There’s something grounding about being on an island; maybe it’s the edges, the sense that the world stops at the water. The best ones don’t just offer beaches; they have character, flaws even, that make them real. Luxury here isn’t flash or loud; it’s thoughtful, lived-in, a bit like being let in on a secret. 

Travel is undergoing a reset. The traditional holiday of cocktails by the pool and indulgent buffets is being replaced by something deeper and more restorative. Today, wellness is not a passing trend, it is a driving force in the industry. According to the Global Wellness Institute, 77% of travellers now actively seek wellness elements when booking a trip. With the global wellness travel market forecast to hit $1.3 trillion by 2027, this shift is far more than a luxury add-on. It represents a fundamental change in how we define travel itself.

There’s no better place to truly relax and unwind than somewhere overlooking the beautiful coast. These destinations provide guests with unrivalled scenery, a laid-back vibe and utter privacy. Think hidden coves, private terraces and luxury villas overlooking the sea.

Tucked away in the timeless fishing village of Chora Sfakion, The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel offers more than a luxury escape – it invites travellers into the rhythm of Cretan life. Framed by the Libyan Sea on one side and the island’s untamed mountains on the other, this understated yet beautifully curated hideaway redefines what it means to stay somewhere "authentic."

There’s something rather wonderful about family-run hotels in Greece – they just get it. At Theos Village Hotel & Apartments in Kato Daratso, just 3.5 km from the Venetian streets of Chania, the welcome is warm, the setting peaceful, and the experience refreshingly real.

Katikies, Santorini, one of the best boutique hotels in the Greek Islands

My Mykonos Retreat is a fantastic alternative to a boutique hotel on Mykonos…