Where To Book For Some Last-Minute Sunshine

Greece

WHERE TO STAY:

It’s all change at this five-star property, which is located on a private peninsula and surrounded by lavish Italian-style gardens and the Ionian Sea. Its collection of accommodation has recently been remodelled, and its latest suites are designed for families, while new lounges, restaurants and bars have all opened in 2018. Elsewhere its Elixir spa has undergone a makeover, and the hotel has recently launched a promenade and piazza area that offers refined or casual dining experiences. The best bit? Corfu Imperial occupies a private cove with three sandy beaches, one pebbled beach and one beach where guests can relax, dine or take part in activities such as aqua aerobics and Pilates.

Kommeno Bay, Corfu

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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK:

Etrusco

Voted ‘Best restaurant in Greece 2018’ by Greek restaurant magazine Athinorama, Etrusco should make it to the very top of any foodie’s restaurant wish list. Headed up by acclaimed chef Ettore Botrini, the restaurant is surrounded by a beautiful garden, from which the team sources raw vegetables, flowers and fruits. A number of tasting menus offer fine-dining on an intricate scale (dish names include the likes of ‘Uncle Nick Told Me…’ and ‘From Traditional To Evolution’), but expect to also sample less mysterious dishes such as swordfish carpaccio, lobster and gnocchi, and scallops with green tomatoes, olives and roe.

Kato Korakiana, Corfu

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Toula’s Restaurant

Located in Agni Bay, Toula’s taverna rests on its own little slice of beach: its outdoor terrace is the place to book a table. While looking out over the pier and waterfront, guests can tuck into traditional Greek fare cooked exceptionally well: shrimp mille-feuille, crawfish moussaka and everything from clams to sea urchins make it onto the main menu. Make sure to leave room for Toula’s ‘secret’ dessert – it’s a local favourite.

Agni Bay, Corfu

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Corfu Sailing Restaurant

The in-house restaurant at the Corfu Sailing Club is located inside an old fortress and has been popular with locals and tourists alike since it opened in 2004. The views alone are worth a trip: picture vistas across the sea and onto the old city. Decked out in a modern maritime style, this is a relaxed environment to soak up the local cuisine. Expect a menu that comprises classical Mediterranean and Greek dishes, with an emphasis on locally-caught seafood.

Corfu Town, Corfu

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Venetian Well

One of the most romantic spots on the island, this bistro overlooks the historic Kremasti Square – come summer, tables and chairs take over the space for dramatic al fresco dining. Beautifully decorated with candlelight and trailing flowers, the restaurant makes a popular spot for couples. On the menu expect to find Mediterranean classics and a cracking selection of Italian wines.

Corfu Town, Corfu

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WHAT TO SEE:

Scuba diving

Corfu has a reputation for being one of the best scuba venues in Greece. Around northeastern Corfu, Agní Reef is one of the most popular destinations, both for certification classes and advanced divers. There’s a wreck to explore at the 40-metre mark, plus a range of soft-coral specimens, octopus, groupers and grey tuna to observe.

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France

WHERE TO STAY:

Villa Marie

Located on the hillside of Ramatuelle, in a seven-acre parasol pine forest looking out over the sea and the city, Villa Marie is a beautiful getaway just outside the centre of Saint-Tropez. Within, there are 45 uniquely designed rooms and suites. Dressed in subtle pastel shades and filled with antique touches, the hotel oozes bohemia. Outside, the greenhouse overflows with succulents, making it a perfect place for relaxation, plus there’s a natural rock lagoon to swim in. Stylish in-house restaurant Dolce Vita cooks up bold Riviera-inspired cuisine – think bouillabaisse, john dory with crispy bacon and peas; and truffle linguini.

Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez

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La Reserve Ramatuelle

Perched on the heights of Ramatuelle, this hotel and spa offers beautiful natural surroundings in which to escape the buzzing atmosphere of the main city. Great for groups, the property offers three, four, five and six-bedroom villas, which all face onto the sea. Couples can opt for one of the 19 suites and eight bedrooms, which all come with private terraces. All guests automatically gain access to the impeccable spa – which offers 11 treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, steam room and fitness room, and an entrance to the Mediterranean. Undo all that detoxing with a meal at La Voile, where highlights include chicken and lobster served with lobster and mascarpone ravioli; and poached peach and verbena souffle.

Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez

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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK:

La Vague d'Or

One for very special occasions, this three-Michelin-starred eatery from Arnaud Donckele invites guests on a journey from land to sea. In the dining room, Thierry Di Tullio and his team immerse diners in the cuisine of Provence. World-beating dishes on the àla carte menu include: yellowtail and spider crab marinated in lemon zest and bergamot; young rabbit with absinthe and bacon; and apricot, almond and wild thyme soufflé with almond ice-cream. Throughout the season, guests can dine in the elegant restaurant or on the umbrella-lined terrace for a dinner with unparalleled views of the sea.

