Searching for a chic hideaway near a summer hotspot? Read on …
Cortijo Genesis, Andalusia, Spain
For a fashionable base in Malaga between Marbella and Gibraltar, the new Cortijo Genesis boutique hotel is designed with panache by interior architect Victoria-Maria Geyer. Channelling the bold aesthetic of Palm Springs, this colourful retreat near the village of Gaucin serves up plenty of inspiration. Key design details include Pierre Frey and Manuel Canovas fabrics, a Waldemar Rothe hammock from Rosenthal and a 1960s Roger Capron table, which all lend character to the space. The pretty garden and courtyard is also an invitation to immerse yourself in the charming surroundings. @cortijo.genesis
Maratea, Amalfi Coast, Italy
The picturesque town of Maratea, known for its coastline and history is a crowd-free alternative to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Must-dos include strolling through the maze of cobblestone streets in the old town and hiking to Christ the Redeemer statue perched on top of Monte San Biagio (the fifth tallest statue of its kind in the world). For adrenaline junkies, Maratea offers plenty of opportunities to rock climb, hike or kayak to hidden caves, while culture vultures should book a tour with Indigenus Experiences that organises food tours and fishing trips.
Stay at the recently refurbished Hotel Santavenere with panoramic sea views and direct access to a private beach. Il Carrubo restaurant is the place to be at weekends when it celebrates local food and music each week, while other recommended local restaurants include Lanterna Rossa at the port, which features an open kitchen concept and locally grown produce, and La Cambusa which serves traditional seafood dishes. www.santavenere.it @hotelsantavenere
Avant Mar, Paros, Greece
The sleek Avant Mar hotel recently opened on Greece’s most in-the-know island destination: Paros. Situated just a five-minute walk from the village of Naoussa and steps from Piperi Beach, this contemporary hotel has 38 rooms, including seven suites with plunge pools. A focal point is its 180-foot pool overlooking the Aegean sea. Eateries include the island’s first Nobu-style restaurant, a casual all-day concept and a pastry shop inspired by Greek flavours. There’s also an indoor-outdoor wellness area with spa treatments by Cinq Mondes, as well as open-air yoga and Pilates. www.avantmar.com @avantmarparos
Althoff Villa Belrose, Gassin, France
This Florentine-style country home, surrounded by beautiful gardens and shady pines, is an opulent 40-room-and-suite hideaway in the pretty village of Gassin – one of my favourite places along the Cote d’Azur. Perched high above the hustle and bustle of St Tropez, yet within easy reach of other hilltop villages (Ramatuelle and Grimaud), this elegant retreat offers an elevated experience. Antiques enthusiasts will love the chic spaces filled with treasures, alongside redesigned bedrooms with spacious marble bathrooms and sea-view terraces. In addition to the indoor-outdoor Restaurant, Le Méditerranée, the hotel’s most recent addition is The Club L’Indochine by The Duc NGO. There’s also a large outdoor pool, and spa featuring Swiss-brand Niance products. A must-visit is the local market and also the Bello Visto restaurant with a terrace overlooking the vineyards of Chateaus Minuty and Barberolles. www.althoffcollection.com @villabelrose
Zafiro Palace Andratx, Mallorca, Spain
This hotel is designed for total relaxation and overlooks the sea on the Camp-de-Mar coast, yet is only minutes from upmarket Puerto Portals, the most prestigious yachting harbour on the island. Most of the hotel’s luxurious suites and rooms have spacious balconies or terraces overlooking the surrounding Sierra de Tramontana mountains (some even have private pools). Guests have access to the gym and hotel’s sports programme, including yoga, Pilates, water aerobics and training sessions. For golf fans, Zafiro Hotels has partnered with Andratx Golf Club to provide priority access and special discounted rates. Perhaps the most unique feature is the electric mopeds available to guests to explore local beaches and quaint towns. www.zafirohotels.com @zafirohotels
