DESTINATION GPS
European Hotlist
European Hotlist
Discover unique and luxurious stays in Europe’s most in-demand destinations via Classic Vacations.
Where will you stay? Once the destination is chosen, this becomes the leading question, as hotels and resorts have the power to define your ultimate travel experience. Here, we curate five choice European destinations, and unique, luxurious spots to stay in each one.

Spain
The resplendent city of Granada is known for the Alhambra palace and the stunning Moorish culture and architecture of the Albaicín. Here, the centrally located Hospes Palacio de los Patos hotel—in a meticulously restored 19th-century UNESCO-protected palace—is a royal escape unto itself, complete with its terrace garden and fountains and the luxe Bodyna Spa.

Austria
A sister to the Sacher in Vienna, Hotel Sacher Salzburg has been family owned since 1934. On the banks of the Salzach River, rooms with river-facing terraces offer stunning views of the heart of the old city (and birthplace of Mozart), surrounded by ancient cliffs, a palace, and modern art museum. Inside, there’s a spa, three restaurants, and the café where the original Sachertorte was created.

Italy
For the Sicilian villa experience, travelers are making their way to the fishing port of Mazara del Vallo, where the Almar Giardino di Costanza Resort & Spa boasts a 8,200-square-foot, hot-spring-fed spa, as well as a gym, gourmet restaurant, and private beach just 15 minutes from reception. On the island’s southwest shore is the hilltop city of Agrigento, where the Villa Athena Resort Boutique Hotel offers unparalleled access to UNESCO-protected ancient marvels—including private access to the Temple of Concordia archaeological zone. On site, relax by the pool, or take in views of ancient ruins from the fine dining restaurant, La Terrazza degli Dei (“terrace of the gods”).
On Italy’s Austria border, the Dolomites mountain province of South Tyrol bridges Italian and Bavarian culture. In an ancient village, the COMO Alpina Dolomites is nestled into UNESCO-protected sheer cliffs on Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow. The 60 guest rooms feature traditional furnishings handcrafted by local artisans, and breathtaking panoramic views of jagged peaks and verdant meadows.

Scotland
From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the ancient village of Kilmartin Glen, the famous Loch Ness lake (and infamous Loch Ness Monster) to the world’s best whiskey distilleries, Scotland is steeped in rich culture and mysticism. In the capital city of Edinburgh, both 100 Princes Street and The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton, offer unparalleled views of Edinburgh Castle—celebrated as one of Europe’s oldest structures, dating back to the Iron Age. 100 Princes Street is situated in the former headquarters of the Royal Overseas League, reimagined with 30 guest rooms and suites that exude modern luxury while still maintaining the vibes of its original elite members club. The Caledonian Edinburgh was built inside part of the grand Caledonian Railway, circa 1903. The hotel lounge was once the station concourse and ticket office, while the guest rooms and suites nod to its Victorian heritage with opulent decor and upholstery inspired by the property’s original coats of arms.

Greece
In Parga, Elix Marbella Collection provides sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and nearby islands. A Condé Nast Traveler’s Hotlist pick, guests can indulge in on-site amenities including private infinity pools, a spa, gym, and tennis court fit for pros. There are ample opportunities for private tours, from watersport adventures to hiking and cycling in the surrounding pine forests. Another must-do: visit Karavostasi beach via funicular railway or a hike along a tree-shaded path.
In an ancient olive grove on Corfu, the 5-star Domes Miramare, A Luxury Collection features four bars, four inviting pools, three acclaimed restaurants specializing in neo-Greek cuisine, and the Soma Spa, with a menu of services that blend modern luxury and ancient ritual. The marvels of Corfu are just a private speedboat ride away. And in Milos, minutes from the famed Sarakiniko beach, the adults-only Domes White Coast is a modern architectural marvel featuring 30 opulent seaside suites, each with a private terrace and infinity plunge pool overlooking the Aegean.
Discover the best of Europe via Classic Vacations.
DESTINATION GPS
European Hotlist
European Hotlist
Discover unique and luxurious stays in Europe’s most in-demand destinations via Classic Vacations.
Where will you stay? Once the destination is chosen, this becomes the leading question, as hotels and resorts have the power to define your ultimate travel experience. Here, we curate five choice European destinations, and unique, luxurious spots to stay in each one.

