As Europe opens its doors for the season, there are some very glamorous new hotel openings to get excited about. From the new dawn of Capri’s original hotel to a glamorous getaway on the Athenian Riviera and Christian Louboutin’s first foray into hotelier life, here are the hotspots to have on your radar…
Son Net, Mallorca
In a nutshell: Palma’s secret palace.
What’s the story? Just 20 minutes outside of Palma in Mallorca, this 17th-century estate is palatial in every sense. In the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountains, there is exquisite scenery and art at every turn. Chill in one of the private cabanas, take a dip in one of the pools, book in a spa treatment or explore the acres of gardens. Then retreat to a meticulously restored suite by interior designer Lorenzo Castillo with rustic beams, stone floors and antique fireplaces. Keep an eye out for the private chapel, vineyard and a century-old olive oil press as well. If a day at sea appeals, ask about the sailboat tours of the island’s turquoise waters and white sand coves.
What’s the story? The ultimate La Dolce Vita experience awaits in the hotly anticipated rebirth of Hotel La Palma. Capri’s first ever hotel, which has been hosting the great and good on the island for more than 200 years, dramatically shut its doors last season to embark on a major overhaul. It is now under the helm of the Oetker Collection (Le Bristol in Paris, Eden Rock in St Barths, Jumby Bay in the Caribbean) and the Reuben Brothers. In the very heart of the Amalfi’s party piazza, its new guise will be revealed this summer and we are expecting big, bold, beautiful things. Another hot ticket will be a daybed at La Palma Beach Club on the coast.
What’s the story? Set on a private oceanfront estate, One&Only’s latest European opening is an idyllic base for an Athenian adventure. Rooms are dotted around the Riviera views and coastline. The restaurant is set to highlight traditional dishes from the region and a spa will offer treatments by Chenot. We have a little longer to wait for this one as it is expected to debut in autumn but the good news is that this is the perfect time to visit Athens so you can make that Greek summer getaway last a little longer.
In a nutshell: Christian Louboutin becomes a hotelier.
What’s the story? Luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin brings his glamorous eye to the Alentejo coast in Portugal with his very own hotel opening. He named the boutique escape after his love of the colour red (Vermelho means red in Portugese) and you will find splashes of it around the property. Each of the thirteen luxury rooms is individually designed with rare artworks, handpicked by Louboutin, alongside local Alentejo tiles. Local craftsmanship is championed and frescoes adorn the ceilings. The restaurant, named Xtian, embraces traditional cuisine with artisanal tableware and an ever-changing atmosphere that gets more sumptuous as the sun sets.
What’s the story? Originally built in the 1950s, the Hôtel Dame des Arts has been given a new lease of life by lauded Parisian designer Raphaël Navot. There is an industrial edge to the new look, befitting of the creative scene in its surroundings of the Latin Quarter. The pièce de résistance is the rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the city whilst the courtyard restaurant headed by Chef Othoniel Alvarez Castaneda fuses French cuisine with Mexican flavour. Book a terrace room overlooking the Eiffel Tower to live out that Parisian fantasy. Other notable Parisian openings include Le Grand Mazarin in Le Marais and La Fantaisie in the always cool 9th arrondissement. Both are designed by Martin Brudnizki who never shies away from the lavish… he counts Annabel’s in Mayfair amongst his projects.
What’s the story? The first COMO hotel in France has recently started welcoming guests in Burgundy. One for wine lovers, it is nestled just a few steps from the legendary Le Montrachet vineyard. A traditional palace takes centre stage with surrounding heritage buildings comprising 31 bedrooms. The on site restaurant offers wine-paired menus (but of course) and there is a spa too. Paola Navone Otto Studio has created an elegant, elevated design with a nod to the palettes of the countryside.
What’s the story? It is hard to keep up with the latest buzzy opening from the Hoxton collection but if you are seeking a cool city break or looking for a stylish place to stay on business, the Brussels edition is one to watch. Housed in a brutalist tower building and the former European headquarters of IBM, there is a Seventies vibe to the design scheme. The rooftop terrace has fabulous views and the site is also home to the first Working From_ co-working space in Europe. Doors open in May. Meanwhile, Hoxton Berlin has just opened in the city’s Charlottenburg neighbourhood.
