10 of the best places to stay in Europe this Spring

Why wait until Summer to get away this year? The Spring can be the perfect time to get away – often that little bit quieter outside of the main season, but sometimes more enjoyable for exactly that reason. Go on… treat yourself with a stay at one of our top 10 places to stay in Europe this Spring… we have everything from luxury hotel getaways to gorgeous private villas in some of Europe’s most idyllic destinations. Porto Zante Villas & Spa, Zakynthos, Greece Porto Zante has claimed the prestigious award of being both Greece and Europe’s Leading Villa Resort, in the World Travel Awards – the travel industry’s answer to the Oscars. Other awards include Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Greek Hideaway Hotel and also Top Greek Resorts, and the World Travel Awards Europe’s Leading Private Beach Hotel. Watch the moonlight or sunlight twinkle on the Ionian sea this Spring, from your own private deck, which is accessed through panoramic glass doors. The private deck is the perfect place for a sunset signature cocktail or al fresco dining, in this superb spot, which is set off perfectly by the Gervasoni outdoor furniture. Sail Lofts, St. Ives, Cornwall, UK Moments from the ocean and offering the ultimate in laid-back luxury, Sail Lofts‘ five star award-winning accommodation is a rare gem set on St Ives’ coastal pinnacle, within the heart of the town’s iconic Downalong area. With on site concierge, complimentary car parking and enviable location, the Sail Lofts apartments combine luxury and convenience with a unique personalised service. Whether you’re an out-and- about type or a take-it- easy traveller St Ives has much to offer. Coastal walks and water sports are both on the doorstep but if you’d prefer to take it down a notch, long lazy lunches and strolls around the town’s beautiful cobbled streets browsing the array of one-off shops, galleries and tea rooms is a wonderful way to while away the hours. Villa Amalia, Patmos, Greece Οne of the most luxurious and exquisite properties in the Chora of Patmos, Villa Amalia from Beyond Spaces Villas blends beautifully to its medieval surroundings. Old manors and stone houses, narrow alleyways and small courtyards, all offer a dramatic setting for a unique property.Transposed back in the Byzantine period, its high yard walls, conjoined with those of other grand houses, form part of a wall around the Chora, erected by the residents of Patmos/Patmians to protect the island from the invasion of pirates. Recently and expertly renovated, the property offers up-to-date amenities, while preserving Patmos’s local color and aesthetic. Its magnificent terrace is enticing, as it affords breathtaking views of the imposing Monastery of Saint John, the sea on the south and west, and the old town.The graceful interiors are accentuated by the choice of furniture, the blend of fabrics, and the soft lighting reflected on elegant objects and works of art. The traditional, high ceilings, further add to a sense of tranquility and serenity. A beautiful courtyard, emblematic of the island’s fine architecture, is ideal for entertaining friends or simply enjoying a glass of wine. Due to the Villa’s central location, stepping out is effortless. The Chora, an UNESCO world heritage site (together with the Monastery of Saint John) is gloriously revealed, in all its attractive scenery, historical significance, and unspoilt environment. Some of the island’s must-see places are only a few walking minutes away. Adler Dolomiti, Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Italy The 120-room Adler Dolomiti is located in the historic and picturesque mountain resort of Ortisei in Val Gardena, surrounded by the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The five-star hotel offers the largest wellness facility in the region and stands in 9000 square metres of its own private parkland within the town’s pedestrianised zone, less than a 5-minute walk from gondolas that quickly transport guests up to a stunning nature playground, perfect for visiting in spring when pretty wild flowers are in bloom and temperatures are ideal for hiking and mountain biking. Château St Pierre de Serjac, Puissalicon, France A magnificent vineyard estate with hotel, spa and luxury self-catering properties, Château St Pierre de Serjac is without a doubt one of the Languedoc’s most beautiful wine estates. Situated on an elevated 200 acre site with uninterrupted views of rolling vines, olive groves and woodland, the winery has been fully restored while the Château has been converted into an intimate hotel with 8 spacious rooms as well as restaurant and bar with gorgeous terraces overlooking the vines. Meanwhile the original estate outbuildings have been converted into 36 stylish fully equipped self-catering properties, sleeping up to 8, many with private pools. Relaxed, understated luxury in an authentic, unspoilt Mediterranean environment. Superb facilities include a 30m outdoor heated pool beautiful viewing terrace, Cinq Mondes spa with indoor pool, hammam, Jacuzzi and sauna, tennis court, kids club, BBQ area and boulodrome along with extensive gardens and grounds. The Thief, Oslo, Norway Located between the iconic Astrup Fearnley Museum, the canals on Tjuvholmen and the Oslofjord, most of The Thief‘s 118 rooms have brilliant views. Timeless elegance with clear references to contemporary art and design is the common denominator, and international and Norwegian designers such as Antonio Citterio, Bruno Rainaldi, Tom Dixon, Anne Haavind and StokkeAustad are behind the furniture and decor. The hotel’s own art curator has hand-picked art for every single room and suite. The hotel rooftop opens in the Spring for the best view in Oslo, a panorama of the fjord, the forest-clad hills and the capital’s new skyline. Fresh Champagne and cocktails characterise the bar menu, mixed by Head Bartender, Chris Grøtvedt. The Serras Hotel, Barcelona, Spain History and art come together majestically at The Serras, located in Barcelona‘s celebrated Gothic quarter. Here, warm breezes blow off the Mediterranean into spacious rooms with balconies that offer a front row seat to this trendy Barcelona neighborhood. This elegant, 5-star boutique hotel overlooking the new luxury Port Vell and the Mediterranean Sea offers a unique hideaway with modern, understated decor. It’s perfect for everything from weekend breaks and business trips to luxury holidays in the heart of Barcelona. It boasts a cool, trendy atmosphere, world class amenities and dedicated personal service for a truly memorable hotel experience, all within the walls of Pablo Picasso’s first studio in the vibrant Barrio Gótico. Stay this Spring and Michelin Star Chef Marc Gascons invites you to experience his Catalan specialties with a delicious Bespoke Seasonal Tasting Menu, prepared from fresh Mediterranean ingredients sourced from local markets. Villa Lauder, Cannes, France The former home of cosmetics giant Estee Lauder, Villa Lauder from Cote d’Azur Villas is the height of elegance and sophistication, a true home on the Cote d’Azur. Originally built in the early 20 th century, the villa has been completely refurbished by a renowned interior designer and is now luxurious home, ideal for those seeing a wonderful holiday in the South of France. There are stunning sea views from the terraces, complete with outdoor dining and living areas and of course a private pool. Nestled in a prestigious residential location you are, however, just a 10-minute stroll into the centre of Cannes and all the glitz and glamour of La Croisette, home to designer boutiques, sumptuous restaurants and the most exclusive of hotels. This is truly a villa for the most discerning of guests, with 6 bedrooms, living room, TV room, dining room, professionally-equipped kitchen, outdoor terraces and heated pool. Kempinski Hotel Adriatic, Istria, Croatia Visit Kempinski Hotel Adriatic, the prestigious Croatian five-star luxury seaside golf-and-spa resort, located in the Umag countryside in northwestern Istria. Luxury accommodation features 186 rooms and suites with spacious balconies or terraces. Explore and enjoy our unique facilities and services – a secluded private beach, a 3,000 sq m relaxing spa, event venues and meeting spaces as well as innovative cuisine and memorable dining experiences in two top restaurants. Play golf at Golf Adriatic on the first 18-hole championship golf course in Istria. Surrounded by picturesque olive groves and vineyards, this secluded paradise enjoys breathtaking views over the Adriatic Sea, offering ultimate comfort and privacy. Leave the everyday world behind and set out on a carefree journey of infinite relaxation and enjoyment. Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal Six Senses Douro Valley presents a superbly renovated 19th-century manor house set high on a hill overlooking the vine covered rolling hills of the Douro Valley and the river below. A spa, a selection of rooms, suites and villas, restaurants, wine library, swimming pools and organic garden are but a few of the many features offered. Join in a variety of wine-influenced activities including wonderful wine and dine Douro River cruises, fascinating wine certificate program and visits to some of the nearby historic wineries where you will meet the winemakers.