Hot Hotels: The Best Beach Hotels In Europe

The cliffside Santa Caterina is one of Amalfi’s grand dames, perfectly perching cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and a magical spot to call home whilst summering in Amalfi. Rooms are spacious and filled with light, with floors in hand painted majolica, marble bathrooms, and balconies with views over the sea of Amalfi or the garden. The Beach Club is perhaps the hotel’s greatest draw, by way of two comfortable elevators carved in to the rock face, complete with an extending rock deck allowing private access into the Med. If a sea dip isn’t for you, the pool is located just behind the deck.

If you want to know where the local Italians flock in the summer, it’s Puglia. While this sun-kissed heel of Italy’s boot is not short of sensational properties, La Peschiera is one hidden gem bringing you your own slice of paradise on Puglia’s shores. Comprising of 13 seaside villas, seven pools, and exclusive beach access that leads out to the Adriatic, it’s a bit of an all-rounder. The decor is cool and calm, with natural stone walls, thatched canopies and crisp, white interiors, but the oceanic backdrop takes the starring role. For a cultural fix, venture inland and you’ll discover Puglia’s countryside, peppered with fascinating sites or travel along the coast for the historic town of Monopoli. You’ll find the archaeological wonders of Torre Egnatia and Grotte di Castellana – a spectacular set of caves – a few miles away.

Borgo Santandrea: a beyond glamorous ocean-side resort. Built into the rock face overlooking the sea, and within view of the sweet fishing village of Conca dei Marini, the property is just a quick drive to Amalfi. After being restored in the 1960s by two Italian families, the hotel is a masterpiece of mid-century modern and luxury Mediterranean style. Unlike some of Amalfi’s other beach spots, the private beach at Borgo Santandrea has a pebble swim area with a wooden boardwalk strung throughout the beach club (in case your feet get hot). The beach club restaurant is under bougainvillea-covered terraces and serves fresh fish and an excellent selection of Italian wines. If privacy and exclusivity are your vibe, then this is your best choice. Borgo Santandrea has it all, and then some.

Villa Sant’Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, is exactly the high standard you would expect of a Belmond property. Standing beside its own exclusive beach in Taormina Mare, Villa Sant’Andrea is a worthy base where guests can enjoy white sand beaches as they look out onto the painterly harbour. All of 63 the rooms and suites retain the charm of a private residence, with many boasting stunning sea views. Following an afternoon spent soaking up the Sicilian rays, further spoil yourself with a visit to the spa and wellness centre. All topped with an evening dining at gastronomic gem, Risorante Sant’Andrea. Go for the vongole. Delizioso.

Just a few hours from the rolling hills of Tuscany in Porto Ercole, you’ll find Il Pellicano, a destination in and of itself, led by CEO and Creative Director of the Pellicano Hotels Group Marie-Louise Sciò. The terraced property extends into the glimmering seaside, and a sense of intimate majesty permeates the property. The hotel’s beach club is in a league of its own, with a swimming dock located along the most ideal piece of coastline. Swimmers can split their time between the ocean and the pool, which overlooks the glistening waters. Hotel guests can enjoy expeditions to nearby dive sights and lagoons, or opt to hike through the surrounding hills. If you can nab a booking in the summer months, grab it.

Six Senses Ibiza has taken our perception of bohemian luxury to new heights. On the northern tip of Ibiza near Cala Xarraca, this tranquil paradise comprises of 137 guest accommodations, all of which stylistically nod to the rustic glamour of the island. Get set to slow the pace and feel the spirit of Ibiza throughout every aspect of your stay – whether dining on cuisine sourced from the organic vegetable garden, unwinding with an island-inspired treatment at the renowned Six Senses Spa, listening to live music in an atmospheric cave venue, or simply admiring beautiful Balearic views from the infinity pool. With an immersive treatment programme including sunset sound healing and underwater guided meditations, Eyal Shani’s ‘Eat With Six Senses’ menu, and the residential yoga masters, luxe-conscious travellers, this one’s for you.

An Aegean secret, Amanruya allows guests to relish in the many splendours of the Turkish coastline. The village-like resort is a secluded retreat offering an abundance of space and privacy in free-standing guest pavilions, all with private pools. Home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as traditional Turkish villages that uphold ancient artisanal practices, the region is culturally rich. The seasonal menu on property is full of local seafood and the facilities are outstanding. In addition to the 50-metre swimming pool, tennis court and a three-storey library, there is also a boutique, an art gallery, two spa suites, and Amanruya’s exclusive beach club is fully equipped with water sports kit. Enjoy the summer heat on the specially crafted swim dock, and if you want to explore further, sailing excursions, water sports, and fishing are all offered at the waterfront.

Known for Balearic majesty, and bohemian vibrance, Ibiza has an allure that has captured the imagination of travellers for decades. None, however, more enchanting than the Nobu Hotel in Ibiza Bay. It’s contemporary, yet free-spirited design is second to none. Perhaps the hotel’s biggest draw is its turquoise infinity pool, bordering up against a legendary beach. Forget all-day-all-night revelling. Lap the summer days away here, under a straw wide brimmed hat, and enjoy calamari with a spritz of lemon as the sun melts into the horizon.

In a secluded cove, surrounded by the beauty of Corisican natural wonder, stands the U Capu Biancu Corsica. Buzzing with sea-side mystic and captivating sea-side views, the hotel’s DNA is upheld by a familial legacy that has allowed for brilliance embedded in every facet of it’s foundation. What makes the U Capu Biancu spectacular, however, is its unparalleled beach access. Settled supremely in the heart of the Gulf of Sant’Amanza, the hotel has access to three beach fronts each specialising in something different, from relaxation to water sports. While you’re here, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit The Hut, an ocean-front restaurant perfect for a mid-day snack break.

Kalesma Mykonos celebrates the meaning of elevated style and ease with sleek design and opulent offerings. Centred in the heart of Aleomandra, getting its name from the legendary myth surrounding the Delian stables which were home to Apollo’s trusty steeds, this sense of Greek flare is felt throughout the resort. With Cyladic styled villas and suites, you will soon feel as though you are part of the Greek way of life, the interiors boasting a somewhat meditative quality to them, featuring smoothly curved walls and chestnut ceilings. This organic look is accentuated by the gardens, which are planted with 60-year-old olive trees, vines, citrus fruits and fragrant herbs. At its epicentre is the hotel’s plateia (town square), bordered by the infinity pool, cocktail bar and Pere Ubu Restaurant. Kalesma Mykonos is a place where you can lay and play the days away, overlooking the Aegean and the hillside across the bay. The shaded pool bar is steps away.. The hotel overlooks Ornos Bay, which has a beach that’s a 3-minutes drive away. Around dusk, focus shifts to the open-air Aloni lounge, where you can sip sundowners and plot after-hours escapades.

Located in the breathtakingly-beautiful French Riviera, specifically Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, The Maybourne Riviera allows for the most wonderful summer indulgences. Making its mark on the previously sleepy town, the debut French property for the group has not set a foot wrong. This is a super sleek design temple. The hotel has gone to great lengths to embrace the traditional arts and crafts of the region, sourcing and working with local artists and artisans to create bespoke art, glassware, ceramics and furnishings. There is also a respectful nod to the modernist architects Le Corbusier and Eileen Grey who built their iconic homes in nearby Cap Moderne. Guests have exclusive access to the stylishly chic Maybourne Riviera Beach Club nearby and can be transported from the hotel (or to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Monte Carlo) by open topped bespoke Biminis, in the hotel’s signature lemon and white stripes. Trade off between swim and surf all day long, and when you finally tire, try the Michelin-star gastronomic delight that is Riviera Playa.