Month: May 2026

Inside Casa Bonavita: Malta’s Stunning New Boutique Stay

May 2026

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At Travel Seen, we’re constantly searching for hotels that feel genuinely distinctive – places with soul, story and a strong sense of identity rather than just another polished luxury stay.
 
Casa Bonavita is exactly that. Hidden within the historic Maltese village of Attard, this newly opened retreat reimagines hospitality through the lens of a private home, layered with character, artistry and a deep connection to the island itself. Thoughtfully restored over several years, the property blends faded grandeur with intimate design touches, creating a stay that feels less like a hotel and more like stepping into someone’s beautifully lived-in Mediterranean estate.

Why it caught our eye

There’s an effortless intimacy to Casa Bonavita that immediately sets it apart. Rather than chasing the glossy, overly curated aesthetic so common across Mediterranean hospitality, the hotel leans into something far more personal. It celebrates Malta’s history, imperfections and quiet beauty through layered interiors, lush gardens and thoughtful craftsmanship. Every corner feels collected rather than decorated, giving the property the warmth and soul of a private residence instead of a traditional boutique hotel.

The visionaries behind Casa Bonavita

Casa Bonavita is the first hospitality project from celebrated design duo Christopher and Suzanne Sharp, best known as the founders of The Rug Company. Their combined creative eye is felt throughout the property, but it’s Suzanne’s Maltese roots and the couple’s enduring connection to the island that truly shape the experience. The result is a hotel that feels deeply authentic, one designed not simply to impress visitors, but to share a more nuanced and personal side of Malta through art, design, food and atmosphere.

Rooms, rituals & slow Mediterranean living

The hotel’s 17 individually designed rooms each carry their own personality, with a rich interplay of texture, colour and natural light. Many open onto private terraces, gardens or poolside spaces, reinforcing the feeling of staying within an elegant Maltese home. Beyond the rooms, the property encourages a slower rhythm of living. From long candlelit dinners beneath the palms to mornings spent wandering the citrus-filled gardens. Wellness also plays a central role, with pools, a hammam, sauna and gym offering moments of calm between island explorations.

 

 

Malta, beyond the postcards

Malta has a way of surprising people. While its honey-coloured cities, crystalline coves and endless sunshine are undeniably beautiful, the island’s real charm lies in its layers – a fascinating blend of Mediterranean ease, centuries of history and quietly eccentric character. One moment you’re wandering through the cinematic streets of Valletta, the next you’re swimming in impossibly clear water or lingering over long seafood lunches in sleepy fishing villages. From the ancient silence of Mdina to hidden beaches, baroque architecture and a growing creative scene, Malta feels both richly historic and refreshingly under-the-radar. It’s an island best experienced slowly and exactly the kind of spirit Casa Bonavita captures so well.

The Travel Seen Take

 

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For us at Travel Seen, it’s places like Casa Bonavita that stay with you long after you leave. It’s not just the layered design, the thoughtful restoration or the sense of quiet luxury that defines it, but the feeling that you’ve been welcomed into a living, breathing home shaped by history, family and island life. A stay here lingers in the details, in the atmosphere and in the way it invites you to experience Malta differently.

 

Ready to experience Casa Bonavita for yourself?

Send us an enquiry and we’ll match you with the right room and tailor the stay to you. Call or WhatsApp us on 0333 305 9912 to start planning your trip.

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Inside Casa Bonavita: Malta’s Stunning New Boutique Stay

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The little luxuries behind our Ibiza padel escape

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The little luxuries behind our Ibiza padel escape

May 2026

There are some trips that are all about the destination. Others are about the details.

 

Our exclusive Ibiza padel trip with XPI Padel was created to bring together everything we love about modern luxury travel – movement, sunshine, brilliant people, beautiful surroundings and those considered touches that make a trip feel genuinely memorable.

 

Think sun-drenched padel courts, boutique island stays, long lunches, relaxed dinners and enough time between matches to properly enjoy Ibiza away from the usual party narrative. It was active, social and stylish in a way that felt very Travel Seen.

 

And this is only the beginning.