In a nutshell: Roman baths in a picturesque Palazzo
What’s the story? When in Rome, if you are on the hunt for all the grandeur of a Palazzo coupled with the ultimate spa experience look no further than Italy’s first Six Senses opening. Super close to Fontana di Trevi and the Pantheon, the location could not be easier and you can soak up the vistas from the rooftop terrace. With a UNESCO-listed façade setting the tone, many of the building’s original features have been brought back to their original glory including the rather magnificent central staircase. The spa revolves around the traditional Roman baths whilst the restaurant merges the ambience of a classic trattoria with organic ingredients. Other openings from the collection include the recently launched Six Senses Crans-Montana in Switzerland with the Loire Valley, Austria and Iceland also in the pipeline.
Ibiza is slowly opening its doors for this year’s season and we cannot wait to don our kaftans and espadrilles. Whether you are seeking a buzzy lifestyle hotel on the beach or a more rustic seaside retreat, the White Island is brimming with super stylish escapes that will get you in that summer mood. Here is our edit of the finest getaways with endless sea views…
Nobu Ibiza Bay
The vibe: Coastal fun with a flair for food.
The lowdown: A lifestyle property that embodies laid-back luxury, the hotel is right on the seafront of Talamanca Bay. Close to the port town but in a spot that feels more chilled out, there are two pools and excellent restaurants on site including the signature Nobu. All rooms have terraces with sea views but it is worth booking into one of the suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. They open onto the terrace and overlook the ocean.
The lowdown: Conceived by architect and developer Jonathan Leitersdorf, the year-round destination is passionate about farm-to-table dining, music, art, sustainable fashion, culture and wellness. Powered by its own renewable energy source (up to 51 percent at any given moment) and with punchy zero waste and zero single-use plastic targets, the resort has sustainability at its core. It is a Six Senses after all. Xarraca Bay is a long-hidden secret on Ibiza’s northern tip and this hotel is the best way to experience it. The cave suites built into the cliffs are really something. Sunsets are as magical as you’d imagine. There are also a handful of village residences for large groups or longer-term stays.
The lowdown: Opposite the mystical Es Vedra rock, this resort is all about soaking up those wellness moments. There are pools but no parties and sunset decks but no DJs, with a real focus on calm and relaxation. Set amongst pine forests, the resort has close to 200 suites (many with private pools), three restaurants, three pools and is just five minutes from the secluded Cala Codolar beach. Overlooking the sea, the Pure Seven spa is a haven of wellbeing inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle.
The lowdown: An independently owned all-suite hotel in Ibiza’s Paseo Marítimo, this is one of the larger luxury offerings on the island with fabulous sea views across to Formentera. It comprises 3,000m² of landscaped gardens, 185 tranquil suites, four restaurants, the Casino de Ibiza, and the lavish Open Spa. It takes exceptional service very seriously, champions contemporary art and prides itself on excellent cuisine. In fact, this summer it launches a gastronomy series in honour of Executive Chef Óscar Molina’s debut Michelin star. It is the first and only hotel on the island to achieve such an accolade. The flagship restaurant, La Gaia, is a must.
Offering unspoiled views of rural Ibiza, Es Vedrà and the dazzling sea beyond, this independently owned boutique escape oozes Mediterranean style. Many of the rooms offer that ocean vista and each of them has been intricately designed. Make a beeline for a sunset cocktail on the rooftop for ambience to match the outlook. Then it’s dinner at La Mesa with a creative menu that nods to traditional recipes. The hotel is only a 10-minute drive from the quaint Sant Josep village, five minutes from Cala D’Hort beach cove and a short walk away from the Cala Carbo beach cove but you’ll feel a world away from everything.
