Whether you’re a parent in need of a relaxing break, a couple looking for a romantic getaway or a group of friends ready to make memories, there are many benefits to holidaying free from the distractions of children.
But often, holiday resorts are catered to families, with splash parks, kids’ clubs and overexcited little ones running from one end of the complex to the other.
Nicolaj Munch, from Luxury Escapes, tells Metro there’s a reason adults-only resorts are becoming increasingly popular.
‘These peaceful retreats create an atmosphere that’s worlds apart from regular hotels,’ he says. ‘Picture-perfect pool areas instead of splash zones, and relaxed meals where you can hear each other talk!’
With this in mind, Nicolaj and other travel experts have helped us to narrow down the best adults-only resorts in Europe.
From stylish beach resorts that pack a punch with a reasonable price tag, to five-star escapes that promise the holiday of a lifetime – there’s a range of grown-up getaways to choose from.
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Tui Blue Madeira Gardens, Madeira, Portugal
This contemporary Tui Blue resort on the south coast of Madeira, in Portugal, is set amid lush tropical greenery and home to four bars, including a cocktail lounge and rooftop terrace by a sea-view hot tub.
A spa, an outdoor and indoor pool, sports activities, wine tastings, cooking courses and evening entertainment are just some of the other offerings on site.
Conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from the centre of the capital, Funchal, where you’ll find shops, bars, restaurants, and historical landmarks, the resort is a great base to explore the area.
Known as the ‘pearl of the Atlantic’, Funchal has plenty to keep you occupied, from a cable car with 360° views of the city, to a seafront lido within walking distance of the hotel.
Closer to the coast of Africa than it is to Europe, Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal that sees pleasant temperatures all year round, rarely dipping below 15°C in the day during the coldest months.
The finer details: Seven nights with breakfast included at the TUI BLUE Madeira Gardens costs £430.58 per person, including flights departing from Manchester Airport on February 7. That works out at just £61 a night.
The Syntopia Hotel, Crete
Rooftop bars, kid-free pools and a weekly cinema night under the stars will have you firmly in relaxation mode during your stay at The Syntopia Hotel.
Blending Mediterranean architecture with boho glamour, the resort allows guests to unwind however suits them best, whether that’s with yoga or cocktails by the pool, watching the sunset from the roof garden or curling up on a sun lounger with a book.
Found on the Greek Island of Crete, half-way between Chania and Heraklion, the hotel is designed for groups, couples and solo travellers alike.
In the Venetian town of Rethymno, tourists can wander cobbled alleyways and browse local shops selling artisan crafts, or spend an evening outside the resort in a traditional taverna.
The Fortezza, a 16th-century Venetian fortress that was captured by the Ottomans in 1646, is one of the town’s main attractions and boasts panoramic views of the city.
The finer details: Seven nights all-inclusive at The Syntopia Hotel leaving from London Luton on May 1 costs £669 per person – and you get free fast track through airport security if you book with On the Beach.
Liberty Lykia Adults Only, Turkey
Featured in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards and the 2024 Kayak Travel Awards, this hotel is surrounded by leafy pine forests and craggy mountains, making for an idyllic adults-only escape.
Liberty Lykia’s has something for everyone, from yoga and mini golf to quiet spaces to relax and recharge.
Just a stone’s throw from a half-mile long beach, when you’re not lazing by one of the hotel pools you can take a stroll down to the sea and look out across the azure waters of the Mediterranean.
There’s a wide range of dining options on offer too, with two international buffet spots and seven à la carte restaurants serving everything from seafood and steak to Turkish cuisine and Teppanyaki dishes.
If you feel like roaming further afield, Olu Deniz town centre is a 10-minute drive away.
Or, lace up your hiking boots and head to the Lycian Trail Way – famous for its birds-eye view over the Blue Lagoon – just a 15-minute stroll from the hotel.
The finer details: For those after some early sun, the Turkish Riviera is an off-season paradise and seven nights at Liberty Lykia Adults Only in early April costs from £817 per person – expect highs of 21°C.