 

We’ll be curating more padel trips and group experiences with XPI Padel, designed for players, friendship groups, corporate teams and anyone who wants to combine travel with something a little more dynamic. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already obsessed with the sport, these trips are built around connection, movement and the joy of doing something different.

 

But what made this Ibiza escape feel even more special was the way we partnered with brands that understood the energy of the trip.

Court ready
with Pounce Padel

For Gemma and Jen, the trip started before they even reached the court.

 

Pounce Padel kindly gifted them two of their signature rackets for the Ibiza escape, leopard print for Gemma and mint green for Jen. Naturally, both felt completely on brand.

 

Founded by Georgie Rennie, Pounce Padel is a women first padel brand creating high-quality rackets that look as good as they perform. The brand was born from a very real gap in the market, women were falling in love with padel but the kit still felt overwhelmingly masculine, fluorescent and uninspiring.

 

Pounce changes that.

 

The rackets are bold, chic and designed with female players in mind, combining a lightweight feel with a 100% carbon frame, 3K carbon surface and teardrop shape. In short, they’re made for women who want to feel confident on court without compromising on performance.

 

And for a trip like Ibiza, where style, sport and socialising all meet in one place, they were the perfect fit.

Shop the rackets

 

The post padel reset
with The Retreat England

After a full day of coaching, match play and sunshine, the reset matters just as much as the game.

 

Each of the ladies on the trip received a beautiful Wellbeing Discovery Collection from The Retreat England in their goodie bags. It was the kind of product moment that made complete sense for the rhythm of the trip: calming, restorative and easy to use after long days on court.

 

The Retreat England is a female-founded wellbeing and body care brand created by Tracy Mort MBE. The range blends bath, body and home products with aromatherapy essential oils, rose and clear quartz crystal infusion and a spa-inspired approach to everyday rituals.

 

The gifted set included the kind of products you actually want with you on an active trip: body care to cleanse and nourish, a wellbeing mist to reset and that subtle spa-at-home feeling after a busy day.

 

It’s these kinds of details that take a travel experience from well organised to genuinely considered.

Shop the Wellbeing Discovery Collection

Why the details matter

Luxury travel is not always about doing less. Sometimes, it’s about doing more of what makes you feel good.

 

Padel in Ibiza is the perfect example. You get the energy of sport, the beauty of the island, the ease of a curated itinerary and the feeling of being part of something social without it feeling forced.

 

Adding brands like Pounce Padel and The Retreat England into the experience brought another layer to the trip. Both are female-founded. Both understand their customer. Both create products that feel practical but still indulgent. And both aligned naturally with the kind of women joining us in Ibiza – stylish, active, curious and up for something different.

 

For us, that’s exactly what modern travel should feel like.

 

 

Want to join us next time?

We’ll be creating more padel escapes, group trips and tailored travel experiences with XPI Padel, from Ibiza and beyond.

 

Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip, a corporate retreat, a club getaway or a private group experience, we can curate the full itinerary around you.

 

From courts and coaching to hotels, dinners, gifting and the little extras that make a trip feel personal, we’ll take care of the details.

 

Get in touch to start planning your own padel escape.

Ready to plan your own padel escape?

 

Inspired by the trip?

Speak to a Travel Seen specialist and start planning your next escape →

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

GET IN TOUCH

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Inside Casa Bonavita: Malta’s Stunning New Boutique Stay

Tucked away in the heart of Malta, Casa Bonavita is a newly opened boutique stay.

The little luxuries behind our Ibiza padel escape

Inside our exclusive Ibiza padel trip with XPI, featuring gifted products from female-founded brands Pounce Padel and The Retreat England.

Euro Summer Destinations You Shouldn’t Sleep On

Looking for a different kind of European summer escape? Explore our curated list of underrated Euro summer destinations.
Get in touch today to start planning your trips

Euro Summer Destinations You Shouldn’t Sleep On

May 2026

While the usual Mediterranean hotspots continue to dominate summer itineraries, there’s a quieter wave of destinations redefining what a European escape can feel like. Less crowded, more design-led and rooted in place. Think intimate hotels, slow mornings and coastlines that still feel undiscovered.

 

Here’s a curated edit of places doing exactly that.

