EliteVoyage travel designers give their personal recommendations for summer 2024, from beachside villas to city hotels, renovated grand dames to small hotels carved into rock.
All our travel designers have different specialisms, so they each offer very distinct recommendations.
There isn’t a best hotel in Europe for everyone. But we’re confident there’s a best hotel for you in our travel designers’ recommendations.
Filip Pačes
Beach Holiday for Large Families – Residential Villa at Six Senses Kaplankaya
I like to recommend this beachfront resort in Bodrum because it has something for everyone in the family. Like three private beaches, five diverse restaurants, extensive Six Senses spa and wellness, and the fun-packed itineraries at the Grow with Six Senses kids club.
Residential villas are best for families and there are three, four and five bedroom options. Each has a private garden and pool, fully equipped kitchen, large living areas and spectacular views. These residences have a peaceful out-of-the-way location but are still within easy reach of all the resort facilities.
You can easily spend a week relaxing around Six Senses Kaplankaya. Or go exploring the nearby archaeological sites, cruising to Greek islands nearby, hiking, biking, snorkelling, water sports and a lot more.
Everyone in a family can enjoy their own experiences, while everyone holidays together in a beautiful residence!
A Playground for Families with Older Kids – The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland
Scotland isn’t a usual choice for a summer family holiday, but I love this hotel because there is so much cool stuff families can do together.
Like guided tree climbing, zip wiring, archery, salmon fishing, clay target shooting, e-mountain biking, falconry, show jumping, nature photography, gundog handling, ferret lessons, off-road driving in Land Rover replicas for kids. No wonder Gleneagles refers to its grounds as a glorious playground.
Gleneagles is Scotland’s best countryside estate and I was so impressed with the overall quality when I visited. It could be great if you’re looking for a different type of holiday this summer!
Katerina Ulmanová
A Wellbeing Retreat on the Beach – One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro
Stunning nature and scenery make Boka Bay, Montenegro, a great summer destination. We’ve been recommending One&Only Portonovi here since it opened in 2021, and have lots of great feedback from clients.
This summer they offer three- to six-day detox and destress programs, in their Chenot Espace spa. So your beach getaway can come with holistic, long-lasting benefits.
The villas at One&Only Portonovi are phenomenal. I can also highly recommend the Bayview Family Room and Panoramic Bayview Suite, both defined by scenic views and showing how this property can work for both couples and families.
Slow-Paced Island Holiday with Friends – OKU Kos
The excellent minimalist design initially attracted me to OKU Kos, a boutique hotel that resembles a traditional Aegean island village. It’s been constructed from local stone, wood and polished concrete, with the Japanese architectural concept of Oku, meaning “inner space.”
This adults-only property makes a great getaway for friends who appreciate fine design and a slow-paced lifestyle. The Villa with Private Pool is perfect for two couples and is located right in front of the beach club.
Enjoy the communal ambiance at the restaurant and with the sunset DJ, then enjoy the vibe from the privacy of your outdoor living spaces.
Michal Pátek
Cosy & Contemporary Lakeside Getaway – Il Sereno Lago di Como
I recommend Il Sereno on Lago di Como as it offers a highly contemporary design and a very intimate atmosphere, which is a big contrast to other properties in the Italian lakes.
This is such a peaceful place to be with the people you love (partner, friends, family!), just lounging around and enjoying the lakeside. Exploring Lago di Como in one of the hotel’s Riva limousine boats is a must. As is trying at least one of chef Raffaele Lenzi’s three tasting menus – the hotel restaurant has had a Michelin star since 2017.
Mostly it’s nice to enjoy this beautiful part of Italy, without staying in a big grand hotel. Il Sereno Lago di Como is modern luxury instead. And their Darsena Lago Suite is one of Italy’s most romantic suites.
Somewhere Different – São Lourenço do Barrocal, Hotel & Monte Alentejano
Located south and east of Lisbon, Portugal’s Alentejo region is an upcoming destination for a different kind of summer holiday. It’s easy to be immersed in authentic traditions and heritage here, especially at São Lourenço do Barrocal, near the border with Spain.
I really like the hotel’s unique blend of luxury and rustic charm. The estate blends seamlessly into a natural landscape and makes for a very tranquil stay, as you enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The farm-to-table dining and horseback riding are also standout features. Consider it as a stop on a longer Portugal exploration, or as a getaway when flying in and out of Lisbon.
Petr Udavsky
Summer Beach Holiday with Toddlers – Nana Princess & Vila Vita Parc
I’m fortunate to explore adventurous places throughout the year, like Madagascar and Nepal. When summer comes around I’m going on holiday with my family, including my two young boys. Edward is four and Emanuel is almost two. We want a summer holiday with lots to do and a relaxing atmosphere.
Vila Vita Parc in Portugal is a great choice with toddlers. It’s a large resort with 170 rooms yet it feels very intimate and homely. All the facilities are such high quality from the incredible children’s playground to the beach club, kids club, spa and everything else.
I love how everyone in the family can enjoy their own holiday here, doing different activities, in a very relaxed environment. I recommend a multi-bedroom villa and staying for at least week.
Nana Princess is another great choice with children of all ages. We had a fantastic family holiday at this new resort. It’s calm, elegant, centrally located for many children’s attractions, but also where you can simply hang around the resort for a few days.