Plage de Bouillabaisse, Saint Tropez

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Napoleon

A must-visit since 1999, Salama was a Moroccan hotspot that offered guests an aromatic journey from the edge of the Orient to the heart of Saint Tropez. Now, the restaurant has reopened as Napoleon, a slick new space that offers an international menu right by the city’s historic port. Top dishes include quesadillas with black angus beef, scamorza cheese and chimichurri sauce; skipjack ceviche with satay, lime, seaweed salad and black sesame; and lobster salad with citrus quinoa.

Rue des Tisserands, Saint Tropez

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Club 55

Famous since the 1950s, when Bridgette Bardot would enjoy long lunches here whilst filming …And God Created Woman, Club 55 is still as sought-after today. Occupying a stretch of Pampelonne beach, the club retains its sense of classic elegance. We’re not going to pretend it isn’t pricey, but if your budget won’t stretch to dinner, make sure to swing by ‘Cinquante-Cinq’ for a drink – a glass of wine will set you back about £8.

Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez

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Spain

WHERE TO STAY:

Can Tres

White sand beaches, cool restaurants, hippie markets and clear blue waters – Formentera hotspot Can Tres offers all this and more at its Cami de Can Simonet location. With a stylish, minimal look, it’s a calm retreat away from neighbouring Ibiza, and this theme translates into the property’s apartments. We particularly like the look of the Can Aire suites, which offer white stone floors, marmoline walls, vegetal ceilings, hanging beds and a neutral palette complimented by accents of blue, coral and green. Activities such as daily yoga and kitesurfing can be arranged by the team.

Camí de Can Simonet, Formentera

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Gecko Hotel & Beach Club

Billing itself as ‘a barefoot-chic riviera’ this hotel is located right on the beach at Migjorn. Inspired by the international jet-set who started enjoying their summers in the Spanish shores, Gecko brings back the seaside elegance of the 1950s. Throughout, expect a neutral, white-washed look cut through by dashes of cobalt blue. We like the sound of its ‘superior’ rooms which come with a private patio or panoramic terrace, although guests staying in other suites can still soak up the sun at the beach club, which offers cabanas, hammocks and late-night parties. Yoga and wellness treatments are an option, and guests shouldn’t miss the in-house Mediterranean restaurant that’s located right on the sand.

Playa Migjorn, FormenteraVisit GeckoBeachClub.com

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK:

Juan Y Andrea

Founded in 1971, this long-standing restaurant continues to be one of the island’s most popular eateries – and with good reason. Originally a small beach bar, today the site encompasses an award-winning restaurant, beach access and a clutch of imposing palm trees. The focus here is on seafood: make sure to test-drive the likes of clams marinara, lobster paella and the team’s speciality, salt fish. The wine list focuses on whites, cavas and champagne ­– perfect for beachside sipping in the sun.

Playa Illetes, Formentera

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Beso Beach

Beso Beach Formentera is found at the edge of Ses Salines, a natural park and biological reserve surrounded by white sand and crystal-clear sea. Given its proximity to the water, guests can expect to sample plenty of fresh seafood cooked Mediterranean style (with a hint of Basque influence). As per the other Beso Beach sites in Ibiza, Sitges and Tulum, expect the rustic cabana to transform into a chilled-out party pad once dinner service is over.

Playa de Cavall d´en Borràs, Formentera

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WHAT TO SEE:

Playa Ses Illetes beach

Located within the Ses Salines natural park in the northern part of the island, this beach’s mix of white sand and pink coral dust is just one of the reasons it’s a Unesco World Heritage site.

Es Calo Des Mort beach

A small cove, surrounded by rocky cliffs, Es Cal Des Mort makes one of the most picturesque places for an early morning or late afternoon visit. Trust us, there’s a reason its renowned as being one of Formentera's top spots for sunset.

Spain

WHERE TO STAY:

Sant Francesc

An elegant boutique hotel in the old town of Palma de Mallora, this 42-bedroom property dates back to the 1880s. Renovated and relaunched in 2015, the hotel mixes contemporary design with original architecture to create a refined retreat. Within, the Quadrant restaurant offers a taste of the Mediterranean, while the Lobby Bar and Patio Mallorquin are the places to head for well-turned cocktails. The rooftop terrace, complete with panoramic views and a swimming pool, doubles as a backdrop for evening glasses of cava. Its wellbeing sanctuary will work wonders the following day.

