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Are you dreaming of an island escape? You don’t have to venture beyond Europe.
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From Sardinia’s turquoise coves to Greece’s whitewashed villages, Europe is home to some of the world’s most spectacular island retreats. And with the island hotel scene only gaining momentum, there’s never been a better time to visit.
In recent months, a wave of new openings have already welcomed guests including Zannier Hotels’ Zannier Île de Bendor in France, Mykonos’ first Four Seasons hotel, and the Mamula Island by Banyan Tree in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.
This momentum is showing no sign of slowing down with more highly anticipated openings on the horizon set to debut this year and beyond.
Whether you’re looking to add a wellness escape getaway or seeking an upscale waterfront retreat, here are the island stays to keep on your radar.
New island hotels in Europe
Luura Paros Cliff, Greece
Nestled in the heart of the Cyclades and perched above the bay of Agia Irini on the island’s western coast, this property welcomes guests 12 years and above and marks Luura Hotels’ first entry into Paros.
Having opened on 1 August 2026, an array of 39 suites offer uninterrupted sea views from its expansive gardens and terraces. Guests are also spoilt for choice for where to take a dip as there are 19 private pools which sit alongside a private chapel, a vast wellness area and two restaurants.
Contemporary Japanese dining concept, Mimi Kakushi, plates the dynamic energy of 1920s Osaka, while Lenea serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with every dish highlighting seasonal ingredients.
Luura Paros Cliff invites guests to immerse themselves in local experiences with curated programmes from in-house ceramics workshops hosted by local artisanal ceramic artist Maria Economides. Guests can also board a private boat for fishing tours to remote islets.
A second Luura hotel on Paros is set to open by 2028 at New Golden Beach.
Eha Retreat, Estonia
Located on Estonia’s Hiiumaa Island in the Baltic Sea, Eha Retreat is earmarked to open in September 2026.
The property will feature eight suites and three forest cabins that can accommodate a total of 22 guests.
With an emphasis on wellness, each stay begins with a consultation to create a personalised programme for individualised wellbeing, while in-room elements include guided sleep meditations.
Guests can choose between spending either three, five or seven nights, shaped around Estonia’s so-called “five seasons” and designed to support deep rest and regenerative wellbeing.
A five-night retreat starts at £5,500 (€6,417.81) per person, based on double occupancy. This covers dining experiences, curated programmes of treatments, wellness sessions and activities.
Eha’s culinary offerings are led by Michelin green star-awarded chef Peeter Pihel and champions local produce. The retreat collaborates with fishermen, grain growers and herbalists local to Hiiumaa to serve up fresh dishes. Guests also have the chance to explore Estonian food conservation techniques.
Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy
Located just north of Porto Cervo and centred around stunning sea views, this Sardinian resort by Rocco Forte will open its doors in 2027.
Set to be an intimate retreat of 64 rooms and suites, each with its own private terrace overlooking the shortline, the opening of Costa Smeralda will mark the Rocco Forte brand’s debut property on the Italian island.
It promises three dining concepts serving guests fresh and local ingredients, as well as a state-of-the-art spa.
The two-acre seafront resort will also feature lush, palm-filled gardens.
Six Senses Comino, Malta
This Six Senses retreat is set to be nestled across the bays of San Niklaw and San Marija on the lesser-known Maltese island of Comino, which boasts rugged cliffs, bright turquoise waters including the Blue Lagoon, as well as wild herbs and flowers.
Six Senses Comino will feature 71 low-rise suites overlooking the bay, each with their own private decks.
A further collection of 19 standalone two- and four bedroom retreats will have large gardens, private pools and a secluded central courtyard. The retreats will also have a separate clubhouse with a restaurant and piazza with sweeping views of Santa Marija bay.
The 1,000 square metre Six Senses Spa will offer treatments, longevity therapies and personalised wellness programmes inspired by local Maltese culture.
Mandarin Oriental Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy
Alongside Rocco Forte’s new property, Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is also set to have a luxury opening from Mandarin Oriental.
Near the sought-after seaside resort of Porto Cervo, the five-star Mandarin Oriental property will have 83 rooms and suites. Guests will have no shortage of eateries to choose from, with five dining concepts promising a variety of culinary offerings.
At the retreat, guests can take advantage of the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, as well as a fitness centre and large indoor and outdoor pools, with the latter featuring lush garden surroundings.
On the Porto Paglia beach, the property’s new beach club will be the place for waterfront rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.
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