Whether you crave Mediterranean cliffs, vineyard views or snow-covered peaks, these eight European hotels offer unforgettable stays where the scenery is as show-stopping as the interiors. From eco-luxe escapes in Corsica to alpine retreats in Austria, explore Europe’s most stylish hotels where design meets nature.
Le Domaine Misíncu, Corsica
Hotel Exterior. Courtesy of Le Domaine Misíncu
Location Cap Corse, Corsica
The Scenery Set along Corsica’s raw and windswept Cap Corse peninsula, this five-star Le Domaine Misíncu is a coastal sanctuary where nature takes centre stage. The hotel’s 85-acre grounds feature wild Mediterranean gardens, citrus groves, pine forests and hidden coves along the rugged shoreline. Terraced gardens flow down the hillside, framed by olive trees and native maquis brush, while stone walls and walking trails reflect the island’s rural heritage.
Courtesy of Le Domaine Misíncu
The Interiors Designed to reflect Corsica’s soulful heritage, interiors use native chestnut wood, handmade ceramics and calming colour palettes that echo the natural environment. Each room has a unique sense of place with woven baskets, local textiles and custom furniture crafted by island artisans.
Courtesy of Le Domaine Misíncu
Why It Made the List Misíncu brings a rare balance of high-end comfort and environmental integrity in a still-undiscovered region. It offers true slow luxury with a strong sense of identity rooted in its Corsican surroundings.
Eco Cred This is the only boutique hotel in the region certified by Corsica’s environmental office. The estate was refurbished rather than newly built and now runs partially on solar power. Villas blend seamlessly into the landscape, made from local stone and surrounded by fruit trees. Onsite produce includes herbs, vegetables, fruit and honey.
Pro Tip Want a quick tour of the grounds? Hop on an electric bike – the hotel has a whole fleet for guests to explore the trails and gardens at their own pace.
Rates From approx. $440 CAD/night
Hotel TwentySeven, Amsterdam
Courtesy of Hotel TwentySeven
Location Dam Square, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Scenery Located at the very heart of Amsterdam overlooking Dam Square, this hotel gives front-row access to the Royal Palace and city’s vibrant street life, while shielding guests in tranquil privacy.
The Interiors Each suite is a cocoon of opulence: handmade Nepalese rugs, Italian velvet curtains, Pierre Frey wallpaper and Cobra Art works fill the interiors with dramatic flair. But it’s not just about aesthetics – smart tech like integrated sound, mood lighting and scent systems elevate every experience.
Courtesy of Hotel TwentySeven
Why It Made the List This is maximalism at its most masterful. From the moment you enter, you’re wrapped in the atmosphere. It’s a hotel that doesn’t hold back, yet never feels overdone – a rare balance of indulgence and curation.
Eco Cred Sustainability hides beneath the glamour. The building was restored rather than rebuilt and the interiors make use of recycled materials and locally sourced design elements. The hotel works with suppliers who follow circular economy principles, including biodegradable cleaning systems.
Courtesy of Hotel TwentySeven
Pro Tip Ask for a suite with a terrace for postcard-perfect views of the Royal Palace lit up at night.
Rates From approx. $1,150 CAD/night
São Lourenço do Barrocal, Portugal
Courtesy of São Lourenço do Barrocal/Ash James
Location Monsaraz, Alentejo
The Scenery This restored 19th-century farming estate sprawls across vineyards, olive groves and wildflower meadows in Alentejo’s untouched interior. It’s a working farm, family-run for generations and now transformed into a modern sanctuary.
The Interiors Interiors blend rustic elegance and historical authenticity. Terracotta tiles, antique farm tools and reclaimed wood beams sit comfortably beside modern comforts like underfloor heating and curated design pieces. Many rooms have fireplaces and private terraces.
Courtesy of São Lourenço do Barrocal
Why It Made the List Barrocal is a story of legacy and place. Every part of the hotel reflects the rhythms of rural life and the family that once lived there. It’s a case study in how thoughtful renovation can create timeless design.
Courtesy of São Lourenço do Barrocal
Eco Cred The estate runs on geothermal heating and solar panels. Most ingredients used in the restaurant come from its own organic gardens. Recent construction focused on local materials and methods, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
Pro Tip Sign up for the hands-on olive oil and wine tastings – both made on-site and best enjoyed in the estate’s original stone barns.
Rates From approx. $335 CAD/night
Nobu Hotel Marbella, Spain
Nobu Hotel Marbella, Spain
Location The Golden Mile, Marbella
The Scenery Golden beaches meet cosmopolitan buzz at this coastal retreat, linking Marbella’s quaint old town to Puerto Banús’s nightlife. The grounds are laced with palms and bougainvillaea, setting a sultry Mediterranean mood.
Nobu Hotel Marbella, Spain
The Interiors Designed for grown-up indulgence, interiors feature limestone floors, muted oak furnishings and subtle gold accents. A curated collection of Spanish contemporary art punctuates the space. The spa offers sea views and botanical treatments, while each room includes a private bar and cocktail cart.
