Our travel diary for the months ahead includes a revitalised Cambodian icon, a glamorous new floating hotel by Edinburgh’s waterside at Leith and a classic beachfront hangout near Barcelona
Island eyrie
Carpe Diem is located in medieval Pyrgos, Santorini’s highest village, and guests have a stunning 270-degree view over what is arguably Greece’s most romantic island. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and very private, the hotel has a discreet and minimal aesthetic – pure white buildings dressed with black lava rock, streamlined and luxurious in-room décor and sophisticated tech. There’s a private butler service for every one of the ten lavish suites, each of which has a private plunge pool. For those in the know, the Astra suite is the one to choose – it was purpose designed for honeymooners The fine-dining restaurant is only open to guests and there’s a further meze and wine restaurant for local flavours and signature cocktails. carpediemsantorini.com
Destination Devon
One of North Devon’s classic hotels, Saunton Sands, has opened Source Spa and Wellness, designed to make the very most of this Art Deco gem’s peerless location overlooking Saunton Beach. This has inspired the décor of the spa, which features clean lines and superb views over the Atlantic. It spans three floors and features indoor swimming pool, thermal suite and infinity vitality salt pool with views to the beach on level one. Level two offers six treatment rooms – including one for couples with panoramic sea views. The top floor comprises rooftop terrace and sun room. Signature treaments include Calming Waters, a facial designed to replicate soothing waves. Beyond the spa, the hotel offers boundless nature with horseriding and watersports among the attractions. It is open all year round. sauntonsands.co.uk
Costa cool
Barcelona is on everyone’s hitlist for short breaks, but Sitges on the palm-fringed Costa Barcelona is well worth a visit either independently or in combination with the Catalan capital. ME Sitges, from Meliá, was formerly the Terramar Palace, a 1930s gem right on the beach. Interiors are contemporary and chic and it has a beach bar offering Bali Beds as well as sunbeds for beachside lounging. There’s also an oyster bar, pool bar and the Radio Rooftop, an eighth-floor space offering panoramic views. With the mountainous Parc Natural de Garraf lying beyond the town, there is plenty of opportunity to explore wild Catalan scenery while the old town of Sitges is a jumble of lovely cobbled streets, great shopping and historic buildings. There is a lively nightclub and straight and gay bar scene, and it hosts a variety of annual festivals – including one dedicated to tango. mebymelia.com
All aboard
Fingal is a new luxury floating hotel permanently moored in Edinburgh’s buzzy waterfront quarter Leith. From the team behind Royal Yacht Britannia, it has a fascinating history as a former lighthouse tender, helping to transport keepers and kit around some of the UK’s most treacherous waters. With 23 luxury cabins, classic bar, outdoor deck for cocktails and a superb ballroom that seats up to 60 people, we think it’s the Scottish capital’s new hot-ticket for both luxury minimoons and elegant on-board weddings. fingal.co.uk
Athens retreat
No one can deny Athens’ beauty, but it can be quite oppressive in the heat of summer. Now Santikos Collections has opened its first city hotel The Alex in the port city of Piraeus on the Athens Riviera. It’s close to the capital – just 15 minutes’ drive – and makes a perfect retreat from city heat. Located on top of Kastella’s Hill, the 34-room hotel overlooks the small harbour of Microlimano, lined with fishing boats, yachts and a host of bars. Its elegant rooftop restaurant and bar, The Nest, offers distant views of Athens’ treasures, including The Acropolis. Piraeus was once a favourite spot for Greek shipping tycoons, including Stavros Niarchos and Aristottle Onassis. It was Onassis’ dream to create an international business and tourism centre here, and his dream may yet come true. santikoscollection.com
Cambodian gem
Following extensive renovation, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia has reopened its doors. The hotel is known as gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. Opened in 1932, it has played host to, among others, Charlie Chaplin and Jacqueline Kennedy, and is famous for its landmark Elephant Bar as well as its fantastic swimming pool – a popular spot in Siem Reap for light lunches and cocktails alfresco. Fine Deco architectural features include its wonderful traditional cage lift in the lobby. It’s the perfect Cambodian experience in combination with sister Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, also recently renovated and celebrating its 90th birthday this year. raffles.com
MORE TRAVEL INSPIRATION?
A Maltese gem in the heart of Valletta, read our review of The Phoenicia
