Portofino, Italy - Splendido Mare

Perfect dolce vita in the former fishing village: once a retreat for fishermen and sailors, today a famous boutique hotel in the enchanting bay of Portofino. After its recent redesign, the jewel exudes Italian lifestyle. The suites and rooms, all individually designed, pick up on the blue of the Riviera with their bold colours. They are joined by terracotta and green tones, nautical patterns, and handicrafts from the surrounding area. With exquisite highlights and artwork, a walk through the corridors becomes a stroll through history, where personalities from all over the world have enjoyed the style of the house away from the hustle and bustle - even old Hollywood flashes through. The "Ava Gardner Suite" occupies the top floor and is the perfect place to throw glitzy parties and enjoy life. La Dolce Vita is also the order of the day at "Dav Mare":

NOWHERE ELSE ...

... tradition, modernity and the best local ingredients can be better combined with a view of the picturesque harbour. Fishing boats rock in the waves, the facades of the colourful houses radiate harmony - and the soul can calm down. 

Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino*****
Via Roma 2, 16034 Portofino, Italy
Tel.: +39 0185 267802
Web: belmond.com
Price: double room incl. breakfast from € 570,- per night

 

Ostuni, Italy - Paragon 700

© Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa

Historical ambience with modern touches: the building dates back to the 17th century, comfort as well as casualness from the here and now. The boutique hotel (once "Palazzo Rosso") near Brindisi is the hub for a journey to relaxation, pleasure, nature, culture and beauty. It's not just the Italian flair that captivates guests - tones from South Africa and India also resonate in the ambience and interior. The suites are reminiscent of small cathedrals, including restored ceiling frescoes. Sophisticated and timeless architecture gives the feeling of diving into other eras and being far away from everyday life. Dignified and yet never overloaded, all the accents leave room to let your thoughts wander. The hotel's spa was created from an ancient water cistern - seven meters below ground, it offers everything beneficial for body, soul and spirit.

Culinary delights ...

... meanwhile wait above ground: Apulian delicacies spoil the palate here and a picturesque oil mill nearby produces the green-yellow gold for the restaurant. 

Paragon 700
Largo Michele Avroldi Carissimo 14, 72017 Ostuni, Italy
Tel.: +39 0831 369219
Web: paragon700.com
Price: double room including breakfast from € 423,- per night

 

Marbella, Spain - Marbella Club

© Manolo Yllera

Andalusian dream home with lots of privacy: looking for absolute privacy without prying eyes? Not only do stars appreciate the seclusion of the five-star hotel, which is located in the middle of a subtropical garden and close to the dreamlike beach of the Costa del Sol. The Beach Club by the sea is a highlight, offering the freshest fish and countless delicacies in addition to the sound of the sea. Meanwhile, understatement and elegance prevail in this luxury hotel. The interior is unmistakably Andalusian, and the suites are also stylish. Those who want even more privacy can opt for one of the villas or bungalows, where access is just as private as the pool. Natural materials provide charm and flair, loving details delight the heart and the eye. 

The NONPLUSULTRA ... 

... for those seeking peace and quiet, however, are the Grand Villas - Lady Gaga is said to have already resided and relaxed here. While nothing and no one disturbs the guests, the smell of the lush flora in the garden gently wafts through the windows. Spa fans will also get their money's worth at the Marbella Club: beautifiers from the sea are used for the treatments.

Marbella Club
Bulevar Principe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, 29602 Marbella, Spain
Tel: +34 952 8222
Web: marbellaclub.com
Price: doubles from €660

 

Carvalhal, Portugal - Quinta da Comporta

Formerly a rice farm, today a luxury paradise: here, traditional architecture, breathtaking nature, and an unerring sense of unexciting extravagance come together. The former rice farm has become a perfect hideaway. From the sun-warmed, 40-meter-long pool, the adjacent rice fields can be viewed all the way to the horizon. Dunes pile up toward the sea, figs grow in the garden for the breakfast table; the whole luxury hotel is full of natural sound. Seaweed baskets adorn walls and floors in airy rooftop suites. Geared toward "slow living," life takes a relaxed pace between pool, bar and rooftop terraces. The spa may give the impression of being in a barn but upon entering, it's clear how closely history and nature are interwoven with modern amenities and the best of wellness knowledge.