Spain
The resplendent city of Granada is known for the Alhambra palace and the stunning Moorish culture and architecture of the Albaicín. Here, the centrally located Hospes Palacio de los Patos hotel—in a meticulously restored 19th-century UNESCO-protected palace—is a royal escape unto itself, complete with its terrace garden and fountains and the luxe Bodyna Spa.

Austria
A sister to the Sacher in Vienna, Hotel Sacher Salzburg has been family owned since 1934. On the banks of the Salzach River, rooms with river-facing terraces offer stunning views of the heart of the old city (and birthplace of Mozart), surrounded by ancient cliffs, a palace, and modern art museum. Inside, there’s a spa, three restaurants, and the café where the original Sachertorte was created.

Italy
For the Sicilian villa experience, travelers are making their way to the fishing port of Mazara del Vallo, where the Almar Giardino di Costanza Resort & Spa boasts a 8,200-square-foot, hot-spring-fed spa, as well as a gym, gourmet restaurant, and private beach just 15 minutes from reception. On the island’s southwest shore is the hilltop city of Agrigento, where the Villa Athena Resort Boutique Hotel offers unparalleled access to UNESCO-protected ancient marvels—including private access to the Temple of Concordia archaeological zone. On site, relax by the pool, or take in views of ancient ruins from the fine dining restaurant, La Terrazza degli Dei (“terrace of the gods”).
On Italy’s Austria border, the Dolomites mountain province of South Tyrol bridges Italian and Bavarian culture. In an ancient village, the COMO Alpina Dolomites is nestled into UNESCO-protected sheer cliffs on Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow. The 60 guest rooms feature traditional furnishings handcrafted by local artisans, and breathtaking panoramic views of jagged peaks and verdant meadows.

Scotland
From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the ancient village of Kilmartin Glen, the famous Loch Ness lake (and infamous Loch Ness Monster) to the world’s best whiskey distilleries, Scotland is steeped in rich culture and mysticism. In the capital city of Edinburgh, both 100 Princes Street and The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton, offer unparalleled views of Edinburgh Castle—celebrated as one of Europe’s oldest structures, dating back to the Iron Age. 100 Princes Street is situated in the former headquarters of the Royal Overseas League, reimagined with 30 guest rooms and suites that exude modern luxury while still maintaining the vibes of its original elite members club. The Caledonian Edinburgh was built inside part of the grand Caledonian Railway, circa 1903. The hotel lounge was once the station concourse and ticket office, while the guest rooms and suites nod to its Victorian heritage with opulent decor and upholstery inspired by the property’s original coats of arms.

Greece
In Parga, Elix Marbella Collection provides sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and nearby islands. A Condé Nast Traveler’s Hotlist pick, guests can indulge in on-site amenities including private infinity pools, a spa, gym, and tennis court fit for pros. There are ample opportunities for private tours, from watersport adventures to hiking and cycling in the surrounding pine forests. Another must-do: visit Karavostasi beach via funicular railway or a hike along a tree-shaded path.
In an ancient olive grove on Corfu, the 5-star Domes Miramare, A Luxury Collection features four bars, four inviting pools, three acclaimed restaurants specializing in neo-Greek cuisine, and the Soma Spa, with a menu of services that blend modern luxury and ancient ritual. The marvels of Corfu are just a private speedboat ride away. And in Milos, minutes from the famed Sarakiniko beach, the adults-only Domes White Coast is a modern architectural marvel featuring 30 opulent seaside suites, each with a private terrace and infinity plunge pool overlooking the Aegean.
Discover the best of Europe via Classic Vacations.
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