Porto Ercole, Italy
Stay: La Roqqa

Tucked into the Argentario coastline, Porto Ercole feels like Tuscany’s more understated coastal cousin. It’s all sun-faded harbours, yacht-dotted bays and winding stone streets that never feel overly polished.

 

The standout here is La Roqqa, a design-forward stay that leans into minimal luxury without losing the warmth of the region. Expect terracotta tones, sea views that stretch endlessly and an easy rhythm that makes you forget what day it is.

Formentera, Balearics, Spain
Stay: Terranka

Formentera remains Ibiza’s quieter, more cinematic sibling. Think low key beach clubs, unreal water clarity and a barefoot energy that never tries too hard.
 
Teranka fits perfectly into that landscape. It’s sculpted but not showy, blending earthy textures with a sense of stillness that feels increasingly rare in the Balearics. This is where you go to properly disconnect.

Folegandros, Greece
Gundari

Formentera remains Ibiza’s quieter, more cinematic sibling—low-key beach clubs, unreal water clarity, and a barefoot energy that never tries too hard.
 
Teranka fits perfectly into that landscape. It’s sculpted but not showy, blending earthy textures with a sense of stillness that feels increasingly rare in the Balearics. This is where you go to properly disconnect.

 

 

Biarritz, France
Stay: Regina Experimental

Biarritz has long balanced surf culture with Belle Époque elegance, but its new wave of design hotels is giving it fresh relevance.
 
Hôtel Regina Experimental sits right at that intersection, historic architecture reworked with a contemporary edge. It’s coastal France with a slightly more editorial lens: polished, but never sterile.

Lošinj, Croatia
Hotel Bellevue 

Lošinj is one of Croatia’s best-kept secrets with pine forests meeting turquoise water and a wellness-driven culture that predates trends.
 
Hotel Bellevue doubles down on that identity with a focus on spa, sea air and slow living. It’s less about nightlife, more about reset.

Final thoughts

The best summer destinations right now aren’t necessarily the loudest ones. They’re the places that still leave room for spontaneity, slower pacing and a stronger sense of place. Whether it’s a quiet harbour in Italy, a raw Greek coastline or a wellness-led Croatian island, these destinations prove that luxury in 2026 feels less about excess and more about atmosphere. The kind you remember long after the flight home.

Start planning your next escape

 

Inspired by this piece?

Speak to a Travel Seen specialist and start planning your next escape →

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

GET IN TOUCH

More From Our Blogs

SEE ALL

Inside Casa Bonavita: Malta’s Stunning New Boutique Stay

Tucked away in the heart of Malta, Casa Bonavita is a newly opened boutique stay.

The little luxuries behind our Ibiza padel escape

Inside our exclusive Ibiza padel trip with XPI, featuring gifted products from female-founded brands Pounce Padel and The Retreat England.

Euro Summer Destinations You Shouldn’t Sleep On

Looking for a different kind of European summer escape? Explore our curated list of underrated Euro summer destinations.
Get in touch today to start planning your trips

Austria’s Mountain and Lakeside Retreats

May 2026

From alpine hideaways to serene lakeside escapes, Austria is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful retreats. In this guide, we explore the timeless charm of Kristiania Lech, the peaceful elegance of Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, the quiet luxury of Eriro and the grand lakeside setting of Schlosshotel Velden. Four stays that capture the beauty, calm and understated elegance of Austria’s mountains and lakes.

Kristiania Lech
Lech

Set in the heart of Austria’s Arlberg region, Kristiania Lech is a refined alpine retreat that feels more like a private mountain residence than a traditional hotel. In winter, its setting becomes especially atmospheric with snow-dusted rooftops, crisp mountain air and direct access to one of Europe’s most renowned ski landscapes. Inside, the mood is intimate and understated, with individually designed rooms that blend warm textures, curated artwork and views across the village and surrounding peaks. Thoughtful, highly personalised service shapes the experience, from seamless ski days guided through the Arlberg to restorative evenings spent unwinding after time on the slopes. It’s a place where winter days flow naturally from mountain adventure to quiet comfort with a balance of elegance, warmth and deeply personal hospitality in the Austrian Alps.