In the romantic fishing harbour of Portinatx, directly on the seaside and next to a lighthouse, this former hostel has been designed to be unpretentious but full of character. Little details count; the softest Italian sheets, fluffy towels and a set of snorkels are provided. The owners guarantee a one hundred percent refund if you can’t see the sea from your balcony. The sprawling waterside terrace acts as a bar, restaurant and sun deck. It’s a stylish little spot that those in-the-know truly love.
The lowdown: Small but perfectly formed, this is a rather special offering in Ibiza’s neighbouring Formentera. Imagine an elevated finca with cultural and agricultural experiences and thoughtful design at the core. With a focus on slow travel, there is a rustic charm to appreciate and stepping out next to the crystal clear waters will never get old. The residence has nine bedrooms and suites with two little houses on the beach and a dreamy pool.
London is bouncing back with a flurry of new and recently opened hotels to get excited about. From design-driven boutiques to super luxe statement properties, there are plenty of places to inspire staycations and vacations in the capital. Here is a guide to the rooms worth booking…
NOW OPEN
Beaverbrook Townhouse
Joining its beloved Surrey sibling, Beaverbrook Town House is the debut London outpost from the Beaverbrook brand. The heritage hotel occupies two masterfully revamped Georgian townhouses, originally commissioned by Charles Sloane Cadogan, 1st Earl Cadogan, at the end of the 18th century. Surveying the leafy-green, Grade-II-listed Cadogan Gardens opposite, Beaverbrook Town House has a prime perch. Inside the hotel are 14 theatrical suites, art and antiques galore, a contemporary Japanese restaurant and a pretty, perfumed garden. Interiors are courtesy of Beaverbrook’s design duo: advertising mogul and Beaverbrook’s Creative Director Sir Frank Lowe alongside Nicola Harding, whose previous triumphs include The Garden House at Beaverbrook in Surrey, beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk.
NoMad London
In the heart of Covent Garden, opposite The Royal Opera House, NoMad London takes residence in the Grade II-listed building previously known as The Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station. This is the New York based hospitality brand Sydell Group’s most intimate property with 91 rooms centred around dining and drinking spaces. The NoMad Restaurant is housed in a lush, light-filled atrium evocative of an Edwardian greenhouse. Side Hustle is a British pub with a decidedly New York sensibility. A menu of sharing plates is paired with an agave-based list of spirits created by legendary mixologist Leo Robitschek. Head to The Library for a living room vibe; coffee and cocktails are set amidst a thoughtful collection of books, thenomadhotel.com.
Mondrian Shoreditch
Following a major overhaul and complete redesign by award-winning London interior design studio, Goddard Littlefair Mondrian opened the doors of its Shoreditch residence. A chic and playful addition to East London’s creative and cultural hub, it is full of surprises. On the lower ground, is BIBO by world-famous chef Dani García. The Spanish kitchen serves tapas with courtyard seats, marking Garcia’s first restaurant in London. A new all-day café and cocktail bar Christina’s Shoreditch is the place to keep it casual. Look out for artistic pop-ups and live performances in The Screening Room, a private room and bar. There is even a co-working space and a rooftop pool and restaurant which is home to The Curtain Club; a fabulous spot for letting your hair down and soaking up the ambience. The food is sumptuous, cocktails are flowing and you can’t beat that City skyline backdrop, sbe.com.
Page8
It may not be the most recent opening but after launching just before the pandemic, Page8 deserves its moment in the spotlight. Overlooking the National Portrait Gallery, this Trafalgar Square hotel couldn’t be better located for travellers who want to be in the thick of the action. Its cool and calm interiors give it a slick urban retreat feel. Central to the hotel is Page Common, a communal space where collaboration is encouraged and accompanied by an excellent caffeine dose thanks to a partnership with Assembly Coffee. Freshly baked pastries and brunch are on the menu and there is an extensive events programme too, pagehotels.com.
The Londoner
After eight years and a £300 million investment, The Londoner is finally making its mark on Leicester Square. It’s a big number in every sense with 350 rooms designed by Yabu Pushelberg, six concept eateries, two private screening rooms, an expansive ballroom and a huge wellbeing floor with a pool, spa, nail and hair salon, a spa-bar and a gym. It calls itself ‘a super boutique hotel’ and lives up to its name, thelondoner.com.