Amavi MadeForTwo Hotels, Paphos
Perfect for couples, this hotel has romance in its name.
Located minutes from the centre of Paphos, the idyllic beachfront getaway has multiple pools, a gym, a spa and a selection of restaurants and bars.
The secluded Evera Outdoor Pool includes whirlpools and back massagers for a relaxing dip surrounded by tropical greenery, while the Saffire infinity pool has a seamless view out to sea – the ultimate romantic spot for sunset.
When dinnertime arrives, enjoy culinary creations from Michelin Star chef Theodor Falser, made with fresh, locally-grown produce.
Within walking distance of the centre of Paphos, guests can explore the picturesque Old Harbour and medieval castle, and visit the local shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.
For a stroll along the coast, the Amavi is perfectly positioned, just steps away from the sands of a Blue Flag beach.
The finer details: Thomas Cook is offering seven nights half-board at Amavi MadeForTwo with flights from London Stansted on March 3 from £826 per person.
Casa Cook Madonna, Dolomites
Casa Cook is a design-led portfolio of adults-only hotels across the Greek Islands and Egypt, with a focus on architecture, local culture and community.
In June 2025, their newest site will be opening in the Italian Alps – Casa Cook Madonna – and it’s the first of its kind in their collection.
Nestled in the picturesque village of Madonna di Campiglio, in a charming village in the heart of the Dolomites, the hotel combines understated luxury with a serene mountain charm all year round, offering something a little different to the other beach escapes in this roundup.
With just 50 rooms, it’s set to be an exclusive escape offering a well-equipped gym, spa and sauna.
Perfect for adventurers who are heading to the Dolomites for hiking, biking and dramatic views of the rugged peaks, Casa Cook Madonna will also host yoga sessions for unwinding after a day in the mountains and offer rejuvenating spa treatments to ease achy muscles.
During the winter months, visitors can enjoy snowshoe hikes and glacier trails, and glide down world-class slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
Guests can indulge in a menu curated by three Michelin-star chef Jacob Jan Boerma at the horel’s restaurant, and experience wine tastings that highlight the region’s finest vintages in the warmer months.
The finer details: Book directly with Casa Cook to save 10% on your stay, with prices from €1,015.74 (£851) for seven nights in a double room.
Pure Salt Port Adriano, Mallorca, Spain
Pure Salt Port Adriano is hidden in an idyllic Mediterranean marina, with pristine coastal views and dripping with decadent, Spanish features.
Guests can step out of the cascading pool onto the Mallorca beach, pass the time at the O Spa with a wellness treatment, or practice their skills with the hotel’s golf simulator.
Adriana, the on-site restaurant, offers tapas, wine and refined Mediterranean flavours – all served with a view of the nearby marina.
With access to the nearby shopping areas, restaurants, boating services, heavenly beaches and golf courses, Pure Salt Port Adriano offers the best of both worlds with its private atmosphere setting it apart from the bustling streets of Palma, half an hour away.
Head into the city for cafe-lined pavements, high-end boutiques, Art Nouveau architecture and world-class seafood, or stay closer the the hotel to explore white sand beaches perfect for surfing, sailing and jet skiing.
The finer details: loveholidays is offering seven nights half board with flights from London Stansted at Pure Salt Port Adriano from £829 per person, departing on November 3.
Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa, Crete
This luxury hotel has attracted serious attention on TikTok, and it’s easy to see why.
With golf buggies to get you around the complex, Stella Island boasts Insta-worthy overwater bungalows with floating breakfasts, entertainment every night, a state-of-the art gym with classes, five restaurants and numerous bars.
Fans on social media have called it ‘the Maldives but in Europe’ and ‘the Maldives of Greece’, while others have branded it as ‘the perfect destination for couples’.
One user described their stay as ‘the perfect babymoon’, with some hailing it ‘the best all-inclusive in Greece’.
Located on the Greek Island of Crete, Stella Island’s lagoon-like pools, serene atmosphere and culinary offerings (Mexican fusion, seafood gastronomy and Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei to name just a few) will leave you with little reason to leave the resort.
