WHERE TO GO FOR… A ROOM WITH A VIEW

BEAUTIFUL SCENERY IS JUST HOURS AWAY AT ONE OF THESE LUXE EUROPEAN RETREATS

Rooftop bars, hilltop suites and infinity pools looking out over the sea – for panoramic vistas, these are the places to book

BELVEDERE Mykonos

It’s only a short walk away from the centre of impossibly pretty Mykonos Town in the heart of Greece’s most party-centric island, but once Belvedere has you under its spell, you will find it hard to escape. Could that be down to the Rockwell Group-designed, pared-back island chic in the 5O rooms and villas or the spectacular sunset views? Or the in-house Nobu with the world’s first outdoor sushi bar? Maybe it’s the Hydra Diamond facial at the Six Senses spa? Or all of the above, plus the 26 new hilltop suites where you get a private pool and even more dramatic views across the island’s white rooftops to the equally white sands and twinkling Aegean beyond. Plus, its waterfront villas occupy the site of designer Thierry Mugler’s former holiday home – how could he give all that up? Doubles from around £270, B&B. British Airways flies from London to Mykonos from £190 return

GRAN MELIÁ SALINAS Lanzarote

As well as the beaches and the wildly beautiful landscape, one of the main reasons to come to Lanzarote is artist César Manrique, whose legacy is dotted across the island in sculptures, striking public art and swimming pools created in volcanic lava. At Gran Meliá Salinas, set between two sandy beaches in the east coast holiday resort of Costa Teguise, you don’t have to go far to check out that Manrique magic, as he designed the hotel’s gardens – all lush ferns and black lava rock interlaced with whitewashed footpaths – and the lagoon-like pool. With 27O rooms (all with terraces or balconies), two restaurants and 1O luxe villas, the hotel may be big, but it’s stylish, too, with contemporary interiors mostly in soothing whites. And if you want more Manrique, his Foundation is just a 1O-minute drive away. Doubles from £102, B&B. British Airways flies from London to Lanzarote from £120 return

CARPE DIEM Santorini

Tucked away on the hillside near the pretty village of Pyrgos Kallistis, this stylish little hideaway bills itself as a honeymoon haven, but it’s so much more than that. It has romance around every corner, for sure: from panoramic sunsets and private pools to the couples’ massages in the Althea Spa. But it is also a soothing retreat for anyone who just wants to chill – swimming in the infinity pool, tasting local wine and mezze at restaurant 27O° or gourmet cuisine at restaurant Exaltis. The 1O suites are a masterclass in understated chic and, when it comes to the staff – including your very own butler – nothing is too much trouble. We didn’t leave for the entire four days of our stay; it really is that good. Doubles from around £174, B&B. British Airways flies from London to Santorini from around £160 return

THE EDITION Barcelona

The hotel’s signature scent (Le Labo Black Tea) will hit you first, then you’ll spot the lobby’s brass Salvador Dalí-inspired chair (three-legged with heels) and Bar Veraz, with its seven-tier drinks cabinet glowing amber and serving local vermouth. A hidden door takes you to the speakeasy-style Punch Room, with drinks served in vintage silver bowls, while another leads to the basement Cabaret supper club. Upstairs, the 1OO elegant rooms have walnut panelling and white marble bathrooms, but the rooftop pool, overlooking the pretty El Born neighbourhood and Santa Caterina food market, is the place you’ll find it harder to leave. But you must

– the sandy Barceloneta beach is just a 25minute stroll away. City slicking and beach life? It’s the best of both worlds here.

Doubles from £312, room only. Easyjet has flights from Luton to Barcelona from around £51 return