People often ask me where I would go if I could only take one holiday this Summer.
The answer is never straightforward.
Some hotels have the best beach. Others have the best food. Some are linked to special memories and others simply surprised me when I wasn’t expecting much.
These are not necessarily the newest luxury hotels in the world, nor are they the trendiest.
They are simply five hotels I have stayed at, enjoyed and would happily return to tomorrow.
From private infinity pools in Greece to beachfront boutique properties in California, here are five of the best luxury summer hotels for an unforgettable escape.
Finca Cortesin, near Estepona, Spain
I first visited Finca Cortesin in 2012 and it was love at first sight. So much so, that I have been going back religiously each year for almost a decade. What makes this Andalusian gem one of the finest luxury summer resorts in Europe is its understated simplicity paired with meticulous attention to detail. Each room is different and beautifully decorated – and its toiletries may be worth stealing too. But what I love the most is the food – how besides all the fine dining options, chef Lutz and co. are not afraid to give us the best of Spain on a plate.
Nearest Airports: Malaga (AGP) or Gibraltar (GIB).
Book this hotel if: you want exceptional food, beautiful rooms and a luxury hotel that somehow still feels relaxed and genuinely Spanish.
Check availability and current rates →
Malibu Beach Inn, California
If you are looking for sun loungers at the beach in California – this is the place to go. Lovely rooms and the restaurant is also worth a visit. The oceanfront restaurant alone makes the trip worthwhile for anyone looking for the quintessential luxury beach vacation.
Nearest Airports: Los Angeles (LAX)
Book this hotel if: you want to fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific Ocean and wake up with the beach quite literally on your doorstep.
Check availability and current rates →
Blue Palace, Crete, Greece
A pretty special hotel for the O’Reillys – it is, after all, where Mr. O asked me to become Mrs. O many years ago. We returned last Summer to make some new memories and it was as fabulous as we remembered. My favourite part? The in-room infinity pools and the beach-side taverna.
A quick note: This hotel has changed ownership and branding since our visit, so my experience relates to the Blue Palace we stayed at at the time. What hasn’t changed is the setting, which remains one of the most beautiful I’ve ever experienced.
Nearest Airports: Heraklion (HER)
Book this hotel if: you are celebrating something special. The views, private pools and setting above Spinalonga make it one of the most romantic hotels I’ve ever visited.
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Mandapa Reserve by Ritz Carlton, Ubud, Bali
The Mandapa Reserve by Ritz Carlton, just outside Ubud, in Bali was, without a doubt one of the nicest surprises I have had this year. Despite the distance from home, it is a hotel we will absolutely return to. Bali is a phenomenal destination for summer luxury travel, and I have to tell you: one week is absolutely not enough. This hotel was nothing short of perfect – the rooms were stunning and do not even get me started on the food. Perfection.
Nearest Airports: Denpasar via Doha with Qatar Airways.
Book this hotel if: you want to experience Bali at its most peaceful. The setting outside Ubud, the incredible service and the food make it worth the journey.
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Nizuc Resort & Spa, Punta Nizuc, Mexico
Although I visited this hotel during our European Winter, for a bit of off season sun, I have found myself daydreaming about being back countless times. Probably one of the best designed luxury beach resorts I have ever been to – with the service to match. Punta Nizuc is not far from Cancun, but you really are a world away. Best thing: mango margaritas and a new found love for proper tequila.
Nearest Airports: Cancun direct with British Airways or via Miami with American Airlines.
Book this hotel if: you want Caribbean sunshine without sacrificing great design, great food and genuinely excellent service.
Check availability and current rates →
Would I still choose the same five hotels today?
Actually, yes.
There are newer resorts and trendier openings, but all five still occupy a place in my memory for different reasons.
And ultimately, that’s my test of a great hotel.
Not whether it photographs well.
Whether I still think about it years later.
xo
Mrs. O
PS. Read about my Summer Beauty Essentials and the travel tech we cannot leave home without.