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl
Hof bei Salzburg

Set on the shimmering shores of Lake Fuschl in the Salzburg hinterland, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is a storybook retreat that feels especially magical in summer. Once a historic lakeside castle, it now blends its regal heritage with contemporary luxury surrounded by forested walking trails and dramatic alpine peaks. Days here unfold at a gentle pace – swimming or boating on the clear lake, exploring nearby nature paths or unwinding in the spa with views across the water. Dining is rooted in local flavours elevated with a refined touch, while the suites and chalets offer quiet, elegant comfort. It’s a place where summer feels unhurried, cinematic and almost fairytale-like in its setting.

eriro
Ehrwald

Set in the dramatic alpine setting of Ehrwald, Eriro is a quietly immersive retreat designed for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Elevated high in the Tyrolean mountains, it feels both intimate and expansive, surrounded by sweeping peaks, forested slopes, and wide-open skies. In summer, life here follows the rhythm of the landscape – barefoot walks through alpine meadows, guided hikes into the mountains or gentle bike rides through the valley. The design is deeply rooted in its surroundings, with natural timber, floor-to-ceiling glass and minimal distractions that keep the focus firmly on the view. Evenings are calm and restorative, with a spa inspired by the mountains and a warm fire-lit atmosphere that brings the day to a peaceful close.

 

 

Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden
Carinthia

Set directly on the shores of Lake Wörthersee, Schlosshotel Velden blends centuries of history with a distinctly modern sense of luxury. Once a 17th-century castle, the golden-hued landmark has been carefully transformed into a contemporary lakeside retreat. Inside, heritage details meet clean, modern design from castle rooms with subtle historic charm to sleek new wings that open out toward the lake. The experience is defined by effortless comfort and a seamless connection between old-world atmosphere and present-day ease. At its heart is the expansive Acquapura Lake SPA, a world of wellness overlooking the water, where saunas, pools and treatments are complemented by unexpected touches like an indoor golf simulator. It’s a place where lakeside glamour and contemporary indulgence meet in one of Austria’s most striking resort settings.

The Travel Seen take

 

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From alpine hideaways to shimmering lakeside escapes, Austria reveals a landscape shaped by stillness, beauty and quiet luxury. Days unfold between mountain air and forest trails, glassy waters and sunlit peaks – where time slows and nature sets the rhythm.

 

Here, historic castles sit alongside contemporary retreats and every stay feels deeply connected to its surroundings. Whether high in the Alps or beside calm lake shores, these places invite you to pause, breathe and experience Austria at its most serene and unforgettable.

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Inside Casa Bonavita: Malta’s Stunning New Boutique Stay

Tucked away in the heart of Malta, Casa Bonavita is a newly opened boutique stay.

The little luxuries behind our Ibiza padel escape

Inside our exclusive Ibiza padel trip with XPI, featuring gifted products from female-founded brands Pounce Padel and The Retreat England.

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Leading Luxury: In Conversation with the GM of O2 Beach Club & Spa, Barbados

May 2026

This week, we sat down with Natalie Gonzalez, General Manager of O2 Beach Club & Spa Barbados. In our chat, we delved into the vision behind one of Barbados’ most distinctive beachfront stays. From redefining the all-inclusive experience to capturing the true spirit of the island, Natalie shares what makes the property unique, how it connects guests to its south coast setting and the thoughtful details that turn a holiday into something far more personal.

What sets your hotel apart?

“Our ethos is rooted in personalization and elevated service, reimagining the all-inclusive experience to feel refined rather than routine through curated dining, authentic on- and off-property experiences, and intuitive, genuine attention. It is further shaped by a strong sense of place, reflected in locally inspired cuisine, Caribbean flavours, and the warmth of our team, all capturing the spirit of Barbados. The result is an atmosphere that is vibrant, relaxed, and distinctly its own, where modern luxury meets island soul. “

What can guests expect when they visit?

“From the moment guests arrive, we want them to feel an immediate sense of ease – welcomed not just as visitors, but as individuals, in line with our philosophy of “Your Stay, Your Way.” Every detail is delivered to the highest standard, creating a seamless, effortless transition into a stay that feels fully tailored to them.

