It seems like everyone has been traveling to the Mediterranean this summer, with Instagram feeds flooded with glamorous pics of people eating fresh calamari, partying on Mykonos, or lounging in front of the famously turquoise sea.
Here are hotels closer-to-home that embody the Mediterranean style for those looking to experience European vibes without the long flight.
The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club – St. Petersburg, FL (pictured)
Situated along St. Petersburg’s picturesque waterfront, the historic Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club boasts an elegant Mediterranean Revival design, along with an iconic pink façade that is perfect for adding a pop of color to an Instagram page. The luxury resort features Art Deco-inspired guest rooms that overlook the Tampa Bay, a chic outdoor pool, a championship-grade golf course, a private marina, and the waterfront seafood restaurant, Paul’s Landing, which transports guests to a seaside escape in Barcelona. Whether it’s lounging poolside or sipping a cocktail al fresco on the historic veranda, The Vinoy brings a laidback yet sophisticated European flair to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Rock House – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Built directly into the cliffside of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Rock House, which just opened in May, brings Amalfi Coast style to the Caribbean with a collection of chic studios and freestanding homes with jaw-dropping, unobstructed views of the glistening Atlantic Ocean and surrounding natural archipelago. The accommodations, made of white excavated limestone, come with their own private pools and terraces, lush outdoor shower gardens, and floor-to-ceiling windows that all showcase the views of the island’s renowned turquoise water. Rock House boasts a private white sand beach reminiscent of European beach clubs, whose crown jewel is a serviced jetty that stretches 130 feet into the ocean, along with the largest infinity pool on Turks and Caicos surrounded by chic day beds and parasols. For Mediterranean dining, the resort’s signature restaurant Beach Club serves Adriatic cuisine like fresh seafood, pasta, aged steaks and a curated wine list with endlessly-flowing roses, all with soaring views of the sparkling sea.
Esmé Miami Beach Hotel – Miami, FL
For those seeking a warm getaway, Miami’s newest boutique hotel, Esmé Miami Beach offers the perfect escape along the charming pedestrian plaza, Española Way in the heart of Miami Beach. Created by Infinity Hospitality, the Spanish-Mediterranean revival boutique hotel underwent a five-year renovation and is now comprised of 145 guest rooms, a rooftop and five signature eateries. Esmé, formerly known as the "Spanish Village," was originally built as bohemian artists’ colony in 1927 and to pay homage to its rich history, Each of the buildings within the Esmé village are connected by charming Spanish-style paseos winding through small, sunny nooks and charming courtyards that make the historic property come alive again and hum with the vibrance and energy of the new Miami Beach.
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico – Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
If you’re wanting to visit the Mediterranean, check out Puerto Rico for a little slice of the passionate heritage, storied streets and charming courtyard patios and US travelers can enter with the convenience of travel-without-a-passport. Stay at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, framed against the backdrop of the nation’s only tropical rainforest, El Yunque National Rainforest. Set on a natural reserve, the resort boasts all-suite, bungalow-style accommodations and a multitude of amenities such as three pools including Puerto Rico’s largest lagoon-style pool; full-service spa; five on-site culinary eateries and an 18-hole world-class Tom Kite-designed golf course. Off property, guests can soar over the treetops on ziplines, kayak in one of the three bioluminescent bays on the island or see American history firsthand by touring the 18th century fortress Castillo San Cristóbal in nearby San Juan.
Thompson Playa del Carmen – Playa del Carmen, Mexico For travelers looking for nearby Mediterranean-esque escape, Playa del Carmen is just a 3-hour plane ride from most major U.S. cities and offers some of the best beaches, cuisine, and nightlife on par with its European counterparts. For high-end, boutique experience, travelers can book at stay at Thompson Playa del Carmen: a two-in-one adults-only urban resort in the heart of Playa del Carmen’s Quinta Avenida boasting Mediterranean vibes thanks to its upscale, midcentury modern architecture and decor. The Main House features a signature rooftop playscape with 360-degree views for endless sunset views, a block-long infinity pool, panoramic seascapes, two on-site restaurants, live DJs, a vibrant social scene, and luxury cabanas. Just a 10-minute walk away, guests also have access to the resort’s Beach House property that features a private beach club with rooms and balconies overlooking the ocean, complimentary lounge chairs, cabanas by the pool boasting the best ocean views, beachfront restaurant and complimentary yoga classes.
Mirabella, AvantStay – California
Mirabella, the 8-bedrooom, 8-bathroom equestrian compound which is a part of AvantStay’s Estates Collection is the perfect short-term rental to experience a little slice of Europe. Inspired by the Mediterranean, this home leaves guests feeling like they are at a luxury European resort, all while being in beautiful Indio, CA. Mirabella comprises of three homes, including the main house with 4 en-suite bedrooms and lofty living spaces consisting of open-air rooms that take guests from the bed, to the saltwater pool. The eclectic interior design blends modern, oriental and Mediterranean styles. As for amenities – Mirabella exceeds a traveler’s expectations with a saltwater pool, a 5-hole pitch and putt golf course, a private lake with a dock and 5-tier waterfall for kayaking and paddle boating, as well as a fully-built equestrian stable, giving guests the feeling of their own private European resort.
