New & Noteworthy European Summer Highlights

From Ibiza to Sicily, Santorini to Dubrovnik,  The Leading Hotels of the World's (LHW) more than 250 European properties have set the standard for sun-soaked summer travels for decades. This 2021 summer season, LHW properties have enthusiastically re-opened their doors and are ready to welcome guests as travel restrictions and regulations allow. Guests can expect the same meticulous standards and outstanding care that members have abided by for nearly a century.

Explore some new and noteworthy LHW summer highlights:

GREECE: LHW’s 15 Greece hotels are ready to take guests from historic Thessaloniki to the blissfully tranquil sandy beaches of Mykonos and Zakynthos. SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: In Mykonos, Bill & Coo Mykonos has introduced three new villas that can be enjoyed as one-bedroom suites or combined to create a private residence that sleeps 12. On Santorini, Katikies Garden, which is housed in a former monastery, has welcomed Michelin-star rated Chef Ettore Botrini to their Selene restaurant. Additionally, Katikies Santorini and Katikies Mykonos launched the first signature Champagne Bars by Fleur de Miraval. On Crete, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas has unveiled 42 renovated waterfront accommodations. On the island of Zakynthos, Lesante Blu Exclusive Beach Resort is offering an unforgettable private yachting experience that tours the island’s secluded beaches, Blue Cave and a famous shipwreck. And back on the northern bluffs of the Aegean Peninsula, Danai Beach Resort & Villas now boasts a new vineyard restaurant and expanded wine cellar built into the mountainside.

TURKEY: Get ready for a mesmerizing visit to Istanbul, or a chic beachside retreat at LHW’s five member hotels in Turkey. SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: New LHW member Sumahan on the Water located right on Istanbul’s Çengelköys coast can arrange daily yacht rentals for excursions on the Bosphorus or private trip to the nearby Princess Islands. Istanbul’s Çırağan Palace Kempinski celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and offers endless summer experiences. Book a picnic on the Bosphorus in the hotel’s gardens, arranged with colorful cushions and a feast with Çırağan Palace specialties. Or stop by the Berthold Pop-up in the Palace gardens that’s serving Turkish wines and delicious snacks. Guests can also enjoy unmatched exclusivity by arranging a Palace Suite buyout. In the yachting paradise of Bodrum, a visit to new LHW member Bodrum Loft is a must. This sun-kissed Aegean village is located on nearly 15 acres and offers a range of accommodation options – up to a four-bedroom villa. The hotel has private tours to nearby vineyards, hiking trails and palaces, and can also arrange a private yacht, jet or helicopter rentals. Moving down the coast, D Maris Bay in Mugla has five private beaches guests can enjoy. This season, the Fenerbahçe Doğuş Sailing School is also open, and for those looking for a private experience, there are hotel yacht rentals available.

CROATIA: Nestled along the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is the perfect mixture of old and new, and LHW’s seven hotels are buzzing this season. SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: In Dubrovnik, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is offering walking and cycling tours for sports and nature enthusiasts to the charming hilltop villages of Orašac and Gromača. While at Villa Dubrovnik, kayaking can be arranged for guests that start at the hotel’s seaside location and go around the Old Town walls. Off the Dalmatian coast, LHW recently welcomed new member Villa Nai 3.3 to the collection. The brand-new property opened in June 2021 on Dugi Otok Island and is an architectural masterpiece. Over to the island of Hvar, Palace Elisabeth is welcoming guests in search of summer sun and arranging visits to Beach Club Hvar, a nearby sister property to the hotel, that was completely revamped this summer season.

ITALY: Boasting the most Leading Hotels of any country (60!), la dolce vita is abundant when exploring the diverse regions and nearly 5,000 miles of coastline. SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: Starting in the North: guests can enjoy Mediterranean treatments in the new spa cabana at Grand Hotel Miramare. While summer nights are made perfect by Due Torri Hotel who has arranged private Opera nights under the arch of the Verona Arena. Over to Italy’s lake region: on Lake Como, Il Sereno has unveiled an immaculately designed Penthouse Suite, Villa & Palazzo Aminta Beauty & SPA on Lake Maggiore unveiled two brand new Family Suites, and major renovations have been completed at Grand Hotel Fasano on Lake Garda. Gourmet news for 2021 is rich in Tuscany: in Florence at The Place, the hotel has revealed refurbishments and a new dining room where tables run the length of a ‘Gallery of Mirrors,’ while over at Hotel Helvetia & Bristol the new restaurant Cibrèo Caffè welcomes guests. Additionally, new alfresco dining experiences are available within Villa Cora’s garden that is full of roses. In the heart of Tuscany, LHW new member Borgo Santo Pietro has revealed a pop-up restaurant, ORTO, located in the vegetable garden, and Principe Forte dei Marmi unveiled a new Michelin-starred Lux Lucis restaurant. Heading South: J.K. Place Capri gives a chic twist to the summer season with Borsalino, Italy's oldest luxury hat manufacturer, creating a limited edition of the iconic Panama Quito. And in Sicily, Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel welcomes visitors to connect with nature in their 230-hectare (550+ acre) park which has added nearly 700 new plants and boasts nearly 8,000 trees, helping preserve biodiversity on the island.

