10 stunning hotels that belong on your Europe bucket list

Soak in the beauty of the magnificent Greek Isles at these spectacular luxury suites located in Oia on the island of Santorini. The picture-perfect destination is a honeymooners’ paradise, coveted for its breathtaking tranquility and set of 14 award-winning suites overlooking the picturesque cliffside of the crescent-shaped island, and the sparkling Aegean Sea below.

Luxury suites feature plunge pools and heated Jacuzzis for supreme relaxation, while the resort is within walking distance to the stellar restaurants and cafes that dot the charming coastal village of Oia. Enjoy a swim in your private pool, head to the Mare Sanus Spa for a range of exclusive therapies, and end the day with dinner at the renowned Lauda, where gourmet Greek fare pays tribute to the volcanic soil and indigenous island ingredients. While Lauda itself is a must-visit destination for visitors to Santorini, trust us when we say a stay overnight is well worth the added expense.

No bucket list to Europe is complete without a trip to Cappadocia in Turkey to see the distinctive ‘fairy chimneys’, stay in one of the cave resorts, and of course, enjoy a magnificent hot air balloon ride across the bizarre yet beautiful landscape as the sun rises above the horizon.

For a one-of-a-kind stay, head to Carus Cappadocia in the town of Göreme, where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of Mother Nature while also enjoying five-star creature comforts. A variety of Masonry Rooms and Cave Rooms allow you to customise your stay, while catering to a range of budgets. Cave Rooms epitomise the classic Cappadocia experience, with unique architectural details and formations, and bedrooms carved right out of the sand rocks. Daily trips arranged by the concierge range from historical tours through Uchisar and the Rose Valley, to horse riding through the valley, and air balloon rides across the lunar landscape.

When visiting one of the most historically and culturally significant cities in Europe, it would be a missed opportunity to stay at some international big-name chain hotel. Why not bunker down instead at the beautiful Hotel Vilòn, set within the heart of Rome’s historic center, and within walking distance to sites such as the Spanish Steps, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.

Housed in a beautifully restored historic mansion, the property dates back to the mid-16th century, originally known as the “House Annexed to Palazzo Borghese”. The old mansion of the noble Roman family has evolved through centuries, now reborn at the height of glamour thanks to a splendid restoration. Opened not too long ago in 2018, sumptuous interiors have been conceived by Roman scenographer Paolo Bonfini — think a tapestry of pastels and jewel-toned accents — while thought-provoking artworks decorate the space, curated by Massimo Listri. Soak in breathtaking views of the manicured gardens of Palazzo Borghese, enjoy award-winning modern Roman fare at Adelaide Restaurant and Bar, then cosy up in your spacious suite with garden-facing terraces, Italian marble bathrooms, and a range of plush amenities.

For decades, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel has fascinated travellers, the original glitzy mountainside retreat first opened in 1896. The glamorous abode has been the destination for illustrious celebrities, dignitaries and statesmen for over a century — from Audrey Hepburn to Charlie Chaplin — while today’s discerning globetrotters still seek out the hotel as one of Switzerland’s finest luxury ski resorts.

After a day of hitting the slopes, explore the range of après-ski activities, from world class dining to a restorative treatment at the renowned spa, Palace Wellness. Each of the sumptuous rooms and suites comes with personalised butler service for a bespoke touch, while the hotel also houses the buzzy nightlife destination, King’s Club. Or, simply enjoy some quiet time with a book overlooking the crystalline lake as you soak in the beauty of St. Moritz and the mountain vistas.

An art and music lover ambling through Amsterdam? It doesn’t get better than a stay right across from the famed Van Gogh museum — and in a dazzling converted 19th-century bank-turned-music-school, no less. Situated in the museum district and within proximity to some of the city’s coolest hotspots, the Conservatorium Hotel is without question one of the most sought-after destinations in the city.

While locals and passers-by often drop into the stunning internal glass courtyard for afternoon tea, guests can enjoy discovering the Art Nouveau-inspired, architectural secrets of the hotel, from the vaulted corridors to uniquely configured duplex suites. The landmark heritage building oozes grace and elegance at every turn — the hardest part will be finding time to explore further abroad with all the art and beauty at your doorstep.

From the architects behind the Treehotel comes another idiosyncratic design project: the Arctic Bath hotel, a feat of Scandi engineering set within the icy winter wonderland of Swedish Lapland. The floating hotel on the Lule River is mesmerising, appearing as if levitating on water — worth a stay for the photo ops along. While the idea of an open-air cold bath floating hotel may not seem like a luxurious holiday for those sensitive to the cold, rest assured that you’ll be warmly pampered, from the spa and wellness centre, to cabins that offer a meditation deck, minibar, spa bar, high-speed Wi-Fi, floor heating, pellets stove and more.

One of the most legendary hotels in France — if not the entire continent — the Ritz Paris’ cultural, literary and historical significance is too vast to parse in a single paragraph. Nonetheless, those who choose to call the Ritz home for a few days may begin to discover the elegance and significance behind this hotel — one that Coco Chanel herself called home for more than 30 years.

The hotel has played host to such venerable figures throughout history such as Marcel Proust, Audrey Hepburn and Ernest Hemingway, and has been maintained spectacularly for over a century. Discover the literary wonders, music and history throughout the Parisian haven (reopened after a 4-year renovation in 2012), whether you’re savouring haute French cuisine at two Michelin-starred L’Espadon, flipping through rare books at Salon Proust, or sipping a classic cocktail at Bar Hemingway surrounded by storied relics of the hotel’s past.

Hugging the cliffside of Portugal, this integrated resort concept is a hidden jewel set amongst the stunning coastline of Algarve in Southern Portugal. While managed by Marriott, the resort is anything but cookie-cutter, with its breathtaking clifftop views, idiosyncratic indigenous design (think hand-painted murals and artisanal terracotta tiles) and award-winning restaurants serving up native Algarvian cuisine. The best rooms look out towards the striking orange sandstone cliff formations jutting into the sparkling sea, to be viewed from your private balcony or terrace. Summer like the locals with endless leisure activities, from a beach club to golf course and tennis courts.

Party in style at the W Barcelona — the hip, newly renovated hotel that epitomises the buzzy, beachside vibes of the coastal city in Spain. Distinctive for its sail-shaped facade on a patch of reclaimed land jutting out into the water, the fabulous resort overlooks the Barceloneta beach, and is popular with both families and the young party crowd. A total of 26 floors house 473 guest rooms splashed in colour, a pool/terrace, restaurant and the glitzy rooftop Eclipse cocktail bar — the latter featuring renowned mixologists and DJs reminiscent of Ibiza’s world-famous nightlife. W’s signature fun, funky vibe is cranked up several notches here, from champagne brunches to the summer WET pool parties.

Everyone needs to visit Italy’s beautiful Lake Como at least once in their lifetime, and there’s perhaps no better place to soak in the area’s beauty than at the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The sense of opulence and grandeur is palpable as soon as you step onto the pristinely manicured grounds of the garden estate — the elegant surrounds and bespoke service giving you a taste of the life of an aristocrat.

Breathe in the cool mountain air at the Milanese getaway, and spend your days exploring the charming villages dotted with medieval remnants. Inside the grand hotel, guests can live ‘la dolce vita’ with three floating pools, F&B options ranging from the casual poolside pizzeria to Michelin-starred La Terazza Gualtiero Marchesi, relaxation lounge, and the T SPA custom-designed with ESPA. Lake-view rooms offer private balconies, ornate furnishings, plush linens, and a tranquil design palette of mauve, blue and grey to help you slip right into holiday mode.