The Mediterranean is one of the world's most beautiful locations for escaping on an adults-only holiday and offers the ultimate in rest, relaxation and grown-up fun in a child-free zone. Providing ridiculously dreamy views of the sparkling sea, impressive wellness spaces and incredible dining experiences, these adults-only hotels in Europe were made for couples, solo travellers and friends.
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Whether you're dreaming of Greek island bliss, Spanish siestas by the infinity pool or sunset aperitivi in Italy, you'll adore our pick of the best adult-only hotels in the Med. From Kefalonia's F Zeen Retreat to the Amalfi Coast's Monastero Santa Rosa, these exceptional hotels were made for grown-up breaks...Set high above Kabak Bay, Avalon has just eleven rooms staggered among pine, olive and fruit trees that surround a large sea-facing pool. The rooms take the form of authentic wooden bungalows, with private gardens and gorgeous views, along with a 'less is more' approach to decor. Guests can take a boat trip along the coast to visit some of the most enchanting coves and beaches in the Med, or simply spend the days with a book and that view - either by the pool or on your own private deck. i-escape offers stays at Avalon from £86 per room, per night.
For a Greek island feel on mainland Greece, look no further than White Orchid located at the edge of Sivota. Boasting the most incredible views over the sparkling Ionian Sea, the hotel is contemporary with sumptuous bedrooms, a large infinity swimming pool and bougainvillea-filled terraces. Just a couple of minutes' stroll away is a secluded cove known only to locals, which is ideal for early morning swims or soaking up the afternoon sun. Simpson Travel offers seven-night holidays from £1,136 per person, including flights and car hire.
- Built into rocks lining the coast just two kilometres from the UNESCO-protected town of Trogir, Croatia’s newest adult-only health and wellbeing retreat offers 50 well-designed rooms (the owners are architects) and wellbeing spaces with idyllic sea views. Hotel Ola has an Energy Clinic Spa offering wellness packages for couples and a restaurant that specialises in high-quality food, with only fresh, local produce used. The Healthy Holiday Company offers seven-night holidays from £755 per person, including flights and transfers.
- Hidden in the rock on the edge of the cape’s cliffs, Cap Rocat is the ultimate adults-only hotel in Mallorca. A former fortress set in a magical, secluded area of private land and coastline, the hotel provides complete privacy and luxury. Couples can enjoy the captivating view of the Mediterranean Sea from the comfort of their bed or infinity plunge pool in the Sentinel Suites. In the stunning spa, which is carved from the limestone depths of the former military fortress, guests can experience the dramatic saltwater swimming pool and indulgent treatments in five treatment rooms. The Sentinel Suites start at €900 (£800) per night.
- This gorgeous adults-only hotel in Lourdas, southern Kefalonia, is a stylish retreat for a blissful Greek island getaway. Health and wellness are at the core of the 28-room hotel's philosophy and guests can enjoy a beautiful outdoor gym built into the mountainside, yoga classes on an outdoor deck and a mixture of spa treatments. Romance, relaxation and privacy are what the hotel does best, while F Zeen Retreat can personalise your holiday with breakfasts in bed or candlelit dinners and alfresco moonlight massages. Rooms start from £153 per night.
A boutique masseria located among 60 acres of olive groves, the 40-room Masseria San Domenico dates back to the 14th century when it was used by the Knights of Malta. Family-owned and run, the hotel is full of historic wonders including caves beneath the property which were formerly home to Apulian monks fleeing Moorish attackers during the Middle Ages. The largest cave was used to store olive oil and the hotel still produces fine oils, which the chef uses in restaurant San Domenico. Deeper underground, a natural hot spring provides the mineral-rich water for the Thalassotherapy spa, as well as a centre dedicated to relaxation. Rooms start from €330 (£294) per night.
