APRIL - MAY 2026 | ISSUE 10

The Europe Classic Insider

Welcome to the 10th edition of our bi-monthly product update.

This issue shines a spotlight on the Mediterranean, featuring the untamed beauty of Sardinia and the cultural richness of Malta — two destinations ideal for sun-soaked, experience-driven itineraries. We are also pleased to highlight an expanded selection of luxury hotels and curated stays across Italy and Europe, offering even more opportunities to craft seamless, tailor-made journeys.

SARDINIA: ITALY’S MEDITERRANEAN JEWEL

WHY SARDINIA?

WHAT TO VISIT & DO

Sardinia offers a striking contrast to mainland Italy, where turquoise waters meet rugged landscapes and refined seaside luxury blends with authentic island traditions. Known for its pristine beaches and exclusive coastal enclaves, Sardinia is equally rich in history, gastronomy, and untouched nature, while also home to one of the world’s renowned Blue Zones, celebrated for longevity and quality of life.

From the glamour of Costa Smeralda to hidden coves and charming inland villages, Sardinia delivers a versatile experience—ideal for both high-end leisure travelers and those seeking a more authentic Mediterranean escape.

Sardinia appeals strongly to travelers seeking a refined coastal escape that blends natural beauty, exclusivity, and authentic Italian charm.

Sardinia stands out for:

  • Crystal-clear waters and some of Europe’s best beaches
  • Exclusive coastal luxury (Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo)
  • Authentic inland culture and traditions
  • Exceptional seafood and Sardinian culinary heritage
  • Perfect pairing with Rome, Florence, or Sicily

Coast & Beaches

  • Costa Smeralda – iconic luxury destination
  • La Maddalena Archipelago – island-hopping paradise
  • Cala Luna & Cala Goloritzé – dramatic, secluded beaches

 

Experiences & Culture

  • Nuraghe archaeological sites – ancient Sardinian civilization
  • Alghero – Catalan-influenced coastal town
  • Cagliari – vibrant capital with history and charm

 

Food & Wine

  • Fresh seafood dining experiences by the coast
  • Cannonau wine tastings
  • Traditional Sardinian dinners (porceddu, handmade pasta)

 

Nature & Adventure

  • Boat excursions and private yacht charters
  • Hiking in Supramonte mountains
  • Snorkeling and diving in protected marine areas

 

Ideal for: Luxury beach travelers, couples, honeymooners, and repeat Italy clients seeking something exclusive yet authentic.

WHERE TO STAY IN SARDINIA

7Pines Resort Sardinia

Laid-back luxury with panoramic views on the Costa Smeralda
 

Perched between Baja Sardinia and Porto Cervo, 7Pines Resort Sardinia offers a relaxed, contemporary retreat surrounded by fragrant pine forests and secluded coves. With direct access to the sea and sweeping sunset views, it is an ideal base for exploring the Costa Smeralda while enjoying a more tranquil atmosphere.

Best for: couples and families seeking understated luxury, scenic coastal stays, and easy access to Costa Smeralda highlights.

Rooms: 74 (24 Suites)

Baglioni Resort Sardinia

Contemporary luxury on Sardinia’s unspoiled northeast coast
 

Set within a protected marine area near San Teodoro, Baglioni Resort Sardinia offers a refined beachfront escape with a strong focus on privacy and nature. Its location provides easy access to the Tavolara archipelago and some of the island’s most pristine beaches.

Best for: beach-focused stays, couples and families seeking seclusion, nature and relaxation with a luxury touch.

Rooms: 78 (49 Suites)

Cala di Volpe a Luxury Collection Hotel Costa Smeralda

Iconic glamour in the heart of the Costa Smeralda
 

Overlooking its namesake bay, Cala di Volpe is one of Sardinia’s most legendary hotels, known for its unique architecture and timeless elegance. Its prime location offers easy access to Porto Cervo, pristine beaches, and the vibrant social scene of the Costa Smeralda.

Best for: high-end clientele, iconic luxury stays, and travelers seeking a lively yet refined coastal atmosphere.

