The Most Romantic Hotels in Europe for Honeymooners
You’ll believe heaven is a place on earth once you’ve stepped foot in any of these six honeymoon hotels, which run the entire gamut from a medieval castle to a seaside hideaway. Setting the stage for a romantic holiday with cosy perks, sumptuous plates, and intimate in-room features in a loved-up atmosphere blessed by Aphrodite herself, here are the most romantic hotels in Europe to while away your vacation days with your partner.
Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy
Established in 1951, this charming cliffside hotel in the rustic village of Positano, Italy overlooks the emerald Tyrrhenian Sea. Named after the mythical mermaids that, legend has it, have been spotted along the Amalfi Coast, Le Sirenuse was previously the summer house of an aristocratic family. Now, the family-run property plays host to throngs of newly-weds and couples looking for a romantic escape. On top of the vintage-style decor, mid-century modern interiors and patterned Mediterranean tiles, it features plenty of greenery in every nook and cranny, including indoor climbing vines that grow along its white walls. It doesn’t disappoint when it comes to food either with its in-house, Michelin-starred restaurant, La Sponda.
Château de la Chèvre d’Or, Èze, France
Journey to the French Riviera like you’re living your very own rom-com, where there’s no better paradise than Château de la Chèvre d’Or in the village of Èze—a medieval destination known for its abundance of artists and craftsmen. Make sure to take the Panoramic Suite, the pinnacle of luxury and comfort that includes a stunning Jacuzzi on the terrace and a private infinity pool. The 12th century hotel also boasts a Mediterranean restaurant, where lovebirds can savour a candlelit, two-Michelin-starred feast under the stars, while looking out at the sea below.
Grace Santorini, Santorini, Greece
Everyone knows that Santorini, one of the top choices for honeymoon destinations, is an idyllic location with postcard-perfect white houses with azure domes. Take your island experience to the next level with a dreamy stay at Grace Santorini, a contemporary luxury retreat carved out of a cliff with rooms that not only look out over the pristine ocean, but also come with outdoor private plunge pools where you can revel in the Greek panorama without any interruptions. Instead of joining the crowd below for a sunset picnic, lay back at Grace Santorini’s 363 Champagne Lounge, an open-air venue that makes for the most covetable spot to soak in the golden skyline with a tipple or two.
The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, Mdina, Malta
Malta may not be the most well-known, mainstream destination, but it rivals classics such as France and Italy as the most romantic European country. No matter where you go in this little haven, it’s couples galore. Head to the regal Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, a lavish palazzo and stomping ground for celebrities worldwide. Dating back to the 17th century, the Baroque-style hotel boasts unique rooms (a total of 17, some of which include private terraces and hot tubs) embellished with original art and antiques. Traditional stone walls add to the amorous appeal, offering a taste of the dream-like scenery and historic monuments of the capital city.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Fort William, Scotland
Endorsed by none other than Queen Victoria as the loveliest spot in (possibly) the world, this castle hotel is the realisation of every girl’s dream of living like a princess. Nestled on a private loch teeming with greenery in the Western Scottish Highlands, it feels as if time stands still at the Inverlochy Castle Hotel, a portal that takes you back to the bygone era of the 19th century. Each suite in this hotel is designed differently, albeit all keeping to the same countryside, Victorian-style decor scheme. In the dining area (where the furniture and silverware are all gifts from the King of Norway), couples will be treated to a fine-dining feast prepared by a father-son chef team. Activities outside the castle—scenic treks, deer stalking tours, photography and hunting escapades—are also equally Elysian.
Castlehotel Schönburg, Oberwesel, Germany
This hilltop hideaway, a relic in Germany’s Rhine Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) that has been around as early as 911 AD, is another picturesque castle, perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime, romance-fuelled vacation. Perched atop a medieval town, it is also home to a tower museum detailing the castle’s 700-year history with narrow stairwells and traditional catapult displays from the Middle Ages. To top that off, the canopy beds, lush gardens, fairy-tale architecture (complete with battlements and turrets) and staggering views make this magical hotel a honeymoon-worthy nest.
Image Credits: Xara Palace and Grace Santorini