The best European holiday destinations this spring

Hotel Byblos, St. Tropez

Stay where the party is at, in the famous Byblos Hotel. With the region’s best-known nightclub on-site, it’s no wonder this coastal party palace has attracted everyone from Grace Kelly to Mick Jagger. Bright and stylish interiors offer a touch of Bridgette Bardot glamour - whom incidentally, the hotel was originally built to impress. And if you’d like to check out Cannes or Nice during your stay, you can rent a yacht and take a leisurely trip up the coast.

Casa Angelina, Amalfi Coast

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Offering tranquility and beauty at every turn, Casa Angelina spoils guests with stunning views of the Amalfi Coast from every vantage point. Beneath the lemon trees by the sun deck pool, over dinner at the rooftop restaurant or right outside your bedroom door, this perfectly perched oasis provides sweeping views of the ocean, sky and coastal mountains. Bright rooms decorated with modern white interiors and wood details draw the eyes straight out onto the water. Each bedroom is equipped with an Apple TV, DVD player and iPad, helpful for those with restless small (or large) children. Each and every room also comes with its own private terrace, meaning even the smallest balconies provide their own piece of paradise.

The Retreat Hotel, Blue Lagoon, Iceland

This hotel offers visitors a top luxury spa experience made extra special with the assistance of Mother Nature herself. Staying at The Retreat includes access to The Blue Lagoon, the country’s number one tourist attraction. On top of this, some of the more premium rooms offer their own private area of the lagoon to enjoy, with steps coming down from the patio. Interiors made with local wood, concrete and lava bring a sense of sophistication to complement the mossy volcanic landscapes that lie behind the floor-to-ceiling windows. The spa is truly unique, with in-water treatments, subterranean sanctuaries, and local minerals that combine to rejuvenate mind and body. The two restaurants are also excellent, particularly Moss, which has evident Michelin star ambitions. The Retreat Hotel is one of the most impressive openings of the past few years and is the perfect place to experience the natural world without sacrificing even a shred of luxury.

Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik

With grand views of the Adriatic Sea and Old Town, and steps away from the Old City of Dubrovnik and medieval fortresses, the Excelsior’s location really cannot be beaten. Featuring three restaurants - including one beachside - and a terrace bar, it’d be easy to laze around in the sun for your entire holiday. But with only 600 metres between your luxury lounge sofas and a city filled with history to explore, there’s plenty of time to both relax and see the sites.

Nobu Hotel, Ibiza

If the notion of holidaying is synonymous in your mind with cool azure waters, this beachside, two-pool, boat-accessible resort will be just the ticket. Ibiza is one of the world’s most famous party islands and Nobu is only two miles from the island’s iconic strip, yet set in the peaceful Talamanca Bay. Holistic spa treatments (including massages on the beach) and poolside quiet time are definitely on the menu here, particularly as the hotel features a kid’s club with activities that will keep the little ones distracted. And if all that lounging by the pool makes you feel peckish, a short stroll takes you to a world famous Nobu restaurant.

Mykonos Blu, Mykonos

The iconic all white buildings with a splash of azure details and the bottomless blue water from a cliff-side perch is exactly what you expect from Blu. Its Mykonos venture features 20 pools, access to the popular Psarou Beach, seven dining options, and a spa. Blu is the perfect destination for weddings and honeymooners, as well as families with children. Those with little ones have access to babysitters, an on-call paediatrician, and an array of DVDs and on-demand films. Mykonos itself is one of the most popular Greek destinations for its beaches, nightlife, and historic landmarks. The island has something for everyone, and Blu is the perfect place to unwind after taking it all in.