Kiwi Curated
Spring into Italy, Spain and Portugal
by Eva ZhuSpring is coming, which means more daylight hours for crossing off those bucket list items. Start planning a trip to Southern Europe stat for extra sunshine—Italy, Spain and Portugal have it in spades, along with coastal views and fine wine.
There’s more to Italy than Venice and Rome. Travel deeper to Relais San Maurizio, a hilltop 17th-century monastery turned luxury hotel and one of the many ancient villages that dot the countryside. The monks here cultivated the fertile lands with vineyards, ancient grains, herbs and spices. Today, this legacy serves the hotel’s organic menus, including at the Michelin-starred Guideo da Costigliole. Activities here range from tasting wine to visiting a cheese farm—or in other words, all the good stuff.
No one does indulgence like the Italians, and Tuscany is the country’s hotbed of food, wine and the good life. The Il Borro estate, surrounded by rural scenes and Merlot vineyards, spans 700 hectares between Florence, Siena and Cortona. Located within a medieval village, the three villas and 35 elegant suites exude historic charm. Enjoy winetasting, visit the artisan workshops in the village and bask in the Tuscan sunsets.
Hotel Metropole brings the world to Venice, with its curated spaces designed to enchant. Inside, the rooms and suites’ period furnishings and classic Venetian décor match the setting. Outside, The Citrus Garden and Oriental Bar bring a taste of the Mediterranean and Asia. The antiques collection comprised of 200 pieces, ranging from beautiful to unusual, add to the eccentricity. To top off your experience, be sure to visit the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Seville made many travel trends lists for 2018, and Hotel Alfonso XIII offers the perfect location for exploring the cobblestoned city. Situated between the Reales Alcázares and Seville Cathedral, the hotel was commissioned by the King of Spain for the 1929 Exhibition, and today stands as a cultural landmark in the historic district. Just like the storied city in which it dwells, you can find a unique mix of Moorish details and Andalucian design within its walls.
Hotel Fénix, a Gran Meliá Hotel-Madrid combines classic luxury and avant-garde design in Spain’s capital city. Right in Plaza de Colón, the hotel sits on the Golden Mile for the city’s best shopping, dining and museums. On property, it’s all about the open-air experience—be it on the terrace at the Dry Martini Bar or al fresco at one of two restaurants. Upgrade to the RedLevel for extra privileges, such as access to the lounge and solarium, afternoon drinks and butler service.
Hotel MidMost Barcelona lives up to its name with a location in Barcelona’s Golden Triangle, the centermost point for exploring Gaudi’s city. This lofty boutique hotel is your home-away-from-home, with authentic service and understated luxury that allows you to relax. To help with that, there’s also a health-conscious breakfast (in addition to the regular fare) and a rooftop terrace for soaking up the Spanish sun.
InterContinental Lisbon is everything you expect from an upscale hotel in the heart of the city. Steps from the prestigious Avenida da Liberdade, this contemporary hotel offers rooms and suites with views over Eduardo VII Park and the historic old town. Make it your home base for exploring Lisbon before retreating to the hotel’s authentic Portuguese restaurant or artisanal cocktail bar—the perfect end to your day.
On the banks of the River Douro, Porto is the laid-back, scenic sister to bustling Lisbon. The Yeatman, overlooking the river and UNESCO Old Town, pairs wine-inspired experiences with the best views in the city. Befitting its locale (the origin of Port wine), the hotel holds an impressive two Michelin stars and is home to the Caudalie Vinothérapie® Spa. But don’t end your trip here—Porto is also the gateway to the vineyard region.
The Algarve Coast in the South of Portugal is known for its Mediterranean beaches, golf greens and lifestyle resorts. For a vacation with something for everyone, look no further than Anantara Vilamoura and its world-class amenities—Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf, five swimming pools and Anantara Spa, to name a few. For young guests, there are the kids and teens’ clubs. For shopping, dining and beachfront, Vilamoura’s vibrant marina is minutes away.