Europe has long been a go-to destination for upscale travellers wishing to travel in luxury. Whether you’re dreaming of dining at a Michelin Star restaurant in the Cotswolds, yachting in Ibiza, or touring the stunning lavender fields of Provence, luxury can be found just about everywhere around the continent.
If you’re planning a European holiday, here are the top luxury places to stay.
1. The Cotswolds
Famous for its chocolate box houses, picture-perfect villages, and stately homes built from distinctive yellow limestone, the Cotswolds is a beautiful English countryside you should visit at least once in your life. If you’re seeking luxury experiences, there’s a lot to love about this place.
For one, the Cotswolds is home to Michelin star restaurants. Of all the Michelin-starred restaurants in the Cotswolds, The Dining Room is the most popular. Housed in a classic English country cottage, it received two Michelin stars and was also awarded a green star for its sustainable practices. Diners will be treated to breathtaking views of the formal gardens as they feast on tasty meals that include lobsters, risotto, red mullet, and local beef.
When it comes to luxury self-catering holiday stays, the Cotswolds will not disappoint. Stay at the Grey Heron Lodge, a luxurious waterfront property with everything you need for a relaxing holiday in the Cotswolds. To find out more about Grey Heron Lodge, check out Independent Cottages, where you’ll also find plenty more luxury cottages. Grey Heron Lodge is only a few steps away from a beautiful lake with plenty of excellent restaurants and pubs nearby.
2. Ibiza
Ibiza may be famous for being the king of Europe’s party scene, but there are many luxurious experiences you can fill your days while holidaying here. From witnessing romantic sunsets aboard a yacht to indulging in luxury recreation and staying at upscale resorts, Ibiza has all the makings of a luxury holiday destination.
Nothing beats the experience of exploring Ibiza on a yacht. You will always find beautiful places and trendy areas worth discovering on this Balearic Island. As you sail along the tranquil and calm waters of the Bay of Santa Eulalia, you will only experience pure relaxation. Take in the breathtaking views as you feast on fresh seafood and sip your champagne. You can also take up snorkelling or scuba diving excursions. While you will find several boat trips in Ibiza, a private charter can provide you with a truly luxurious experience.
In Ibiza, you’ll find a new legion of hoteliers catering to the demand of upscale travellers. These luxurious resorts offer guests an all-encompassing experience, from fine dining to luxury spa experiences. Some of the best ones to check out are the Six Senses Ibiza, 7 Pines Resort, and Nobu Hotel.
3. Algarve
Algarve, a beautiful region in the southernmost part of Portugal, is famous for its quaint coves, beautiful Mediterranean beaches, sleepy fishing villages, and luxurious hotels and restaurants. Its coastline is littered with striking limestone grottos and mystical caves best explored on a yacht. With all the wonderful things to see and discover in Algarve, it’s no wonder why it’s becoming one of the most popular destinations for luxury travel.
One way to enjoy a relaxing trip in the Algarve is to stroll through the beautiful, cobbled stone streets of Tavira at the banks of Gilão River. After a busy day discovering the region, relax on the beautiful beach of Albufeira. For more inviting beaches, venture west into Lagos. This bustling town has a rich and fascinating history and no shortage of restaurants to enjoy delectable local cuisines.
To make the most of your villa holiday in Portugal, stay in one of the luxurious villas dotting its stunning coastline. Check out Villa Carla, a five-bedroom villa set in a prime location close to Vale do Lobo and some of Algarve’s most beautiful beaches.
4. The Amalfi Coast
Draped along the stunning cliffs on the southern side of Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations and a haven for travellers seeking luxury experiences. This colourful region is home to picturesque villages, stunning lemon groves hugging the mountainside, scenic coastal roads, and world-class hotels and resorts.
Aside from exuding sophistication, the Amalfi Coast’s cultural and historic sites and sumptuous culinary delights have long been drawing travellers to visit and explore. This is a place that every sophisticated traveller wants to be. But despite its perennial buzz, it’s also where you can experience an Old-World charm, a place to wind down the day with champagne in hand, enjoying the stunning sea views, as you marvel at your own slice of dolce de vita.
As one of the most sophisticated regions in Europe, the Amalfi Coast is never short of luxury accommodations. The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, a five-star luxury hotel sitting on a cliff, is the perfect choice for luxurious tourists. It’s the first modernized hotel in the region, which opened in 1843 and is oozing with sophistication and luxury.
5. Provence
Provence features rich and diverse landscapes, from rocky hilltop villages to endless lavender fields and stunning vineyards, not to mention the sparkling Côte D’Azur waters. With charming port towns and rich countryside, Provence is one of the most scenic regions in France that is a perfect representation of a Mediterranean luxury destination.
The region enjoys a favourable Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Marseille, the region’s capital city, is famous for its Vieux-Port and Château d’If. Meanwhile, Avignon, which sits on the west side of Provence, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to stunning Roman ruins and medieval sites. Its cityscape is dominated by Palais des Papes, one of the most significant gothic sites in Europe. Pont d’Avignon, which dates back to the 12th century and is now abandoned, is a mesmerizing place worth discovering.
When it comes to luxury stays in the Provence, Château De La Chèvre D’Or is highly recommended. This sprawling five-star hotel sits on the hilltop of Èze and opens to the panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding hills. Offering world-class experiences, the hotel exudes a warm and friendly ambience. Guests can stroll through its well-manicured garden, with waterfalls and sculptures. And after a day of exploring outdoors, the best way to unwind is to take a refreshing dip at its heated outdoor pool.
Jennifer
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
