Best of boutique Europe

A 19th-century palazzo turned chic retreat in Valletta’s historic centre.

With its elegant, tiered balconies overlooking the street, Casa Ellul captures the traditional style of a Valletta townhouse. From the outside of this boutique hotel, it seems little has changed from the moment the Ellul family made it their home back in the 1830s. But step inside and you’ll discover a contemporary haven that celebrates this elegant city’s past.

Take in the tranquil central courtyard, gathered around classical statues and historic Maltese features, such as original patterned tiles. Then seek out your suite, where modern artworks and cutting edge design stand alongside original antiques and period features. Choose Suites 6, 7 or 8 and you’ll have your own private rooftop terrace – the place to take in panoramic city views.

A boutique hotel with a story to tell, Cap Rocat calls itself the Mediterranean’s most secluded and private boutique hotel, and it’s easy to see why: the fortress-style 19th Century property on a clifftop in the Bay of Palma is invisble to both land and sea.

Having been reimagined into a luxury, boutique hotel of only 27 rooms and suites, it blends seamlessly into its surroundings, which just happens to be a breath-taking protected natural area. The highlight is the Sentinel rooms, dug out of rock and elegantly finished with marble floors, private pools and al fresco terraces on the cliff edge.

The gorgeous infinity pool that appears to drop seamlessly into the azure Agean sea below might be the initial eye-catcher of this unique, boutique property in Greece, but it’s not its only allure.

On the hedonistic island of Mykonos, Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge is only a few hundred metres from the hustle and bustle of Mykonos town, nonetheless it feels worlds away thanks to its 32 serene suites, some with private pools and sea-facing balconies and verandas. Not even talked about the pampering spa with two treatment rooms and gourmet experiential dining restaurant.

Colourfully built into the dramatic cliffside, Positano is one of Italy’s most sought-after destinations on the Amalfi Coast, close to Capri.

For a romantic boutique stay, Hotel Marincanto has been welcoming guests with the same hospitable Italian charm since the 1960s – something that makes their guests return again and again.

An infinity pool that blends seamlessly into the horizon, private beach sheltered by rocks and the classy restaurant that overlooks the sea makes the facilities stand out on the Positano coast.

Soaring high in the mountains of Portugal’s Serra da Estrela region this bed & breakfast turned five star mountain lodge blends cosy, traditional character with modern textures and design aesthetics that include picture windows offering panoramic views of the glacial valley below. Not surprisingly this hotel is a member of Design Hotels.

Open public spaces include an expansive and impressive terrace, two indoor lounges and a swim-through indoor/outdoor pool at The Mountain Spa.

Tip: book a room in the original building for a more traditional feel, or one of the rooms in the extension for concrete finishes, partial glass walls and panoramic terraces.