The Lost Poet
A contemporary interpretation of a traditional guesthouse, this four-bedroom townhouse is on Number 6 Portobello Road in the centre of Notting Hill. Inspired by the needs of the modern discerning traveller, the ‘small is beautiful, hands-off’ approach offers guests access to this eclectic neighbourhood in a way they have never had before. The project comes from the team at Cubic Studios, a local property design studio, and is a poetic love letter to the area. Its creativity and dynamism come to life in its individually designed rooms and intimate welcome area, thelostpoet.co.uk.
The Carlton Tower Jumeirah
The Carlton Tower Jumeirah in Knightsbridge recently splashed out on the most extensive transformation in its history at a cool £100 million. Every corner of the 17-storey building has been redesigned and rejuvenated. Guest rooms are by 1508 London who set about making rooms that felt airy and tranquil. Al Mare restaurant is serving up contemporary Italian cuisine. The renovations continue with an innovative new health club The Peak and new treatment rooms at the Talise Spa, set across three floors. The hotel will be the home of London’s largest indoor swimming pool, flooded with natural light and breathtaking views across the capital, jumeirah.com.
Inhabit Queen’s Gardens
With wellbeing and sustainability at its heart, Inhabit is a young hotel brand on a mission to create restorative, environmentally and socially conscious places to stay in the city. Its first property on Southwick Street, Paddington opened in 2019, and its second London property is due to open nearby on Queen’s Gardens, Bayswater in March. Within a crescent of 19th century townhouses, there will be a wellness area with a Peloton bike, two GAIA treatment rooms and yoga studio on the lower ground floor. A tranquil library offers a quiet retreat on the ground floor, together with the plant-centric meat-free restaurant, inhabithotels.com.
COMING SOON
The Twenty Two
A new hotel with an all-day public restaurant and a private members’ club, by Navid Mirtorabi and Jamie Reuben, will be opening on the historic Grosvenor Square in Mayfair this spring. Set within an Edwardian Manor at (you guessed it) number 22 Grosvenor Square, the interiors are led by award-winning luxury designer Natalia Miyar and her practice, based between London and Miami. Marking her first hotel project, each room and public space has been decorated in an opulent yet welcoming style. Think rich textured fabrics, elegantly embroidered silks, lavish velvets and bespoke wallpapers – a modern interpretation of classic maximalism. It pays homage to the grandeur and legacy of the building with original architectural features, including double height ceilings, restored within some of the guest bedrooms and suites, the22.london.
Hotel AMANO Covent Garden
A new boutique lifestyle hotel opening in spring that promises to bring the cool and vibrant energy of Berlin to the heart of London. On Drury Lane, this new kid on the block is the first international destination from Berlin-based hotelier The AMANO Group which currently has eight hotels in Berlin, one in Munich and one in Düsseldorf. Proudly extrovert, the hotels are renowned for their distinctive design and immersive drinks and dining experiences. Formerly a 1980s office building known as Drury House, the hotel will also open a basement bar, restaurant, sky bar and rooftop terrace with DJs spinning music on weekends. Expect dark moody tones from Woods Bagot, the lead architect and interior designer behind the style, amanogroup.de.
Raffles London at The OWO
London’s first Raffles address is set to come to fruition late this year. Raffles London at The OWO will be a grand dame in the landmark Grade II-listed former Old War Office on Whitehall. The building once frequented by Britain’s most famous statesmen and spies, from Winston Churchill to Ian Fleming, will be open to the public for the first time having undergone a monumental transformation. It will comprise 120 rooms and suites alongside 85 unique branded residences, 11 restaurants and bars including a rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views across Whitehall, The Mall and on to Buckingham Palace as well as an extensive wellness space featuring world leading spa and fitness partners, raffles.com.
The Other House
Combining home comforts and apartment-style living with hotel services, residents can stay for a day or a year at this new concept with properties in Covent Garden and South Kensington. Think hotel meets private members club. Kitted out with bold colours such as sage green and red, teal blue or perylene green, and layered with velvets, British tweed and wool, it is an eclectic mix of Vivienne Westwood meets Alexander McQueen, otherhouse.com.
