With autumn upon us, these European coastal accommodations offer a haven of luxury and tranquility, ideal for enjoying the seaside scenery without the summer crowds.
September feels like the new August, and October feels like the new September. With European summers staying warmer for longer, it’s the perfect time to explore once the crowds have left. From the Amalfi Coast to Lake Como to the French Riviera , here are eight boutique hotels where you can enjoy the beauty of Europe in peace.
Bodrum Loft, Türkiye
Tucked away in the scenic beauty of Bodrum , Bodrum Loft is a serene retreat where nature and luxury effortlessly co-exist. The residential resort, designed by acclaimed architects Tabanlıoğlu , reimagines a traditional Aegean village with a contemporary twist. Its 36 villas, characterized by minimalist design and clean lines, seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor living, each with private terraces offering mesmerizing views of the tranquil bay.
Bodrum Loft exudes a vibe of laid-back luxury, where every detail was carefully designed with relaxation and harmony in mind. Dining options are everything you could wish for during your stay: Loft Elia , nestled under the shade of ancient olive trees, offers fresh dishes inspired by Aegean cuisine and mostly locally produced, prepared by Chef Deniz Aşan , turning breakfast and dinner into a true delight.
The legendary Paper Moon , a benchmark of Italian haute cuisine, offers authentic cuisine prepared by Chef Giuseppe Pressani . The latest addition, Ters Köse , nestled beneath the pine trees, offers a traditional Turkish seafood experience, where you can savour fresh fish whilst enjoying stunning sea views.
For those seeking relaxation, the resort’s spa features a panoramic terrace, swimming pool and a variety of treatments designed to rejuvenate. The fitness centre caters to wellness enthusiasts with yoga, pilates and personal training sessions. The private beach, with its calm waters, is perfect for unwinding. This hotel is an immersive experience, where you can truly relax and reconnect with nature in one of the most beautiful parts of Turkey.
Il Sereno Lago di Como, Italy
Il Sereno , located on the eastern shore of Lake Como , combines modern design with natural beauty. Patricia Urquiola ’s approach integrates the hotel with its surroundings, creating a luxurious space that is connected to nature. This connection is also reflected in the spa treatments: originally a boat garage, the stone architecture of the property was transformed into Il Sereno’s spa, which offers a variety of treatments using Valmont products . The infinity pool stands out for its appearance, which seems to merge with the lake, providing breathtaking views. The hotel’s architecture uses natural materials that complement the landscape, while the elegant and welcoming interiors are designed to ensure comfort and relaxation.
Il Sereno Lago di Como is the newest addition to the Sereno collection of hotels , boasting 137 metres of lakeside scenery. Il Sereno al Lago offers a dining experience in itself, with Michelin- starred chef Raffaele Lenzi focusing on fresh, local ingredients. His menu, with a particular focus on vegetables, transforms simple ingredients into memorable dishes that capture the essence of Italian cuisine, making it a highlight of this region. A boat ride across the lake on the hotel’s wooden vessels is a must-do activity during your visit.
La Palma, Capri, Italy
La Palma , Capri’s oldest hotel , has been beautifully reimagined by renowned designer Francis Sultana . In his first hotel project, Sultana fused the light and minimalist beauty of Capri with the glamour of the 1950s jet-set era. The result is a luxurious and inviting space, where every detail, from the bathroom fixtures to the dining room chairs, was carefully designed.
Perfectly located near the famous Piazzetta di Capri , Hotel La Palma offers easy access to iconic sites such as I Giardini di Augusto , Via Krupp and the Faraglioni . The hotel’s new pool terrace and Aqua Bar provide the ideal spot to enjoy the lively atmosphere below.
In the kitchen, celebrated Italian chef Gennaro Esposito offers authentic, unfussy Italian cuisine that reflects the island’s timeless romance. At Bianca, the hotel’s terrace restaurant, you’ll enjoy stunning views over Capri village and the sea beyond, making it a perfect setting for dinner and sunset drinks. Easily accessible by air or sea, this hotel offers a true Capri experience, combining history, heritage and modern luxury.
Casa Angelina, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Casa Angelina is a peaceful retreat on the Amalfi Coast , perched high on the cliffs, with stunning views of the Mediterranean . The hotel features a modern, minimalist design, with 36 rooms that offer a serene and relaxing atmosphere. The white interiors allow you to focus even more on the colors of the sea and sky. Additionally, the hotel displays contemporary artwork that blends naturally with the surroundings.
