Head to the Med
Summer is here along with the question of whether to travel or not. Why not look ahead to September and plan a sunny break to one of these lovely Mediterranean hideaways without the summer crowds.
OKU IBIZA, Ibiza
This Summer sees the opening of the second hotel by the lifestyle brand OKU HOTELS. Soulful living with the emphasis on slow is how this hideaway sets itself apart from other hotels on the island. This design hotel with its 184 rooms and suites is camouflaged in the hills near the bay of Cala Gració, a pristine, secluded Ibiza beach and one of the best on the island. Boasting four swimming pools (and Ibiza’s largest), two restaurants and a spa OKU is a newcomer that will captivate the curious traveller. Barefoot chic at its best.
Rates at OKU Ibiza start from £323 based on two sharing on a B&B basis. www.okuhotels.com
SANT FRANCESC HOTEL SINGULAR, Mallorca
Sant Francesc is a restored 19th-century mansion in the heart of Palma. Lovingly restored with meticulous attention to detail this historic boutique hotel is one of the best places to stay on the island. Art-lovers will appreciate the stunning contemporary art collection whilst spa and fitness junkies will love the 24-hour gym and wellbeing centre. If you’re simply after some sun and relaxation head to the rooftop pool and terrace and soak up the views. Some of the 42 rooms and suites have their own balconies and private terraces and all are light and airy. Mediterranean dishes are served in Quadrat Restaurant & Garden and on warm evenings there’s nothing nicer than dining al fresco in the lush gardens.
Rates at Sant Francesc start from £280 per night on a B&B basis.
www.thehotelguru.com
INIALA HARBOUR HOUSE, Malta
Iniala Harbour House is a brand-new architectural gem in Valletta dating back to the 19th-century. Another meticulous restoration, this time in Malta on St Barbara Bastion overlooking the spectacular Grand Harbour. Small and chic this 23-room palatial house and Residences with gym and spa delivers on every level. Iniala Harbour House was born out of Founder Mark Weingard’s passion for design, excellence, food (there’s a Michelin Star rooftop restaurant) and extraordinary service. The result is exquisite, and Iniala Harbour House has set the bar high with a new level of luxury and guest experience in Malta.
Rates at Iniala Harbour House start at £260 on a B&B basis.
www.inialamalta.com
ES RACO D’ARTA, Mallorca
Re-connect, re-set and relax in the midst of nature at this wellbeing retreat surrounded by over 500 acres of wilderness, vineyards and olive trees on one of the island’s largest rural estates. Two Mallorcan families have created this new holistic eco-friendly hideaway where programs are tailor-made to re-balance mental, physical and emotional wellbeing, something we’re all in need of right now! There’s plenty to do during your stay including painting, ceramics, astronomy lessons, guided hikes, cycling, cooking and yoga with each activity always connected to the surrounding nature. Beach babies should hop on a bike and head to Cala Torta a pretty, unspoilt beach for the morning or afternoon, it’s only 5 miles away.
Rates at Es Racó d’Artà start from around £360
www.esracodarta.com