Rooms: 119 (22 Suites)

Cervo Hotel, Costa Smeralda Resort

Vibrant resort living in the heart of Porto Cervo

Set directly on the iconic Piazzetta, Cervo Hotel places guests at the center of Costa Smeralda’s social and marina life. With a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere and access to a private beach and golf club, it’s an ideal base for enjoying both the energy and natural beauty of the area.

Best for: social travelers, marina-side stays, and easy access to dining, nightlife, and Costa Smeralda highlights.

Rooms: 80 (10 Suites)

Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites

Seafront elegance with direct beach access in Golfo Aranci

Overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the northeast Sardinian coast, Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites offers a relaxed beachfront setting with direct access to a private sandy beach. Located in Golfo Aranci, just a short drive from Costa Smeralda, it blends understated luxury with warm hospitality, panoramic sea views, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for unwinding by the sea.

Best for: couples and families, beachfront stays, and guests seeking a peaceful seaside escape within easy reach of Costa Smeralda.

Rooms: 80 (22 Suites)

La Tiara di Cervo

Exclusive seclusion with panoramic views above Porto Cervo

Set on the hills overlooking the Costa Smeralda, La Tiara di Cervo offers a collection of private residences with sweeping sea views and a strong sense of privacy. Just minutes from Porto Cervo, it combines the tranquility of a hillside retreat with easy access to beaches, dining, and the marina.

Best for: families or groups, villa-style stays, and guests seeking privacy close to Porto Cervo’s lifestyle.

Grand Suites: 26

Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda

Timeless beachfront elegance on the Costa Smeralda

Set along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline, Romazzino blends Mediterranean charm with understated luxury, surrounded by white-sand beaches and lush gardens. Its secluded setting offers a peaceful retreat while remaining within easy reach of Porto Cervo and the highlights of the Costa Smeralda.

Best for: couples and families, beachfront stays, and refined travelers seeking classic Sardinian luxury in a tranquil setting.

Rooms: 100 (40 Suites)

Su Gologone Experience Hotel

Authentic Sardinian charm in the heart of Barbagia

Nestled in the countryside near Oliena, Su Gologone is a unique retreat celebrating local art, culture, and gastronomy. Surrounded by mountains and natural springs, it offers an immersive experience of inland Sardinia, far from the island’s coastal resorts.

Best for: culture seekers, authentic experiences, and travelers looking to explore Sardinia’s traditions, nature, and cuisine.

Rooms: 69 (37 Suites)

W Sardinia Poltu Quatu

Stylish energy in a chic marina setting

Overlooking the picturesque marina of Poltu Quatu, W Sardinia brings a modern, vibrant edge to the Costa Smeralda. With its bold design, lively social scene, and easy access to beaches and Porto Cervo, it offers a fresh take on luxury in one of Sardinia’s most exclusive areas.

Best for: lifestyle travelers, couples and friends, and guests seeking a dynamic, design-forward stay with a social atmosphere.

Rooms: 154 (50 Suites)

RECOMMENDED ITINERARIES

To help advisors craft the perfect journey through Sardinia, Classic Vacations’ in-destination product experts have curated a selection of suggested itineraries designed to showcase the island’s coastal beauty, authentic charm, and seamless pairings with Italy’s most iconic destinations and the French Riviera.

MALTA: A MEDITERRANEAN CROSSROADS OF CULTURE & HISTORY

WHY MALTA?

WHAT TO VISIT & DO

A small island with an extraordinary legacy, Malta blends centuries of history with a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle. From ancient temples older than the pyramids to baroque cities and crystal-clear waters, the destination offers a rich and immersive experience that feels both cultural and effortlessly relaxed.

Compact yet diverse, Malta is ideal for travelers who want meaningful experiences without long travel distances. Its seamless mix of heritage, coastal beauty, and local character makes it equally suited as a standalone escape or as a natural extension to Italy or Sicily.

Its compact size allows for effortless exploration, offering a seamless journey through centuries of history, stunning coastlines, and vibrant local life.

Malta appeals strongly to travelers seeking a culturally rich yet relaxed Mediterranean destination, where history, scenery, and lifestyle come together effortlessly.