DUE TO THE LOCATION ... 

... and the history it is not surprising that body scrubs are made with precious rice here. And the windows, which reach the ground, once again offer magnificent views over the seemingly endless fields ...

Quinta da Comporta
R. de Alto de Pina 2, Carvalhal 7570-779, Portugal
Tel: +351 265 122390
Web: quintadacomporta.com.
Price: double room incl. breakfast from € 235,- per person

 

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Monaco - Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel 

© MONTE-CARLO Société des Bains de Mer

Glamorous hotel on the Riviera with historic esprit: since the 1930s, this dazzling hotel has been making dreams come true. The latest makeover gave the house on the French Riviera new glamour without sacrificing its historic esprit. Focused on sustainability, contemporary chic and Monaco's elegant lifestyle play the other main roles today. Situated directly on the sea, views sweep over the private beach with its grey-and-white striped cabanas, the Olympic-sized pool, and the expansive terraces. There, white parasols protect against too much heat, while Michelin-starred specialities are served at the gourmet brunch or later at the candlelight dinner. All ingredients are of organic quality; those who wish to retreat can enjoy the atmosphere and fine wines in their own loggia. In this setting, a ... 

LUXURIOUS SPA ... 

... is not missing. So getting out of the daily grind is effortless. 

Monte-Carlo Beach
Avenue Princesse Grace, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Monaco
Tel.: +377 98 068684
Web: montecarlosbm.com
Price: double room including breakfast from € 544,- per person

 

Ibiza, Spain - Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay

© Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay

A haven of tranquillity in the nightlife epicentre: a calming hideaway on the vibrant party island: when it comes to Ibizan lifestyle at the highest level, this boutique escape is the absolute hotspot. The day begins under the rain shower in the Persian marble bathroom - with a direct view of the deep blue sea from almost every corner. The poolside daybeds are perfect for relaxing, with the sea close by. The predominant colours are blue and white, found on textiles and ceramic decorations. The entire interior, rooms and suites breathe the spirit of the island. Before guests dive into the nightlife, a sundowner against the backdrop of the Mediterranean is tops. Because the luxury hotel is committed to sustainability, this mission is reflected in the kids' program: teams explore the sea and discover nature.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE:

Instead of the traditional butler service, the stylish retreat offers the modern variant, the ambassador service. This is available to all those who have chosen a penthouse, presidential or royal suite for their stay. 

Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Carrer de Ses Feixes 52, 07800 Talamanca, Ibiza, Spain
Tel: +34 971 192222
Web: nobuhotelibizabay.com
Price: double room including breakfast from € 397,- per night

 

Portonovi, Montenegro - One & Only Portonovi

© Rupert Peace

Hotel oasis on the paradisiacal Adriatic coast: if you are drawn to paradisiacal Montenegro, the One & Only Portonovi is the perfect place for you. Located in the heart of the Bay of Boka between the sapphire-blue sea and the idyllic mountain region, the five-star hotel presents itself in modern European elegance with Montenegrin flair. Here, chic terracotta roofs colourfully shine in the sun, while expansive glass fronts invite light into the hotel's interior. Relaxing is easy in the elegant panorama suites: a modern fireplace, select interiors made of natural materials and even your own butler promise exclusive feel-good moments. Those who leave the comfortable suite in search of culinary experiences will quickly find what they are looking for: La Veranda serves typical local dishes, while Sabia offers Italian cuisine in a chic ambience.

HIGHLIGHT:

A special extra of rest and relaxation is granted by Chenot Escape, whose wellness offer - from sauna to relax pavilion - is part of the One & Only comfort. 