As their experience unfolds, our goal is for guests to feel both indulged and empowered to shape their own journey – whether through quiet moments by the ocean, curated experiences, elevated dining, or lively yet refined atmospheres. By departure, we hope they feel refreshed, enriched, and deeply connected, with the sense that their stay was not only exceptional, but uniquely their own.”

What makes the South Coast of Barbados so special?

“The south coast of Barbados offers a vibrant yet effortlessly relaxed setting that guests instantly connect with, and our location is exceptionally central. We are just a short walk from St. Lawrence Gap, the culinary and social heart of the south coast, placing guests in the centre of the island’s dining, entertainment, and cultural energy while still enjoying the calm of a beachfront escape. This unique balance defines the area: calm turquoise waters, beautiful coastal walks, and authentic local experiences are all within easy reach, before returning to a peaceful, luxurious retreat.”

 

 

Describe the perfect day at your hotel?

“A perfect day at O2 Beach Club & Spa begins with a sunrise walk or morning yoga by the sea, followed by a leisurely breakfast. The day then unfolds entirely at your own pace, whether relaxing on the beach, enjoying the spa, or simply embracing the rhythm of the island.

For those who wish to explore, our portfolio of Exclusively O2 Excursions offers an elevated, off-the-beaten-path way to discover Barbados, guided by our Guest Experience Ambassadors for a more personal and immersive perspective of the island.

As evening approaches, we recommend a sundowner at Brisa rooftop, our hidden gem, which offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the ocean and coastline for a truly unforgettable sunset. From there, the evening flows seamlessly into Oro, our signature fine dining experience on the 9th floor, where refined cuisine and an elegant setting bring the day to a memorable close.”

Who is your ideal guest?

“At O2 Beach Club & Spa, we resonate with travellers who appreciate the ability to shape their own experience – whether that’s relaxation, celebration, wellness or exploration – within a setting that feels both elevated and effortless.

What unites our guests is a shared appreciation for thoughtful service, contemporary comfort and an authentic connection to destination. We provide the space, flexibility and inspiration for each guest to define their own version of the perfect Barbados escape.”

Any insider island tips?

I always encourage guests to explore like a local and go beyond the expected. One of the most rewarding ways to experience the island is heading to the east coast to discover the traditional rum shops; simple, unpretentious spots where you’ll find a delicious, authentic Bajan lunch, warm conversation and a true sense of island culture.
It’s often these off-the-beaten-path moments that leave the biggest impression, whether that’s stumbling across a quiet beach, stopping at a small roadside eatery or taking the scenic route just to see where it leads. Barbados has a wonderful way of rewarding  curiosity.”

Start planning your next escape

 

Inspired by this interview?

Speak to a Travel Seen specialist and start planning your next escape →

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

GET IN TOUCH

More From Our Blogs

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Inside Casa Bonavita: Malta’s Stunning New Boutique Stay

Tucked away in the heart of Malta, Casa Bonavita is a newly opened boutique stay.

The little luxuries behind our Ibiza padel escape

Inside our exclusive Ibiza padel trip with XPI, featuring gifted products from female-founded brands Pounce Padel and The Retreat England.

Euro Summer Destinations You Shouldn’t Sleep On

Looking for a different kind of European summer escape? Explore our curated list of underrated Euro summer destinations.
Get in touch today to start planning your trips

What To Wear In Barbados | The Travel Seen Holiday Edit

May 2026

Packing for Barbados is all about ease. You want pieces that feel polished but relaxed, beach-ready but still refined enough for lunch, sundowners and long, golden afternoons by the water.

 

This edit is built around one simple idea: a holiday wardrobe that works hard without looking like it’s trying too hard. Think lightweight cotton, soft blues, raffia textures, oversized sunglasses, warm beaded details and sun-ready beauty that still feels chic in your beach bag.

 

Whether you’re heading to the beach, slipping into lunch at the hotel or moving from poolside to sunset drinks, this is the kind of look we’d pack first.

The Dress

Farm Rio Embroidered Cotton Midi Dress

A statement dress is the easiest way to make holiday dressing feel effortless. This Farm Rio embroidered cotton midi dress brings the right amount of colour and detail, with a shape that feels relaxed enough for the day but still pulled together for lunch or early evening drinks.

