Think short-haul also means short-lived? Our Luxury Travel Specialists know otherwise. A luxury holiday to Europe doesn't mean compromising on extraordinary experiences.
At Elegant Resorts, our team of experts have explored Europe's most captivating destinations, uncovering moments that redefine luxury summer holidays. Step beyond the expected and discover the Elegant side of Europe for summer 2025 through our personal travel stories.
Join us as we share five of our favourite Europe travel memories to inspire your own elevated escape. Ready for a bespoke summer journey? Talk to our expert team.
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, Spain's stunning archipelago. This stylish island is a popular destination renowned for its diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches, rich culture, and fascinating history. However, Jackie found that there was even beauty in the smallest moments during her trip.
"The sunsets and sunrises in Mallorca are heavily underappreciated. The English poet John Keats used to have a house near
La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca,, and you can see how easy it would have been to have felt inspired here. La Residencia itself is very focused on art, even having its own sculpture and art gallery. In the summer they also host a resident artist. As I sat on my balcony watching the sun come up over the mountains, I could see why it's so popular with artists and creatives."
![Picture of orange sunset over the sea]()
Sunset in Mallorca
- Jackie Potter, Luxury Travel Specialist
The Algarve, Portugal
Portugal's Algarve has certainly gained a well-deserved reputation for being one of the best beach destinations in Europe, or even the world. It is a sun-drenched haven of stunning coastal settings and a laid-back atmosphere, though Gordon was compelled to discover more.
"Our trip to The Algarve was only for a long weekend, but we made sure we had time to explore more of our destination. We headed out on a Jeep Safari tour of the local region, visiting some small local villages such as Alte and Salir, as well as Cork Oak Forests. There were some amazing experiences along the way, including stops at water sources and natural pools, and even a local liquor tasting experience.
One evening we also headed into nearby Vilamoura and spent some time enjoying the energy of the marina. It's a great place to people watch, see some amazing yachts, and enjoy a nightcap or two."
![Two jeeps parked on cobbled street]()
Jeep Tour
- Gordon McCreadie, Managing Director
Provence, France
Picturesque Provence boasts some of France's most beautiful countryside. Quaint and sun-drenched, its charm is undeniable. Visitors are greeted with rolling hills, vibrant landscapes, and a relaxed culture that honours the outdoors. During her visit, Vanessa had an unforgettable experience of 'The Perfume Capital'.
"Our final morning had to be one of the best experiences I have ever had. We were staying at
Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort which is not far from Grasse, an 11th-century medieval town famous for its perfume Industry. Whilst the resort hosts visits to the town, we enjoyed something even better. we were able to make our own perfume at the hotel! It was so interesting to learn about how to blend the essential oils and choose the right base, whether that's earthy, fruity, floral or citrus. My concoction, though no Chanel no.5, was definitely wearable!"
![Lots of little brown bottles set around a placemat with a notebook]()
Perfume making
- Vanessa Moore, Luxury Travel Specialist
Tuscany, Italy
Rural Tuscany is an impressive sight to behold. Its enchanting countryside and pretty towns are overflowing with Renaissance art and architecture. With a legacy of inspiring artists, writers, and travellers, this destination continues to entrance visitors with timeless beauty and cultural heritage. Sally was keen to dive into the culture that made it a bucket-list destination for her.
"I had a lovely time in Tuscany, it was somewhere that had always been on my bucket list because of all the history and culture that it's famed for.
Castel Monastero was the perfect way to experience this - it's a centuries-old medieval monastery that sits just 20 minutes away from Siena.
Its proximity made it easy to visit Siena during our stay. This city was made famous by the Palio; if you're not familiar with it, this is a famous horse race held twice a year where the 17 'contradas' or city wards of Siena compete for honour. Bareback riders run three laps of the huge piazza with many being thrown off, but the horse doesn't need to have a rider to win, so it doesn't matter! A race which involves bribery, honour and tradition. Be sure to have a gelato whilst there!"
![Busy square in a town with historical buildings and tourists wandering]()
Siena tour
- Sally Rushbrooke, Support Manager
Athens, Greece
Greece is best known for its fascinating and complex mythological beliefs. Anyone visiting with an interest in these stories is drawn to the ancient tales of Athens. This is a city where historical sites, monuments and museums are dotted around every corner. Yet rather than stay within the city, Amy explored further with a road trip down the Athenian coast.
"From Athens, we drove south, hugging the coast between the Aegean Sea and mountains, before ending at the tip of Cape Sounion. This was a fantastic way of seeing more of the beautiful landscapes. We drove by the up-and-coming suburbs of the Greek Riviera which could be compared to the streets of Miami where palm trees lined the roads. It was also almost surreal to see the ancient olive trees dating back thousands of years, which are characterised by their winding roots. We also passed the oldest known theatre in the world, The Theatre of Thorikos. As history buffs, this was such an incredible site to see."
![The columns of the Temple of Poseidon against the sky as the sunsets, with some of the sea in the background]()
Temple of Poseidon
- Amy Siwek, Marketing Assistant
Discover an Elegant side of
Europe this summer.