Our Best New Hotels in Europe 2020

The north Atlantic archipelago we call home has much to offer the discerning holidaymaker. From castles to coastlines to cosy pubs. Indeed, England grabbed second spot in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2020. Shiny awards aside though, can the UK’s holiday attributes really hold a candle to those of our European neighbours? For the Kenwood crew, Europe is the world’s most diverse holiday destination. It’s got the weather, the beaches, the cuisine, the scenery, the history; you name it. Throw in centuries of classicism and renaissance artistry, and it’s got the luxury hotels to match, too. At Kenwood Travel we love Europe’s authentically luxurious hotels; better yet, we love adding them to our portfolio. So, from the Balearics to the Canaries, join a continental crusade of our best new hotels in Europe.

Hotel Fariones | Lanzarote

First stop Lanzarote in the colourful Canary Islands. Volcanic, dramatic, endlessly scenic and bathed in year-round sunshine, this Spanish island off the coast of northwest Africa has been an affordable holiday mainstay for Brits for decades. Impressive new properties like Hotel Fariones are part of the reason it continues to draw the crowds, and we can see why. The architecture is something to behold, with sharp white edges, linear colonnades and living green walls delivering an eye-catching contrast. The cutting edge design is complemented by the unique guest hospitality that is the calling card of PY Hotels & Resorts Group, with the overall effect practically redefining this timeless destination.

Redefining a timeless destination… Hotel Fariones

Formentor, a Royal Hideaway Hotel | Majorca

Despite stiff competition from its Balearic neighbours, not least the hedonistic heartland that is Ibiza’s ‘The White Island’, Mallorca retains its perch at the top of the tree of Mediterranean must-visit destinations. With its cute hillside villages, secret swimming coves and infamous club scene, Mallorca can be late-night as well as lovely. It also boasts some of the finest new hotels in Europe alongside some of the most cinematic settings. Our favourite is the woodland-set Formentor, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. Its terrace restaurant, seafood café, piano bar, tennis courts and direct beach access being particular highlights.

Hideaway by name, hideaway by nature

Porto Zante Villas & Spa | Zakynthos, Greece

In an article featuring hotels in Europe that are new to the Kenwood Travel portfolio (hand-picked by the experts who know there because they go there, naturally), we’re particularly pleased to introduce a resort in a destination that is also new to us. Awash with Venetian villages, literary heritage, pine-shrouded valleys and immaculate beaches – including that shipwreck one, Zakynthos is a Mediterranean classic. With such surroundings, hotels on the island inevitably enjoy stunning coastal locations. Not least the all-villa hideaway of Porto Zante Villas & Spa. This shorefront property sits upon a sandy beach in its own little cove, lapped by turquoise waters. Multiple high profile awards, a waterside spa and eclectic dining round off its considerable charms.

The beauty of Zakynthos in one image

Rixos Premium Belek | Antalya, Turkey

What’s this? Another new destination on the Kenwood books. Antalya on the south Turkish coast caught the eye of our destinations specialists for its old cobbled streets, Roman ruins, traditional bath houses and amazing beaches. Scouting for hotels to enhance our offering in the area, we couldn’t ignore Rixos Premium Belek: 700 metres of private beach, bespoke service, five pools, a sumptuous spa, a fun-filled kids club, lots & lots of land- and water-sports, club nights and, thrillingly, access to the exciting Land Of Legends theme park. Our latest pick of hotels in Antalya has something for everyone.

Spa days at Rixos Premium Belek

Ananti Resort, Residences & Beach Club | Montenegro

The final entry on our list of hotels recently added to our Europe portfolio is a self-styled ‘jewel of the Adriatic’. Ananti Resort, Residences & Beach Club in Montenegro – all sweeping sea views, luxury villa accommodation, Asian-fusion food and five-star amenities – is tucked away in the pretty Rezevici inlet in the Budva Riviera, and enjoys a private, uninterrupted ambience. It’s already attracting big bookings ahead of its 2020 opening and, with its unique philosophy inspired by Nepalese Buddhism (the hotel name is an amalgamation of ananda – happiness, and shanti – peace), is one to watch for the spiritually-minded jetsetter.