As luxury travel continues to evolve, seasoned travelers are shifting their focus from five-star chains to underrated retreats with unique charm, privacy, and soul. Forget the mega-resorts and celebrity-packed hotels — the real indulgence lies in the places not everyone knows about yet.
With demand for boutique experiences and last-minute summer escapes on the rise, we’ve curated 10 secret luxury retreats in Europe that are still bookable for Summer 2025 — but probably not for long. These hidden gems blend exclusive design, personalized service, and extraordinary settings. Best of all, you can plan your entire trip — flights and accommodations — easily through Travelupo, your smart travel aggregator for luxury deals.
Perfect for your last minute luxury 2025 travel inspiration, these spots have been hand picked via Travelupo for your desire!
1. Villa Lena – Tuscany, Italy
- Why it’s special: A creative agriturismo tucked between Florence and Pisa.
- Vibe: Bohemian-luxury meets countryside chic
- What to do: Take ceramics or cooking classes, relax by the infinity pool, or explore the nearby hill towns of Volterra and San Gimignano.
- Booking tip: Use Travelupo to fly into Florence or Pisa and rent a car — you’ll want to drive through Tuscany’s golden hills.
This artist-run retreat is a haven for food lovers, creatives, and anyone seeking countryside elegance without the crowds. Rooms are spread across restored farmhouses, and the on-site restaurant uses produce from the estate.
2. Aria Retreat & Spa – Lake Lugano, Italy/Switzerland Border
- Why it’s special: A five-star eco-wellness resort with sweeping lake views.
- Vibe: Sleek, sustainable luxury with a focus on tranquility.
- What to do: Enjoy private spa treatments, paddleboard on the lake, or take day trips into Lugano or Como.
- Travelupo tip: Look for deals on flights into Milan; it’s only 90 minutes by car or train.
Tucked into forested hills overlooking Lake Lugano, Aria is the kind of place where you unplug — and don’t miss your phone. Think bio-architecture, Michelin-level dining, and floating morning yoga sessions.
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3. F Zeen Retreat – Kefalonia, Greece
- Why it’s special: An adults-only sanctuary near a secluded Ionian beach.
- Vibe: Zen island minimalism
- What to do: Meditate with sea views, dine on organic Greek-Mediterranean cuisine, and hike the nearby Mount Ainos.
- Affiliate angle: Travelupo offers seasonal direct flights to Kefalonia and hotel bundles with transfers.
This retreat offers barefoot luxury with a spiritual twist. Rooms are earthy and elegant, and there’s a deep focus on wellness — daily yoga, healthy cuisine, and peace.
4. São Lourenço do Barrocal – Alentejo, Portugal
- Why it’s special: A restored 200-year-old farming village turned luxury estate.
- Vibe: Rustic, under-the-radar elegance
- What to do: Visit the estate winery, ride horses through olive groves, or explore the medieval town of Monsaraz.
- Getting there: Fly to Lisbon or Faro, then drive through the beautiful Alentejo countryside.
Alentejo is often overshadowed by Lisbon and the Algarve — which makes it perfect. Barrocal offers tranquility, excellent wines, and curated experiences in a region rich with history and sunshine.
5. Villa Borobó – Menorca, Spain
- Why it’s special: A designer villa that blends Mediterranean simplicity with Balearic soul.
- Vibe: Private, sun-drenched, and perfectly styled
- What to do: Lounge by the saltwater pool, explore secret coves, and shop in the artisan markets of Ciutadella.
- Travelupo Tip: Menorca has smaller summer crowds than Ibiza or Mallorca — and Travelupo can help find direct flights.
Perfect for couples or small groups, Villa Borobó offers the privacy of a villa with hotel-level services. Book it before word gets out.
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6. Hotel Plesnik – Logar Valley, Slovenia
- Why it’s special: An alpine wellness hotel inside a glacial valley.
- Vibe: Remote nature luxury with eco-conscious design
- What to do: Try forest bathing, swim in a mountain-view pool, or explore nearby waterfalls and pastures.
- Insider tip: Fly into Ljubljana and rent a car — the drive to Logar Valley is spectacular.
