Every partner of Elegant Resorts is selected with great consideration. Our standards are hard to match, and our portfolio extends from familiar names synonymous with luxury, to boutique hotels that offer specialist experiences and family-owned escapes echoing with generations of warmth. You can trust every hotel that we select, as many of them are attested to by our first-hand experiences.
With every element of our expertise, Europe's potential expands. With our luxury Europe holidays, even brief flights can lead to profound experiences. This is your invitation to uncover the magic that lies just beyond the surface.
The Six Best Beach Breaks for Summer
This summer, the allure of sun-drenched European shores is within effortless reach. For those yearning for languid days beneath lingering sunrays and the soundtrack of lapping waves, we will guide you to your perfect beach destination.
Corfu
With its soft sands, cerulean sea, and stunning rock formations,
Corfuis a favourite for beach lovers.
Corfu Imperial - A Grecotel Resort to Live enjoys the seclusion of its private peninsula, affording beautiful views. Alongside five beaches, the Waterfront Collection impresses those wanting to wake up to the sound of the waves.
Crete
As
Greece's largest island,
Crete also affords a divine diversity with rugged coastlines, hidden coves and alluring lagoons.
Nana Princess is a contemporary coastal paradise with spectacular sea views from every angle, including each of the thirteen different room categories, and of course, the resort's sandy beach.
Halkidiki
Despite being home to some of Europe's best sandy beaches,
Halkidiki is one of Greece's quieter coastal options. With
Eagles Villas, you are not only guaranteed a sea view, but also a private pool to enjoy it from. There is just a gentle slope between you and beach bliss, though beach lovers will delight in the excursions too, with boat trips to uninhabited islands.
Portugal
Synonymous with sandy getaways,
The Algarve is a slice of Southern
Portugal with a big reputation for beach breaks. It even earned the title of "World's Leading Beach Destination" at the 2024 World Travel Awards.
Domes Lake Algarve, Autograph Collection is a haven of first-class facilities - surrounded by olive tree-dotted gardens and overlooking a private seawater lake. Opulent in every way, from its marble floors to the Soma spa, this is an ideal base for an indulgent retreat. Take a dip in the resort's unique, sand-bottom swimming pool, or you can walk to one of the Algarve's best sandy beaches in just five minutes.
Cyprus
Discover an expansive shoreline of pristine sand, dotted with fully renovated private cabanas designed for ultimate privacy and seclusion. Indulge in an incredible variety of dining options that cater to every craving. Endless adventure awaits the little ones at the hotel's one-of-a-kind Explorers Kids Club-a 3,000m2 wonderland featuring thrilling spaces like a two-tier play castle and a life-sized pirate ship. Meanwhile, adults can unwind in serene, adults-only areas, perfect for those moments of pure relaxation.
Morocco
Whilst many think of
Morocco as a winter sun destination, the northern part of the country enjoys more of a Mediterranean climate in the summer. This misconception means that you're afforded a calm coast, as well as balmy temperatures all year round. And with Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay open for its first summer season, we may be introducing you to your new favourite summer escape.
Set on the shores of an expansive, exclusive beach, Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay is a luxury beach holiday in every fibre of its creation. The lobby welcomes you with walls adorned with shells, and sandy tones are brought into the rest of the interiors, complementing the beautiful backdrop that they are set against. Each suite and villa is ensured of a striking view, many of which are of the water. Its restaurants celebrate the breadth of Mediterranean cuisine.
Those who wish to get closer to the turquoise water can do so in style. Water activities here range from peacefully paddleboarding to chartering one of the two Riva luxury yachts.
Why are Luxury Travellers Choosing Resort Villas?
We recognise that luxury, in its truest form, is a profoundly personal construct. For some, it is absolute seclusion, whilst others define it as curated amenities or enriching experiences. Our team invests time in discerning what it means for you.
Resort villas have become a popular choice for luxury holidays. These private enclaves offer a realm of personalised comfort, where dedicated service attends to every detail. They provide unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to tailor your escapism, as well as a touch of home with features like kitchen facilities.
You are afforded the privilege of expansive spaces, the seamless integration of resort amenities, and the opportunity to share moments with family and friends.
![Woman in infinity pool looking out to sea]()
Elounda Gulf Villas - Royal Spa Pool Villa
Space
Spacious stays extend the opportunities for unforgettable moments. At
Elounda Gulf Villas in Greece, each villa is an expansive home, with a family-feel service and plenty of room to enjoy every moment. Set on the hilltop, these villas boast alfresco spaces, private pools, and spacious interiors all set against Aegean views. Whilst the main facilities are nearby, you can also make use of the shuttle service to the beach club.
Seclusion
Villas offer a more personal experience of your destination.
Villas at Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel's hilltop three- and four-bedroom villas provide peaceful courtyards, private pools, and Mediterranean views in Sicily. Resort facilities - including a spa, restaurants, golf course and beach - are a brief buggy or bike ride away. Yet, their edge-of-resort location ensures unmatched seclusion. Guests can fully disconnect, enjoying both private tranquillity and easy resort access.
Togetherness
When holidaying with friends and family, a villa offers a home away from home. A resort villa, with extended facilities and a dedicated team, provides unforgettable moments together. The villas at
Puente Romano Marbella offer access to tennis courts, the Six Senses Spa, an array of restaurants and an irresistible stretch of shoreline, as well as elevated spaces within the villa. Puerto Banus and Marbella Old Town are also within walking distance.
Authentic Experiences Across Europe
True luxury lies in the details, in revealing the continent's hidden. Our approach is a bespoke, tactful understanding of your desires; honed through first-hand exploration, expert knowledge, and trusted partnerships. This is why an Elegant Resorts luxury holiday to Europe transcends simply selecting your destination and finding your perfect stay. We pair it all with immersive experiences and the expertise of our dedicated Concierge Team.