SPAIN: With nearly 30 Leading Hotels, unrivalled gastronomy, a deep history and a lively cultural scene makes Spain the ultimate summer destination. SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: In fashionable Barcelona, Majestic Hotel & Spa launched ‘Made in Barcelona,’ a tour where guests can visit artisan workshops to discover the creation of local brands and learn about the historical city. And, take in summer evenings on the hotel’s rooftop with an exciting new menu highlighting Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine. Hostal de la Gavina welcomes Javier de Las Muelas, one of Spain’s and the world’s most recognized cocktail masters, while nearby at Hotel Camiral at PGA Catalunya Resort, guests can experience the new holistic Wellness Center, based on harmoniously blending next-generation therapies with natural relaxation treatments. For a beachside escape, ME Ibiza re-opens with a new Thai Room Spa & Wellness center along with Origens Pool and Beach Bar – offering stunning views of the pool and Mediterranean Sea. Bless Hotel Ibiza, home to the coolest sky-lounge in Ibiza, has an agenda full of happenings from live music to poolside tropical beats. This season, Mediterranean Suite bookings include a Mini Cooper car for guests to enjoy and explore the island. For the culinary enthusiast, Castell Son Claret is reinventing world-class gastronomy with the opening of Sa Clastra while on the island of Tenerife, Bahía del Duque’s one Michelin star restaurant, Nub, celebrates a sensory journey between Latin America and Europe. For an incredibly unique experience, the hotel has also partnered with Private Jet Services to design an ideal paradise getaway. After an extensive refurbishment, Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden has re-opened and showcases its modern design and new reception. Along Costa del Sol, Anantara Villa Padierna has curated remarkable journeys to reconnect travelers to the destination such as a sailing boat trip along the coast while meditating, an expedition to a local finca where guests will learn how to make goat cheese and a day exploring Marbella with famed photographer, Jesús Chacón.

IRELAND: From lively Dublin to tranquil countryside retreats, LHW’s six Irish hotels create a magical summer getaway. SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: In Dublin, The Marker Hotel launched a Bike & Picnic summer excursion where guests can explore the Dublin Docklands by wheels with a ‘Picnic for Two’ packed of Irish treats. The Merrion in Dublin has introduced the Wicklow Wellness Experience that is guided by an ecotherapy expert and brings guests forest bathing in the Knocksink Nature Reserve and includes an hour-long spa treatment using Forest Therapy Oils at the hotel’s recently opened Spa and Health Club. In the countryside, Adare Manor’s Padel Club is open for its first summer season. The Padel Club boasts two custom-built indoor padel courts, a cutting-edge Sports Simulation Room, a 17-meter swimming pool, and a full gym. Nearby, Ashford Castle introduced an Experience Ambassador who has curated a series of immersive experiences that brings guests into the workshops and homes of local artists and craftsmen in Western Ireland. Additionally, The Merrion and Ashford Castle are offering a Town & Country package with two nights at each property and numerous exclusive experiences.

ENGLAND & SCOTLAND: From metropolitan London to the alluring landscape of the Scottish Highlands, LHW’s nine hotels in the region create a beautiful city and country adventure. SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: After an extensive refurbishment, The Grove in Hertfordshire has re-opened, welcoming Maarten Geschwindt as Executive Chef. Retreat to this peaceful country estate and enjoy The Walled Garden’s outdoor pool and newly designed Jemima’s Kitchen Garden along with pop-ups with Jimmy Garcia and Jude’s Ice Cream. In London, Baglioni Hotel is celebrating La Dolce Vita this summer offering outdoor dining on La Terrazza and afternoon tea with an Italian twist presenting sweet and savory favorites, while One Aldwych’s famed Charlie & The Chocolate Factory afternoon tea returns. A luxury destination for nearly a century, The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland announced several exciting alfresco culinary experiences for summer including pop-up bars and foody feasts. The hotel’s much-anticipated Kids Program will make a comeback and The Little Glen Outdoors Program launched, tailored specifically to children under nine.

NETHERLANDS: Discover the Dutch way of life in summer, that is equal parts charming village and dynamic world metropolis. SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: In Amsterdam, Hotel De L’europe revealed ‘t Huys this summer, specially selected brand suites in collaboration with local partners within the media, jewelry, creative and fashion industry. Each eclectic brand suite in ‘t Huys is outfitted with a selection of one-of-a-kind designer vintage- furniture, lighting and art, carefully curated by the Nicemakers design team. At Okura Amsterdam, their new Ciel Bleu Package provides the ultimate fine dining experience in the comfort of your room. While enjoying the panoramic views of Amsterdam, guests are spoiled with a surprise menu created by two-Michelin starred chefs Onno Kokmeijer and Arjan Speelman. Over in The Hague, experience the grandeur and elegance of Hotel Des Indes which is celebrating its 140th anniversary. By booking the celebratory summer offer, travelers enjoy perks like free upgrade, late check-out and a welcome drink.

