Top 6 European Luxury Boutique Hotels

Although a plethora of fabulous boutique hotels exist worldwide, I have created a list narrowed down the hotels that I have recently visited. When one is planning to travel, especially to Europe, the choices can be overwhelming. This list is comprised of hotels I have not only personally experienced and thoroughly enjoyed but hotels that are five-star rated by numerous travel sites. If one or more of these lovely destinations attracts you, I would be more than happy to plan your travel arrangements. I am able to obtain various VIP treatments for my clients, at no additional cost to my clients, which they would not be able to get on their own, ensuring a relaxing, enjoyable vacation!

1) Aeanon Villas | Santorini, Greece

The Aeanon Villas are set apart from many other hotels for various reasons. First of all, the location is superb, especially for those who prefer privacy. There are a total of seven villas and the property is set away from most other hotels in Santorini.  Aeanon Villas are family owned and operated which creates a warm and welcoming environment.  The owners, Giorgos and Alexandra, are raved about on various travel sites and they are, in large part, the reason I am including this hotel on my list. When you first step onto the grounds, you are immediately immersed in all things Greek. A few details about this hotel: they offer full English, Greek or Continental breakfasts, and they are closed from Mid-October to late April/early May. The Villas are the perfect mixture of stylish modernity and authentic Greek culture. To top it all, off the views are absolutely breathtaking and they are literally 360 degrees.

2) Capri Tiberio Palace | Capri, Italy

 

When you arrive at the Capri Tiberio, you will encounter some of the most chic décor you have ever seen. This hotel, from décor to architecture, exudes refined contemporary meets Mediterranean luxury. The designer, Giampiero Panepinto pays great attention to detail and you will find interesting pieces in each room, creating the feeling of an apartment rather than a hotel room. The Bellevue Suite has a treadmill and stair climber on the large private terrace, allowing guests who book this suite to have a jaw-dropping view to distract them while they exercise. The hotel has 46 rooms, including 14 suites, and is merely a quick jaunt from the local piazatta. The incredible style does not stop at the décor, even the staff are stylish and extremely helpful. The Jacky bar, located in the hotel is a relaxing place to grab a drink before dinner at Terrazza Tiberio. This in-house restaurant serves up dishes such as home-made marjoram ravioli or baked sea bass with panzanella, using local ingredients. One extraordinary feature about this hotel is style does not equate to stuffy, it is extremely comfortable and spacious. There is a gorgeous indoor/outdoor heated pool surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean arches. This season, the hotel's annual closure is from October 16th, 2016 to mid-April 2017.

3) JK Place Firenze Hotel | Florence, Italy

You’ll find this gem hiding away on the corner of a piazza. The hotel has 20 rooms, 10 of which are stunning suites, yet again, the Italians impress with gorgeous style! The staff here is truly wonderful, and are there to meet your every need. The hotel’s fantastic details include the Library, the relaxing rooftop terrace as well as Room 9. Within this gorgeous room, sink into a bubble bath while taking in views of the Duomo – one of Italy’s most prominent landmarks, or enjoy the private balcony with views all around!  Additionally, all guests have access to the Olimpo Spa in Via Tornabuoni only a few minutes away. There is a variety of choices when deciding where to enjoy a cocktail or two. The Pink Room is located downstairs, its sultry atmosphere appeals to the late-night crowds.  The JK Lounge has a beautiful veranda, which is the spot to be in the summer and is perfect for winding down with a glass of wine. During the colder months, curl up on the cozy sofa with your loved one while gazing into the large fireplace. Whether you prefer cooking classes or wine tasting in beautiful vineyards, I would be more than happy to arrange that for you! When deciding how to arrive, they are a quick stroll from the local train station. The closest airport, Florence Airport (also known as Aeroporto di Firenze or Amerigo Vespucci Airport) is only 20 minutes away. If you are wanting to sightsee, you don’t have far to go, the stunning Florence Cathedral is about six minutes away, and Ponte Vecchio is only ten minutes from the hotel. For relaxing, exploring or both, you will not want to leave JK Place!

4) Borgo Santo Pietro | Tuscany, Italy

If enchantment is what you are searching for, Borgo Santo Pietro will leave you in awe. Everything from the grounds to the architecture to the furniture and every single detail in between, places you within the pages of a storybook fairytale. Guests will find exquisite décor anywhere they set their eyes, with beautiful white brick arches gracing entryways, lovely gold and crystal chandeliers, delicately detailed headboards, creating an ambiance that will have you not wanting to leave your room.  Yet when you do, you’ll find yourself completely care of. The staff is simply wonderful, each guest is offered a cordless phone so no matter where one wanders on the grounds, every need can be met. There are 15 rooms, and of those 15, eight are suites.  The onsite restaurant is Michelin-rated Meo Modo. Chef Andrea Mattei uses local ingredients from their own organic fruit orchards and garden. Guests can choose from any of the delicious meals on the menu or request Chef Mattei create a tasting menu. Those searching for relaxation and escape can take in spectacular views of the Tuscan rolling hills from the fresh-water infinity pool, or unwind with an Ayurveda massage at the spa. If activity is what you are seeking, borrow bikes to explore the 13 acre estate, catch up on your tennis game, or try your hand at bocce, badminton or basketball. For those traveling with little ones, they have a children’s playground. Borgo Santo Pietro truly has it all!

5) Finca Cortesin | Marbella, Spain 

Beginning your stay at the Finca Cortesin with the food is a must, it is simply fantastic! Guests can choose from three mainstay restaurants, each with varying closures throughout the year. Michelin-rated Kabuki Raw pairs Mediterranean fixings with an Asian flair and is exquisite. It is open from mid-March until October 31st and re-opens for the holidays – Christmas and New Year’s Eve. If guests are craving Italian food while in Spain, Don Giovanni is the place to go, although keep in mind it is only open for dinner in the summertime. The third restaurant at Finca Cortesin, El Jardin, is one of my favorites! They serve delicious seafood time and time again. Of course, there is always the option for staying in and ordering room service. Situated on the Iberian Peninsula, with traditional Spanish-style architecture and elegant décor inside and out, the ambiance provides for the quintessential Spanish experience. When considering boutique hotels, this one is on the larger side without sacrificing attention to detail. There are 67 rooms including two spacious villas, each with four bedrooms. Don’t leave your clubs at home as Finca Cortesin is home to one of the world’s best golf courses. For those not interested in golf, their equally incredible spa is wonderful and highly recommended. If relaxation is what you are searching for but you are not one for the spa, choose from any one of their three pools to sink into. For Londoners, this would be a perfect weekend getaway. For those not living close by, book a longer stay and you will be glad you did!

6) Portrait Firenze | Florence, Italy 

Parallel to the famous Arno river, designer Michael Bonan has created magic at this lovely hotel. A definite acknowledgement to classic extravagance.  Owned by the ever stylish Ferragamo family, guests will be left extremely impressed by every single detail from the 34 suites to the in-house restaurant, Caffe dell'Oro. Executive Chef Peter Brunel paints an appetizing portrait of Italian flavors. Not only are guests next to the Arno river, they also have a clear view of the remarkable Ponte Vecchio from the hotel.  The perks of the locale don’t stop there, as it is just a stroll away from fantastic food, fine art and all of the history Florence has to offer.