Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today : Top 10 best luxury beach resorts in Europe

Each year, millions of tourists are enjoying a sundrenched summer holiday in Europe's southern regions. However, the Mediterranean Sea – where Europe's most fabulous coastal resorts are located – is not particularly known for its beaches, which often tend to be narrow and composed of pebbles, mostly explained by the fact that the Mediterranean Sea has tides of a very low amplitude due to its very narrow outlet/inlet into the Atlantic Ocean. Nevertheless, it's the Europe's prime summer playground, offering spectacular natural scenery including ancient pine forests and scalloped bays. Here's my selection of Europe's most fabulous beach resorts where you can treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable holiday.

There is more info below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite beach resort in Europe in the comments section.

Ce diaporama nécessite JavaScript.

*** Follow me on InstagramYoutubeTwitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***


10. VERDURA RESORT, A ROCCO FORTE HOTEL, SICILY, ITALY

Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is set in South Sicily with 1.8 km (1,2 mi) of private coastline. The contemporary architecture combines luxury with simplicity that is in keeping with the local culture. There are 168 rooms, 32 suites and a dozen private villas, all with sea view. The property's four restaurants enchants the senses with menus inspired by traditional Sicilian cuisine. The resort's award-winning spa offers holistic treatments and health programs. Golfers from all over the world come to enjoy the two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole par-three course.

  • Hotel websiteVerdura Resort, a Rocce Forte Hotel
  • Other accolades: Verdura Resort, a Rocce Forte Hotel, also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Sicily.
  • Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
  • Review: read my review of Verdura Resort here.

VERDURA RESORT, A ROCCO FORTE HOTEL, SICILY, ITALY


9. DAIOS COVE LUXURY RESORT & VILLAS, CRETE, GREECE

Located in a spectacular private bay on Crete's northeast coast, Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas evokes the intimate charm of the traditional villages found throughout the Greek isles, expressed in an elegant, contemporary architecture. Blending in with its rugged and dramatic surroundings, the property - one of the best beach resorts in Europe - boasts spacious rooms, suites, and villas that bring the beauty of the outside in, some with their own private pool. Facilities include an award-winning spa, direct access to a private beach, a magnificent infinity pool, and several gourmet dining options.

  • Hotel websiteDaios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
  • Other accolades: Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Crete.
  • Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit or one complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people per room).
  • Review: read my review of Daois Cove Luxury Resort & Villas here.

DAIOS COVE LUXURY RESORT & VILLAS, CRETE, GREECE


8. BORGO IGNAZIA, ITALY

Borgo Egnazia is a visionary interpretation of a Puglian village, a "nowhere else" place embodying the true essence of Puglia. Located in Savelletri di Fasano, among millennial olive groves beside the blue Adriatic Sea, it is open all year and offers a beguiling portfolio of rooms, casettas, and villas. It features Vair, the tradition-based spa, and San Domenico Golf Club, one of the best courses in Italy. With four sparkling pools (two heated), nearby beaches, paddle and tennis courts, cookery school, kids' and teens' clubs, and "nowhere else" experiences, this hotel offers something for all types of travelers.

  • Hotel website: Borgo Egnazia
  • Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

BORGO IGNAZIA, ITALY


7. THE ROMANOS, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, GREECE

Set amid lush olive groves and overlooking the Ionian Sea, The Romanos offers a distinctive and inspiring environment of genuine luxury and heartfelt hospitality. Choose from 321 beautifully appointed guest rooms, suites, and villas – be sure to book one of the 128 that have their own infinity-edge pool. Dine on local and international culinary flavors in numerous unique venues. Activities such as philosophy walks and olive harvesting are sure to pique your interest, and set aside time to indulge at Anazoe Spa, with special therapies based on ancient Greek practices and oleotherapy treatments.

  • Hotel websiteThe Romanos
  • Other accolades: The Romanos also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Greece.
  • Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, late check-out, and daily breakfast for 2).

THE ROMANOS, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, GREECE


6. FORTE VILLAGE HOTEL IL CASTELLO, SARDINIA, ITALY

Well-heeled hedonists feel right at home at the 218-room Hotel Il Castello at Forte Village Resort. Set in an exclusive enclave on the southern coast of Sardinia, this resort provides a stupefying choice of diversions: beachcombing, gourmet dining, thalassotherapy, youth soccer led by Chelsea Football Club coaches, fashion fittings from the foremost Italian labels, and more. Il Castello guests enjoy their own pool and have direct access to one of the Med's best beaches; suites come with heady extras, including a private butler and chef service. Twenty-one restaurants take you on a culinary world tour.

  • Hotel website: Forte Village Hotel Castello
  • Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, $100 USD resort credit, a complimentary round of golf for up to two people, complimentary spa access with use of thalasso pools, and 20% discount on spa treatments).

FORTE VILLAGE HOTEL IL CASTELLO, SARDINIA, ITALY

Read more of this post