Spring fever

5 Breathtaking hotel gardens in Europe

While the temperatures in our latitudes still have plenty of room to rise, the first harbingers of spring are already sprouting elsewhere. In just a few weeks' time, many hotel gardens in more southerly climes will be in lush bloom again. Not only amateur botanists will be delighted when they check into one of these 5 hotels:


Hotel Lemongarden, Sutivan/Croatia

The Austrian Helena Ramsbacher runs this gem in the fishing village of Sutivan on the Croatian island of Brac with heart and passion. This is also evident in the lush gardens of the boutique hotel. The 23 suites with terraces and 12 rooms are housed in old stone villas, the centerpiece is the pool, surrounded by bright flowers, tall palm trees, rose bushes and ivy. www.lemongardenhotel.com


Kolokithi Bay, Sporadic Islands/Greece

Wild aromatic oregano, fragrant rosemary, shady olive trees and umbrella pines are the defining elements in the gardens of Kolokithi Bay in Greece. Rocks sculpted by time provide counterpoints for variety, winding paths meander through ornamental shrubs and grasses, terraces lead from inside to outside. If you want, you can swim through this oasis, as there is a large infinity pool right in the middle. www.thethinkingtraveller.com/kolokithi


Atzaró, Ibiza

The luxurious agroturismo boutique hotel in a former finca is surrounded by 13 hectares of gardens. Three hectares are reserved for vegetables and herbs. Olive trees and cypresses grow along the paths, climbing plants twine around round arches, and in between there are romantic spots to linger, fountains and pergolas. Here grows what will later end up on your plate: oranges, limes, pomegranates, lettuce, tomatoes, herbs and cucumbers are just a few examples. www.atzaro.com


Giardino Ascona, Ascona/Switzerland

The Swiss hotel on Lake Maggiore, which is almost in Italy, is characterized by a magnificent garden. Countless lounges invite you to relax, and many terraces offer the perfect view of this oasis, at the center of which is a water lily pond with koi. This member of the renowned Design Hotels is the epitome of the Mediterranean lifestyle. www.giardino-ascona.ch


Villa Sainte-Anne, Cap D'Antibes/France

When Villa Sainte-Anne opens in May 2021 as part of the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, groups of up to 12 guests can look forward to luxurious furnishings, first-class service and beautifully manicured private gardens. Even a private pool overlooking the bay is part of this ultimate retreat on the French Riviera. www.oetkercollection.com