16 beach hotels in Italy, Portugal and Croatia - Raphaël's personalised travel plans

I have decided to rename the “holiday challenge” into “personalised travel plans” because after all, I really perform a new search for each request and try to offer as much a personalised answer as I would to a friend. Raphaël is the first one to benefit from this “rebranding” 😉 with a great selection of beach hotels.

Raphaël is, like me, a French based in London for some time and a lover of all things design and architectural. He and his wife work in creative jobs and like well decorated places where the choice of a simple but perfect object defines the quality of the environment, white settings, beautiful aesthetics etc.. He set me quite a challenge !

The Criteria

a chic and charming hotel, B&B or holiday rental for this summer on the seaside
a quite isolated place or at least one where not all the crowds are going
Italy (Sicily or Puglia maybe?), Portugal or maybe even Croatia
Budget : 1500€ for the week (which is around the 200€ per night mark)

I have managed to find 16 boutique hotels either right on the beach or only 5 minutes by car.

Beach hotels in Italy – Sicily

Previously mentioned on the blog

I thought it worth repeating them here as they fit the criteria and are just so lovely.

Zash hotel in Sicily

Casa Talia in Sicily

Monaci delle Terre Nere

19 rooms
from 234€
Click here for the latest prices and book*

I’ve had my eyes on this hotel for a few months now. I like the combination of rustic and design, the way it integrates into its surrounding, not to mention the pool, the proximity to the coast and for those with family, a couple of good options in terms of rooms.

Azienda Agricola Mandranova

9 rooms
From 148€ in high season
Click here for the latest prices and book*

A farm which offers “well-being and tranquility in the rustic simplicity of the ancient Farmhouse and in the renovated rooms of a an old train station and an old winery”. They have a pool on site, a restaurant and can offer some special experiences to discover the true Sicily. They also have a few villas to rent that are very nice but above your budget.

Italy – Beach hotels in the Aeolian Islands

I thought to give you another area to think about, Raphaël. I’ve started to see more and more articles about the Aeloian islands as more boutique establishments are setting up there. While they see the number of people increase in the summer, they certainly are not yet invaded by tourists so could be a good option for a quiet stay. Here are a few places to explore.

Capofaro Malvasia and Resort

20 rooms
From 210 Euros
http://capofaro.it/

Located in Salina, the most authentic among the Aeolian Islands.Set in a vineyard surrounded by mountains and sea, this hotel is a place for peace and tranquillity. The suites are simple but modern and the hotel has a lovely pool too.

Hotel Signum

From 250 Euros
Click here for the latest prices and book*

Also in Salina, the Signum, was born of the painstaking renovation of an old country hamlet surrounded by greenery, just a few steps from the sea . There is an infinity pool and spa.

La Settima Luna Hotel

7 rooms
From 220€ in high season
Click here for the latest prices and book*

We are now on the island of Lipari and this hotel is in the area of Canneto that offers the nicest beaches of the island and has a seafront filled with restaurants, bars and playgrounds all within walking distance. The decor is all white and there is a lovely pool on the rooftop.

A “little delicious independent house” in Panarea

1600 euros for a week
still available for the week of August 22
http://www.homeaway.co.uk/p10653

In Panarea, this little house has a wonderful position overlooking the sea where you can admire the fantastic view of the active volcano “Stromboli”. It is perfect for a couple with its only double room which benefits from a great 2 meters wide window which allows you to view the sea from your bed!

Italy – Beach hotels in Puglia

Masseria Cimino

15 rooms
from 170 Euros in peak season (90 euros in low season)
Click here for the latest prices and book*

Masseria Cimino is a fortified farmhouse with a tower dating back to the 18th century. The Masseria was built just meters away from the sea but is surrounded by expanses of vegetable gardens and century old olive groves. The rooms carry the white theme which is typical of Puglia with touches of blue in the kitchen and of course, the pool!

Masseria Montelauro

29 rooms
from 128 Euros in August
Click here for the latest prices and book*

I think you’ll like the generous use of white in this typical old Masseria. The rates are great and there is a pool, a restaurant and even a small spa on site.

Previously mentioned on the blog

Calce Bianca*, a modern B&B.

Beach hotels in Portugal

Previously mentioned on the blog

Sublime Comporta in Portugal (Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & Restaurant)

Monte Da Vilarinha*, which is in a nice quiet area but not far from the beach. Quite family oriented though so if you want an “adult only” place, that might not work for you. Monte da Vilarinha – Carrapateira (Sagres / Algarve)

Fazenda Nova Country House

10 rooms
From 270€ in high season
Click here for the latest prices and book*

A simple but charming and very well decorated little boutique hotel in the Algarve, which I have noted many times. There are several rooms and also apartments for families. Pool on site and not far from the coast.

A simple holiday home in Comporta

2 bedrooms
1430€ for a week in summer
website

Due to its secluded location, Casa do Guisado, provides exclusive privacy and comfort in the middle of stunning landscapes, characterised by unique umbrella pines and flooded rice fields. And yet, you are only a ten-minute drive from on of the most pristine beaches in Europe (Praia da Comporta & Praia do Carvalhal).

Beach hotels in Croatia

I must admit it’s been more challenging to find a hotel matching your criteria in Croatia. The new hotels that are opening are mostly high luxury with high prices.

UPDATE: I finally found a great beach hotel for Croatia. You can read all about it in the post and then book it here!

Hotel Osejava

45 rooms
From 147£ in August
Click here for the latest prices and book*

This is the closest I could find to a white-focused, on the beach, in your price, hotel in Croatia.It is situated in the center of Makarska on the promenade, surrounded by 3 magnificent beaches. There are a bit more rooms that I normally select but I thought you might want to have a look.

Boutique Hotel Alhambra

36 rooms and 15 suites
From 250£
Click here for the latest prices and book*

A new boutique hotel in the small island of Losinj, so new that the site still says “opening in 2015”. On the plus side, it might mean that there are still availabilities in August and that there’ll be good opening rates. On the minus side, you’ll have to call to check that they are indeed open!