New Discoveries
With extra time to get things just right, these properties have worked particularly hard to ensure you will have an exceptional experience. From Corfu to Malta and Ibiza in between, read about the brand-new hotels that are giving us serious wanderlust.
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Boho Balearic
Six Senses, Ibiza
The charm of Ibiza lies very much in the bohemian laid-back ambience that blows on the breeze, where local culture fuses with modern life, and ancient customs form the backdrop to enlivening spiritual experiences. A new Six Senses hotel, located in the north of the island aims to channel this specific Ibizan energy into every guest’s experience, allowing you to connect with the island through its food, music, wellbeing, rural landscapes and stunning seascapes.
Tethered to the island by pretty Cala Xarraca, Six Senses Ibiza is a hidden away in the far northern tip of this Balearic isle. With a choice of accommodation, you can choose a suite with suntrap terrace or plump for a cave-like dwelling which takes inspiration from the caves which are sculpted into the nearby cliffs. With an emphasis on wellbeing, activities are big on experience – try a snorkelling meditation trip, a sunset sound gong, even cliff jumping! Learn more about the hotel’s agricultural heart at The Farm – admire the produce growing and join a cooking class. Or simply chill at the Beach Caves, a chic but relaxed shorefront lounge and restaurant which embraces island art and music with a celebratory vibe
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Curated Culture
Iniala Harbour House, Malta
Overlooking the iconic Grand Harbour, Iniala Harbour House is a fabulous way to experience historic Malta and to delve deeper into World Heritage Site Valletta with its honey-coloured streets dotted with churches, palaces and mansions. Iniala have developed four Maltese townhouses, beautifully renovating them and taking great care to respect original baroque features whilst simultaneously breathing new life into interiors with innovative design concepts.
The result is impactful. Suites and rooms showcase Maltese stone, original balconies and vaulted ceilings paired with custom-made wallpaper and eclectic furnishings such as sculptural light fittings, art deco furniture and designer chairs. The rooftop restaurant is the perfect spot for dinner, with sweeping views over the twinkling harbour and quaint cobbled streets. The hotel can also arrange exclusive access to some of Malta’s finest sights including closed-door visits to galleries for a one-on-one with a Caravaggio, a Riva boat trip to nearby island Gozo for sunset or a day trip to Sicily by speedboat. For the ultimate in big group gatherings or family get togethers, take over one whole townhouse, where you’ll have the full run for a truly memorable holiday.
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Palermo Palace
Villa Igiea, Sicily
Palermo hasn’t always been known for its chic hotels, but this summer sees a fantastic new opening that offers a truly stylish and comfortable stay. Fresh from the success of Puglia’s Torre Maizza, Rocco Forte have woven their magic over an existing palazzo in Sicily’s capital.
An iconic sanctuary that was once the haunt of Hollywood jet-set has been reimagined, creating a heritage-rich design that gleams with Olga Polizzi interiors, Carrara marble and intricate parquet flooring. Located at the foot of Mount Pellegrino and known as Palermo’s grandest hotel, 19th century palazzo Villa Igiea preserves its gorgeous fin-de-siècle features throughout the 100 rooms, while adding a sheen of modern Italian glamour. The landmark building overlooks the harbour, with sensational views over the blue of the Gulf of Palermo. Relax in the expansive tiered gardens filled with scented flowers, by the cliffside pool or head out to explore Palermo’s historic streets with its enchanting mix of architecture.
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Grown Up Getaway
The Olivar Suites, Corfu
Aimed at adults seeking a peaceful break in stylish surroundings, The Olivar Suites, which opened in June 2021 has nailed the earthy, chic look that effortlessly creates laid-back surroundings which you can simply melt into it.
Located on the east coast of Corfu, the former 18th-century olive oil mill opens out onto a gorgeous sweep of beach lapped by the turquoise Ionian Sea, with plenty of loungers and cabanas scattered in neat clusters, making beach days easy and relaxed. Although families are welcome, the hotel doesn’t have a kids club or dedicated activities for children, but it is great for families with teens who are keen to explore the area. Traditional tavernas are a short beach walk away and Corfu Town is just 20 minutes by taxi. Here you’ll find narrow cobbled streets to wander, tiny bars with live music and the cool interiors of the Old Town’s astonishing 39 churches. Back at the hotel, the suites are very private places to relax with lovely, shaded terraces. We’d recommend opting for one with a private pool for the ultimate treat.
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Amalfi Magic
Borgo Santandrea, Italy
There’s nowhere quite like the Amalfi Coast for its gasp-inducing sea panoramas framed by undulating hills which change colour from dawn to dusk, and its solid dedication to the good life. With solemn bells chiming, wide piazzas ready for you to have that Aperol spritz, plates of steaming seafood pasta and indigo blue sea views at every turn, it’s just so easy to enjoy yourself here.
New hotel Borgo Santandrea, located in Conca dei Marini – the sweet sport between Ravello and Positano – (easy striking distance of both, but holding its own in a peaceful fishing village) promises all the sea views you can drink in from its vertiginous garden terraces and balconies, but also provides that coveted extra on the Amalfi Coast – a private sandy beach. Lovely as your surroundings are, don’t forget to head out to sea – the hotel can arrange a visit to Capri for lunch or motor down to one of the many cliff side restaurants which are accessible only by boat. Wander in shady, romantic gardens too – Ravello’s Villa Cimbrone is utterly enchanting. This family-owned property also owns San Montana on nearby island Ischia giving you the perfect opportunity to extend your adventures in the Gulf of Naples.
