16 Romantic Hotels For An Autumn Minimoon
THE UK
Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye
This family-run hotel on the Isle of Skye is in a truly spectacular location. Tucked away on the southern shores of the island, the lodge feels totally remote – you’ll need a car to reach the property, but it’s well worth the journey. Once a 16th-century hunting lodge, Kinloch is now an impressive, stylish hotel that pays homage to its historic roots. Inside, bedrooms are filled with antique furniture and have been decorated in colours and textures chosen to reflect Skye's distinctive landscape, while a bar with boardgames awaits in a newly renovated wing. Guests can eat in the restaurant or – for something more romantic – dine beside the firepit looking over the nearby loch.
Visit Kinloch-Lodge.co.uk
The Gilpin, Lake District
Set on a 21-acre estate, The Gilpin is comprised of two properties. The larger of the two, the main house, is a traditional countryside manor, while the smaller Lake House is ideal if you’re after something a little more modern. All rooms are all decorated in a soft colour palette, with comfy armchairs and luxury beds, while private lodges have a Scandinavian feel, with floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden walls and cedarwood hot tubs. For the ultimate honeymoon experience, book one of the Spa Suites, which come with a lounge and dining area, cocktail bar and wine fridge, huge circular stone bath, cedarwood double walk-in shower, private spa with a steam room, sauna, infrared lounge bed and a state-of-the-art automated massage chair – plus, the bedroom floats over the pond, with views across the mountains. Make a reservation at the Michelin-starred HRiSHi restaurant, too.
Visit TheGilpin.co.uk
EUROPE
Cheval Blanc Paris, France
The newly opened Cheval Blanc Paris overlooks the Seine, and is just a few steps away from the Louvre and the Marais district. Housed in the iconic La Samaritaine building, all 72 rooms and suites come with impressive views of the city, having been designed by architect Peter Marino in a contemporary style. Dine at a choice of four restaurants and indulge at The Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris, which occupies the entire ground floor. The spa's Bonheur Suite with its double massage beds is perfect for newlyweds wanting to relax.
Visit Chevalblanc.com
Il San Pietro, Italy
Positano on the Amalfi Coast has to be one of the most romantic spots in the Mediterranean. Il San Pietro, loved by celebrities like George and Amal Clooney, is a glamorous hotel that more than lives up to its five-star reputation. Carved into the rocks on the east side of the village, rooms and suites have beautiful views of the bay and clifftop houses. The hotel has extensive facilities and can arrange private boat tours, candlelit dinners on the beach, and honeymoon arrival packages and perks – like bottles of champagne in your room. Book one of the Prestige Rooms if a spacious terrace, extra-large beds and colourful, chic interiors sound like heaven to you.
Visit IlSanPietro.com
St Joseph’s, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Found in the heart of the Old Town is St Joseph’s boutique hotel, which dates back to the 16th century. Having been beautifully restored, it now has just six charming rooms. Many of the original features have been retained, such as the beamed ceilings and immaculate stonework, but rooms also have plenty of modern touches and an elegant aesthetic. The town’s local beach is only five minutes away, and some of the city’s best restaurants are right on your doorstep.
Visit StJosephs.hr
Aman Venice, Italy
Sitting right on the Grand Canal is the regal Aman hotel in Venice. The historic building offers 24 elegant suites, many with protected frescoes and views of the winding canals. Opulent furnishings and plush fabrics complement many of the contemporary touches – we recommend spending some time in the third-floor spa after a day of busy sightseeing. As well as two gardens (rare features in this floating city) the roof terrace is ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail, before you enjoy dinner in one of the hotel’s luxury restaurants.
Visit Aman.com
The Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam
In Amsterdam’s famous Museum Quarter, you’ll find all-out luxury at The Conservatorium (a Set hotel and sister to the Café Royal in London). A bank in the 19th century and a music conservatory in the 20th century, it’s since been transformed into a super sleek hotel by Milan-based architect and designer Piero Lissoni. Rooms are the epitome of contemporary luxury, combining the best in modern comforts and technology. Well located for exploring the city, the hotel also offers a range of indoor activities: the 1,000sq m Akasha spa features an organic bar, fitness club, watsu pool, whirlpool sauna and Hammam, while Taiko is an award-winning Asian-inspired restaurant and bar.
Visit ConservatoriumHotel.com
Bürgenstock, Switzerland
Bürgenstock, a four-hotel resort at the top of a mountain the Uri Alps, is home to the newly built Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa. Guests usually arrive via the charming funicular railway, straight into the hotel’s reception, while the contemporary style rooms and suites all come with stunning views of Lake Lucerne. An on-site wellness centre boasts a spectacular infinity-edge pool with panoramic views, private spa suites and a spa garden. After dinner (there’s a fantastic wine list to take advantage of) enjoy a nightcap in the cosy lounge, before returning to your room after all that fresh mountain air.
