The Top Five Waterfront Hotels in Europe in 2016

Europe is home to both gorgeous beaches and luxury hotels, making it an ideal spot to getaway and relax. With innumerable water front hotels located along the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, there is no shortage of amazing places for visitors to stay. If you are considered a trip to the European coast and want to ensure you have an unforgettable experience, you’ll want to consider staying at one of the top five waterfront hotels in Europe.

Ikos Olivia in Gerakini, Greece

Offering picture perfect views of the pristine Mediterranean Sea, luxury accommodations, meals prepared by Michelin starred chefs, and an endless array of amenities, Ikos Olivia was named the 2016 Best All Inclusive Resort in Europe and the Mediterranean. The hotel is situated on 22 acres of gorgeously landscaped grounds and is home to a private beach with comfy sunbeds and all day waiter service, multiple indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the art fitness studio, tennis courts, and more.

Guests are encouraged to participate in countless activities, including windsurfing, snorkeling, canoeing, and paddling. After a long day enjoying the outdoors, guests can relax and indulge in various massages and treatments at the Ikos Spa or enjoy a meal delicious meal. For guests who prefer to eat out, the hotel offers a Dine Out option which delivers the meal directly to your door.

Guests can choose from a variety of different accommodations, including a contemporary decorated double room with a private balcony located in the hotel’s main building (starts at $165 per night) or a junior suite that offers a separate living and sleeping space (starts at $204 per night). A private 1 or 2-bedroom bungalow with its own private pool is also option (starts at $356 per night).

Belmond Reid’s Palace in Madeira, Portugal

Situated on the Portugal’s clifftop gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Belmond Reid’s Palace is more than a century old, yet offers guests all the modern conveniences they could possibly want or need. On the palace’s grounds, guests have access to two saltwater pools (one is heated) and a heated freshwater pool, tennis courts, fitness room, boutique, 4 restaurants, and special children’s area. The hotel hosts a variety of daily activities, including golf, hiking trips, boat excursions, and all types of water sports. An on-site spa staffed by expert therapists also provides guests with the perfect place to relax, while engaging in different treatments.

Rooms, suites, and presidential suites are available for guests. All rooms include luxury linens, high end furniture, a marble bathroom, and private balcony or patio. Rooms start at $333 per night, while suites average $900 per night. Presidential suites start at $2,400 per night, but offer every possible amenity, as well as complimentary full buffet breakfast, and much more.

Excelsior Palace Hotel Rapallo in Rapallo, Italy

Offering views of the Portofino Coast, the Italian Riviera, and the Gulf of Tigullio, the Excelsior Palace Hotel Rapallo first opened its doors to Europe’s elite in 1901. Today, the hotel has managed to maintain its original charm, while also offering luxury accommodations, state of the art technology, and endless amenities. The Beach Club sits on the edge of the property and includes two infinity pools, one with six whirlpool loungers, roomy cabanas for lounging, restaurant services, and a private jetty where boat excursions offered by the hotel leave from. However, it’s the outstanding views from this area that make it so memorable. The hotel offers a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as the Beauty Spa Health & Fitness Club, where spa treatments and fitness services can be customized to meet your desires.

Guests can choose from spacious rooms (starting at $125 per night), suites that include panoramic terrace views and elegant furnishings (starting at $482 per night), and the top-floor Presidential Suite, which is indescribable and starts at $964 per night.

H10 Timanfaya Palace in Playa Blanca, Las Palmas, Spain

Despite its sleepy fishing village location, H10 Timanfaya Palace is a 5-star resort that has been the recipient of countless awards, including Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the past five years. Intended for adults over 18, the resort boasts a contemporary style with Arabian-Spanish touches and offers an array of amenities, including a nudist area. Guests have access to indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor Jacuzzi, sun lounging area that offers spectacular sea views, tennis courts, mini-golf course, a scuba diving center, a spa, and a boutique for shopping. In addition, the resort frequently hosts live entertainment, such as music, shows, and even cooking classes. Also on the property are six different dining options which serve a variety of cuisine, including Middle Eastern and Mediterranean.

Recently all the rooms and suites at H10 Timanfaya Palace underwent a complete refurbishment and feature all new decor. Basic rooms range in price from $179 to $263 per night, depending on whether you choose the bed & breakfast package or an all-inclusive stay. Junior suites, which include a separate living and sleeping space, terrace, TV with international channels, and Nespresso coffee machine, among other things range from $267 to $353 per night. The resort also offers Privilege Services, which includes bellboy services, guest service at your disposal, breakfast and dinner, VIP amenities, and more.

Chateau Eza in Rue de la Pise

Overlooking the French Riviera and Cote d’Azur, Chateau Eza is more than 400 years old and clings to the ancient rock walls of Eza, a medieval village. Today, it has just 14 rooms and suites and is considered one of the area’s most iconic hotels. Unlike the hotels mentioned above, Chateau Eza doesn’t have a pool or fitness room, yet most guests say the exceptional suites and outstanding staff more than make up for lacking amenities. The on-site restaurant and bar, under the helm of Chef Axel Wagner, serves a la carte Mediterranean and French cuisine in a spectacular glass edged room that provides views that must be seen to be believed.

The spacious rooms at Chateau Eza are a unique mixture of old world charm and modern conveniences. Suites include a fireplace and Jacuzzi situated on the terrace that overlooks the French Riviera below. Suites range in price from $1000 to $1382 per night, depending on whether you choose to include breakfast and dinner. Double rooms are also available, though they do not have a terrace or fireplace, and range from $297 to $590 per night, depending on the package you choose.