It's Easter and it is spring. Nothing says spring like a quick weekend getaway. Check out our top stylish European hotels to experience this spring, from Santorini to Venice, from Paris to London.
Kirini Suites and Spa, Greece
Nestled in the village of Oia Santorini, lies Kirini Suites & Spa, combining the Cycladic architectural tradition with luxurious living and the serene scenery of the Aegean. Whether you are enjoying the delicious cuisine Relais & Châteaux restaurant or the range of treatments at the hotel spa or taking in the stunning view of the Caldera volcanic islands, a stay at the Kirini Suites & Spa is all about luxurious relaxation.
The luxury suites, overlooking Santorini’s most beautiful view are freshly renovated and decorated, in light tones of white, with stylish simplicity, embodying the ultimately chic character of this unique Santorini boutique hotel.
Aman Canal Grande, Venice
Palazzo Papadopoli, built in the 16th century by the architect Gian Giacomo dé Grigi, and renovated in the 19th century by two brothers, Nicolò and Angelo Papadopoli Aldobrandini who bought and razed down two adjacent buildings to turn into private gardens and commissioned Michelangelo Guggenheim, a leading exponent of the Neo-Renaissance and Rococo styles to decorate the living area, is now home to Aman Canal Grande.
Featured in the Condé Nast Traveller The Hot List 2014, Aman Canal Grande overlooks the Grand Canal in San Polo and offers a dreamscape of sweeping staircases, frescoed reception rooms and marble fireplaces The 24 bedrooms blend Venetian décor with a muted palette of grey, cream and white.
Blakes Hotel, London
A weekend getaway in London? Why not if it means you can explore the nooks and crannies of the world's first luxury boutique hotel Blakes? Created in 1978 by the world renowned designer Anouska Hempel, this South Kensington gem occupies a group of Victorian Houses, the main ones being the Blakes and Benzies. Dimly lit and full of billowing fabric, in shades of crimson, pearl and metal, the rooms take inspiration from exotic landscapes of India, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia.
The Corfu Suite, which was named the Sexiest Bedroom at the first ever Smith Hotel Awards in 2013, is a stunning king sized four poster white French Provencal suite with abundance of gossamer nets and white fabrics and exquisite mother of pearl furniture. High ceiling, white on white on white, trompe l’oeil walls, hand painted white floor, light and airy, popular with honeymoon couples.
The Xara Palace, Malta
The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, a unique 17th Century Palace hidden away in the medieval fortified city of Mdina, the old capital of Malta, is perfect for a fairytale romantic getaway.
Sensitively restored to reflect its former noble standing, this exclusive 5-Star boutique hotel boasts seventeen luxury rooms and suites enjoying stunning views. Rooms are decorated with genuine antique furniture enhanced by original paintings by Maltese masters and international artists. Four of the rooms have Jacuzzis on their own private terraces while the Deluxe Suite with Panoramic View has a secret doorway leading on to the honey-coloured bastion walls.
Le Meurice, Paris
This 1835 landmark situated on the rue de Rivoli between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, is in "the best location in all of Paris, especially for museum lovers." Rooms boast period-style furnishings in a palette of light colors and bright accents as well as views of the Tuileries Gardens, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower. The wraparound terrace of the Belle Étoile Suite has 360-degree views of Paris. At Restaurant Le Meurice, food like roasted lamb from Lozère is sure to give you a delightful taste of Parisien cusine.
Each of the seven floors at Le Meurice has a distinct style, with 160 beautifully appointed rooms decorated in a style redolent of Louis XVI.