But if you want to experience what the rest of the island has to offer, there are plenty of bars and restaurants serving local food and playing traditional music in the nearby city of Heraklion.
The nearby village of Hersonissos is known for its vast coastline, taverns, and lively nightlife, while the archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaestos and the island’s museums are perfect for history lovers keen to learn more about ancient Cretan civilizations.
For outdoor adventurers, the island has over 1,000 kilometres of coastline to explore, as well as mountains and lush countryside.
The finer details: Seven nights half-board at Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa with flights from London Gatwick on April 23 costs £1,147 per person – and you get free airport lounge access with On the Beach.
Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa, Rhodes
A recipient of a TripAdvisor Best of the Best Award in 2024 — meaning it’s ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide — this luxurious beachfront resort prides itself on exceptional service.
Situated in the picturesque Kiotari resort, on the Greek Island of Rhodes, the hotel is just a short walk from the coast. But when you’re not dipping your toes in the sea, the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by a spacious sun terrace and lined with sun loungers and parasols.
Food options include a buffet-style restaurant as well as à la carte restaurants serving Greek, Italian and Asian cuisines.
Outside the resort, it’s a one-hour drive to Rhodes, where tourists can explore the 2.4 miles of medieval walls, Byzantine churches and fountains in the Old Town or head on a cruise around the island from the marina.
After a long day traversing the cobbled streets of the ancient city, guests can restore their energy at the hotel’s spa, which offers a large menu of massage treatments as well as a sauna, steam room and Turkish bath.
The finer details: Seven nights all-inclusive at Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa with flights departing from London Stansted on April 26 costs from £1,058 per person.
METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella, Estepona
Estepona, one of the most beautiful cities in all of Andalusia and known as the Garden of the Costa del Sol, is often overshadowed by its more glamourous neighbour, Marbella.
But with more than 12 miles of palm-fringed coastline and a historic old town decorated with bright blooms, this harbour location is undoubtedly one of the prettiest on the coastline.
And the METT Hotel & Beach Resort is a luxury five-star venue promising rest and relaxation in the region.
From treatments at the newly launched MOI Spa to beachside cabana days indulging in cocktails and tapas, guests won’t be disappointed by its many offerings.
Each room has been designed to exude Andalusian charm, blending ocean blues with natural wood and traditional terracotta tiles.
The hotel’s three restaurants showcase a range of Meditteranean flavours, while the beach club serves pan-Asian delights.
On the streets of Estepona, there’s plenty to keep visitors satisfied.
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The narrow streets are filled with relics of Arab rule and the historic quarter sees locals sipping on beers in smaller, casual tapas bars dotted on street corners.
Meanwhile, a glorious 12-mile stretch of sand beaches never gets as busy as seasides in Puerto Banús or Marbella, meaning you can sunbathe all day without being disturbed.
The finer details: Seven nights half-board in a double room at METT Hotel & Beach Resort starts from £1,570 on Booking.com.
Things to consider when booking an adults-only resort
Luxury Escapes gave Metro the lowdown on the key things to look out for when booking your adults-only escape:
- Check the age restrictions – some set it at 16, others at 18, and this seemingly small detail can significantly affect the overall vibe. The best adults-only resorts aren’t just hotels that don’t allow children, they’re thoughtfully designed for adults.
- Food and drink options are crucial – keep an eye out for resorts with restaurants that go beyond the basics.
- Wellness is an area where adults-only resorts truly shine – the best ones offer a wide range of spa treatments, innovative fitness classes, and various relaxation areas.
- Check the resort’s calendar – many hotels host specific events or themed weeks that could enhance or potentially impact your stay depending on your requirements.
Nicolaj Munch, Europe VP of Luxury Escapes, adds: ‘The key is finding a place that aligns with your ideal holiday vision, whether that’s pure relaxation, culinary offerings, or quality time with your partner.’
This article was originally published on February 8 2025.
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