5 European Destinations To Soak Up The Last Of The Summer Sun

Given the unspoilt, rustic nature of the island of Tinos, it comes as a surprise that it’s just a 15-minute boat ride from Mykonos. The dramatic, rugged landscape of this charming Cyclades gem is punctuated by the greenery of sprawling vineyards and olive groves, as well as quintessential white-washed villages. Odera is an idyllically understated new opening on the island, decked in traditional Tinian stonework and marble furnishings, and hidden in a peaceful bay with a private beach. Every room and suite here has a scintillating Aegean outlook, and the wellness offering is extensive – which is apt for a hotel where the ethos is all about slowing down, unwinding and soaking up the natural beauty of a secret delight.

Hot and thrumming in the height of summer, the South of France takes on a hazy, golden charm come September and October. In the Old Town of Nice, Hôtel du Couvent is a recent addition to the Cote d’Azur’s sublime hotel scene. A sunshine-hued 16th-century monastery that has been meticulously reimagined, there is a beautiful candlelit cloister restaurant at the heart of the surrounding convent buildings, where peaceful monastic rooms and scenic sea-view apartments are adorned with breezy linens, antiques and works of art. The resident herbalist and onsite bakery fill the courtyard with tempting aromas, while the steps up through the winding terraced gardens reveal the swimming pool, which offers up views across the picturesque Nice rooftops, stretching all the way out to the sea.

The Balearics are a beloved late-summer getaway, becoming all the more beautiful when the high-season crowds have gone and the temperatures become a little more comfortable. In the foothills of the Unesco World Heritage Tramuntana mountains, Grand Hotel Son Net is a marvellous addition to Mallorca’s hotel scene. Dating back to 1672, the once-private, prestigious Majorcan estate has been artfully restored, retaining its palatial splendor and relaxed Mediterranean ambience across the hotel – from the 31 bedrooms and suites to the two-storey spa and wellness space. There are many places to enjoy the island’s climes in the extensive grounds and just beyond, encompassing citrus orchards, beautifully tended gardens, a farm and private vineyard, plus an array of glorious swimming pools lined with loungers and cabanas.

For the most exquisite taste of la dolce vita, the Italian Riviera is a perennially perfect spot, from the enchanting, teetering villages of the Cinque Terre to the majestically vivid Portofino. With the most privileged perch up in the Portofino hills, Belmond’s Splendido is a heavenly locale from which to marvel at the Ligurian gulf in all its glittering glory – whether from your balcony, or while tucking into regional delicacies on the restaurant terrace or dipping into the swimming pool surrounded by a white-and-pink-marble deck. Those who prefer being in the bustle of it all may wish to stay in the chic Splendido Mare guesthouse, which sits below, in Portofino’s main piazzetta, its doors opening directly into the iconic and alluring harbor.

Where sea, mountains and Mediterranean climes meet: the Andalusian coast is always in style, but it takes on an elevated sun-drenched dreaminess towards the end of summer. Having recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, the legendary Marbella Club is renowned for its melting pot of beachside glamour, blissful, holistic wellbeing, botanical gardens, and fresh, alfresco dining – not to mention the thoughtfully designed rooms and residences in which soothing palettes and natural materials imbue relaxation and comfort. Whether your vacation calling is long beach-club lunches, courtyard cocktails, coastal hikes or personalized therapies and training – or, better yet, or combination of them all – the dazzling backdrop of blues makes every detail here more magical.

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