Book it: Four luxury island hotels for a romantic getaway
Have yourself a Robinson Crusoe moment this summer. Only one with a luxury hotel, and fabulous restaurants, indulgent spa...
Pure Salt Port Adriano, Majorca
Best for…glamazons
The low-down: The neo-classical surroundings of Pure Salt – an adults-only five-star spa retreat – are a world away from the busy streets of its well-trodden neighbour, Magaluf. This palace rises from the cliffs and overlooks the marina of Port Adriano, a pocket of luxury living abuzz with designer boutiques, fabulous yachts and water so clear you can see the catch of the day before it’s caught.
Following an afternoon spent lounging by the hotel’s infinity pool, take a pew at restaurant Adriana to taste the fruits of the island whilst watching the sun set on the glittering vista below. Perhaps a little privacy is needed? Opt for one of the hotel’s swim-up suites – open plan rooms with private waterfront balconies – or head to the on-site Turkish baths for some romantic seclusion.
Out and about:Majorca has become a triathlon hotspot in recent years: rent bikes from the hotel and discover the island on wheels. Cycle into Palma where the city’s medieval streets abound with quirky interiors shops. On your return, saunter into the marina and sample local wines at Sansibar.
Stella loves: Take a swing at the hotel’s Flightscope golf simulator before putting your skills to the test at the nearby Santa Ponsa and Poniente golf courses.
Words by Robbie Hodges
Rates from £245 b&b; puresaltluxuryhotels.com
Read the full Pure Salt Port Adriano review
Villa Del Parco, Forte Village, Sardinia
Best for…families who like the finer things
The low-down: As the name suggests, Forte Village is more like a luxury mini town than a holiday resort. There are self-catering villas if you're in a group, but for an extra spot of luxury there's the Villa Del Parco hotel (marked with the Leading Hotels of the World stamp of approval). There's so much to do in the resort that you can start the day with an authentic Thalasso spa experience, play a spot of tennis at lunch and wind down the afternoon on the world-class pristine beach. Oh and for supper? There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, including a Gordon Ramsay restaurant with a delicious seafood-inspired menu.
Out and about: A must-see when in the Sardinian district of Pula is the Roman ruins at Nora. The incredible site overlooks the coastline and, with the help of the local tour guides, makes for a wonderful afternoon steeped in history. Visit sardegnacultura.it for more details.
Stella loves:Although the resort of Forte Village is vast and spread over acres of land, staying at the Villa Del Parco hotel within the resort feels cosy and comfortable. The staff are at your constant beck and call (particularly handy for when you need a golf buggy ride to your dinner). We love the Acqua di Parma toiletries in the bathroom, too.
Words by Sonia Haria
Rates from £1,686 per room, per night in a luxury double, half board; lhw.com
• The best beach hotels in the Mediterranean
Les Bergeries de Palombaggia, Corsica
Best for…peace seekers
The low-down: Les Bergeries de Palombaggia hotel is an oasis of serenity nestled in the fragrant hillside of Porto Vecchio. Its rooms boast spacious modern accommodation and private terraces offering magnificent views across the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. Cool off in the infinity pool or take a buggy down to the white sands of Plage de Palombaggia for an iced tea in the hotel’s beach bar. In the evening, indulge in some traditional Corsican flavours at the hotel’s restaurant, La Table de Mina, and enjoy a nightcap of local liqueurs and petits fours under the stars.
Out and about: Take in the majesty of Corsica’s terrain with a boat trip along the coast all arranged by the hotel. Enjoy the sight of rich terracotta rocks and nesting sea birds in the Îles Cerbicale nature reserve, or for the true aqua-adventurers, scuba dive around a nearby shipwreck. For land lovers, explore the island’s verdant hills with a hike or drive along its twisting roads.
Stella loves: Handwritten welcome notes and goody bags of Corsican treats.
Words by Verity Ryan
Rates from £207 b&b; relaischateaux.com
• The most romantic hotels in Europe
OD Talamanca, Ibiza
Best for…grown-up party animals
The low-down: For the dream mix of fast-living and luxe lounging, head to OD Talamanca. Sure, you can explore Ibiza Old Town (just 45 mins walk or a 15-minute boat ride away), gain VIP access to top clubs, or take advantage of the OD's fleet of Smart Cars. But we'd recommend a lie-in in your sea-view, modern-chic room (complete with walk-in wardrobe and rain shower), enjoying a late breakfast (served till 12pm, party-goers), then soaking up the sun on Bali beds by the two sizable pools. With cocktail in hand, of course... we are in Ibiza.
Out and about: If you only do one thing, book a speedboat taxi with Ibiza Delivers from Ibiza Town to Formentera, Ibiza's smaller, quieter and even more idyllic sister island, a 30-minute ride away. Whipping along on the sleek, Dom Perignon-stocked boat, it's impossible not to feel like a rock star. Once there, make a beeline for Beso Beach, for high-end beach-shack chic, super-fresh seafood and the squid-ink paella of dreams. A five-minute walk from the hotel you'll find Sa Punta, one of Ibiza's most stylish and sought-after restaurants and home to inventive cocktails, a modern menu that has an unmissable miso black cod as its star, and unbeatable waterside ambience.
Stella loves: The panoramic view of the Old Town from every room.
Words by Charlotte Cox
Rates from £235 b&b; od-hotels.com
Read the full OD Talamanca review