Chateau Denmark
One for the rock stars. Inspired by Denmark Street’s music heritage, Chateau Denmark “brings together creative expression and fine architectural detail to present something fierce,” according to its founders. This is a major undertaking just off Tottenham Court road. Spread across 16 buildings with session rooms, apartments and an underground gig venue this is going to be a mega new offering for central London, chateaudenmark.com.
Broadwick Soho
This summer will see the long-anticipated opening of this independent luxury hotel. Details are under wraps but it will be the first London hotel designed by king of maximalism Martin Brudnizki who is responsible for Annabel’s, The Coral Room at The Bloomsbury and Sexy Fish. Expect cosy opulence with 57 bedrooms, broadwicksoho.com.
1 Hotel Mayfair
The North American stalwart which champions sustainability will debut its UK brand flagship in the heart of Mayfair overlooking Green Park. Alongside rooms across nine storeys, there will be a farm-to-table restaurant with garden seating and a bespoke fitness and wellness centre, 1hotels.com.
As the nights draw in, it is time to seek a happy dose of Vitamin D. The good news is you may just be a brief journey away from sunnier climes with many European destinations still offering warm temperatures, blue skies and longer days. Here are some great winter escapes with tips on stylish hotels that still have availability to book…
Paphos, Cyprus
Temperatures: upwards of 22°c in November and 18°c in December.
Brimming with history and beauty, Paphos is fittingly thought to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. A UNESCO world heritage spot, it has breathtaking sea views, rich history and plenty of romance. Coral Bay, nestled among banana plantations and vineyards, is the beach to head for a swim or enjoy walks amongst the ancient ruins for that beautiful blend of culture and escapism.
Where to stay: Almyra is a design-led hotel that underwent a revamp during 2020. The result is a cool, contemporary property with a playful ambience. Spread across eight acres of landscaped gardens, it is right on Paphos’ seafront with five freshwater swimming pools and a smooth wave-free zone protected by stone breakwaters. The adults-only Almyraspa is dedicated to holistic hedonism with treatments featuring apothecary. Private rooftop yoga, pilates, personal training and tennis lessons can all be booked, almyra.com.
Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Temperatures: upwards of 25°c in November and 23°c in December.
There is a romantic and intimate feel about Tenerife during the winter with plenty of sunshine to soak up. Costa Adeje is one of the most prestigious resorts. A sunset and stargazing tour at the Mount Teide National Park is a must. Tenerife’s wine production goes back to the XVI century so a vineyard tasting tour makes for a delicious experience. Scuba diving and snorkelling should be high on the agenda. Or try standup paddle-boarding along Los Gigantes, where you can admire cliff after cliff. Make a day trip to the Old Town to discover the beautiful patios and the eclectic architecture with a mix of the XV to XVIII centuries Spanish, Portuguese, British, Flemish, Italian, and French influence. Visit Roque Cinchado and Las Cañadas to see reminders of Mount Teide’s violent eruption in 1706. The Los Roques de Garcia trail leads you around the base of the Teide volcano; this eroded rock curves out of the ground and defies gravity.
Where to stay: Bahia del Duque and Las Villas are all about family-friendly luxury, privacy and Canarian flair. With Atlantic Ocean views and a design that recreates traditional Canarian Colonial villas from the 19th Century, this is a truly sumptuous base. The tropical gardens create a fabulously exotic setting. As well as spacious suites, there are many private villas for ultimate exclusivity. The hotel has five swimming pools, direct access to the promenade of the beach Playa del Duque, the award-winning Bahia Wellness Retreat and nine restaurants including the new fine-dining option, Kensei. It is home to some of the most personalised experiences in the Canary Islands. For true luxury, guests can travel to the hotel by private jet following a recent partnership with the Private Jet Services Group, thetaishotels.com/bahia-del-duque.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Temperatures: an average of 23°c in November and 21°c in December.
