Europe’s Best Resort Hotels
Europe’s top resort hotels are synonymous with old-world grandeur, exacting service, and over-the-top amenities. While these attributes may conjure images of sumptuously decorated medieval castles and fresco-covered palaces, our 2019 winners prove that you don’t need a certain look (or centuries’ worth of history) to make a lasting impression.
Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.
This year Greece took home the most winning hotels — five, to be exact, all located on Santorini. The Greek hotel chain Andronis claimed two winners: Andronis Luxury Suites and Andronis Boutique Hotel (No. 8 and No. 10 on the list, respectively). Both properties are set in the coastal town of Oia and occupy traditional whitewashed Cycladic homes that are carved into the rugged clifftops and overlook the Aegean Sea.
The dramatic scenery at Grace Hotel Santorini, our runner-up in the peaceful village of Imerovigli, also earned high praise from our readers. “The location is private and romantic,” remarked one reader, “and offers the best views of the Santorini caldera.” Though intimate in scope (the property has just 20 rooms), Grace Hotel Santorini stands out with its minimalist design, buzzing restaurant and bar, and massive infinity pool (the island’s largest).
Moreover, Italy also fared well in this year’s awards, accounting for four of the winners. The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, readers’ No. 3 pick, draws families to a private shoreline on Lake Como, while Palazzo Avino (No. 4) is a honeymooner’s paradise, featuring panoramic sea views, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a private beach club. Borgo Egnazia, a 40-acre compound in Puglia, appeals to couples and families alike; parents can steal away to the heavenly spa or take a yoga class while the little ones engage in storytelling or baking classes at the kids’ club. “The best hotel in the world,” declared one reader.
To find out which resort hotel in Europe landed in the No. 1 spot, and discover which U.K. spot edged itself into the list among these Greek and Italian favorites, read on.
10. Andronis Boutique Hotel, Santorini, Greece
Score: 94.76
More information: andronisboutiquehotel.com
8. (tie) Ballyfin, County Laois, Ireland
Score: 95.16
More information: ballyfin.com
8. (tie) Andronis Luxury Suites, Santorini, Greece
Score: 95.16
More information: andronis-suites.com
7. Borgo Egnazia, Savelletri Di Fasano, Italy
Score: 95.29
More information: borgoegnazia.com
6. Katikies Hotel, Santorini
Score: 95.63
More information: katikies.com/katikiessantorini
5. Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Montalcino, Italy
Score: 96.00
More information: rosewoodhotels.com
4. Palazzo Avino, Ravello, Italy
Score: 96.15
More information: palazzoavino.com
3. Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Lake Como, Italy
Score: 96.33
More information: villaserbelloni.com
2. Grace Hotel Santorini, Auberge Resorts Collection, Greece
Score: 96.40
More information: aubergeresorts.com/gracehotel
1. Canaves Oia Epitome, Santorini
Score: 97.58
More information: canaves.com/canaves-oia-epitome
This all-villa boutique hotel may only be a little over a year old, but it’s already a Greek icon. Set high above the picturesque fishing town of Ammoudi, the property eschews Santorini’s prevailing whitewashed aesthetic for a stony, rough-hewn look — a nod to the island’s volcanic topography. The spacious 24 villas have cavelike interiors (outfitted with woven wicker walls and marble furniture) and expansive outdoor decks with private pools and views of the Aegean. “One of the few hotels on the island that has such enormous indoor and outdoor living areas,” gushed one reader. Furthermore, thanks to its prime perch just outside the main town, you won’t have to sacrifice convenience for privacy. “The hotel is in close proximity to the hustle and bustle of Oia village, but you won’t have to deal with crowds peering in on your patio,” wrote one respondent.