Related: One & Only Portonovi: Montenegro's trendy hotel on the Adriatic Sea

One & Only Portonovi
Portonovi, 85340 Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Tel: +382 31 691000
Web: oneandonlyresorts.com
Price: Double room including breakfast from € 495,- per person

 

Crete, Greece - Daios Cove 

© Heinz Troll

Luxurious wellbeing oasis on Crete: in front of the dreamlike backdrop of the Cretan Mediterranean, the DAIOS COVE, a five-star luxury resort, presents itself in architectural harmony with nature. With its minimalist-modern villas as well as spacious luxury rooms and suites one finds here above all places of peace, combined with a varied daily program. Whether private beach, tennis court or fitness retreat of the high-end boxing studio BXR from London: A wide-ranging program ensures an unforgettable vacation. In addition to the extensive dine-around offer, you can also look forward to Mediterranean cuisine à la Ducasse Conseil. Especially chic: the Ocean Bar at the infinity pool, where the exquisite cocktails of the professional mixologists The Clumsies become the perfect sundowner.

HIGHLIGHT:

True to the philosophy of well-being, this year the DAIOS COVE has opened Kepos by Goco, a temple of wellness based on Epicurean principles that demonstrates style. The exclusive spa oasis scores with top-class treatments such as cryotherapy or colon hydrotherapy.

Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
72100 Vathi, Crete, Greece
Tel: +30 2841 888019
Web: daioscovecrete.com
Price: Double room including half board from € 289,- per person

 

Hof bei Salzburg, Austria - Fuschl Castle

© Patrick Langwallner

Elegant fairy-tale castle with lake panorama: luxurious and exclusive - this is how Schloss Fuschl in Hof near Salzburg presents itself. The Luxury Collection Resort more than lives up to its name. Venerable chandeliers sparkle above the heads of visitors, the art collection of old masters impresses on the walls, and Austrian and French gourmet cuisine is served in the hotel's award-winning restaurant. This is a truly magical place to reside, just 20 minutes from Salzburg on the shores of glittering Lake Fuschl. Built in 1450, the castle has been transformed into a luxurious vacation retreat with 104 rooms, deluxe suites and lakeside chalets offering European opulence in a class of its own.

HIGHLIGHT:

With a view of Lake Fuschl, the castle's own spa is one of the highlights of the hotel. An in-suite massage is programmed for all-around relaxation, while the sauna area invites you to enjoy exclusive moments of relaxation. This is particularly successful in the outdoor whirlpool with lake panorama. 

Schloss Fuschl, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa*****
Schloss-Straße 19, 5322 Hof bei Salzburg, Austria
Tel.: +43 6229 22530
Web: marriott.com
Price: double room including breakfast from € 399,- per person 

 

Florence, Italy - Four Seasons Hotel Firenze 

© Barbara Kraft

Historic opulence in a central location: tucked away in the private Gherardesca Gardens, this urban retreat is set in an enchanting, historic ambience. Fountains, statues, and ancient trees greet visitors immediately upon arrival. The two houses - the 15th-century palazzo and the 16th-century villa - also breathe plenty of history; the frescoes on the walls, the marble, and the ceramics bear witness to that. The style and interiors are opulent, drawing on elements of antiquity, Renaissance and modernity. Contemporary comforts are also available in every area - in the shade of the trees, the evening begins at the casual pool bar. For dining, it may be even finer: a restaurant with Italian gourmet creations on ... 

STAR LEVEL ... 

... is not missing. And because the Four Seasons is located very close to the city's landmark, there is an incomparable opportunity for a romantic dinner with a view of the cathedral. Although it is so close, the hustle and bustle of the old town, hectic and stress definitely remain banished from this garden paradise. 

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze 
Borgo Pinti 99, 50121 Florence, Italy
Tel.: +39 055 26261
Web: fourseasons.com
Price: double room including half board from € 660,- per night

 

Oia, Greece - Mystique Santorini

© Mystique Hotel Santorini

Fulminant setting in a breathtaking location: buried deep in the rocks and with dramatic views of the Aegean Sea, this fulminant location presents itself. Picturesque white steps lead not only through the complex but steeply down to the sea - and for the athletic, over volcanic cliffs back up again, back into the surroundings full of amenities. The best view is from the infinity-edge pool. The architecture makes use of everything that the island's culture and Santorini's nature have to offer. All rooms, with their spacious terraces, are oriented to provide views over the water. The interior design emphasizes light and curves, decoration and furnishings use natural materials for a harmonious look.

