The word “resort”, often stirs an immediate urge to immediately take flight to the next best place in the world to home, falling into pure bliss whilst disconnected from the rest of the world. Resorts offer a level of service, comfort, tranquillity and indulgence that even your leading five-star hotels cannot match.
The difference is simple - a hotel is a temporary lodging, while a resort is a destination. Europe is quite simply filled with many awe-inspiring resorts, but not all of them were built equally. As such, the following recommendations are carefully selected to showcase only the best of what the continent has to offer.
Ritz-Carlton Abama, Tenerife
Perched on a dramatic cliff face on the island of Tenerife, the Ritz-Carlton Abama looks more like a Moorish fortress when viewing it from the sea. Its pink walls, towering ramparts and stylish terraces contrast beautifully with the lush greenery of its meticulously groomed gardens, lawns and banana plantations. This is a window into another world and is certainly unlike any other property in the Canary Islands. With a variety of suites to choose from, all of which have stunning views of either the Atlantic Ocean or Mount Tede, the facilities at the Abama are quite simply, second to none.
A fantastic 18-hole championship golf course designed by Dave Thomas ensures the Abama is a year-round hit with avid golfers. Gourmands will appreciate its Michelin-starred dining options, such as the exquisite Japanese restaurant Akira Back (home to some amazing whiskey cocktails) and the Basque-inspired M.B. An incredible indoor spa, several exceptionally large outdoor pools and its private beach complete the list of laurels and make this Ritz, an unmissable escape for a welcome retreat.
Seven Pines, Ibiza
Nestled on a clifftop with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the iconic Es Vedrà rock formation, Seven Pines effortlessly encapsulates some of the most charming aspects of Ibiza. This all-suite resort combines privacy with the same feel-good factor the island is famous for, making it ideal for those looking to explore the delights of the most famous of the Balearic islands. As the name may imply, natural materials are used to recreate the iconic white-walled Ibiza-style houses, set against the surrounding pine forest.
The resort’s Pure Seven Spa is a highlight, offering treatments inspired by the island’s new-age community. Guests can go all in on enjoying the holistic approach, with yoga sessions overlooking the sea at sunrise and sunset before unwinding in the infinity pool that seemingly merges with the horizon. The chance to explore the island should not be passed up, with easy access to nearby San Antonio and other Ibiza staples but the temptation to stay put and relax, especially during the peak summer months may well prove too great, as this resort perfectly shows there are more ways to explore Ibiza than electronic dance music and nightclubs.
Penha Longa Resort, Lisbon
Tucked within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this former 14th-century monastery now has a very different lease of life, although the Penha Longa Resort has worked well to preserve its status as a historic gem. Once a retreat for Portuguese royalty, this resort now offers a blend of timeless elegance and only allows the modern world to influence the fibre of the resort where necessary. The property is as stunning as it is expansive - large enough to fit a championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., making it a prime destination for the great game throughout the year.
The resort’s six restaurants include LAB by Sergi Arola and Midori, both Michelin-starred venues that offer unmatched fine-dining experiences for their guests (Midori in particular is a must-visit for those who crave all things Japanese). The on-site spa, nestled within the grounds in a beautiful garden setting, incorporates elements of the surrounding natural park into its treatments. Although Lisbon is only down the road, guests will most likely prefer to stay put and enjoy themselves at this remarkable resort.
Therasia Resort, Vulcano
Not many destinations are this spectacular. Situated on the Aeolian Island of Vulcano (which, coming as no surprise, is an actual volcano), Therasia Resort offers a dramatic escape from the world which is quite unlike any other resort in Europe. With its volcanic landscapes and views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the resort’s design is pleasingly inspired by its natural surroundings, featuring lava stone and Sicilian ceramics that add some rustic charm to its elegantly designed interiors. It’s a destination that is deeply connected to the island’s heritage nestled in one of the most active volcanic spots in Europe and a place where guests come to feel one with the rawness and power of nature.
With this being Italy, it should come as no surprise that the food is a highlight. The Michelin-starred Il Cappero provides creative interpretations of Sicilian cuisine. Wellness seekers can unwind at the spa, where treatments harness the island’s geothermal properties (volcanic rock scrub and hot lava stone massages). Hiking the nearby craters or exploring the surrounding islands by boat can be enjoyed year-round - the joy of watching Therasia transform with the seasons is one of many reasons why this resort cannot be beaten as a travel destination.
Hotel Royal, Evian
On the shores of Lake Geneva, Hotel Royal in Evian-les-Bains is a tranquil but no less glamorous resort, with 47 beautiful acres of surrounding parkland. Its lakeside location offers breathtaking views of both the water and the enclosing French and Swiss Alps, making it a thoroughly relaxing destination for all the seasons. The hotel’s world-renowned Evian Source Spa, offering hydrotherapy treatments that utilise the region’s famed mineral water, is a key draw for guests.
Dining at this resort is an experience in itself, with La Table serving seasonal local cuisine and the Michelin-starred Les Fresques showcasing the very best of French gastronomy. The Hotel Royal is an enchanting destination throughout the year, either spent enjoying the crystalline waters of the lake during summer or, taking to the slopes on skis atop the snowcapped peaks in the colder months of the year.
The Ice Hotel, Jukkasjärvi
For those seeking an extraordinary visit to a resort that is quite unlike any other in the world, the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is a must. Rebuilt annually using ice blocks harvested from the Torne River, this hotel is a marvel of human innovation and intricate architecture. Guests can sleep in specially designed rooms constructed out of solid ice during the coldest months, or opt for the year-round Ice Hotel 365.
Activities at the Ice Hotel cater to the adventurous spirit, from dog sledging and snowmobiling to witnessing the fabled Northern Lights. The summer months are best spent relaxing under the gorgeous Arctic sun and enjoying the incredible long nights of Midnight Sun, out boating on the lake. Expect more than a few local delicacies such as reindeer and Arctic char in the Ice Restaurant, whilst the hotel’s unique Art Suites, each sculpted by artists from around the world, make every visit to this incredible resort one that begs to be repeated.
Singureni Manor, Bucharest
There is magic at Singureni Manor. Surrounded by 1,000 hectares of transfixing forest and meadows, this is a resort that is unafraid to let nature dramatically take centre stage. Beautifully designed, it blends traditional Romanian wood carving with elegant, rustic structures, further reflected in Singureni Manor’s farm-to-table dining concept. All meals are crafted with locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown on-site in the bountiful gardens and greenhouses.
Singureni’s most notable attraction, however, is the equestrian pursuits. Some of the finest breeds in the world are reared, trained and stabled here, providing a gateway to many incredible encounters with some of nature's most beautiful creatures. Activities include horseback riding as well as feeding and grooming for those looking to connect with the magnificent beasts. The resort’s intimate spa provides a range of treatments - perfect for unwinding after a day of working with the horses. Whether basking in the colours of autumn or enjoying the heat of summer this is a retreat that fosters a deeply personal connection between itself and visitors.
