Southern Europe's New Luxury Retreats Redefine Summer Travel
Southern Europe continues to redefine luxury travel with hotels that blend history, design, and natural beauty. Three standout retreats—Gundari in Folegandros, One&Only Kea Island in Greece, and Vermehlo Hotel in Portugal—offer unique experiences, from cliffside infinity pools to Michelin-starred dining and designer interiors. These destinations turn summer into an art form, where architecture meets landscape and time seems to slow.
On the Greek island of Folegandros, Gundari combines understated elegance with dramatic coastal views. The retreat features 27 suites and villas, most built underground or carved into cliffs, ensuring shelter from the strong northern meltemi winds. Infinity pools merge with the Aegean horizon, while the dining experience is led by Lefteris Lazarou, Greece's first Michelin-starred chef and a seafood specialist.
Near Athens, One&Only Kea Island opened last year with 63 villas, four bars, and two restaurants. A 100-metre private beach with hammocks invites relaxation, while the resort's construction reused every stone excavated from the peninsula, preserving the island's raw beauty.
Meanwhile, in Portugal's Alentejo region, Vermehlo Hotel stands out with its bold, eclectic design. French shoe designer Christian Louboutin shaped its interiors, blending Spanish and local Alentejo influences. The 13-room hotel offers rustic cuisine, excursions to a historic village centre, and a market hall rich in tradition.
These retreats reflect a broader trend in southern Europe, where coastal roads, olive groves, and hidden villages set the stage for effortless summer living.
Each of these hotels offers more than just a stay—they provide a curated way of life. Gundari's cliffside seclusion, One&Only's sustainable luxury, and Vermehlo's designer flair highlight the region's ability to merge history with modern indulgence. For travellers seeking exclusivity, architecture, and a slower pace, southern Europe's latest retreats deliver.
