Abama Golf & Spa Resort; Tenerife

More often than not we’d stay well clear of a hotel with over 400 rooms (and we’d almost always run a mile from anything with the word ‘golf’ in its name), but Abama Golf & Spa Resort is a bit different. Too big to really classify as a ‘boutique’ resort? Possibly, but with a couple of serious restaurants (amongst no fewer than 10 possible options), a proper spa, some to-die-for luxury villas and a general feeling of peace and detachment, it makes the cut all the same.

Monte Mulini; Istria

While the sleek, modern rooms, restaurant and spa are all pretty indulgent, it’s the setting of Monte Mulini that’s the deal-clincher. The hotel is surrounded by acres of lush lawns (shaded by pine trees for lazy afternoons of lounging), which open out onto a small cove dotted with yachts. Nearby is the idyllic little town of Rovinj, which is perfect for romantic evening strolls followed by moonlit cocktails on the seafront.

Alberi Del Paradiso; Sicily

Throughout the summer, Cefalu is obviously a hugely popular (for which read: crowded) stop on the Sicilian tourist trail. But Alberi Del Paradiso falls firmly into the boutique resort camp. Away from the 55 rooms, it’s all very self-contained – a converted 18th-century water mill is home to a wellness centre while there are a couple of excellent restaurants to choose from. Best of all, though, the hotel has its own small private beach, so you don’t have to fight the crowds for your stretch of sand.

St Moritz; Cornwall

With its mix of tennis courts, swimming pool, fab Cowshed Spa, yoga classes and buzzy bar and restaurant, St Moritz manages to cram a lot in without ever feeling remotely sprawling or impersonal. This summer’s latest addition, 16 colourful clapboard beach huts, slips in alongside the existing assortment of stylish rooms, apartments and villas.

Borgobianco Resort & Spa; Puglia

Stylish rooms with sea views, a decent restaurant, a spacious pool area, a spa offering Thalgo and Decléor treatments and plenty of grounds for post-dinner strolling… Borgobianco Resort & Spa has everything you could ask for from a week or two’s summer holiday. If even the appeal of pool and spa begin to wear thin, though, there are the nearby blue flag beaches and atmospheric streets of Polignano a Mare to acquaint yourself with, while the trulli (primitive-looking traditional houses) of the Valle D’Itria are a short drive away.

Looking for something a little more urban from your summer holiday? Check out our pick of Europe’s best hotels for a city beach break. Or browse our entire collection of places to stay.