September feels like the new August, and October like the new September. With European summers staying warmer longer, it’s the perfect time to explore after the crowds have gone. From the Amalfi Coast to Lake Como and the French Riviera, here are eight boutique hotels where you can enjoy Europe’s beauty in peace.

Bodrum Loft, Turkey

Tucked away in the scenic beauty of Bodrum, Bodrum Loft is a serene escape where nature and luxury coexist effortlessly. The (residential) resort, designed by the acclaimed Tabanlıoğlu architects, reimagines a traditional Aegean village with a contemporary twist. Its 36 villas, characterized by minimalist design and clean lines, seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living, each with private terraces that provide mesmerizing views of the tranquil bay.

Bodrum Loft exudes a laid-back luxury vibe, where every detail has been thoughtfully crafted with relaxation and harmony in mind. The dining options are all that you wish for during your stay: Loft Elia, set under the shade of ancient olive trees, serves up fresh, Aegean-inspired and mostly farm to table dishes by Chef Deniz Aşan, making breakfast and dinner a true delight. The legendary Paper Moon, an Italian fine dining staple, offers authentic cuisine prepared by Chef Giuseppe Pressani. The latest addition, Ters Köse, set under the pine trees, adds a traditional, local Turkish seafood experience, where you can savor fresh fish while enjoying stunning sea views.

For those of you seeking relaxation, the resort’s spa features a panoramic terrace, pool and a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate. The fitness center caters to wellness enthusiasts with yoga, Pilates, and personal training sessions. The private beach, with its calm waters, is perfect for unwinding. This hotel is an immersive experience, where you can truly relax and reconnect with nature in one of the most beautiful parts of Turkey

Il Sereno Lago di Como, Italy

Il Sereno, located on Lake Como’s eastern shore, blends modern design and natural beauty. Patricia Urquiola’s thoughtful design integrates the hotel with its surroundings, creating a space that feels both luxurious and connected to nature, which you can also experience in the hotels spa treatments: Originally a boathouse, embedded in the stone architecture of the property, it has been transformed into il Sereno’s spa, offering a variety of treatments with Valmont products. The infinity pool is a striking feature, seemingly merging with the lake itself, letting you relax with incredible views. The hotel’s architecture uses natural materials to complement the landscape, with interiors that are stylish yet cozy, designed for comfort and relaxation.

 

Il Sereno Lago di Como is the latest in the Sereno Hotels collection with 450 feet of lakeside scenery. Il Sereno al Lago is a dinging experience in itself, with Michelin-starred Chef Raffaele Lenzi focusing on fresh, local ingredients. His menu, particularly centered around vegetables, transforms simple ingredients into memorable dishes that capture the essence of Italian cuisine making Il Sereno a standout spot on Lake Como. A boat trip around Lake Como with the hotel’s own wooden boats are a must do, while there.

La Palma Capri, Italy

La Palma, Capri’s oldest hotel, has been beautifully reimagined by renowned designer Francis Sultana. In his first hotel project, Sultana has blended Capri’s light, minimalist beauty with the glamour of the 1950s jet-set era. The result is a luxurious, inviting space where every detail, from bathroom fixtures to dining chairs, has been thoughtfully crafted.

Perfectly situated near Capri’s famous Piazzetta, Hotel La Palma offers easy access to iconic sites like I Giardini di Augusto, Via Krupp, and the Faraglioni. The hotel’s new pool deck and Aqua Bar provide the ideal spot to take in the lively atmosphere below.

In the kitchen, celebrated Italian chef Gennaro Esposito serves authentic, unpretentious Italian cuisine that reflects the island’s timeless romance. At Bianca, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, you’ll enjoy stunning views over Capri Village and the sea beyond, making it a perfect setting for dinner and sunset drinks. Easily accessible by air or sea, this hotel is a true Capri experience, combining history, heritage, and modern luxury.

Casa Angelina, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Casa Angelina is a peaceful retreat on the Amalfi Coast, set high on the cliffs with stunning views of the Mediterranean. The hotel has a modern, minimalist design, with 36 rooms that offer a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. The white interiors make you focus even more on the colours of the sea and sky. the hotel features contemporary artworks that fit naturally with the surroundings.

