Best Resort Hotels in Europe

Historic manor homes in the Irish countryside. Adults-only retreats along the Amalfi Coast. Ski retreats beloved by the jet set in St. Moritz. This year’s best resort hotels in Europe may differ in style, size, and location, but all share a common thread: exacting service and old-world grandeur, with the ability to transport guests to another, more civilized era.

World’s Best Awards Survey

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe, sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Stunning Scenery and Unique Experiences

Dramatic scenery goes a long way toward creating a sense of adventure and escape—this year’s winners boast some pretty awe-inspiring backdrops. Badrutt’s Palace Hotel and Carlton Hotel St. Moritz are both set in the postcard-perfect Swiss town of St. Moritz, Switzerland, home to emerald forests, snowcapped Alpine peaks, and glittering lakes. Moreover, Il San Pietro di Positano, a celeb-favorite hideaway, overlooks the Bay of Positano, featuring the only hotel in the area with a private beach reached by an elevator carved into a cliff. “The location is remarkable,” said one fan of the family-run property, which opened in 1970. “The rooms are fabulous. The service is fantastic.” We certainly echo this sentiment.

Authentic Guest Experiences

The finest resorts go above and beyond to offer guest experiences that are authentic to their place. Take Inverlochy Castle Hotel, established in 1863, located a few miles from the base of Ben Nevis mountain. Here, guests can engage in traditional Scottish-country pastimes such as falconry, skeet shooting, and even sheepdog herding. Meanwhile, the Six Senses Douro Valley, in Portugal’s northern wine region, places its focus on a holistic approach to well-being, offering aerial yoga among trees, locally driven spa treatments, and outdoor meditation pods scattered throughout the forest.