 

The navy and white palette keeps it classic while the embroidery adds that island-ready finish. It’s exactly the kind of piece that makes packing feel simple because it does most of the styling for you.

 

Shop the dress

The Bikini

Jade Swim Via Beaded Bikini Top + Kaia Bikini Bottoms

 

A soft blue bikini works beautifully underneath the dress and gives the whole look a fresher, lighter feel. Jade Swim is minimal but still elevated, with small beaded details that make it feel more styled than your standard swimwear.

 

The colour is especially good for Barbados – soft, sunlit and easy to pair with whites, navy, raffia and gold jewellery.

 

Shop the bikini top
Shop the bikini bottoms

The Accessories

Loewe Petal Anagram Leather Slides, Celine Eyewear Round Sunglasses + Jacquemus Spiaggia Small Raffia Basket Bag

 

Accessories are what make a beach look feel properly styled. For Barbados, we’d keep them polished, practical and warm-toned — the kind of pieces that work from the hotel pool to lunch by the water.

 

The Loewe leather slides are easy enough for beach days but still refined with the Farm Rio dress. The white Celine sunglasses bring a slightly retro resort feel, while the Jacquemus raffia basket bag adds texture and softness to the overall look.

 

Together, they pull the edit into something that feels relaxed but considered – ideal for packing light without sacrificing style.

 

Shop the sandals
Shop the sunglasses
Shop the beach bag

 

 

The Necklace

Jennifer Behr Corisande Embellished Necklace

 

A necklace is the easiest way to make a beach look feel more considered. This Jennifer Behr embellished necklace brings in warm, earthy tones that balance the blue and white palette beautifully.

 

It adds just enough detail without making the outfit feel too dressed up, making it ideal for taking the look from swim and sand to a long lunch or sunset drinks.

 

Shop the necklace

The SPF

Kopari Golden Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF30

 

A good SPF is the one thing that should always make the suitcase. Kopari’s Golden Sunglaze body mist adds a practical beauty element to the edit, with SPF30 protection and a sheer golden finish that feels made for sun-soaked days in Barbados.

 

It’s the kind of product to keep in your beach bag for topping up throughout the day, especially when you’re moving from poolside to lunch to late-afternoon drinks.

 

Shop the SPF

The Final Look

Together, the pieces create an easy Barbados outfit formula: a statement cotton dress, soft blue swimwear, raffia accessories, tan leather sandals, retro sunglasses, warm beaded jewellery and SPF that still feels good enough to sit in the flatlay.

 

The overall feel is polished but not overdone – exactly what you want from a Caribbean packing edit.

 

Planning Barbados with Travel Seen

 

Barbados is a destination where the details matter. The right hotel, the right beach, the right restaurants and the right time of year can completely change the feel of the trip.

 

At Travel Seen, we help plan holidays with the same level of consideration – from where to stay to what to book, where to eat and how to make the whole experience feel seamless.

 

If Barbados is on your list, speak to our travel experts and we’ll help shape the trip around you.

Start planning your next escape

 

Inspired by the look?

Speak to a Travel Seen specialist and start planning your next escape →

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

GET IN TOUCH

More From Our Blogs

SEE ALL

Inside Casa Bonavita: Malta’s Stunning New Boutique Stay

Tucked away in the heart of Malta, Casa Bonavita is a newly opened boutique stay.

The little luxuries behind our Ibiza padel escape

Inside our exclusive Ibiza padel trip with XPI, featuring gifted products from female-founded brands Pounce Padel and The Retreat England.

Euro Summer Destinations You Shouldn’t Sleep On

Looking for a different kind of European summer escape? Explore our curated list of underrated Euro summer destinations.
Get in touch today to start planning your trips

The Athens Edit

May 2026

Athens is often treated as a quick stop – a city defined by its landmarks, where most of the focus stays fixed on the Acropolis before moving on. But there’s more to it than that.

The city unfolds gradually. You notice it in the pace of the streets, in the way neighbourhoods shift from historic to modern within a few minutes and in how daily life carries on around places that have stood for centuries. It’s not just about what you visit, but how the city feels as you move through it.

