fashion boutiques.