Only 64 nautical miles from the Saharan coast of Africa, it is little wonder that Lanzarote is a destination where ocean swims and sunbathing are perfectly possible throughout the festive season. The island has a secret following of A-list fans including Justin Bieber who splashed out on his very own villa there. A volcano-top restaurant, black-sand vineyards and Europe’s only underwater museum are fun places to visit.
Where to stay: With access to an almost private cove, Hotel Fariones was the first hotel built on the island in 1966 and has garnered a loyal following. It is now welcoming guests to its new chapter. The five-star retreat was renovated in 2020 and merges a contemporary design with sprawling sea views from every room. Gastronomy is taken very seriously with a selection of restaurants and bars on-site serving local produce and wine, hotelfariones.es.
Palma, Mallorca
Temperatures: an average of 19°c in November and 16°c in December
This may not be the time to go for a dip in the water at Deià but a city break in Mallorca’s capital Palma is always a pleasure. The historic destination merges characterful buildings including the striking La Seu Cathedral, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, ‘La Lonja’ or the Arab Baths with contemporary restaurants, shopping, cafes, galleries and markets. Little wonder it is proving to be a popular filming destination with Netflix’s The Crown pitching up. The town will celebrate the 17th annual tapas TAPALMA festival from November 24 to 28. More than 50 restaurants, bars and cafes are expected to participate. Each year three routes are prepared for visitors to follow centred around Palma’s town centre, the market area of Santa Catalina and the Paseo Maritimo, tapalma.com.
Where to stay: Right in the middle of the historic centre, Sant Francesc Hotel Singular offers a brilliant base for a sophisticated city-break. The five-star boutique is set within a former Mallorcan mansion, built in 1860, which was lovingly restored in 2015 and is home to elegant rooms and signature suites, three restaurants and a fitness and a wellbeing centre. The stunning roof terrace with an enticing pool is the perfect sunbathing spot, and during the evenings the rooftop bar is just the place to enjoy a cocktail with panoramic views across the city. The relaxed fine-dining spot Quadrat Restaurant & Garden serves Mediterranean specialities with a modern twist, hotelsantfrancesc.com.
Madeira, Portugal
Temperatures: an average of 21°c in November and 19°c in December.
Nicknamed ‘the Island of eternal spring’, Madeira is fast becoming a coveted spot for a wellness-focused European getaway. The volcanic influences, clean, clear waters and unique ecosystem create the ideal climate for the luxury wellness and spa properties that have popped up. The island is centred around nature, golden beaches, turquoise coastlines and the outdoors with sun and clear skies all year round. Those looking for a more active winter break will also not be left disappointed, with rugged mountains lending themselves to biking routes, stunning walking trails and golf courses with panoramic views.
Where to stay: Reid’s Palace is a magnificent island retreat that has been the grande dame of Madeira for more than 125 years. Its mix of refined luxury, discreet service and excellent cuisine is typical of the Belmond group to which it belongs. Swim in the magnificent pools, including an enchanting tidal pool right by the ocean’s edge. Indulge in a soothing therapy at the beautiful spa and dine in Michelin-starred William Restaurant, soaking up the panoramic views. Each room or suite is designed to be a private oasis with a balcony or terrace from which to cherish the outlook, belmond.com.
The Algarve, Portugal
Temperatures: around 20°c in November and 17°c in December.
From deserted islands to award-winning beaches such as D.Ana, Meia Praia, Praia da Marinha and Falésia (which was voted best beach in the world by Trip Advisor), the Algarve has long been a haven for sea lovers. However, there is so much more to do in the region beyond the beach. Walkers and wine enthusiasts will enjoy hiking part of the Via Algarviana trail. The route crosses 11 of the 16 municipalities, so you can discover the natural landscapes and vineyards on foot. Or if you are looking to immerse yourself in watersports go surfing at Odeceixe Beach on the west coast with the best surf conditions found in the autumn and winter months.
Where to stay: Vila Monte Farm House has fresh and bright interiors by designer Vera Iachia to match its surroundings of citrus trees and pink bougainvillea. With its two local-flavour restaurants, twin swimming pools, many lounge spots and sandy beaches, this is one for fans of refined boho style, vilamonte.com.
