Where to go next: 5 Unforgettable Escapes

From private island escapes in the Red Sea to art-filled retreats on the shores of Crete, this new wave of luxury hotels is redefining what it means to truly switch off. These are not just places to stay, but destinations designed around experience, whether that means transformative wellness, immersive cultural moments or high-energy entertainment by the sea. Across Europe and beyond, each property offers its own distinct rhythm, inviting guests to slow down, reconnect and explore in a way that feels both effortless and deeply personal.

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort

Set on the untouched shores of Ummahat Island, this secluded resort feels like stepping into a private world of stillness and sea air. Days unfold gently here, shaped by the rhythm of the water and the quiet luxury of space. Whether floating above coral reefs, stretching out on powder-soft sand or retreating to the privacy of a villa, everything encourages a slower, more intentional pace. At the centre of it all is the spa, where the exclusive AMRA residency brings a rare opportunity to experience highly advanced, personalised treatments that blend scientific precision with mindful relaxation.

The wider experience is just as considered. Guests can take part in nature-led activities such as mangrove planting or simply embrace the calm through yoga and peaceful beachfront evenings. It is a place where wellness feels immersive rather than scheduled, and where every detail is designed to restore both body and mind.

Lujo Hotel Bodrum

Overlooking the vivid blues of the Aegean, Lujo Hotel Bodrum offers a completely different energy, one that blends luxury with creativity and a vibrant social atmosphere. Days begin calmly, perhaps with a wellness session or time by one of the private beaches, but quickly build into something far more dynamic. The resort’s High Events programme transforms each stay into a lively cultural experience, with music, performance and themed evenings creating a constant sense of anticipation.

Alongside the entertainment, there is a strong focus on wellbeing and movement. Guests can immerse themselves in yoga and holistic therapies or take part in dedicated fitness weeks that bring a more active edge to the stay. Families are seamlessly included, with thoughtfully designed experiences for younger guests, allowing everyone to enjoy the resort in their own way while sharing in its energetic, celebratory atmosphere.

Hillside Beach Club

Hidden within the natural beauty of Kalemya Bay, Hillside Beach Club is built around a simple idea: to help guests feel good in every sense. Surrounded by pine forests and clear waters, the setting itself encourages relaxation, while the resort’s renowned Feel Good Week adds a deeper layer of connection and wellbeing. Across the week, guests can explore everything from yoga and breathwork to sound therapy and more playful practices like paddleboard yoga, all guided by leading experts.

There is a natural balance between activity and stillness here. Three distinct beaches offer different atmospheres, from sociable and lively to completely serene, allowing guests to shape their own experience. With moments of shared energy, such as padel sessions led by Max Evans, the resort creates a warm, community feel that makes each stay both restorative and memorable.

Schlosshotel Fiss

High in the Austrian Alps, Schlosshotel Fiss combines outdoor adventure with a sense of comfort that makes it especially appealing for families. During the summer months, the mountains open up into a landscape of trails, panoramic viewpoints and fresh alpine air, inviting guests to explore through hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the scenery. Guided experiences make it easy to discover the region, while the hotel itself offers the perfect place to unwind afterwards, with spacious wellness areas designed for relaxation and recovery.

What sets this hotel apart is its forward-thinking approach to family travel. New additions such as the PeaX Adventure Zone create a dedicated world for older children and teenagers, filled with imaginative spaces to explore and engage with. Combined with shared activities like cooking and creative workshops, the experience feels both dynamic and inclusive, ensuring that every generation finds something to enjoy.

Minos Beach Art Hotel

Set along the coastline of Crete, Minos Beach Art Hotel offers a quieter, more reflective kind of escape, where art and landscape come together in a seamless way. The hotel’s Sculpture Garden turns the grounds into an open-air gallery, with striking installations placed thoughtfully among the natural surroundings. Guests are encouraged to explore at their own pace, discovering pieces that feel both unexpected and deeply connected to the environment.

This artistic spirit carries through the entire experience. From curated tours and artist-led workshops to hands-on cultural activities such as cooking and fragrance creation, every element is designed to foster a deeper connection to place. Paired with the calm of the sea and the simplicity of its design, the hotel offers a stay that feels both inspiring and grounding.

Whether you are drawn to the stillness of a secluded spa retreat, the creativity of an art-led escape or the buzz of a resort alive with music and movement, these hotels show that modern luxury is about far more than location alone. Each destination offers a distinct way to experience travel, shaped by atmosphere, intention and a sense of connection. The result is something that goes beyond a traditional holiday, leaving a lasting impression that stays with you long after you return home.