Summer is my favourite season of the year – I am a beach bunny, albeit covered in SPF 30 from head to toe. But olive skin does have its advantages. I keep getting asked for ideas of where to go by readers and friends, so I thought I would make everyone’s life easier by preparing a selection. Here are 5 luxury hotels perfect for Summer.
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. I love its simplicity yet incredible 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) with British Airways.
Cost per night: from 750 Euros in high season
Pine Cliffs Hotel & Resort, Algarve, Portugal
When I return this Summer to the Pine Cliffs Hotel, in the Algarve, it will be my 12th or 15th visit. Why? Because I love it. And I love it even more now that it has been completely renovated. You can see some of the new rooms here. This Summer, I am booked into the brand new Ocean Suites and looking forward to my sunset gins.
Nearest Airports: Faro (FAO) or Lisbon (LIS) which is a 2h30 drive with British Airways.
Cost per night: from 500 Euros in high season
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.
Nearest Airports: Heraklion (HER) with British Airways.
Cost per night: from 450 Euros in high season
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 was the wildcard in my Spring travels this year, 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.
Cost per night: from 500 USD in high season
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 hotels 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.
Cost per night: from 500 USD in high season
True to my word, I am literally back from Finca and heading shortly to Pine Cliffs. I am a creature of habit… what can I say? What are your favourite Summer hotels? Anywhere in the world.
xo
Mrs. O