europhile

My husband and I are planning our annual "get away from the kids and let someone pamper us for a change" vacation for either June of September. In years past, our favorite places have been Amalfi Coast/Capri (Palazzo Avino, Le Sirenuse) and Santorini/Mykonos (Katikies). We have enjoyed the picturesque villages and small luxury hotels and have (lazily) returned several times to these same spots several times. This year, we're trying to branch out to one or two new places. We've thought of Portofino or Taormina in Italy (but are open to other ideas, perhaps in Sicily or other islands), and we've also thought about Ibiza or coastal mainland Spain. We haven't been to any of these, but are really looking for something to rival the jaw dropping effect of the scenery in our old-faithful spots. Our interests are gorgeous scenery, great village scene/culture, food/wine, and plenty of rest and relaxation. We typically plan these trips as if they are honeymoons, and look for places that are small and romantic and not full of families (after all, we are escaping our own kids). I'd love to hear the Fodorites' thoughts on a couple of places that would top your list, ideally with a hotel suggestion. Any ideas? Oh- for budget, let's pretend its not an issue to narrow down our dream locations, and we can figure out the best we can manage there.

Huggy

How about Rovinj, Croatia at the Hotel Monte Mulini. Easy access from Trieste, beautiful coastline, wonderful food and great wine list. Easy stroll to town.

bvlenci

I would take a look at Sardegna.

europhile

The Hotel Mulini does look lovely! Is it a ferry from Trieste?

bobthenavigator

Here is where I would go---get some history with your view.

http://www.belmond.com/grand-hotel-timeo-taormina/

europhile

Bob- that's the place we are looking at in Taormina! Ok- so what would be a good combo to do with that hotel? Another town on Sicily? Or another nearby island? Or, on Volotea air, we could get direct flights to Catania from Genoa, if we want to try the riviera coast in the same trip. I've always wanted to see the Cinque Terre but I'm trying to find a luxury hotel that is more affordable than the Splendido. The prices there seriously were shocking to me, and we've stayed at some fancy places!

bobthenavigator

I would think of Palermo as a 2nd location but do not know of a 5 star in Palermo---there must be one. We stayed at a nice 4 star there and enjoyed the city. Here is my Sicily gallery with many shots in Taormina---the flower pots with Etna in the background was at the GH Timeo.

http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=3828

bobthenavigator

Here is a nice place on the water just NW of the city.

http://www.booking.com/hotel/it/gran...c16a80dbe8cbX1

sandralist

You might try a Sicilian island to combine with Taormina. Or go to Sardinia. 5 star resort hotels are really not the norm in Italy. You can try Forte dei Marmi.

kimhe

San Sebastian would tick the boxes. The culinary capital of Spain if not all of Europe, beautiful landscapes and some of the finest city beaches on the continent.

Here are three fabulous hotels, from old world grandeur to luxcury guest house.

Hotel Londres: http://www.hlondres.com/en/accommodation/attic
Hotel Maria Cristina: http://www.hotel-mariacristina.com/en
Villa Soro: http://www.villasoro.es/en/

Or take a look at smaller and close by Hondarribia: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...ribia-tourism/

Perhaps stay at the 10th century castle Parador: http://www.parador.es/en/paradores/p...de-hondarribia

Or perhaps Villa Lorenea: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/vill...=0;type=total&

littlejane

Oia is my favourite place in the world. A close second is Dubrovnik, really beautiful and atmospheric with plenty of boutique hotels. I know that's not where you were looking at though.

Another favourite place of mine (along the same lines) is Cinque Terre - to see it in all its splendour you need to be prepared to do a few long walks/treks. I think you will struggle to find boutique hotels there as they are mostly basic, but if you were prepared to sacrifice the glamour of the accomodation for the sheer beauty, it is well worth it. Some cracking restaurants there also.

I liked Taormina well enough, but didn't think it had the wow factor of Oia or Amalfi coast.

Huggy

You can ferry from Venice.

My wife and I trained to Zagreb and stayed at the wonderful Hotel Esplanade. We then drove the 3 hours to Rovinj for 3 nights before continuing our journey down the coast ending up in Dubrovnik. Wonderful hill towns on the peninsula.

Monte Mulini takes its food and wine very seriously (2 elaborate wine coolers.) Very modern in decor and convenience. It lies outside of town but very walkable to the delightful Rovinj. However, it does not have the dramatic scenery of a CT or Taormina (have visited both.) Found some wonderful restaurants in Rovinj.

My wife and I believe this was one of our most delightful of several European trips taken.