GERMANY & AUSTRIA: Arts and culture, pure alpine luxury, gourmet experiences and wellness are abundant at LHW’s nearly 25 hotels in Germany and Austria. SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: In Hamburg, The Fontenay will create a picnic deluxe on the hotels’ old-age meadow, in the middle of the greenery with a wonderful view of the Außenalster. Unwind in nature and enjoy culinary delicacies and an aperitif in a relaxed summer atmosphere. In Heiligendamm, at Grand Hotel Heiligendamm guests can unwind under a glittering starry sky at the open-air cinema located against the backdrop of the hotels’ outdoor pool with the Baltic Sea in the background. Over to Austria, in Velden am Wörthersee Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden offers a private cruise experience on Lake Wörthersee on the hotel’s own boat. In Telfs at the Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol, the Interalpen-Spa spoils guests with a new natural cosmetics line from Team Dr. Joseph. For a select period of time, both Hotel Sacher Salzburg and Hotel Sacher Wien turned their rooms into unique gourmet locations as “Sacher Séparées.” During an overnight stay guests have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious private dinner right in-room.

SWITZERLAND: From lakeside cities to lush mountains and valleys, Switzerland’s more than 30 Leading Hotels have much in store this season. SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: At Gstaad Palace an exciting children program is ready to be discovered, that even includes walks with a St. Bernard. In St. Moritz, Kulm Hotel has introduced a new cooperation with private jet company Flexjet to make sure guests arrive safely and quickly to St. Moritz. In Ascona, Hotel Eden Roc revealed larger suites for longer stays, with 20 new rooms and suites overlooking Lake Maggiore. LHW travelers looking for a multi-country trip can now start in Andermatt where The Chedi Andermatt has partnered with the LHW hotel Il Sereno Lago di Como for a four-night package that allows guests to discover Lake Como and the Swiss Alps through a culinary journey.

FRANCE & MONACO: New tastes, scenes and style draw summer visitors from Paris to Monte-Carlo this season at Leading’s more than 35 hotels in the region. SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS: At Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort new Executive Chef Christophe Schmitt revealed new culinary masterclasses in the herbal garden and a series of four-hands dinners with three Michelin-starred Chefs from different corners of France to honor the French terroir. At Byblos Saint-Tropez, Nicola Canuti was appointed Executive Chef and will oversee all restaurants of the hotel including the popular cocktail destination le ‘B’ Lounge, Italian trattoria Cucina, beach club Byblos Beach Ramatuelle, and the hotel’s latest restaurant addition, Arcadia. In Cannes, Hotel Barrière le Majestic Cannes unveiled the new Gastronomic Restaurant : Paradiso by the 3 Star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire and the  French Chef Nicole Rubi, owner of "La Petite Maison De Nicole" restaurants. At Maison Albar Hotels - l’Imperator, Nîmes, Le Duende, gastronomic restaurant, has been awarded its first Michelin Star in 2021, only one year after its opening. A new menu will be offered by Chefs Pierre Gagnaire and Nicolas Fontaine. At Hôtel Royal – Evian Resort, the Sport & Culture team offers a daily program of activities such as forest bathing, wine tasting and the new activity of padel-tennis. And in Nice, Le Negresco’s ten “Exceptional” Suites will take guests on a journey through the history of art accompanied by a sea view. Each Suite is one-of-a-kind, decorated in Napoleonic, Renaissance or Contemporary style. Provence meets the French Riviera at Château Saint-Martin & Spa, Oetker Collection that has monumental sculptures from Manolo Valdès exhibited in the hotel garden and art gallery this summer. In Monaco, Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo launched a "Just for Kids Suite.” The hotel partnered with Sabrina Monte-Carlo Kids, creator of dream rooms for children, to create the exceptional suite catering to children up to age 12.

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About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW) 
Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, LHW is the largest collection of independent luxury hotels. In 1928, 38 independent hoteliers came together to create LHW. Since then, the Company has carefully curated distinctive hotels, resorts, inns, chalets, villas, and safari camps from the snow-capped Alps of Europe to the African veldt, to share them with adventurous souls who seek the remarkably uncommon. The LHW community is filled of exceptional individuals, united by a passion for the surprising discoveries and details that come with every experience. LHW hoteliers are artisans of hospitality whose expertise, commitment to excellence, and individual flair allows them to create story-worthy moments for their guests. And it is these authentic, individualized experiences combined with the warm hospitality and high-touch service they provide that keeps discerning travelers returning again and again. LHW’s collection covers the globe and promises a broad range of destinations and uncommon experiences, enhanced by LHW’s tiered guest loyalty program Leaders Club. From converted former palaces, and countryside retreats run by the same families for generations, to gleaming skyscrapers in dynamic urban centers, serene private island escapes, glamorous tented camps – and beyond –  explore, find inspiration, and experience unforgettable travel moments. For more information visit: www.lhw.com, Facebook at @LeadingHotels, Twitter at @LeadingHotels and Instagram @leadinghotelsoftheworld
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