Slovenia’s Logar Valley is still a secret to most. Plesnik offers a spa overlooking the Alps, herbal treatments, and farm-to-table food. Come for the views, stay for the peace.
7. Skalakot Manor – Southern Iceland
- Why it’s special: A boutique countryside manor on Iceland’s southern coast.
- Vibe: Country-house charm with Nordic flair
- What to do: Ride Icelandic horses, visit waterfalls and glaciers, or unwind in the sauna after a scenic hike.
- Travel logistics: Fly into Reykjavik, then drive the iconic Ring Road.
Skalakot offers 14 rooms of refined comfort surrounded by raw natural beauty. It’s the ideal base to explore Iceland’s summer wonders — with fewer tour buses.
8. Borgo Egnazia – Puglia, Italy
- Why it’s special: A recreated ancient village turned into one of Italy’s top luxury hotels.
- Vibe: Dreamy Apulian sophistication
- What to do: Take cooking classes, cycle through olive groves, or get a bespoke spa ritual.
- Travelupo Edge: Fly into Bari or Brindisi — Travelupo shows flexible boutique hotel packages.
While Borgo Egnazia is becoming more known, its off-season and midweek stays still offer tranquility and deals. It’s perfect for romantic getaways or luxury honeymoons with cultural soul.
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9. Juvet Landscape Hotel – Valldal, Norway
- Why it’s special: A series of modern glass cabins in the fjords.
- Vibe: Futuristic eco-minimalism
- What to do: Kayak through fjords, hike Trollstigen, and unwind in a spa built into rock.
- Getting there: Fly to Ålesund; Juvet is about 2.5 hours away.
This hotel offers a luxury experience that’s all about silence and scenery. Each cabin is immersed in the forest with floor-to-ceiling views, allowing guests to fully disconnect.
10. La Fiermontina – Lecce, Italy
- Why it’s special: A secret luxury hotel inside Lecce’s old city walls.
- Vibe: Contemporary art meets baroque elegance
- What to do: Tour historic palazzos, sip cocktails in a private garden, and enjoy art-inspired hospitality.
- Travel Logistics: Fly into Brindisi or Bari with Travelupo’s regional search.
La Fiermontina is more than a stay — it’s a cultural experience. Expect curated artwork, artisan menus, and a story behind every stone.
Bonus Highlight: Why These Retreats Are Booking Fast
As discerning travelers grow more selective, these properties are increasingly featured on social media and word-of-mouth lists. While still “under the radar” for many, they’re starting to fill up as savvy travelers seek authenticity over excess. If you’re looking for an elevated escape with real soul, now is the time to book before they become the next big thing.
Insider Tip: How to Choose the Right Retreat for You
Not every luxury retreat is created equal — the key is to match your personal travel rhythm with the right environment. Crave silence and nature? Head to the fjords of Norway or alpine valleys in Slovenia. Want sun and artisan charm? Menorca and Puglia deliver coastal serenity without the summer stampede. Prefer cultural immersion with spa indulgence? Portugal’s Alentejo or Italy’s Lecce pair perfectly.
Using filters on Travelupo, you can easily refine your search by region, retreat style, and amenities — helping you find your ideal summer sanctuary without the usual decision fatigue.
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The Allure of Hidden Luxury
Luxury isn’t just about price or prestige — it’s about peace, privacy, and connection. These secret retreats offer travelers the chance to enjoy exceptional quality without the crowds or clichés. Whether you crave mountain air, Mediterranean calm, or cultural immersion, these spots deliver authentic indulgence.
How to Book Smart with Travelupo
Travelupo helps you compare boutique hotels, villas, and luxury stays — often with perks like breakfast, spa credits, or flexible cancellation.
- 🔍 Search by style: beach villas, mountain retreats, or romantic hideaways
- 💡 Bundle flights + hotels to save on peak-season travel
- 🗓️ Use date-flex filters to spot last-minute availability in July, August & September
- ✈️ Find alternative airports for remote locations
Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime retreat or booking a spontaneous long weekend, Travelupo helps you secure affordable access to exclusive places.
👉 Start planning your luxury escape now at Travelupo.com
