Enchanting European beachfront escapes: The best places to stay for glorious coastline, exquisite cuisine and understated style

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By MAIL ONLINE REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 08:50, 4 December 2023

Whether you’re looking for enchanting cities or sun-kissed golden beaches, mountainous landscapes or paradise islands, Europe offers a world of experiences just a short hop from home.

Bespoke holiday experts since 1977, Kenwood Travel has curated a collection of the world’s finest destinations.

Their team of travel specialists combine decades of experience with discerning taste, creating unique getaways tailored to the needs of sophisticated travellers. Ranging from exclusive escapes to all-inclusive retreats, family-friendly stays to romantic getaways, they have holidays to meet all requirements.  

If you’re looking to save on your next sunshine break, make the most of the Kenwood Travel The World Awaits Sale, which runs until January 31, 2024. You can take your pick from a collection of captivating European destinations. Need more inspiration? Here are some of the very best European hotels for your 2024 getaway.

Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection
Crete

Set on Crete’s beautiful northern coast, this village-like resort balances indoor and outdoor spaces designed with traditional Mediterranean elegance and simplicity. With a choice of suites, villas and residences, you’ll be ensconced in luxury, with four-bedroom residences perfect for multi-generational families.

Enjoy access to a private beach of golden sands, as well as sweeping views over the turquoise waters to the UNESCO-protected island of Spinalonga, which featured in Victoria Hislop’s bestselling book The Island. The indulgent Soma Spa provides indigenous rituals to rejuvenate mind, body and soul, and a choice of four swimming pools affords extra tranquillity.

Come sundown, you’ll head to the Ancient Greek-style agora for a spot of pop-up shopping while you sample street food delicacies, connect with the community and soak up the blissful ambience.

The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama
Tenerife

A rose-tinged dream of a resort, this palatial retreat is peppered with towering palms and lush gardens, perfectly complementing its striking Moorish-inspired design and pink hue.

Revel in a wealth of wellness options, including a relaxing spa garden with a yoga pavilion. Then take a dip in your choice of seven pools, or opt for a wilder swim with access to two natural pools from the semi-private rocky coved beach.

Foodies will be in utter heaven with 10 divine dining options that include the two-Michelin-starred M.B. restaurant, serving up Basque Country classics, and Michelin-starred Kabuchi, which marries Western influences with traditional Japanese flavours.

Annabelle Hotel Paphos
Cyprus

Surrounded by tropical gardens and waterfalls and set close to golden sands, this hotel is located near many of the region’s most incredible sights, from a medieval castle to archaeological ruins and the beautiful harbour of Paphos.

Rich in history and beloved by holidaymakers for decades, this elegant hotel has enjoyed a luxurious upgrade with a state-of-the-art wellness centre alongside the Ouranos rooftop area, complete with pool and bar-restaurant, the lagoon-like main pool and Mediterranean-chic rooms.

Next door you’ll find sister hotel Almyra, and as a guest you can use the facilities at both hotels, with dine-around options if you’re staying on a half-board or full-board basis.

One&Only Portonovi
Montenegro

Nestled between verdant rolling hills and the glistening blue of the Adriatic Sea, this seaside resort combines luxury and glamour with peaceful surroundings. Venetian-inspired pastel-hued exteriors bring tasteful elegance, and grand marble interiors adorned with Persian rugs add an air of opulence.

You’ll master the art of authentic, traditional cuisine with a chef-guided cooking experience, before taking an immersive tour of the region's fascinating ancient wineries.

Those with a taste for adventure can take a deep-sea dive or embark on an expert-led mountain hike, while those looking for more peaceful pursuits can relax in the resort’s infinity pools, savouring the spectacular views of the marina and Boka Bay.

Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort
Corfu

One of the most renowned hotels in Greece, this adults-only resort once belonged to the famed Onassis family. Situated in Moraitika, on Corfu’s sublime eastern coast, and set within a 400-year-old olive grove, it’s the epitome of opulence and romance.

The resort opens up onto its own private shingle beach, perfect for whiling away the sun-blissed hours, revelling in the choice of four stunning swimming pools. Dining delights come courtesy of three restaurants, including succulent sushi and Mediterranean seafood dishes, as well as sea-view breakfasts at the exceptional Makris restaurant.

Opt for open-plan luxury in tasteful cream and beige in the Seafront Wing. Alternatively, take an elevated perspective from the Panoramic Wing, with spectacular sunsets with views over the Ionian Sea.

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