The CULINARY PROGRAM ...

... is locally and sustainably oriented - the finest ingredients for the restaurants' epicurean creations come from the region. 

Mystique Hotel Santorini
Oia, Santorini 84702, Greece
Tel: +30 22860 71114
Web: mystique.gr
Price: Junior Suite including breakfast from € 495,- per night

 

Marrakech, Morocco - Royal Mansour

A palace like from 1001 nights: reside like in a palace? This noble house in vibrant Marrakech is the right address. Against the backdrop of the imposing Atlas Mountains, relaxation in a four-poster bed is the order of the day. The colours are deep and opulent: red, purple, and gold, as well as heavy fabrics and elaborate details, give a sense of royal luxury and seem almost like something out of the Arabian Nights. Those who want to keep to themselves use private entrances to their rooms. Restraint with full concentration on sensual experiences is important to the hosts. To perfection, this succeeds with a culinary discovery journey, for which one does not have to leave the luxury hotel. Fine dining on the terrace provides an ode to the senses. Gourmet lovers are challenged at this point to select the highest delights on their plates and in their glasses. Sensuality is also the order of the day between ... 

SPA AND HAMMAM ...

...., the wellness area is waiting with aromatic oils and sources of well-being. Fireworks for the senses are set off repeatedly, it lays the foundation for the exit from everyday life, calmness and relaxation. 

Royal Mansour
Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco
Tel: +212 52980 8200
Web: royalmansour.com
Price: double room including breakfast from € 1334,- per night

 

Perugia, Italy - Castello di Reschio 

©Castello di Reschio

Hotspot between old and new worlds: in the middle of the gently rolling Umbrian countryside lies this restored castle, which has become an insider's tip for those seeking peace and quiet. The best views of cypress trees, woods and fields are from the converted watchtower. The history of this family estate goes back centuries - but today luxury, comfort and the best Italian lifestyle reign supreme. The fresh colour harmony of the interior alone makes the stress of everyday life fall away; velvet, stone, ceramics and carpets made of natural materials do just as much for the soul as the antique touches that have been given a new lease of life. Relaxing is the order of the day in the spa, which is modelled on an ancient Roman bath - there, the hammam, saltwater pool and saunas invite you to unwind.

GREAT OFFER:

Before the chef brings his compositions on the plates in the Alle Scuderie, he invites - if the season fits - to a truffle search. Based on the find, he then passes on his expertise in the preparation. Not in the mood to do it yourself? In the ambience of the "old world" and thus under palm trees, exquisite dishes can be served without your help. 

Castello di Reschio
06060 Lisciano Niccone, Perugia, Italy
Tel.: +39 075 844 362
Web: reschio.com
Price: double room including breakfast from € 790,- per night

 

Montegrotto Terme, Italy - Esplanade Tergesteo 

© Esplanade Tergesteo

Exclusive luxury retreat near Venice: ideally located at the foot of the Euganean Hills and not far from the much visited cities of Venice and Padua, the Esplanade Tergesteo - Luxury Retreat is an exclusive hideaway in a class of its own. The brand new vitality suites and rooms score with unique design and refined details and radiate a cosy ambience. The five-star hotel is particularly popular with spa lovers, because the heart of the house is the thermal baths. Outside, you'll find the exclusive White Pool, which is connected to the indoor pool. An H2O3 pool with ozone bubbles rounds out the offerings. With the adults-only area Rooftop54, a true oasis of tranquillity with a saltwater pool and a textile-free sauna area awaits those seeking relaxation. Selected beauty treatments and relaxing massages can be enjoyed in the Well54 wellness area.

