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European Easter Escapes We're Dreaming Of
From private islands to Portuguese manors, these are the European destinations at the top of my (and now probably your) wishlist.
A standard weekend might feel too short a time to jet away, but four days at Easter — longer, if you're lucky — feels just right. So, welcome to my edit of dreamy destinations worth lusting after: beachside escapes, vineyard manor houses and nature resorts included. You'll find a mix of major hospitality names such as Six Senses alongside smaller, family-owned properties that deserve equal attention, and every variation of what a wellness break might entail, from precise health programmes to switch-off-and-sleep retreats. Really, there's something for every kind of traveller. Just be prepared to want to check in immediately.
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Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal
Anyone familiar with the Six Senses group needs little convincing of this hotel chain's appeal. I've been lucky enough to stay at their Ibiza property and it's easily one of the most luxurious yet grounded hotels on the island. In Douro Valley, Portugal, all of the same minimalist yet warm design details carry through into the 19th-century manor's 71 rooms, kitchen gardens, vineyards and communal spaces. The in-house spa menu spans everything from wellness screening and skin analysis to biohacking treatments, alongside an impressive range of facilities including a fitness centre, infrared sauna, laconium, herbal sauna and cryotherapy. And there's no shortage of other experiences either — tile painting, Alchemy Bar workshops exploring the healing power of plants, tree climbing, boating, cooking workshops and mountain biking among them. It is nestled within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all.
Visit Six Senses Douro Valley here

Lilløy Lindberg, Norway
Sitting on a small island in the wilds of Norway, Lilløy Lindberg offers the ultimate escape for those in need of some quiet time. With space for only 10 guests, you can rent a room or hire the island and house entirely. And if you don't want to completely switch off, there's a surprising amount to do: kayaking, Nordic snorkelling, massage and meditation, private art tours, glass blowing and private culinary classes. I'm already rallying my friends.
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Minos Palace Resort, Crete
Vasiliki Mamidaki, Business Development Director at Minos Palace's parent company, recently wrote a fantastic feature on the importance of the Mediterranean lifestyle for longevity — and if that isn't enough to tempt you towards Crete, perhaps this is. Dubbed a place of wellbeing, Minos Palace Resort boasts 360° sea views, an adults-only atmosphere and dedicated Nao (meaning "to flow" in Greek) programmes ranging from one to 14 days, all designed to help shape your approach to longevity. Expect biometric testing, brain gym sessions, cryotherapy, neuromodulation therapy, vibroacoustic sessions and much more. Or, of course, you can simply go to switch off.
Visit Minos Palace Resort here
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Sha Wellness, Spain
If you're searching for a truly health-focused holiday, Sha Wellness is easily one of the first destinations to turn to. With locations in Mexico, the Emirates and Spain — the latter recently named the World's Best Wellness Destination by the World Spa Awards — its reach spans the globe, drawing guests in with dedicated wellness packages. Choose from cellular regeneration, detox and optimal weight, advanced longevity, rebalance and energise, or a tailored treatment plan for a holistic programme encompassing every element of wellbeing. It's hard to imagine anyone leaving without feeling massively better.

Ultimate Provence, France
As one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Ultimate Provence comes with high expectations. Set on a 46-hectare organic vineyard in the South of France, the views are said to be beyond beautiful: a pool, paddle courts and spa set against a backdrop of olive trees, with space to roam for picnics and afternoon trails on foot or on horseback. And, of course, if you're partial to a tipple, the award-winning rosé is in no short supply.
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Palazzo Seneca, Italy
There are a huge number of Italian hotels on my wishlist, but the family-owned Palazzo Seneca currently takes the top spot. One of the first hotels in Umbria, dating back to the 1900s, it's steeped in history — a highlight being the stone fireplace that dates back to the 16th century — and encourages guests to truly immerse themselves in rural Italian life. Cheese-making, truffle hunting and hiking the Monti Sibillini National Park are just some of the activities on offer. Expect locally grown organic produce, a vaulted spa with a Turkish bath, sauna and chromotherapy tub.
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Chia Laguna Nature Resort, Sardinia
Chia Laguna Nature Resort is set to reopen its doors after a total overhaul on 23rd April — which, granted, is after Easter, but my excitement for this destination was just too great to leave it out. Set on Sardinia's southern coast overlooking Chia Bay, the nature resort is home to three hotels for all kinds of travellers: The Village for families, Baia de Chia by Hilton, and Conrad Chia Laguna for an added touch of luxury. It's the activity menu across all three, though, that has most piqued my interest — sunset hikes, horseback rides, wildlife photography tours, sea-facing yoga and quad biking included. Not to mention the limitless adventures to be found at the beach.









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