During a stay in
Santorini, you won't merely witness Oia's famous sunsets; you can avoid the crowds by embarking on a cruise as the sky begins to glow, with
Canaves Epitome as your secluded base to return to. Delve further into the enchanting sights and smells of
Provence with a stay at
Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort, nestled in the hills, and an indulgent perfume masterclass that allows you to take its essence home. Or go horse riding and truffle hunting around the beautiful landscapes of
Borgo Pignano's vast estate to gain an authentic understanding of
Tuscany's boundless countryside charm.
Our curated destination and experience pairings provide an intimate connection to the spirit of each location.
A Must-Do Experience in Turkey
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Turkish gulet
Maxx Royal Bodrum may have a contemporary flair and state of the art amenities, but it is not without a connection to its culture. The resort was designed by a Turkish architect, and shows an appreciation for it's landscape by offering stunning views of the private bay and Aegean Sea. From the artwork of local artists to the Turkish bath at the Maxx Wellbeing Centre, it embraces the native view of luxury that is dedicated to slow living.
During your stay, our specialists recommend embarking on a Turkish gulet experience. These traditional sailboats are not only a way to see more of the stunning coastline, but a cultural work of art. Whilst originally built for fishermen, these boats now represent the slower pace of life that is lived here, aligning with the Turkish concept of 'keyif', which emphasises enjoying life's simple pleasures. They celebrate the region's natural beauty, tranquillity, and connection to the sea.
Choose a short sail around Bodrum on a boutique gullet for two, or go further with friends and family to follow the Turquoise coast ending in Fethiye. Whichever you opt for, the route and experience can be tailored to you.
Twin-Centre Holidays in Europe
A curated European escape with Elegant Resorts allows you to explore the nuances of the continent with pure ease. A twin-centre experience, meticulously curated, invites you to peel back the layers of this diverse continent, revealing hidden gems and its contrasts.
Pair
Italy's endless combinations: wading through historic cities, awing at the impressive landscapes of countryside and mountains, sailing across sparkling lakes or around rivieras, and enjoying time on the picturesque coasts. Or unlock a deeper understanding of
Greece, where the ancient world meets contemporary luxury by pairing
One&Only Aesthesis and
One&Only Kea Island. Consider combining countries for an enhanced experience, discovering the differences between destinations or visiting nearby places you may not have been aware of.
Our Luxury Travel Specialists orchestrate seamless transitions, ensuring your journey is as effortless as it is enriching. Forget the complexities of luggage transfers and onward travel; we handle every detail, allowing you absolute relaxation.
Consider Combining Croatia and Montenegro
Two beautiful countries with their own unique heritage and just a short distance between them.
Not only does
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik cast views across the Dalmatian Coast and Dubrovnik's charming Old City, but it also enjoys an enviable proximity to them. It is a waterside jewel, and a member of "Small Luxury Hotels of the World", which has hosted esteemed guests over the years, including royalty.
The city's medieval walls are just a short distance away, inside which you'll find limestone streets, beautiful Baroque buildings and a vibrant atmosphere of markets, cafés and bars.
Pair
Croatia's history with
One&Only Portonovi, a scenic stay amongst
Montenegro's breathtaking beauty. Boka Bay impresses with clear waters flanked by towering mountains, presenting a setting just as striking as the retreat itself.
Nearby are the preserved medieval towns of Kotor and Perast, each with a quaint beauty of cobblestone streets and impressive architecture. The property also boasts a private jetty, and the 238-berth D-Marin Portonovi Marina is the perfect launch pad from which to explore the coastline.
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One&Only Portonovi Exterior
![View of the ancient walls of the old town across the water, with an old boat in front]()
Abakus Piano Bar Terrace, Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
"Dubrovnik is more cultural, where excursions include visiting oyster farms, tasting wine or strolling the gardens at Trsteno Arboretum. Portonovi however is stunning, and I found a lot of its charm came from its abundant opportunities to soak up the views."- Jackie Potter, Luxury Travel Specialist
Luxury Hotels With Unbeatable Access
Europe offers a wealth of history and culture to explore, and with our expertise, you can get closer than ever. Our specialist knowledge and first-hand experiences help you not only select your perfect luxury hotel but ensure you're well connected for spending time in the city or day trips further afield.
Venice
Take to the rooftop restaurant and pool at
JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa and you will see just how much
Venice has to offer. The resort itself, set on a private island, entices with sprawling gardens, engaging activities, and a calmness away from the city. Yet the complimentary water shuttle to St Mark's Square places gondola rides, the Rialto Bridge and St Mark's Basilica all within easy reach.
![Front of water taxi pulling into the entrance of JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa]()
Main Arrival of JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa
Crete
Phaea Blue encapsulates the historic soul of
Crete but also places you in a perfect position to discover the culture beyond the resort. A short walk will take you to the charming fishing village of Plaka, whilst excursions allow you to tour traditional villages via classic car. Overlooking the UNESCO site of Spinalonga, the resort also offers a boat trip there which follows the same route as that in The Island by Victoria Hislop.
![View from infinity pool at Phaea Blue overlooking UNESCO site of Spinalonga]()
Views at Phaea Blue
Côte d'Azur
Royal-Riviera Hotel, with its rare private beach on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, invites sun-drenched days. Yet, the surrounding Riviera beckons. The once-fishing village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is just a walk away, as well as Beaulieu-sur-Mer - thought to be one of the most beautiful towns of the
Côte d'Azur.The coastal rail line aids your adventures, leading to Nice,
Monaco and Cannes.
![Coastline of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat with boats on water]()
St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat