Family holidays are all sorts of fun and lovely and memory-making, let’s all agree.
But sometimes, mama, sometimes you just need a break from the kids’ clubs and the toddler pools and the child-friendly plastic-cutlery-only restaurants.
That’s rigth – we said it.
Sometimes mums and dads need some time just to themselves – when you can lower your shoulders, dare to wear white and just indulge in some proper romantic grown-up time for a decadent few days. Lord knows, we all need it.
And if you are plotting your escape this spring, guys, we have rounded up 10 gloriously sexy hotels all across Europe where you can do just that – escape.
1. Palma, Mallorca
Converted from a 14th-century palace, this hotel’s simple stone exterior has hardly changed over the centuries. But step inside and it’s a very different story. Having stayed here recently, I adore the sleek, boho-chic and contemporary vibe – and the location in the heart of Palma, which, in my opinion, is one of the coolest cities in Europe right now.
The roof terrace is the perfect spot for relaxing with an Apero spritz, and if you fancy a swim, the beach in only a short walk away.
2. Stockholm
Behind its grand white stone façade, this urban boutique bolthole has laid on a smörgåsbord of cosseting comforts: expect luxe rooms in chic muted tones, a classic brasserie beloved by locals and a terrace with live music to while away those endless summer days.
3. Berlin
Built in 1891 as a private residence, this elegant hotel enjoys a prime location on Berlin’s renowned Kurfürstendamm shopping street. You’ll be won over by walking into the gorgeous lobby, with the impressively high ceiling, and did we mention that all the rooms come complete with Nespresso machines, minibars, heated floors and soundproof windows?
4. Rome
If you are dreaming about something a bit medieval-court-meets-fairytale-forest, this is the hotel for you. Located just outside Villa Borghese, Rome’s largest green area, this hotel is old-school romance through and through. Oh, and did we mention there is a spa with Crème de La Mer-based treatments?
5. Lisbon
It’s hard to find a city more trending than Lisbon right now – and when you get there, you’ll see that the hype is for a good reason. And if you are dreaming of exploring Portugal’s capital city this summer, there is no better place to stay than the gorgeous Memmo Alfama.
Steps from São Jorge Castle and the River Tagus, the hotel was once a shoe polish factory. But it’s certainly scrubbed up well: sleek decor, bold street art and a see-and-be-seen terraced pool bar make this white and breezy townhouse a laid-back Lisbon bolthole.
6. St. Tropez
Sitting at the very front of the St Tropez bay, Kube Hotel’s white walls, glossed with glass, shimmer a sugar-cubed minimalism that’s Miami cool. If you are a night-owl, this boutique hotel embodies St Tropez’s party spirit, with two bars, stylish rooms and three wow-factor pools.
7. Oslo
Oslo’s coolest luxury hotel is a cultivated hangout located in the the city’s gorgeously scenic harbour area. Think sultry navy blue and sienna rooms, a disco suite (designed by supergroup Apparatjik) and balcony views of the surrounding fjords. Oh, and the concrete-lined spa is set for stolen moments.
8. Berkshire, UK
This majestic neoclassical manor, with its air of not-so-faded grandeur, has had decadence, scandal and intrigue bound up in its walls since the day it was built – to house the Duke of Buckingham’s mistress, no less.
So if you are dreaming of living like a royal for a few decadent days, this hotel is what you want.
9. Santorini
A boutique hotel hugging the cliffs of Santorini, the biggest island in the Cyclades, Astra Suites is the perfect Greek island hideaway. Rooms are all high ceilings, arty ornaments and enough cushions to build a small fort with – if you wish; add in the giant his ’n’ hers shower, a four-poster bed and an outrageously comfortable sofa in the lounge area and you have a ready-made excuse for permanent room service.
10. Monte Carlo, Monaco
Having just been, let me assure you of this: There is only one way to do Monte-Carlo, and that is to just leave your love of minimalism and simplicity at home and embrace the decadent, over-the-top spirit of this city for all it’s worth.
Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Hôtel Hermitage epitomizes a carefree elegance at the highest level. Built in the early 1900s, this historic luxury hotel offers a luxurious haven of peace in the heart of Monte-Carlo.
