From a Sardinian escape and design-led stay in Puglia to the Turkish Riviera or Swiss serenity …
As peak holiday season winds down, there’s a sweet spot of destinations across Europe that are perfect to chase some sunshine without the high-season crowds.
Iniala Harbour House, Malta
Best for: a gourmet getaway
Bookings to Malta are soaring every year, owing to the destination’s constant sunshine. For travellers seeking a Mediterranean escape beyond the familiar shores of France, Italy or Greece, Malta offers a fascinating fusion of cultures. Its compact size allows for mornings spent exploring UNESCO-listed streets, afternoons in secluded bays and evenings in Michelin restaurants. Stay at Iniala Harbour House with a view of the harbour, where I found a seamless blend of comfort and contemporary design, which is not always a given. For gourmet getaways, ION Harbour is Malta’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by British chef Simon Rogan, which further elevates any stay. @inialaharbourhouse
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D-Resort Göcek, Turkey
Best for: Aegean elegance
Great for quiet and convenient luxury just 20 minutes from Dalaman airport, this resort in a sleepy sailing town is considered one of Europe’s best under-the-radar beach escapes with some suites even coming with their own pools. Wellness and gastronomy are a focus with a D-Spa, D-Gym and multiple wellness programmes in addition to three stylish restaurants – Q-Lounge built into the hilltops is highly rated for its Japanese menu – and there’s also an ice-cream parlour and pool bar. Guests can use the hotel’s bikes or golf carts via the marina to the private beach – the only one in the region – to enjoy the crystal clear Aegean waters. @dresortgocek
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Vista Ostuni, Puglia
Best for: Apulian charm
For an autumn escape that combines history, design and sun-drenched southern Italian charm, Vista Ostuni recently opened in Puglia’s iconic “White City”. Housed in a meticulously restored 14th-century palazzo, this 28-suite boutique hotel blends architectural features with contemporary interiors by Milan-based designer Robert Murgia. Guests can linger over lunch on the terrace, cool off in the panoramic pool, stroll around the landscaped gardens and wander Ostuni’s whitewashed streets – in a Pippa Holt kaftan, of course! @vistaostuni
SEE MORE: Where To Stay In Puglia
The Largo, Porto
Best for: culture, wine and sunshine
Temperatures remain pleasantly warm here into autumn, making it an ideal time to explore. A must do is to visit the World of Wine, the city’s cultural district overlooking the Douro, where visitors will find immersive museums, shaded terraces and enticing restaurants while soaking in sweeping views of the Douro River. Stay at The Largo, housed in five restored townhouses, in the historic district with just 18 rooms. The hotel aces wine journeys guided by head sommelier and local winemaker Ivo Granja, where tastings unfold across a series of settings, from wine cellars to a rooftop terrace. @thelargoporto
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Chia Laguna Resort, Sardinia
Best for: sunbathing and stargazing
Southern Sardinia remains one of Italy’s most authentic holiday destinations with the island’s pristine, secluded beaches and ultra-shallow waters nothing short of paradise. Trails such as the Pevero Health Trail and Monti Zoppu serve up panoramic views, leading you through rugged, scenic terrain. Chia Laguna Resort is just under an hour’s drive from Cagliari, overlooking a picturesque lagoon, home to a colony of pink flamingos. Made up of three hotels – the Conrad Chia Laguna, the Baia di Chia Resort Sardinia and Hotel Village – the resort has two private beaches. With low light pollution, clean air and visibility, guests can observe shooting stars and even the Milky Way – a sight that’s now invisible to one third of our planet’s population. @chialagunaresort
SEE MORE: A Guide To Sardinia
The Capra, Switzerland
Best for: Alpine serenity
Set in the car-free Swiss village of Saas-Fee, The Capra is a retreat where restorative experiences and crisp mountain air will kickstart any autumn reset. Guests have access to scenic hiking trails, glacier excursions and nature walks, as well as the hotel’s Peak Health Spa. This houses salt therapy rooms, saunas and an indoor-outdoor relaxation area – all guaranteed to relax tired muscles and work up an appetite for some Swiss delicacies. @thecaprasaasfee
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