The spa is a real highlight. As is use of all the sports facilities and pools at the neighbouring hotel. Multi-bedroom villas have large pools so you can easily just hang around your villa. They are also more private than the suites with private pools.
Matty Grund
A Classic City Break – Four Seasons Madrid
This recently opened hotel is ideal for a fun city break, as a long weekend for couples, or a longer stay for families with kids. It has an iconic location in the heart of the city, a short walk from shopping avenues, great restaurants and major attractions.
Madrid has great options for sports and museum lovers, plus beautiful architecture and atmosphere if you like slow days of exploration. Just don’t go in August, as the city shuts down for its own summer holidays.
I recommend a Premium Terrace Room or any of the suites – these are on the higher floors and worth the extra money. You will love the wellness here. Imagine a spa, sauna, pool and terrace, on the roof of your hotel, with views across the entire city!
Active Relaxation This Summer – Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern
This grand hotel reopened in 2022 after a complete makeover. It’s very contemporary with the Mandarin Oriental signature, yet still feels like an old Belle Époque landmark.
It’s my choice for some active relaxation this summer. Take a boat ride on the lake, go hiking on Mount Pilatus nearby, ride electric bikes around the lake, and hangout on the lakeside sunbathing terrace. There’s a Michelin-starred restaurant in the hotel and Lucerne centre is only a 5-minute walk away.
I recommend a Rooftop Terrace Suite. There are only two and each has the most magical private terrace.
Dominika Hüttnerová
Indulgent Late-Summer Weekend for Adults – Carlton Cannes
Carlton Cannes is perfect for a fun-filled long weekend, especially when you want to extend the summer into September and October. It reopened last year after extensive renovations and has a great location on the famous La Croisette promenade.
I recommend a Premium Room – Sea View, with a private balcony on the sixth floor or higher – it’s tranquil, yet with a perfect view onto the Cannes bustle below.
Enjoy a lazy day at Carlton Beach Club, try perfume making in nearby Grasse, and indulge at the city’s many bars and restaurants.
An Easy & Sunny Break in Spain – Puente Romano, Marbella
Puente Romano has everything for a stylish break in the sun of Andalusia. A private beach, Six Senses Spa, pool, golf, sports facilities and 15 restaurants. I visited Cipriani, Goya, Gaia and Nobu this year – all had excellent food, drinks and vibe.
Entry-level suites like the Deluxe Junior Suite offer lots of space and a partial sea view. Mostly it’s the Spanish hospitality and atmosphere that keeps me coming back.
I find that here you enjoy all the facilities and offerings of a resort, yet it feels authentic and not at all like a typical resort.
Matyáš Dlouhy
Elegance & Exploration for Couples – Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
This estate makes you feel like you are at the end of the world, with its large gardens, rooftops made from trees, and infinite sea views. And from this base, the entire Côte D’Azur is an easy car ride away.
I’ve worked at this hotel, which is another reason it has a special place in my heart. As a guest you have this feeling of care, details and pride from the whole hotel team.
Rooms and suites are spread across the estate’s original 1906 terrace and a more contemporary building. There are many subtle differences between the individual accommodations and it’s best I give you personal advice about them.
A Revitalising Holiday – Amanzoe
One of the most beautiful and elegant hotels in the world, because of how it reflects Greece’s architectural history throughout its design and layout.
Amanzoe is also very secluded and offers a lot of privacy. The standalone suites (called pavilions) all have a private pool, with the newest pavilions directly on the beach. Holiday here and you will definitely come home feeling revitalised.
While Amanzoe has a relaxed adult atmosphere I can also recommend it for families with children, particularly young children. There’s a children’s host in summer, Watsu and yoga classes for kids, and various activities to enjoy as a family.
Stepan Borovec
Sunny Long Weekend for Couples – Sentinel Suite at Cap Rocat, Mallorca
This old fortress is a couple’s oasis and perfect for two to three nights. The three Sentinel Suites are literally carved into the rock and offer amazing views onto the sea, as well as absolute privacy (other suite categories don’t offer this).
Cap Rocat is only 15 minutes from the airport, so it’s very efficient for a long romantic weekend, which will surely include lazy days in the Cap Rocat beach club. Don’t miss a tasting menu at the hotel’s La Fortaleza restaurant!
Family Beach All Inclusive Holiday – Bungalow with Private Pool at IKOS Porto Petro
This is the only five-star beachfront all-inclusive in Mallorca and its paradise for kids, with tons of facilities and kids club properly divided by age groups. The spa and hamman are excellent, there’s a real theatre with daily shows, and two beaches to enjoy.
I recommend a two- or three-bedroom bungalow with a private pool for families. The pool is very spacious and the bungalows offer the most privacy of all the resort’s accommodations. Plus you get access to the Deluxe Collection, which has many perks including spa treatments and enhanced concierge services.
What’s the Best Hotel in Europe for you?
We couldn’t make a list of the top ten hotels in Europe because it’s simply too subjective.
No hotel is right for everyone. No hotel is right for every holiday. The best hotel will depend on your needs and desires. And that will change with every holiday.
We’re not here to tell you that one hotel is the best. Or to give you the same choices as the next person. We’re here to listen, to understand what you want, to inspire you with hotels you don’t know.
Our team will know the some amazing hotels for your next holiday, which will be dependent on your desires.
