If you’re hoping to enjoy a couples’ trip in Europe, there are few better ways to make it unforgettable than staying at a luxurious resort. From castle stays in the Emerald Isle to spa resorts in the Swiss Alps, a wide range of magical options await. As these are the best of the best, be sure to book well in advance and then prepare for the experience of a lifetime.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
Built nearly 800 years ago, Ashford Castle is often named among or at the top of the world’s most spectacular castles. Transformed into a luxury hotel in the 1930s, shortly after Ernest Guinness sold the estate to the Irish government, the 350-acre estate overlooks the glistening blue waters of Lough Corrib and is surrounded by lush forest. Highly popular for romantic getaways and weddings, the staterooms, located in the oldest part of the boast original fireplaces and claw-foot bathtubs that make for the ideal couples’ stay.
Vigilius Mountain Resort - South Tyrol, Italy
Set in the far north of Italy in South Tyrol, Vigilius Mountain Resort offers an especially tranquil stay for couples, accessed by a cable car, as the property is totally car-free. It provides awe-inspiring views of the Dolomite Mountains and is also home to a 13th-century church, which adds to the already romantic ambiance. Explore unspoiled forests and bubbling springs before coming back to relax in the spa that serves up treatments utilizing the freshwater of Vigiljoch Springs, believed to have healing powers.
Zhero Hotel - Kappl, Austria
Tucked between the Verwall, Samnaun and Silvretta mountain ranges in southern Austria, Zhero Hotel combines the best in comforts, innovative design and world-class outdoor adventures for the ultimate Alpine experience. Look forward to refreshing dips in over 65-foot-long pool, the largest in the region, and choose from a wide range of classic and exotic massage therapies along with treatments designed for deep relaxation. Penthouse suites boast private butler service, a Jacuzzi, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a kitchen, and much more.
Lindos Blu - Rhodes Island, Greece
This boutique resort sits on a tranquil hillside overlooking the dazzling expanse of the sapphire Mediterranean Sea and provides direct access to a private beach. Catering to adults only, it’s ideal for any type of romantic retreat, with all of its rooms, suites and villas providing a breathtaking panorama of Vlicha Bay. Guests also have access to a tennis court, spa, sauna, steam room, gym and two pools. Dining options include the Five Senses Gourmet Restaurant, Smeraldo, Luna Rossa Lounge Bar and the Allegro Pool Bar.
Badrutt's Palace Hotel - St. Moritz, Switzerland
There is no better place to stay in glamorous St. Moritz than Badrutt’s Palace, a historic, internationally-renowned luxury hotel providing exceptional mountain views and a gorgeous pristine lake. Setting the standard for over-the-top opulence for over a century, it hosts high-end spas, five-star dining, a private nightclub and extraordinary service. Rub elbows with the world’s elite while indulging in mud baths, re-energizing in the stunning indoor and outdoor pools, as well as taking part in outdoor adventures among some of the world’s most jaw-dropping mountain scenery.
Glengorm Castle - Isle of Mull, Scotland
Set on the northern tip of the Isle of Mull in Scotland, Glengorm Castle is a great base for couples who want to enjoy walks among stunning scenery as well as unforgettable views of Ardnamurchan and the Sound of Mull. If it gets chilly out, you can always cozy up together by the warmth of the roaring fire in the main hall. There’s even complimentary whisky in the library, stocked with a vast amount of reading material, along with an open fire. The Brontë-esque structure of turrets and towers consists of self-catering apartments. The sprawling 5,000-acre estate also includes highland cattle and blackface sheep and is surrounded by moorland, clifftops and picture-perfect beaches that are home to eagles, otters and orchids.
Marriott Playa Andaluza - Estepona, Spain
Lying along the Costa del Sol in the charming town of Estepona, this beachfront resort is near the exclusive “Millionaire’s Paradise” of Puerto Banus. It is made up of two- and three bedroom apartments that include master suites with oversized soaking tubs, fully-equipped kitchens, separate living and dining areas, and even washers and dryers. Expect all the conveniences of home along with breathtaking sea views. Enjoy relaxing on the rooftop terrace as well as unsurpassed dining experiences at the Solara Restaurant & Bar overlooking the Mediterranean.
Grand Villa Argentina - Dubrovnik, Croatia
A 5-star luxury resort hotel, the Grand Villa Argentina blends the old and the new with a historic villa and a modern building surrounded by lush gardens with Mediterranean vegetation. It boasts an idyllic waterfront location near old town Dubrovnik, featuring a sandy, private beach and seaside pool. Fine dining experiences provide lots of opportunities for relaxing and enjoying a delectable array of offerings. The terrace is perfect for gazing out at glorious sunsets over the sea while the spa offers body scrubs, facials, massages, manicures and pedicures, along with an indoor pool and fitness center.
Aman Sveti Stefan - Montenegro
One of the most iconic images associated with Montenegro is of the tiny islet known as Sveti Stefan, attached to the mainland by a narrow isthmus across the bay from Villa Milocer and the resort’s stand-alone Aman Spa. A former fortified village dating to the 15th century, it’s filled with winding cobbled lanes and unforgettable sea views. Aman Sveti Stefan sits across a magnificent coastline with pink sand beaches and offers a variety of accommodation options, each completely unique and decorated in an elegant fashion. The Aman Spa has four treatment rooms, each with its own fireplace for use during the winter months, an extensive treatment menu, an indoor heated pool, a yoga studio with daily complimentary sessions, a gym, a finishing salon and hydrotherapy rooms.
Le Mas Candille - Mougins, France
This magnificent hotel in the south of France overlooking the medieval village of Mougins was originally an 18th-century farmhouse. It retains the intimate, home-like atmosphere while offering multiple luxuries like Michelin-starred dining, a Shiseido spa and views of the Cote d’Azur near Cannes and Grasse. Guests enjoy high-end suites and rooms and a Japanese Zen atmosphere in the spa aimed to relieve stress with a wide variety of treatments. The resort also features a relaxation room, Jacuzzi, sauna, fitness, hydrotherapy pool and three swimming pools.
*Le Mas Candille is closed for renovations through Spring 2024.
