Best of boutique Europe

Set between two rather grand church neighbours, a church of the same name on one side and the convent of Santa Magdalena on the other, the façade of Sant Jaume is easy to miss.

This crumbling 18th-century mansion was fresh to the Palma scene in summer 2017 after it was re-imagined as a sleek, modern space. In the towering light-filled atrium, a blue-and-white installation by Spanish artist Robert Ferrer i Martorell tumbles down into the lobby from the glass roof on the fourth floor.

A revolving exhibition of local modern artwork hangs in the bar, where brass pineapples sit atop the geometric, polished-steel counter and house-infused spirits line the shelves (a must-try: the smooth pear-and-walnut old fashioned).

The stylish bedrooms have Juliet balconies and are minimalist in style: a relaxing palette of moss green, chestnut brown and stony beige with pops of copper and gold. Up on the jasmine-scented rooftop, there’s a plunge pool to dip into after a day spent shopping in the nearby boutiques of Passeig des Born and exploring the terraces of La Seu cathedral (its Gothic spires can be seen from the sunbeds).

In the postcard-perfect coastal town of Oia with many boutique hotels, Canaves Oia Suites is among the first in a strip of whitewashed boutique hotels in Santorini that cascade down the cliffs, offering breath-taking caldera and Agean sea views.

A myriad of suites all come with the same whitewashed interiors, private plunge pools with attractive views and a careful attention to detail.

We particularly love the personalized pillow menu, luxury bathroom amenities and the Panorama Balcony restaurant with a spectacular dinner setting with only one table and far-reaching vistas.

In Tuscany’s idyllic Maremma countryside, Castello Di Vicarello blends traditional Italian grandeur with authentic Tuscan charm.

A real luxury estate surrounded by 40 hectares of organic vineyards, olive groves, and farmland, almost everything that can be sourced from the land is, with bottles of grape and olive oil produced on the estate.

This beautifully boutique with just seven luxury suites, two infinity pools and a small spa, makes it easy to feel like you’ve got the place entirely to yourself.

Far removed from the wild reputation of its lively party spots on the island, this beautiful boutique hotel in the Ibizan countryside is a celebration of the island’s natural beauty.

A collection of 20 spacious and stylish rooms and suites, spa reserved for in-house guests only and a farm-to-table restaurant serving the freshest Mediterranean cuisine are all elegant and modern, while serene views broadening over the countryside are a welcome reminder of the stunning surroundings of the island.

A mix of Italian and French classic. On the shorefront of the glamourous Cote d’Azur, this beachfront boutique sanctuary is a celebration of Provençal charm, that extends from the design aesthetic to the Mediterranean gardens and Michelin-starred La Terrasse.

While the 50 almost-identical whitewashed guest rooms might not make this boutique hotel unique, its 30 metre swimming pool does, carved out of the craggy rocks, lined with plush white loungers and offering direct access to the ocean.

Looking for more inspiration? Visit one of our other luxury travel articles.