Visit BurgenstockResort.com
Residenzia Napoleone III, Italy
The Residenza Napoleone III is one of the most luxurious hotels in Rome – specifically, it’s an opulent boutique apartment ideal for a honeymoon. Located in the elegant Palazzo Ruspoli, expect to find a canopied bed draped with beautiful fabrics and silks, huge oil paintings and a stunning marble bathroom, tapestries and parquet floors. The Roof Garden Suite is located on the upper floor and has a beautiful roof garden terrace overlooking the city – it comes highly recommended.
Visit ResidenzaNapoleone.com
Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Aman’s design-led hotels top many people’s bucket lists, so a minimoon is the perfect excuse to visit one of their stunning locations. This particular hotel is located on the tiny islet of Sveti Stefan, overlooked by Villa Miločer, an impressive stone residence set on a pink sand beach. Couples can choose to stay in self-contained cottages or the suites and villas dotted over the islet, while the Grand Cottage has everything you need for a romantic trip, including a king-sized bed, modern en-suite and direct access to the beach. The hotel can also arrange special excursions, like wine tastings, diving and boat trips to fully explore Montenegro’s coastline.
Visit Aman.com
Sir Savigny Hotel, Germany
The creative and artsy culture of the Charlottebourg district in Berlin is where you’ll find the cool and reasonably priced Sir Savigny hotel. The famous Paris Bar is just a few minutes away, a cult destination for writers and philosophers back in the day, with the hotel reflecting the bohemian and literary aesthetic of the area. The 44 rooms all have clean lines, original artwork and curated minibars – but it’s the in-house restaurant The Butcher which is the place to grab a gourmet burger, craft beer or wine after a long day of sightseeing.
Visit SirHotels.com
Hotel URSO, Spain
The Hotel URSO in Madrid sits in an impressive neoclassical building, much of which retains its original features – the towers, marble floors and some stained-glass windows are all such examples. That said, the aesthetic of the hotel is modern luxe, with contemporary four-poster beds, suites with large terraces and separate living rooms. The spa offers treatments from Spanish skincare specialists Natura Bisse and Sisley Paris – and is set in an intimate hideaway on the lower ground floor. Guests can take advantage of the gym and Turkish steam bath, too. Finally, enjoy a glass of something in the bar before heading out to dinner in the restaurant, which serves delicious, local Spanish fare.
Visit Hotelurso.com
REST OF THE WORLD
The Bodrum EDITION, Turkey
If you’d rather chase some autumn sun and spend a few days relaxing at a top resort, The Bodrum EDITION is easily one of the best hotels in Turkey. Just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s main attractions and sites – think Bodrum Castle and the iconic Amphitheatre – the boutique hotel has 108 rooms and suites to choose from, many of which are made with couples and honeymooners in mind. The Sea View Loft Suite has a spacious living area that leads onto a private terrace with beautiful views of the Aegean Sea and a seriously stylish en-suite with a rainfall shower, free-standing bath and custom made Le Labo toiletries. Couples can book treatments at the on-site spa, relax with cocktails at Bodrum’s beach club, and book private dinners just for the two of them.
Visit EditionHotels.com
Dar Ahlam, Morocco
This 19th-century Kasbah is tucked away in middle of the Sahara Desert, just a short journey from the Ouarzazate province, known as the ‘door of the desert’. Rich in culture, the area is a great starting point from which to explore some of Morocco’s best sights during a long weekend. With a number of suites to choose from, the lodgings at Dar Ahlam are spacious and have that distinctive Moroccan flair – ask for a room with views of the Atlas Mountains if you can. Couples can spend a night under the stars in the desert, as well as relaxing at the on-site spa and hammam.
Visit DarAhlam.com
Royal Mansour, Marrakech, Morocco
Royal Mansour is an ode to traditional Moroccan architecture. Just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Medina, the hotel has almost four acres of lush gardens and 53 private multi-story riads dotted along petal-pink pathways. The riads are decorated with handmade furniture, luxurious fabrics and come with either a terrace or patio. Accessed through a private citrus grove, the three-story spa is the jewel in the crown, with an elaborate white birdcage atrium. Plus, the hotel has three restaurants, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Visit RoyalMansour.com
The Retreat At Blue Lagoon, Iceland
If you want to really get away from it all, book a stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon – just 50 minutes from Reykjavík, or 20 minutes from Keflavik airport in Iceland. Set in centuries-old lava and surrounded by the Blue Lagoon’s revitalising waters, it offers guests an experience like no other. The 62 suites feature a minimalist aesthetic designed to bring the dramatic terrain of Iceland inside. Meanwhile, the subterranean Retreat Spa, geothermal Retreat Lagoon, and Moss Restaurant, are all perfect places to relax and rejuvenate.
Visit BlueLagoon.com
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