And then there’s the coastline. The Athenian Riviera offers a different side entirely. Open water, quieter spaces and a slower rhythm that contrasts with the density of the centre. Moving between the two gives a better sense of Athens as a whole, not just its most photographed parts.

Where to stay

CENTRAL ATHENS

 

The Dolli at Acropolis is all about location and restraint, a neoclassical stay in the centre of Athens with clean interiors and uninterrupted views of the Acropolis. The rooftop with its pool and open city outlook is the highlight, offering a quieter and more considered way to take in the city.

 

Xenodocheio Milos brings a more contemporary feel to central Athens pairing clean design with a strong focus on food. Set just off Syntagma, it’s polished without feeling formal and rooms that are simple, well-finished and built for comfort. The real draw is the Milos restaurant downstairs making it as much a place to dine as it is to stay.

 

ATHENS RIVIERA

 

One&Only Aesthesis brings a contemporary take on Riviera living. Set along a stretch of coastline where the design stays low-rise and the focus is on space, nature and privacy. It feels open and relaxed with direct access to the sea and an atmosphere that leans more towards a private coastal escape than a traditional resort.

 

Four Seasons Astir Palace sits on a private peninsula in Vouliagmeni and feels more established with a long history as one of Athens’ most iconic seaside stays. It combines multiple beach areas, sweeping sea views and a polished, service-led approach offering a more classic version of Riviera luxury just outside the city.

The Dolli at Acropolis

One&Only Aesthesis

Where to eat

Athens’ food scene is as much about atmosphere and street rhythm as it is about what ends up on the plate, where you eat often shapes the experience as much as what you order.

 

For something fast, authentic and fully woven into daily life, gyros is essential. Tylixto captures that street-level energy with warm pita, charred meat, tzatziki, tomatoes, onions and fries all wrapped together. It’s quick, informal and eaten in motion as the city moves around you.

 

At the other end, Athens’ fine dining scene is defined by setting as much as food. GB Roof Garden offers Acropolis views that shift the whole rhythm of the meal, especially at sunset, while Nolan leans more modern, mixing Greek and Asian influences in a calm and confident space that reflects a more contemporary Athens.

GB Roof Garden

What to do

Athens is a city where ancient structure and everyday life sit almost on top of each other, so what you do is often shaped by time of day and atmosphere.

 

The Acropolis is the essential starting point, best early morning or at sunset when the light softens and crowds ease. Above it, the Parthenon dominates the skyline, while the Acropolis Museum below adds clarity and context to what you’ve just seen.

 

Neighbourhoods shift the mood entirely. Plaka is historic and slow, Psyrri is creative and lively with a late-night edge and Kolonaki is more polished with cafés and boutiques.

 

A food tour is one of the best ways to understand Athens beyond its landmarks, moving through bakeries, markets and street food spots to experience the city through everyday eating rather than individual dishes.

 

For a wider view, Lycabettus Hill gives a full panorama of the city at sunset, while the Athens Riviera offers a complete change of pace with swimming spots, beach clubs and long shoreline evenings.

 

 

How to spend four days here

Our Travel Designer, Poppy, has been and seen Athens and has actually done this exact trip herself, so this comes straight from real experience rather than a generic itinerary.

 

“Four days in Athens works best as a split between the city’s history and its coastline. Start with two nights at The Dolli. That gives you enough time to see the big highlights like the Acropolis, but also to slow down a bit and just enjoy the neighbourhoods. I highly recommend a food tour to get a deeper taste of the city. Then head out to the Athenian Riviera for the final two nights at One&Only Aesthesis to properly chill. The atmosphere changes completely here, it’s all about beach time, swimming long lunches by the sea  and unhurried evenings. It feels like Athens, but in a much more relaxed, resort-style setting to round the trip off.”

 

The Travel Seen take

 

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Athens is a city of contrasts. Ancient ruins, contemporary design and a food scene that ranges from simple street wraps to Michelin-star tasting menus. It’s best experienced slowly: mornings exploring historic sites, afternoons wandering neighbourhoods and evenings built around long dinners and drinks.

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