Summer dreaming: these are the places we're dreaming of now

The most beautiful hotels on the Mediterranean

It feels like winter is never-ending, the days are short and the longing for sunshine grows with every glance out of the window. This makes the need for a ray of hope all the greater - and for inspiration for trips that will finally become reality in a few months' time.

Summer in the Mediterranean promises azure waters, cultural treasures and quiet retreats, all without a long journey or jet lag. Whether diving in the Aegean Sea, among pine groves in Croatia or on balmy evenings above the rooftops of historic old towns: these hotels and destinations are synonymous with special moments of relaxation. A trip to hideaways between Portugal, Tenerife and the Greek islands that will bring summer that little bit closer.

1. Myconian Panoptis Escape: Summer hideaway over the Aegean

Summer on Mykonos can also mean peace, sun and a sweeping view over the Aegean - at least at the Myconian Panoptis Escape from the Myconian Collection. Situated high above a sheltered bay near Elia Beach, the villa ensemble offers a private retreat away from island life. The villas with their modern, natural design open out onto terraces with a pool or jacuzzi and invite you to relax and unwind. Individual in-villa treatments, yoga at sunrise and Mediterranean cuisine with fresh fish and regional ingredients in the in-house restaurant underline the decelerated concept. Yacht or helicopter excursions are available on request for explorations - at your own pace.

More information: www.panoptisescapemykonos.com




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2. One&Only Kéa Island: Diving adventures at 120 meters

The Cycladic island of Kéa combines myth, nature and Mediterranean tranquillity. In a secluded bay on the west coast, One&Only Kéa Island is located on a 65-hectare beach area, just one hour from Athens. The resort offers elegant cliff villas with private pools, fine dining and an award-winning spa in the midst of a pristine landscape. A special highlight awaits guests underwater: off the coast lies the HMHS Britannic, the sister ship of the Titanic, which sank in 1916 and is the largest accessible passenger ship wreck in the world. As part of the new Greek underwater park, the wreck can be explored by certified divers accompanied by experienced guides. An extraordinary experience that combines history and adventure with exclusive island comfort.

More info: www.oneandonlyresorts.com/kea-island

3. Amirandes & Caramel Boutique Resort: In the footsteps of the sun god

If you want to squeeze a few more hours of sunshine out of the summer, travel to Crete, where legend has it that Zeus was born. An early excursion to the Lasithi plateau and the Dikteon cave combines a nature experience with mythology before heading back to the sea to two very different retreats. The Amirandes Resort, which is open all year round, is reminiscent of a Minoan water palace with lagoons, palm trees and clean lines and combines private pool villas, a spacious spa and varied cuisine with its proximity to Knossos, Heraklion and Agreco Farm. On the north coast near Rethymnon, the boutique resort Caramel welcomes guests with Mediterranean gardens, white villas and lovingly designed details in Greek style. Here, relaxing beach days meet cultural discoveries in the historic old town.

More information: grecotel.com/amirandes and grecotel.com/caramel.

4. Corfu Imperial: "σιγά σιγά" - everything with calm

"Siga siga", without haste, is a way of life on Corfu. The greenest of the Greek islands is gentle, calm and almost aristocratic. High above the olive groves of the private Kommeno peninsula lies the Corfu Imperial, surrounded by palm trees, marble paths, hidden bays and a promenade through Mediterranean gardens.
Rooms with panoramic views, bungalows and villas with direct sea access blend harmoniously into the landscape. The culinary offerings range from Corfiot specialties to French cuisine, creative fish dishes at Yali Seafood and an in-house gelateria. The experience is complemented by environmentally conscious activities such as mini golf with biodegradable balls or the opportunity to adopt corals in the Ionian Sea.

More information: grecotel.com/corfuimperial.

5th SIRO Boka Place: Summer, sun, sport

The Adriatic lies quietly and calmly in the protected Boka Bay and shows its particularly pristine side in Montenegro. Sailors, stand-up paddlers, hikers and climbers will find ideal conditions here, as will those seeking relaxation who want to combine exercise with regeneration. Since May, the first European SIRO Hotel has been offering a new retreat for active people, with a view of the surrounding mountain scenery from the roof terrace, a 25-metre outdoor pool and a recovery lab for targeted recovery after training. If you want to make the journey an experience, choose the route via Dubrovnik and travel part of the way by ferry, past small coastal towns and impressive landscapes.

More info: www.sirohotels.com