- Exuding peace and tranquillity, this stunning adults-only boutique bolthole is perched high above the Med in Andalucia. Designed purely with couples in mind, DDG Retreat has the kind of exotic appeal that’s often only found at the end of a long-haul flight. With just three individually-designed detached suites peppered across a four-hectare woodland estate, guests can choose to hide away in an intimate casa or opt for one of two ultra-cool tented super-suites. Breakfasts are home-cooked and served with cava, while a spa cabana is tucked away among the trees. There is also a beautiful infinity pool with a hammam and sauna. Prices start at €147 (£132) per person, per night.
- Casa Cook Rhodes is a tranquil retreat set at the foot of the Tsambika Mountain on the island of Rhodes. Its contemporary bohemian design creates a relaxed ambience where you can do as little as you please and chill on your own poolside paradise, or discover your inner zen with a yoga work-out and experience local life on a beach cruiser bike. Guests at the adults-only hotel can treat their taste buds with a variety of fresh Mediterranean dishes and enjoy chilled-out music and cocktails while watching the sunset at the Kitchen Club. Thomas Cook offers a seven-night holiday at Casa Cook from £659 per person, including flights.
This luxury boutique hotel on the Kaş Peninsula comprises an array of beautifully designed buildings which tumble down to meet the sea shore. Mandalina boasts a barefoot chic vibe, with guests never more than a few steps from the sea. There are 12 suites (some with their own pools) with high ceilings, glass balconies and endless sea views, along with a freshwater infinity pool, a social area with sun terraces, pretty gardens and a pool bar. Fairlight Jones offers seven-night holidays from £950 per person, including flights, transfers and a gulet cruise.
- With just seven stylish suites, Purple Apricot is a wonderful retreat for grown-ups on the island of Paxos. Perfect for those who wish to rest, relax and recharge batteries, the hotel's suites are eclectic, bohemian and exotic in style. The swimming pool offers delightful sea views and a comfortable relaxation area festooned with bright cushions, lanterns and candles. Breakfast is served under a silvery canopy of trees and the gardens are subtly landscaped to create private spaces. Purple Apricot is exclusive to Simpson Travel, which offers seven-night holidays from £1,158 per person, including flights and car hire.
- Two swimming pools, six hot tubs, a superb sun deck and bar overlooking the sea, as well as a wellness and fitness centre - Barceló Hamilton Menorca has it all. This is the place to sit back and enjoy the slow pace of island life. The rooms are contemporary, slick and feature floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the splendid sea views. The hotel's roof terrace and Blue Sky Bar is a real highlight, offering a menu of superb cocktails and ample space to chill out, unwind in one of six hot tubs and enjoy the relaxing music until the sun goes down. Rooms start from £83 per night.
This historic retreat is a converted 17th-century monastery perched dramatically on the edge of a sheer cliff above the blue Bay of Salerno in the fishing village of Conca dei Marini. The luxurious 20 ocean-view rooms are the epitome of romance and offer sweeping views across the Mediterranean. For a unique experience at Monastero Santa Rosa, Black Tomato can arrange a visit to the Terrazzo del Tramonto, the monastery’s highest point, where you can enjoy a sunset aperitivo in complete privacy. A seven-night holiday with the luxury travel agent costs from £2,350 per person, including flights and transfers.
Overlooking the Philippe Starck-designed marina and its superyachts, adults-only five-star hotel Pure Salt Port Adriano is more than just a stylish sleep. Located in the Calvia region, the hotel features 93 classic and contemporary suites with views of the Med, including some that boast swim-up access from the outdoor pool and balcony hot tubs. A signature Mediterranean restaurant and oyster bar provide delicious dining options, while the ONA Spa is a wonderful place to relax. Double rooms start from £300 per night.
Dramatically emerging from cliffs overlooking the popular St. Jacob district, Villa Dubrovnik captures the medieval charm of this historic seaport and World Heritage Site. The adults-only hotel is ideal for couples in search of a quiet and relaxing getaway, while still getting the buzz of a city break. The rooms and suites are designed with modern furnishings bathed in natural light and provide panoramic views of lush gardens and the Adriatic Sea from the private terraces. Meanwhile, the Villa Spa, a certified Sodashi™ partner, offers treatments that ensure the ultimate in relaxation. Rooms at Villa Dubrovnik start from €420 per night.