The Mediterranean is synonymous with endless sunny days, deep blue seas and cool evenings sharing a bottle of wine.

The Unwaxed Lemons by THE AFICIONADOS, a unique collection of small luxuriously-crafted boutique retreats of style, designer hotels, and chilled spas, invites you to immerse yourself in the essence of this region of Europe, a perfect combination of cultural wealth, joie de vivre, and landscapes of unrivalled beauty.

Walking the streets of the most creative district in Athens, waking up with a view of the trees that dot the Tuscan countryside, or living like royalty in Lisbon… are just a few of the experiences offered by Unwaxed Lemons. Each property boasts a genuine personality, reflecting a passion for hospitality and a local and artisan character in every detail of its architecture and interior design.

Monsieur Didot, Athens

A superb designer guesthouse located in the creative heart of Athens, the district of Kolonaki, home to a creative community with bookshops, publishing houses, galleries, museums and cafés. This small restored building, offering just six suites, is painted in peach hues with graupel blue woodwork, contrasting with the neoclassical stonework. Built in 1890, the two-storey mansion fosters a seductive image of Athens culture, full of imaginative details, artwork and tailored furniture.

Rooms from 150 USD. Check room availability.

Aenaon Villas, Santorini

Situated in a remote setting on the edge of the famous Caldera, the traditional detached houses embrace the rock formations. These elegant designer hideaways are more than villas; their minimalism gradually reveals artisan details and a delightful boutique look. Looking fabulous in the classic white of the Cyclades, the spacious suites capture the island's magic with little designer touches that make all the difference. This is a place that is hard to leave behind.

Rooms from 400 USD. Check room availability.

Under The Sun, Tinos

The designer hotel Under The Sun, nestling perfectly into the wild and remote surroundings of Tinos, is a rough and natural addition to this spectacular landscape of cliffs, where the blue shades of the Aegean merge with the sky, and the robust architecture creates the perfect backdrop for a soulful getaway. It was built and decorated by a local man, who, after a brief stint on the international stage, returned to his beloved Tinos and set about creating eco-concept villas with private pools. They have a very local style with added urban touches for the modern nomad and are perfect for families, groups of friends or a well-deserved holiday for two.

Rooms from 200 USD. Check room availability.

Nõstos, Serifos (Opening Summer 2023)

Promoted as the first “green” hotel on the island, Nõstos is a refuge built in an informal style, a combination of sustainability, nature, design and creativity, which is perfectly enveloped by the hustle and bustle of the harbour and the nearby beauty of Serifos’ magnificent beaches. Natural hideaways, the seventeen rooms at Nõstos vary in size but are unified by the clean lines of their architecture and a bare beach house narrative: natural, handcrafted and relaxed.

Rooms from 175 USD. Check room availability.

Son Brull, Mallorca

A monastic retreat with an attractive rural design, set on a 30-hectare property. This sanctuary has a clubhouse style, an elegant modernist feel and plenty of sun-drenched sophistication. All in all, this makes it a relaxed, off-the-radar adaptation of indulgent luxury. The interiors are the brainchild of architect and lead designer Ignacio Forteza. His studio employed materials such as black-stained concrete, gold leaf, rough oak, rusted iron, masonry and humble pebbles that harmonize with the hotel’s character and the island’s agricultural history. Recently, Barcelona-based Carme Pinós Studio has created private villas within the landscaped grounds and a fabulous new spa.

Rooms from 600 USD. Check room availability.

Follonico, Tuscany

A brilliantly restored retreat, this Tuscan house near the village of Montefollonico has preserved its ancient elements. At the same time, its interiors have been revamped with the utmost elegance to create an imaginative hideaway of complete rustic romance. Just four suites and two rooms comprise the dreamy layout at Follonico. Following a rustic-chic code visible throughout the hotel and grounds, the rooms’ decor is rich in country house charm. From thick, massive doors to cool stone floors, timber-beamed ceilings and wooden beds, these spaces are fresh and simple. Sage green painted doors and windows open to reveal the bucolic Tuscan countryside, lit up at dawn and bathed in gold at dusk.

Rooms from 290 USD.

Roncolo 1888, Emilia-Romagna

Dating from the 16th century and once the noble country home of marquises and counts, Roncolo 1888 is now a boutique hotel set in the 130 hectares of the Venturini Baldini wine estate. The cool interior of the hotel is the perfect respite after a day of wine tasting or strolling through the surrounding woods, lakes, vineyards and pastures. With 12 suites, the design is inspired by the structure's original features: the beams take centre stage and frame the simple, minimalist composition.

Rooms for 425 USD. Check room availability.

Na Travessa Suites, Oporto

Na Travessa nestles almost incognito among its neighbours. It is modest, familiar and reveals little about the poetic architectural features of the interior. This coveted designer guesthouse-hotel has only eight rooms, which offer bijou balconies and seductive views over the red roofs of the old town. Within, the room types range from standard to superior plus, which really comes down to size, as all are furnished to a simple yet elegant standard with timber-beamed ceilings, wooden floors and bathrooms with rain showers.

Rooms for 140 USD. Check room availability.

Palácio Príncipe Real, Lisbon

Located in the leafy neighbourhood of Príncipe Real, this noble pink palace dates back to 1877 and was previously a luxurious family residence that hosted Lisbon’s high society. This former palace is now a boutique hotel with a fabulous style: conveniently relaxed grandeur. Despite its size, the Palácio Príncipe Real has just 28 rooms and suites, a deliberate design decision in order to retain the original large dimensions of the rooms. Some overlook the garden, while others have bijou balconies, a place to listen to birdsong among the greenery.

Rooms from 225 USD. Check room availability.

Casa Fortunato, Alcácer do Sal

With a fistful of rooms, suites and studios to choose from, it’s hard to know which one to fall in love with: each has its distinct identity, yet all are infectiously beautiful. Step through the humble whitewashed façade, a trademark of the old merchants’ houses and villas that line this residential street, and you enter a rhapsody of interior details. Style, design, artwork, antiques, rich textiles, a playground for rarities found in the markets: iconic furniture, post-modern glamour and retro finds. The creators and owners of Casa Fortunato are the creative duo Filipa and António: architects, designers and thinkers with an enthusiastic passion for reclaiming heritage buildings.

Room prices to be determined. Opening soon.

These ten luxurious boutique retreats in the Mediterranean offer a truly unique and unforgettable summer getaway experience. From the stunning beaches of the Greek islands to the charming historic cities of Spain, each hotel offers its own distinct character and charm. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or culture, there's something for everyone. However, with their popularity increasing each year, these spots are in high demand, and it's important to book your summer getaway soon to secure a spot at one of these coveted hotels. Don't miss your chance to experience the ultimate Mediterranean vacation at one of these exquisite boutique retreats.