11 luxurious European hotels to add to your bucket list
Editor’s note: The team at The Points Guy loves to travel, but now is not the time for unnecessary trips. Health officials note that the fastest way to return to normalcy is to stop coming in contact with others. That includes ceasing travel. We are publishing travel deals and destination content because we should all use this time to think about and plan our next adventures. TPG doesn’t advise booking trips for travel until summer or fall — and even then be mindful of cancellation policies.
If you're stuck at home daydreaming of that perfect infinity pool in Ibiza, luxe staycation in London or spa in Portugal, you're not alone. More than ever, the TPG staff is dreaming of taking all of our bucket list trips, and that includes some seriously luxurious, unique or special European hotels that have been on our radar for a while. After all, you don't have to jet off to the Maldives or New York City to find an incredible hotel, there are many in Europe that you'll hopefully be able to visit very soon. Here are some of the most amazing, once-in-a-lifetime hotels to visit in Europe to add to your bucket list
1. SIX SENSES DOURO VALLEY, Portugal
Wine lovers should visit this hotel set high in the hills of northern Portugal overlooking the Douro Valley and River. Rest and rejuvenate at the hotel's spa, inspired by water, stone and wood. The spa features 10 treatment rooms that offer locally inspired grape therapy treatments (among others). For the ultimate splurge, book the vineyard rooftop suite, which comes with a garden deck and hot tub overlooking the vineyards. This property will eventually be bookable with IHG Reward points, so keep working on growing your stash.
2. The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Visiting Iceland's Blue Lagoon is already a bucket list experience, but The Retreat takes it to the next level of luxury. Lagoon suites come with private lagoon access and some seriously gorgeous free-standing bathtubs. The spa features the Lava Cove, a private suite with a kitchen, butler, fireplace and of course, private access to a Blue Lagoon cove where you can soak in the energizing waters, get in-water massages or guided water yoga sessions.
3. Nobu Ibiza, Spain
For some Ibiza is all about partying, but you can also experience some very special boho-chic luxury on this youthful, carefree Spanish Island. Get the tie-dye, roped hammock and free-spirited Ibicenco vibe but with added opulence at Nobu Ibiza, which has two stunning swimming pools and overlooks Talamanca Bay. For the ultimate experience, book the Royal Suite, which has an enormous, sea-facing deck with a hot tub.
4. Rosewood London, U.K.
Live like British Royalty by staying in one of the Rosewood London's signature suites, like the Chancery House, which has a special sunken dining room and marble fireplace, or the Garden House which includes a private terrace with views. Immerse yourself in a unique Sense Spa treatment, many of which include eastern healing rituals using Himalayan salt, essential oils or volcanic clay.
Related: What are the finest hotels in the UK to book with points?
5. Belmond Hotel Caruso, Italy
Italy's Amalfi Coast is already a bucket list destination, and the Belmond Caruso is the perfect splurge. A former 11th-century palace perched on a cliff, the massive infinity pool overlooking the sea is simply divine. The colorful executive suites ooze Italian charm, each with a private balcony featuring magnificent Amalfi Coast views.
6. Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Set on a private island on Montenegro's coast, expect a one-of-a-kind experience at this hotel, including pink-sand beaches, a cliff top pool (one of three) and charming yet stylish stone cottages. Or, test out an exclusive suite inside the Villa Milocer, an imposing mansion part of the hotel. The historic home-turned-hotel that was once a playground for Serbian royalty is located on the mainland surrounded by private woods and a beach.
7. Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris, France
Paris is teeming with incredible hotels, but if Michelin-starred cuisine is also on your bucket list, the Four Seasons George V Paris has three restaurants totaling five Michelin stars between them, so come hungry. Once you're feeling the Parisian food coma, relax in grandeur atop French luxury linens admiring Eiffel Tower views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, or dive into the indoor pool.
8. Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland
Built by the former Caledonian Railway Compay in 1924, this sprawling Scottish escape is perfect for those wanting both a regal and rural getaway. Explore the grounds with activities like falconry, archery and gun-dog training -- and the grounds are home to three world-renowned golf courses. Guest rooms and suites are decidedly Scottish, with gold furnishings and touches of plaid and patterns. TPG U.K. had a chance to experience all the Gleneagles glory last year -- read the review here.
Related: Second cities: Destinations to add onto a trip to Edinburgh
9. Amanzoe, Port Heli, Greece
The Amanzoe proves you don't have to actually go to the Greek Islands to find true beauty. One of the most exclusive properties in Greece, plan to arrive in the Peloponnese region (one of Greece's most underrated mainland spots) from Athens by helicopter, admiring the turquoise-blue waters, olive groves and white-sand beaches from up above. Stay in one of the villas, which come with private pools overlooking the sea, immersive art décor and free-standing, outdoor bathtubs with views.
10. W VERBIER, Switzerland
Set amid the Swiss Alps in the town of Val de Bagnes, this Marriott property was made for those who love to ski. Each room comes with a fireplace and private balcony so you can admire the snow-capped mountains. Or, live it up with the WOW suite complete with a loft, private sauna, rotating bed and cocktail bar. If you're not a skier, the hotel's natural surroundings make for a beautiful bucket list getaway at any time of the year.
Related: The ultimate guide to riding Swiss trains
11. The Bodrum Edition, Turkey
Bodrum, Turkey, is chock full of gorgeous hotels, so it was hard to pick our favorite. But this Marriott Edition is high on our list, thanks to its stunning pool setting and gorgeous guest rooms -- some which feature private pools, balconies or gardens. TPG Reviews Editor Nick Ellis stayed there last summer (read his review here) and was positively enthralled with the fact that the glorious and expansive breakfast spread was available until 4 p.m. each day.
Bottom line
While Europe has a never-ending selection of bucket list hotels, these are some of our top favorites to add to your list as you start daydreaming about your next adventure.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.