Valletta, Malta
Temperatures: up to 21°c in November and 17°c in December.
In the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is a small island with a big draw. Perhaps the most prominent selling point is the 300 days of sun guaranteed a year. In the Winter the streets are no longer packed with tourists and the beach is relatively quiet. The ancient capital of Valletta has had a revival in recent years, with the City Gate area being remodelled by The Shard architect Renzo Piano and many of the townhouses converted into design hotels. St. Elmo Bay, on the south side of the city, is a good swimming spot and also a famous diving site where many flock to see the underwater wreck of the WWII British destroyer HMS Maori.
Where to stay: Spread across four exquisite Maltese townhouses and their ancient vaults, dating back to the 1600s, Iniala Harbour House & Residences opened in April and has 23 uniquely designed rooms and suites. The hotel is the latest opening from philanthropist, Mark Weingard and overlooks the famous Grand Harbour. The chic rooftop restaurant, ION – The Harbour was awarded a Michelin Star within six-months of opening, inialamalta.com.
Crete, Greek Islands
Temperatures: An average of 19°c in November and 15°c in December.
Blessed with stunning landscapes, beaches, food and a laid-back atmosphere, Crete is a great destination for an off-season break. It’s one of the warmest Greek islands to visit outside of the summer months when the rich history of the island can be experienced without super high temperatures. There are several ancient palaces and archaeological sites to explore, the best known being the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion. Another highlight includes Balos Lagoon and Elafonissi Beach, recognised as one of the best beaches in the world.
Where to stay: Villa Ellinka is a majestic luxury villa to rent in Crete which has a very private and picturesque location outside the quiet village of Elounda. Once a fishing village it’s now an ideal destination for people who want a Greek island holiday in a place which is neither too busy nor too isolated. The villa has six double en-suite bedrooms, one of which has a Jacuzzi. The top floor bedrooms open to private balconies with amazing views to the sea and mountains while the bottom floor bedrooms have individual patios and the garden. There is a tennis court, boules court, a croquet lawn and a large infinity pool. The pièce de résistance is direct private access to the sea. It is part of The Luxury Travel Book Collection with prices from £13,3000 for a week, theluxurytravelbook.com. For a hotel option, Abaton Island Resort & Spa is on Crete’s northern coastline. It has panoramic views and overlooks the rocky shores of Hersonissos. The turquoise waters of the Aegean sea provide a dramatic backdrop come sunrise and sunset, and an immaculate infinity pool, private sandy beach and 364m shoreline serve as the perfect settings for rest and relaxation. The Elemis spa is divine and the Buddha Bar restaurant is always buzzing. There are guest rooms, suite or villa options, abaton.gr.
Athens, Greece
Temperatures: around 20°c in November and 17°c in December
Ideal for a city break with the sea on your doorstep. In addition to the old town, Athens’ key neighbourhoods each have their own attractions and character. Explore the cafe culture in Exarchia, the vibrant nightlife in Gazi or independent shopping in Koukaki. There is a thriving art and design scene – the latest being the port city of Piraeus. With a rich history and maritime legacy that stretches back thousands of years, it is fast becoming a hip hub for art lovers.
Where to stay: The Perianth Hotel, part of the Design Hotels collection, is a modernist structure from the 1930s that has undergone a rather remarkable conversion. Architects K-Studio tackled the building’s trapezoid shape by having short corridors in a radial disposition that connect the guestrooms to a wide space in the core of each floor. Glass walls allow light to enter from the shaft of the building into the lounge areas, perianthhotel.com.
Amira Hashish is the founder and director of content, creative and events agency Rapport. Previously, executive editor of the Evening Standard, she writes columns for leading newspapers and magazines about design and travel. Follow @thedesigneditor and visit www.clubrapport.com for more.
*Before travelling abroad check the latest Covid rules and advice. The official Government rules are the best starting point and can be found here. Each country has its own rules in place for foreign arrivals so check the official tourist board guidance for your chosen destination.
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