Nobu Hotel Marbella, Spain
Why It Made the List Nobu Marbella takes the brand’s iconic aesthetic and infuses it with Andalusian flair. Adults-only and unapologetically chic, it’s a seamless blend of calm and high-style.
Eco Cred The hotel reduces its footprint by operating an onsite water filtration system, supporting local produce suppliers and using low-impact construction. Linen reuse and plastic-free initiatives are standard.
Pro Tip Book a spa appointment timed for sunset – the light hits the sea-facing windows just right for maximum bliss.
Rates From approx. $505 CAD/night
Grand Forest Metsovo, Greece
Grand Forest Metsovo, Greece. Photography by @va.stamatopoulos
Location Metsovo, Pindos Mountains
The Scenery This mountain retreat is surrounded by fir forests, caves and trails. Guests can picnic by the Arachthos River or hike in total solitude, then return to five-star luxury.
Grand Forest Metsovo, Greece. Photography by @va.stamatopoulos
The Interiors Each suite features native stone, wool textiles and wood-burning fireplaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto panoramic mountain views. The restaurant serves foraged ingredients and local wine, with a rooftop lounge perfect for stargazing.
Grand Forest Metsovo, Greece. Photography by @va.stamatopoulos
Why It Made the List This hotel is a rare alpine find – both eco-conscious and deeply connected to Greek mountain culture. It offers luxury without sacrificing authenticity.
Eco Cred Heating is powered by biomass, water is sourced locally and waste is composted on site. The hotel collaborates with local farmers and artisans to support the mountain economy.
Pro Tip Don’t miss the in-room aromatherapy service using locally distilled essential oils from alpine herbs.
Rates From approx. $265 CAD/night
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, Croatia
Courtesy of Excelsior Hotel, Dubrovnik
Location Dubrovnik, Croatia
The Scenery A landmark villa with views over Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Terraces at the restaurant Sensus are among the best spots in town to watch the sunset over the Adriatic.
Courtesy of Excelsior Hotel, Dubrovnik
The Interiors Following a renovation, the Tower wing brings bold design to the historic villa. Marble bathrooms, jewel-tone accents and Croatian art installations modernise the hotel while honouring its royal heritage.
Why It Made the List It’s where Old World charm meets modern elegance. The Excelsior has hosted film stars, royals and writers – and yet still feels welcoming, not pretentious.
Courtesy of Excelsior Hotel, Dubrovnik
Eco Cred The hotel uses energy-saving glass, low-impact lighting and water conservation systems. The kitchens prioritise seasonal Croatian ingredients and low-waste menus.
Pro Tip Ask for a corner suite in the Tower – you’ll get wraparound views of the city walls and the sea.
Rates From approx. $440 CAD/night
Severin’s – The Alpine Retreat, Austria
Courtesy of Severin’s -The Alpine Retreat
Location Lech am Arlberg
The Scenery This luxury ski-in, ski-out retreat offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and postcard-worthy alpine villages. Winter sports enthusiasts and solitude seekers both find their place here.
Courtesy of Severin’s -The Alpine Retreat
The Interiors Traditional Tyrolean craftsmanship meets cutting-edge tech. Think ancient wood panelling, log fireplaces, heated stone floors and iPad-controlled mood lighting. Custom wool textiles and hand carved furniture give every suite a bespoke touch.
Why It Made the List It redefines the alpine lodge experience. It’s luxurious but never sterile, with deep attention to detail and craftsmanship that nods to Austrian heritage.
Courtesy of Severin’s -The Alpine Retreat
Eco Cred Severin’s was built with reclaimed wood and local stone. It uses geothermal heating and snow-melt systems to manage water use. Kitchen scraps go to local farms as compost.
Pro Tip The private wine cellar can be booked for tastings – ask for the regional pairings curated by the head sommelier.
Rates From approx. $1,400 CAD/night
Sandhotel, Iceland
Hallgrímskirkja church. Photo courtesy of Sandhotel
Location Reykjavík, Iceland
The Scenery Spread across a row of historic townhouses in central Reykjavík, the hotel includes the former home of author Halldór Laxness and Iceland’s beloved Sandholt Bakery, known for its cinnamon buns. And just a short walk away, you’ll find the striking Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland’s largest church and an architectural masterpiece.
The Interiors Art deco elegance meets Nordic minimalism. Velvet, brass and Icelandic wool lend richness to the design, while each room features original architecture and art by local creatives. Common areas smell like fresh bread thanks to the on-site bakery.
Courtesy of Sand Hotel
Why It Made the List It’s small, cultural and smartly designed – a modern retreat in one of Europe’s most creative cities. It offers a sense of quiet luxury that doesn’t try too hard.
Courtesy of Sand Hotel
Eco Cred Sandhotel follows Icelandic sustainability codes with geothermal heating, eco-certified linens and a zero-waste partnership with the bakery. Local designers and makers were used throughout construction.
Pro Tip Order breakfast in bed – it comes straight from the bakery downstairs and includes housemade butter, smoked Arctic char and fresh pastries.
Rates From approx. $530 CAD/night
