Where We Stayed

Private sandy beach in Ornos Bay — the best family setup on the island

My top hotel recommendation for luxury families in Mykonos. The resort sits in Ornos Bay and offers a protected sandy beach — a major advantage on an island where most beaches are crowded and require transportation. Elegant rooms and suites, larger villas, multiple pools, excellent restaurants, and a full-service spa make it a complete destination in itself. The private beach is what sets it apart: easy, calm, and beautiful, it's exactly what families with children need in Mykonos.

All-inclusive luxury that rivals standalone five-star hotels

One of the most exceptional all-inclusive resorts I've ever experienced - and I say that as someone who was skeptical of all-inclusive hotels. Ikos completely changed my perception. The property features two beautiful main pools, a gorgeous palm-lined beach, and a level of dining that rivals any standalone luxury restaurant. The children's club and teen club were exceptional, and the complimentary one-day car rental gave us the flexibility to explore the island. It felt every bit as luxurious as a Four Seasons or Rosewood, but with the added benefit of having nearly everything included.

Two-bedroom suites - rare luxury for families of five

A beautiful five-star resort that perfectly suited our family. Our two-bedroom suite was one of the most spacious hotel accommodations we've ever enjoyed in Europe - my husband and I had our own bedroom, the children had theirs, and a large living area in between. Breakfast each morning was outstanding, featuring fresh local ingredients and an excellent variety of traditional Greek and international dishes. The resort pool was beautiful, with a resident DJ creating a relaxed, upscale atmosphere throughout the day.

Michelin-starred dining within an all-inclusive format

A newer addition to the Ikos portfolio, located about 40 minutes from Chania. Having stayed at Ikos Dassia in Corfu, I'm already a huge fan of the brand. Their resorts combine exceptional service with truly outstanding dining led by Michelin-starred chefs. If you're looking for a more luxurious all-inclusive experience while still enjoying everything Crete has to offer, this is a property worth considering.

Michelin-starred restaurant + mountain spa

A five-star hotel that exceeded every expectation. The property sits right in the village center of Ortisei with views of the surrounding peaks from nearly every room. The spa is exceptional - exactly what you need after a day of hiking or e-biking through the mountains. But the real revelation was dinner: the hotel's restaurant holds a Michelin star, and the tasting menu showcasing local mountain ingredients was one of the finest meals of our entire trip to Italy.

Floating pool on Lake Como + legendary old-world grandeur

One of the most legendary hotels on Lake Como. From the moment you step through the grand entrance, you feel as though you've traveled back to the elegance of old-world Europe. Sweeping staircases, magnificent chandeliers, antique furnishings, and beautifully decorated rooms evoke the grandeur of an aristocratic Italian villa. One of the hotel's most recognizable features is its famous floating swimming pool, built directly on Lake Como itself. Breakfast served in the magnificent ballroom with a terrace overlooking the lake felt less like breakfast and more like a royal banquet.

Timeless Italian elegance on the southern lake

Located in Cernobbio on the southern end of Lake Como, Villa d'Este shares the same timeless elegance and old-world grandeur as Grand Hotel Tremezzo. If your goal is to experience classic Italian luxury, you truly cannot go wrong with either hotel. It's one of those properties that has defined luxury travel for generations.

The White Lotus hotel - dramatic cliffside gardens

Made famous by The White Lotus, the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace is undoubtedly one of Sicily's most spectacular hotels. The property is breathtaking, with beautiful gardens, dramatic cliffside views, and impeccable service. One thing worth noting: it is located in town rather than directly on the beach. If spending your days by the water is important, you'll need to drive or take a taxi down to one of the nearby beach clubs.

Steps from the Ancient Greek Theatre

Located right beside the Ancient Greek Theatre and within walking distance of everything in Taormina, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo is one of my personal favorites. Its position in the heart of town means you can experience the magic of Taormina every evening without worrying about transportation. For us, staying up in Taormina rather than directly on the beach was actually the better choice.

Private beach club on Mazzarò Bay

Located down by Mazzarò Bay, Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea is absolutely stunning, with a beautiful private beach club and wonderful service. Just around the corner in Mazzarò Bay, we discovered crystal-clear turquoise water, calm conditions, and soft pebble beaches - one of the prettiest swimming areas we found anywhere in Sicily.

Gio's terrace overlooking the Grand Canal

An excellent choice for families looking for luxury in the heart of Venice. The rooms were beautifully renovated, elegant, and exceptionally clean. The location couldn't have been better - most of Venice's major attractions were within easy walking distance. The highlight was Gio's Restaurant, with its beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the Grand Canal - exactly what you imagine when you dream about Venice.

Heart of the historic center with excellent air conditioning

Located in the heart of Verona's historic center, the location simply couldn't have been better. Our apartment was spacious, modern, and beautifully designed, with a separate bedroom, large living room, dining area, and - crucially during an Italian summer - excellent air conditioning. With temperatures reaching 85-90°F during our visit, returning to a wonderfully cool room after a day of sightseeing was pure luxury.

Direct Adriatic sea access + extraordinary breakfast buffet

An excellent choice for families, located just outside the famous Old Town. The hotel offers the perfect balance of relaxation and convenience - a quick 10-minute taxi ride brings you directly into the historic center, while the hotel itself feels like a peaceful seaside retreat. The breakfast buffet was one of the highlights of our stay, with an incredible selection of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern specialties reflecting the hotel's Turkish luxury heritage. Direct access to the Adriatic Sea, with platforms and natural rock areas for swimming, made it truly special.

Blue Lagoon admission included - the perfect arrival night

The perfect first-night stay in Iceland. Located steps from the Blue Lagoon, the biggest perk of staying here is that Blue Lagoon admission is included with your stay. After a long international flight, arriving to a world-class geothermal spa right outside your door is exactly what you need. Breakfast was excellent, and waking up in this otherworldly landscape sets the tone perfectly for the rest of your Iceland adventure.

Service so exceptional it became one of our favorite trip stories

If you're looking for luxury in Mexico City, I can't recommend the St. Regis enough. Everything about our stay exceeded expectations. The rooms were spacious and beautifully appointed, the service was truly exceptional, and the breakfast buffet was one of the most spectacular I've experienced - with an incredible selection of fresh tropical fruits, pastries, and traditional Mexican dishes. When a waiter accidentally splashed orange juice on one of my daughters, the hotel arranged complimentary spa manicures and pedicures for both girls and surprised all three with teddy bears. That level of hospitality is unforgettable.

One of the most beautiful hotels in the world - full stop

One of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed in anywhere in the world. Designed to resemble an elegant old Spanish hacienda, the property feels like a peaceful oasis tucked away from the lively streets of town. Lush gardens, bubbling fountains, colorful flowers, stone pathways, and beautifully landscaped courtyards create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and incredibly relaxing. Whether you're relaxing by the pool, enjoying breakfast in the gardens, or watching the sunset from one of the terraces, the Rosewood offers an unforgettable experience.

Seven Mile Beach at its finest - the Caribbean at its best

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman sits right on Seven Mile Beach - consistently ranked among the most beautiful stretches of sand in the Caribbean - and it delivers everything you would expect from the brand, and then some. The rooms are spacious and impeccably appointed, the service is warm and genuinely attentive, and the beach setup is flawless: soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and beach attendants who make sure you never want for anything. The pool area is beautiful and well-suited for families, with plenty of space for kids to splash around while adults actually relax. Dining on property is excellent - we especially loved the beachside options at sunset. For a Caribbean trip that combines effortless luxury with a beach that genuinely takes your breath away, this is the one.