You can expect thoughtful touches throughout your stay. You’ll fall in love with the picturesque lemon trees on site. This hotel is designed to help you unwind and enjoy the slower pace of our so busy life. For those who crave the authentic beach experience: just below Casa Angelina is La Gavitella Beach, one of the most beautiful spots on the coast. As a guest of Casa Angelina you can relax in a special VIP area at the beach club, where you can sunbathe or enjoy drinks and snacks, including the local lemon sorbet, which is a must try.

At Casa Angelina you should also do a sunset boat ride on a traditional “Gozzo.” While you sail along the coastline, their chef prepares a custom dinner with local flavors, creating a memorable dining experience at sea.

Cheval Blanc St. Tropez, France

Cheval Blanc St-Tropez is a peaceful spot on the Côte d’Azur, where life slows down. The hotel sits among terracotta rooftops and pine trees by the sea, offering a quiet place to relax and enjoy the beauty around you.

The staff, known as Ambassadeurs, create personalized experiences for guests. Whether you want to explore the area or simply enjoy the sunrise and sunset, they tailor activities to your pace. At the Cheval Blanc Spa, treatments are inspired by the Mediterranean, using Guerlain products.

Dining at Cheval Blanc St-Tropez is a real treat. Chef Arnaud Donckele, with his passion for simple yet flavorful food, offers meals at two restaurants and La Terrasse. The “Under the Pines” menu focuses on Mediterranean dishes. In the evening, the three-MICHELIN-starred La Vague d’Or offers a special dining experience that captures the essence of the region.

Hotel Martinez, Cannes, France

Opened in the late 1920s (while being constantly modernised over the years), the Hôtel Martinez in Cannes embodies the light-heartedness of the Côte d’Azur. Known for its warm atmosphere full of zest for life, this is and was the place to see and be seen on the iconic Croisette, not only during the famous Film Festival de Cannes. A perfect place, where you’ll find everything you look for on a holiday, whether its for a romantic getaway with your better half, a whole family holiday (which also includes your dog, as this hotel is pet-friendly) or for a solo traveller.

Hôtel Martinez in Cannes offers a vibrant dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a joyful atmosphere. The hotel’s new Chef Jean Imbert unveiled his latest fine dining project, Restaurant La Palme d’Or, during the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. For a more casual experience you can enjoy your days at the timeless La Plage du Martinez with live bossa nova and Latin music on summer evenings, or the hotel’s garden restaurant Le Sud for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a setting that captures the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.

During the days you can relax by the hotel’s pool or private beach club, explore Cannes, or indulge into extensive spa treatments, with this spa being the one with the advanced and fantastic treatment offers.

Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal

This 19th-century manor Six Senses Duoro Valley, situated on a hill with views of the Douro River and surrounding vineyards, has been beautifully restored. The interiors combine modern design with touches of the region’s history, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The manor offers spacious rooms, suites, and villas, all surrounded by lush kitchen gardens and vineyards.

The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 3,500 plant species, is carefully protected by Six Senses Douro Valley. The hotel is committed to preserving its natural surroundings by conserving forests, sourcing local ingredients, saving energy, and managing waste to minimize its environmental impact. Guests are also encouraged to visit the Earth Lab to explore the hotel’s sustainability efforts and take part in projects supported by the Sustainability Fund.

During your stay, you enjoy seasonal farm to table food and fine wines from the valley, along with a relaxing experience at the Six Senses Spa.

You can also take part in activities like gourmet river cruises, visits to historic wineries, and even grape stomping during the harvest.

Baglioni Masseria Muzza

The 17th-century farmhouse at Baglioni Masseria Muzza in Apulia has been transformed into a luxurious retreat while preserving its authentic charm. Set in the rural beauty of Salento, this gem offers contemporary comfort and traditional elegance. Situated between the stunning Baia dei Turchi beach and the Alimini Piccolo Lake nature reserve, the hotel is just a ten-minute drive from the UNESCO-listed town of Otranto.

Masseria Muzza caters to those seeking both relaxation and activity, with options like yoga, biking, horse riding, and water sports such as kayaking and kitesurfing. The property features three restaurants serving regional haute cuisine and a spa offering a range of wellness treatments, all set in a warm, serene ambiance created by the white stone architecture.

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