A HIGH POINT ... 

is of course also the Pepita Restaurant, where exquisite culinary delights are served. Guests dine on Italian cuisine of a different kind in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Esplanade Tergesteo - Luxury Retreat*****
Via Roma 54, 35036 Montegrotto Terme, Italy
Tel.: +39 0498 911777
Web: esplanadetergesteo.it
Price: Vital Junior Suite including half board from € 550,- per night

 

Bern, Switzerland - Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa

© David Biedert

City luxury in an ambience steeped in history: even for Goethe, Bern was the most beautiful city he had ever seen. If he were still alive, he would probably take up his quarters - after a stroll through the charming old town with its sandstone facades and winding alleys - at the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa. Founded in 1859 in the heart of the Swiss capital, the charming five-star hotel looks back on a long tradition of Swiss hospitality, but has always kept up with the times. Thus, modern and elegant stylistic elements and French interiors can be found in the rooms and suites. The panoramic view from the Sky Terrace over the rooftops of the city always reveals the turquoise-blue Aare River, and guests can relax and linger in the urban spa.

HIGHLIGHTS ... 

... are Jack's Brasserie, awarded 14 Gault Millau points, with its fin-de-siècle ambience, and the Lobby Lounge Bar, where you can enjoy an aperitif. The Bel Etage invites you to large gala dinners and balls with the beautiful Salon Trianon between marble and chandeliers. 

Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa*****
Bahnhofplatz 11, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 31 3268080
Web: swisshofbern.com
Price: double room including breakfast from € 378,- per person

 

Seefeld, Austria - Hotel Lärchenhof 

© Nature & Spa Hotel Lärchenhof

Culinary flight of fancy meets Tyrolean elegance: the four-star superior hotel between the Wetterstein and Karwendel mountains in the midst of beautiful Tyrolean nature not only attracts with its outstanding location - it is also the exclusive service, the select interior and the luxurious relaxation in the marVita Spa that appeal. Above all, however, the cuisine is convincing: Chef Ronny Kirste bases his varied creations on international standards. As a trained Ayurvedic chef, he also ensures that his guests not only dine exceptionally well, but also healthily. It is hardly surprising that the focus is on regional products, as Tyrol is known for its variety of delicacies at the highest level. Apropos high: not only with the marvellous five-course menus but also with the panorama view over Seefeld the eye eats with. And when the wine recommended by young sommelier Lucas Bell flows into the glass with soft piano accompaniment, the senses are happy all around.

DO NOT MISS:

On Fridays there is a Tyrolean evening with local specialties. 

Nature & Spa Hotel Lärchenhof****S
Geigenbühelstraße 203, 6100 Seefeld in Tirol, Austria
Tel.: +43 5212 2383
Web: hotel-laerchenhof-seefeld.com
Price: double room including breakfast from € 90,- per person

 

Wagrain, Austria - Mountain Village Prechtlgut

Vacation like in the past in the luxury of the present: sometimes the most beautiful place is closer than you think - like the Salzburg Prechtlgut in Wagrain, a 5000 m2 mountain village where luxurious chalets in alpine chic invite you to vacation between tradition and luxury. In addition to the ideal mountain location, the eight spacious chalets impress with exclusive comfort and a lot of naturalness: chic old wood, natural stone as well as fine linen fabrics, loden and natural clay plaster make the charm of the regional hut tradition tangible. In addition, a warming fire crackles in the fireplace, in front of which you can make yourself comfortable; breakfast and firewood are delivered in the morning directly to the door - and outside lies the beautiful Wagrain.

GREAT EXTRA:

The Prechtlgut shines not only because of its prime location in Salzburg's nature, also contemporary amenities are appreciated here. The terrace reveals a bubbling whirlpool in front of the mountain panorama, even more warmth can be experienced in the in-house Alm Spa with an old wood sauna, panoramic tub and Rainforest shower. 