You can expect thoughtful touches throughout your stay. You will fall in love with the picturesque lemon trees that adorn the place. This hotel is designed to help you unwind and enjoy the slower pace of our busy lives. For those looking for the authentic beach experience, just below Casa Angelina is La Gavitella Beach , one of the most beautiful spots on the coast. As a guest of Casa Angelina, you can relax in a special VIP area of the beach club, where you can sunbathe or enjoy drinks and snacks, including the local lemon ice cream, which is a must-try.
At Casa Angelina, you should also take a sunset boat ride on a traditional “ Gozzo ”. As you cruise along the coast, your chef prepares a personalized dinner with local flavors, creating a memorable dining experience at sea.
Cheval Blanc St. Tropez, France
Cheval Blanc St-Tropez is a peaceful place on the Côte d’Azur , where life slows down. The hotel is set amongst terracotta roofs and pine trees by the sea, offering a serene space to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
The staff, known as Ambassadeurs, create personalized experiences for guests. Whether you want to explore the area or simply enjoy the sunrise and sunset, they tailor activities to your pace. At the Cheval Blanc spa , treatments are inspired by the Mediterranean and use Guerlain products .
Dining at Cheval Blanc St-Tropez is a real treat. Chef Arnaud Donckele , with his passion for simple yet flavour-packed food, offers meals in two restaurants and at La Terrasse . The “Under the Pines” menu focuses on Mediterranean dishes. In the evening, the three-Michelin-starred La Vague d’Or restaurant offers a special dining experience that captures the essence of the region.
Hotel Martinez, Cannes, France
Opened in the late 1920s (and constantly modernized over the years), the Hôtel Martinez in Cannes embodies the lightness of the Côte d’Azur. Known for its warm atmosphere full of zest for life, this hotel is and was the place to see and be seen on the iconic Croisette , not only during the famous Cannes Film Festival . It’s a perfect place where you’ll find everything you’re looking for in a vacation, whether it’s a romantic getaway with your partner, a family vacation (which also includes your dog, as this hotel is pet-friendly) or for a solo traveler.
Hôtel Martinez in Cannes offers a vibrant dining experience, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a cheerful atmosphere. The hotel’s new chef, Jean Imbert, unveiled his latest fine-dining project, La Palme d’Or restaurant , during the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. For a more casual experience, you can spend your days at the timeless La Plage du Martinez , with live bossa nova music and Latin rhythms on summer evenings, or at the hotel’s garden restaurant, Le Sud , which offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a setting that captures the spirit of the 1920s.
During the day, you can relax by the hotel pool or at the private beach club, explore Cannes or indulge in extensive spa treatments, with this spa known for its advanced and fantastic offerings.
Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal
This 19th-century mansion, Six Senses Douro Valley, situated on a hill overlooking the Douro River and surrounding vineyards, has been beautifully restored. The interiors combine modern design with touches of the region’s history, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The mansion offers spacious rooms, suites and villas, all surrounded by lush orchards and vineyards.
The Douro Valley , a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 3,500 plant species, is carefully protected by Six Senses Douro Valley . The hotel is committed to preserving its natural surroundings by conserving forests, sourcing local ingredients, saving energy and managing waste to minimize its environmental impact. Guests are also invited to visit the Earth Lab to explore the hotel’s sustainability efforts and participate in projects supported by the Sustainability Fund.
During your stay, enjoy seasonal farm-to-table cuisine and fine valley wines, along with a relaxing experience at the Six Senses Spa .
You can also take part in activities such as river cruises, visits to historic wineries and even grape stomping during the harvest.
Baglioni Masseria Muzza
The 17th-century farmhouse at Baglioni Masseria Muzza in Puglia has been transformed into a luxurious retreat whilst retaining its authentic charm. Set in the rural beauty of Salento , this gem offers contemporary comfort and traditional elegance. Situated between the stunning Baia dei Turchi beach and the Alimini Piccolo lake nature reserve , the hotel is just a ten-minute drive from the UNESCO World Heritage town of Otranto .
Masseria Muzza caters to those seeking both relaxation and activity, with options such as yoga, cycling, horse riding and water sports like kayaking and kitesurfing. The property features three restaurants offering fine regional cuisine and a spa offering a variety of wellness treatments, all in a warm and serene atmosphere created by the white stone architecture.