Plaça de Sant Francesc, Palma

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Purohotel Palma

Billing itself as a ‘wellbeing oasis’, this modern boutique hotel is located in an 18th-century mansion in the centre of the city. With a minimalist interior and an urbane spa that offers everything from meditation to massages, the hotel offers guests a calming place to escape for a city break. It’s not all rest and relaxation, though. Across the hotel, there are a number of weekly events that encourage locals and visitors to partake in Lazy Fridays – where tapas and wine flow all afternoon – and Miami Grill, where the rooftop is transformed into a US-style barbecue. Elsewhere there’s access to Puro’s very own slice of the beach, and the Private Wing, where groups can take over 11 bedrooms, a terrace, jacuzzi and show kitchen.

Carrer de Montenegro, Palma

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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Arrels by Marga Coll

Located in the five-star Gran Melia de Mar hotel, Arrels by Marga Coll offers diners an unusual take on Balearic cuisine, all against the backdrop of the sea. At lunch and dinner, expect a daily-changing seven-course tasting menu – Coll personally selects ingredients each morning to decide what will go onto the menu that day. For something different, head to the restaurant for breakfast. A ‘taste and sensory experience’ lasting over two hours, expect an exquisite five-stage tour of Balearic gastronomy, from local yoghurts to melt-in-the-mouth pastries.

Gran Melia de Mar, Palma

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Adrian Quetglas Restaurant

High-end food at an accessible price, Adrian Quetglas offers a decent set-price lunch that offers international dishes (Adrian was born in Buenos Aires, and has trained in London, Paris and Moscow) with a Mediterranean filter. Using natural ingredients, traditional recipes and avant-garde techniques, expect to sample the likes of confit sea bass with carbon couscous and pickles; followed by cream of broccoli with guinea fowl truffles and mushroom dust; cod, chorizo and smoked cheese; black pork cheeks with buckwheat, beetroot and dill mousse; and a Piña Colada dessert, all for €33.

Passeig de Mallorca, Palma

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WHAT TO SEE:

Balearen Segeln

Balearen Segeln offers Mallorca day trips on the water for two to 200 guests. Aboard a catamaran or yacht, guests can enjoy the spoils of the beautiful coastline from the sea, and swim and snorkel in the clear waters of Mallorca’s natural bays. Parasailing, catering and additional speedboats can all be arranged.

Avinguda de Gabriel Roca, Palma

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Nikki Beach Mallorca

Those after a beach club vibe should head to Nikki Beach, a luxury oceanfront spot that features white sands, an award-winning restaurant, cabana bar, pool and boutique. It’s the ultimate destination for locals and visitors alike to spend carefree afternoons and memorable nights against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. Don’t forget to book its well-loved Sunday Champagne Brunch.

Avenida Notario Alemany, Palma

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Cyprus

WHERE TO STAY:

Anassa

Run by Thanos Hotels – a family-run collection of five-star hotels in Cyprus – Anassa comes with a solid set of credentials. Located on the rugged west Cyprus peninsular of Akamas, the beachfront property sits between olive groves and white sands. Its 166 elegant bedrooms, suites and private villas are all arranged like a traditional village around the hotel’s four freshwater swimming pools, tennis courts, four restaurants and its award-winning Thalassa spa. There are two kids’ clubs too, making it an ideal spot for families.

Latchi, Paphos

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Almyra

Almyra offers a laidback and elegant take on Mediterranean luxury that’s just as ideal for young couples as it is for groups of friends and families: its sleek accommodation comprises 187 stylish rooms or suites, where you can create your own group arrangements from dozens of interconnecting rooms. Within, there are five organic restaurants, indoor and outdoor swimming pools (complete with daybeds and everything you need for a relaxing stay), plus a spa. Rock climbing, pony treks, rooftop yoga and sailing excursions can all be arranged by the team.

Poseidonos Avenue, Paphos

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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Muse

Tucked away in old town Paphos and right by the seafront, Muse is a locals’ choice when it comes to must-have dinner reservations. A family-run restaurant, Muse is open from brunch right through to dinner and serves up classic Cypriot fare. Come weekends, its al fresco terrace is the place to head for drinks and views over the coastline.

Andrea Ioannou, Paphos

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7 St Georges Tavern

Mezze is the main attraction at 7 St Georges Tavern: here, owner George and his family grow, dry and pickle everything from wild asparagus to wild mushrooms, focusing on seasonal ingredients. Located in a traditional house a few miles from the city centre, the pretty vine-covered courtyard makes a pretty special dining spot come evening. The kleftiko (oven-baked lamb) is a must order.

Yeroskipou, Paphos

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WHAT TO SEE:

Aphrodite’s Rock

Petra tou Romiou, also known as Aphrodite's Rock, is a famous sea stack just off Paphos. An ancient mythical site, this is also a killer spot for sunsets and sunrises – rough waters mean it’s not always ideal for swimming. Instead, head to the nearby Aphrodite Hill Resort for sundowners and spectacular views.

Kouklia, Paphos

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