Bergdorf Prechtlgut
Hofmark 1, 5602 Wagrain, Austria
Tel.: +43 676 7301911
Web: prechtlgut.at
Price: Mountain chalet including breakfast from € 275,- per person

 

Schruns, Austria - Alpenhotel Montafon

© Alpenhotel Montafon

Varied high pleasure in the Alps: It is a truly ideal location between the Silvretta and the Arlberg mountains that the Alpenhotel Montafon presents to its guests, but also otherwise the four-star superior house has so much to offer: Whether in terms of culinary delights, wellness or comfort, all the wishes of discerning holidaymakers are fulfilled here. From the comfortable room in the country house style one goes on direct way into the surrounding alpine world. You can join the hiking guide of the house - as special highlights she offers night hiking, speed hiking or meditative hiking. Afterwards, it's best to relax in the 3300 m2 AlpenSPA, meet for yoga, relax in the spacious sauna world or take a dip in the outdoor pool.

PERFECT FOR ...

... gourmands who want to enjoy their stay in the mountains from morning to night all along the line. At the breakfast and afternoon buffet, the kitchen team focuses on epicurean variety and sustainable regional products. In the evening gourmet menu, the focus is on tradition. Pure alpine pleasure! 

Alpenhotel Montafon****S
Silvrettastraße 175, 6780 Schruns, Austria
Tel.: +43 5556 75700
Web: alpenhotel-montafon.net
Price: Single room including breakfast from € 122,- per night

 

Grän, Austria - Sonnenhof

© Christian Schneider

Nature-oriented vacation in the alpine paradise: a springtime weekend at the Sonnenhof invites you to relax and unwind, because leaving the hustle and bustle of the world outside and surrendering to nature and the comfort of the four-star superior hotel is particularly easy for visitors here in the Tannheimer Tal. The reason for this is the family atmosphere, diverse moments of enjoyment and the Sky Spa, and also the Tannheimer Tal all around with its extensive hiking trails and the idyllic Vilsalpsee is the perfect backdrop for leisurely to challenging hiking excursions. In terms of cuisine, the hotel's classic and international gourmet offerings are joined by the best wine list of 2022, awarded by Gault & Millau: connoisseurs taste fine wines that flatter the tongue and will probably be remembered for a long time.

DO NOT MISS:

The suites and rooms show themselves - especially after the last renovation work - from mid-May 2022 in elegant muted colors, with lots of wood and in a contemporary-modern design. Living in harmony with nature can be this stylish! 

Special tip for Falstaff TRAVEL readers

Save 10% on bookings made by 7/17/22, with a minimum stay of 3 nights (subject to availability; not valid on existing bookings). Only by phone +43 5675 6375 or mail under post@sonnenhof-tirol.com bookable with the keyword "Falstaff 10%"!

Sonnenhof****S
Füssener-Jöchle-Straße 5, 6673 Grän, Austria
Tel.: +43 5675 6375
Web: sonnenhof-tirol.com
Price: double room from € 155,- per person

 

Gardone Riviera, Italy - Eden Reserve

© Paul Thuysbaert

Luxury retreat with a view of Lake Garda: the Eden Reserve - Hotel & Villas convinces with its flair for pure luxury and noble comfort. Situated on the tranquil shores of Lake Garda, the resort scores with superb culinary delights, soothing wellness and a whole lot of Mediterranean flair. Star architect Matteo Thun has left his unmistakable signature in the nine rooms and suites of the Clubhouse; here you reside between comfortable functionality and contemporary design. It is not only the mild sea breeze that relaxes, guests are also exclusively pampered in the exclusive spa. How about an individual treatment with Ligne St. Barth products or simply a relaxing time-out in one of the heated indoor and outdoor pools? Italian haute cuisine and excellent wines are served in the gourmet restaurant La Terrazza.

KNOWN FOR ...

... its landmark luxury apartments, the resort is considered a vacation retreat in a class of its own. The penthouses with private pool captivate with ultimate privacy and a box seat overlooking the deep blue Lake Garda. 

Eden Reserve - Hotel & Villas
Via Ronciglio 51/A, 25083 Gardone Riviera, Italy
Tel.: +39 0365 520027
Web: villa-eden-gardone.com
Price: double room including breakfast from € 468,- per person

Text: Katharina Florian and Michaela Hessenberger