Beautiful locations with stunning views are what makes a holiday uniquely memorable. Here, we select the hotels around Europe that raise the bar when it comes to their views – from a cliffside retreat overlooking the Adriatic to a hilltop chateau in a charming medieval village and a remote escape surrounded by moon-like lava landscapes, these romantic boltholes make the most of their natural outlooks (and they’re pretty spectacular inside too…).
Mystique, Santorini, Greece
Santorini is renowned for having the best sunsets in the world, and we’re inclined to agree. Relish the captivating views of the Aegean from the sumptuous suites at Mystique, hewn into the volcanic cliffs, and watch as the sun dips below the horizon from your private terrace, with a glass of champagne in hand.
Monastero Santa Rosa, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Teetering on the cliff edge along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, this lavish boutique bolthole pairs its privileged location with a unique heritage. Monastero Santa Rosa was built in the 17th century as a monastery, and today original stone walls and vaulted ceilings remain; yet modern luxuries like the indulgent spa and glittering infinity pool give it that ultra-luxe edge. Wander through the multi-tiered gardens which blossom with fragrant jasmine and bougainvillea, and drink in the view from the rooftop terrace and restaurant.
ION, Golden Circle, Iceland
Jutting out in the stark volcanic backdrop of mountains and moss in the Golden Circle, ION promises a stay to remember. This exquisite hotel finds itself isolated in the beautifully bleak lava fields, so you can relish uninterrupted vistas of the kaleidoscopic night sky lit up with the dancing aurora borealis during the winter months as you soak in the open-air Lava Spa, sample local beers sourced from the many microbreweries, or stay snug in the comfort of your sleekly designed room.
Hacienda Na Xamena, Ibiza, Spain
The first five-star hotel in Ibiza still takes our breath away, with its unrivalled clifftop position on the tip of the island’s northern coast, looking out over the sparkling azure sea. No matter where you are in Hacienda Na Xamena, you’ll have panoramic views of this stunning coastal backdrop: from the floor-to-ceiling windows of your lavish room to the enticing saltwater lagoon spa – the star of the show – you’ll find it impossible to tear yourself away.
Museum Hotel, Cappadocia, Turkey
Why stay in just a hotel when you can stay in a museum hotel? That’s what you’ll find here, in the heart of Turkey’s Cappadocia, where lunar-like landscapes stretch for miles and conceal ancient cave networks that date back millennia. The Museum Hotel blends exquisitely into these moon-like surroundings with suites hewn into ancient caves, and accented with an extensive collection of antique tapestries. Soak up the ethereal landscapes from the luxurious pool – don’t miss the sight of hundreds of hot air balloons drifting through the skies at sunrise.
Chateau de la Chèvre d’Or, Èze, France
For a quintessential French experience, this spectacular hilltop chateau ticks all the boxes. The five-star Chateau de la Chèvre d’Or redefines luxury, with lavish interiors, Michelin-starred dining and postcard perfect views over the Mediterranean, all nestled in the historic village of Èze. This idyllic spot has everything you could want from a luxury holiday and more – but you can make the most of the beautiful French Riviera here too: glitzy Monaco and Nice are only ten minutes away.
Villa Dubrovnik, Croatia
We can’t say enough about Croatia’s charms, and Villa Dubrovnik, which is set into the cliffs above the sparkling Adriatic, is one of our favourite luxury retreats. Soak up the sun on the private beach, dine on gourmet cuisine on the balcony, swim in the rock-hewn pool and luxuriate in the cliffside spa, all while enjoying the panoramic sea views. As the sun sets, head to the rooftop lounge for a cocktail, as the lights twinkle over the picturesque Old Town.