 

Malta stands out for:

  • UNESCO-listed Valletta and historic sites
  • Unique blend of Italian, British, and Arabic influences
  • Year-round mild climate
  • Excellent value for luxury travel
  • Easy combination with Sicily or mainland Italy

 History & Culture

  • Valletta – UNESCO World Heritage capital
  • Mdina – “Silent City” with medieval charm
  • Megalithic temples – among the oldest in the world
  • St. John’s Co-Cathedral – a masterpiece of art and history

Coastal Experiences

  • Blue Lagoon (Comino) – iconic turquoise waters
  • Gozo Island – slower pace and scenic beauty
  • Dingli Cliffs – breathtaking coastal views
  • Hidden coves & beach clubs – perfect for relaxed seaside days

Food & Lifestyle

  • Traditional Maltese cuisine – with local specialties
  • Wine tasting featuring indigenous grape varieties
  • Vibrant waterfront dining in St. Julian’s

Leisure & Activities

  • Private boat excursions
  • Diving in world-renowned sites
  • Cultural walking tours with private guides

 

Ideal for: Culture lovers, couples, off-the-beaten-path travelers, and clients combining multiple Mediterranean destinations.

WHERE TO STAY IN MALTA

The Westin Dragonara Resort 

Refined seafront luxury with panoramic Mediterranean views in St. Julian’s

Set on a private peninsula in St. Julian’s, The Westin Dragonara Resort offers an upscale coastal retreat with direct sea access, expansive terraces, and uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. Blending contemporary comfort with signature Westin wellness experiences, including the Heavenly Spa and thoughtfully designed spaces, the resort delivers a polished yet relaxed atmosphere just moments from Malta’s vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

Best for: couples and families, wellness-focused stays, and guests seeking a refined seaside escape with easy access to St. Julian’s energy.

Rooms: 347 (66 Suites)

Hyatt Regency Malta 

Contemporary city retreat with rooftop views in the heart of St. Julian’s

Located just moments from St George’s Bay, Hyatt Regency Malta offers a modern urban escape with a strong focus on comfort and wellness. Set in the vibrant heart of St. Julian’s, it combines sleek design, rooftop pool and spa facilities with immediate access to the island’s dining, nightlife, and cultural highlights.

Best for: couples and leisure travelers, modern city-style stays, and guests seeking a balance of wellness, comfort, and central location in St. Julian’s.

Rooms: 139 (12 Suites)

Rosselli AX Privilege

Boutique heritage luxury in the heart of Valletta

Set within a beautifully restored 17th-century palazzo on Merchants Street, Rosselli AX Privilege offers an intimate five-star retreat blending Baroque architecture with contemporary design. Located in the historic center of Valletta, it features individually curated designer rooms and a strong focus on gastronomy, including Michelin-starred dining, creating a sophisticated and immersive city experience.

Best for: couples, boutique and design-led stays, and guests seeking an intimate luxury experience immersed in Valletta’s history and culinary scene.

Rooms: 19 (6 Suites)

COMING SOON TO CLASSIC VACATIONS PREFERRED PORTFOLIO

Iniala Harbour House

Ultra-boutique luxury with iconic harbour views in Valletta

Perched above the Grand Harbour within a collection of restored historic townhouses, Iniala Harbour House offers an intimate five-star retreat blending Maltese heritage with cutting-edge design. Located in the heart of Valletta, this design-led property features just 23 individually crafted rooms, suites, and residences, alongside exceptional wellness and two-Michelin-star dining, creating one of the island’s most exclusive urban experiences.

Best for: couples, design and gastronomy enthusiasts, and guests seeking an ultra-exclusive boutique stay immersed in Valletta’s history and culture.

Rooms: 60 (13 Suites)

RECOMMENDED ITINERARIES

To help advisors craft the perfect journey through Malta, Classic Vacations’ in-destination product experts have curated a selection of suggested itineraries designed to showcase the island’s historic charm, Mediterranean beauty, and seamless pairings with Italy’s most iconic coastal destinations

New Hotels to Classic

Italy

Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda
Gargnano, Lake Garda

Rating: 5-star | Suites: 95 – Villas: 5

Minareto
Syracuse, Sicily

Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms: 78 (29 Suites – 5 Villas)

Grand Hotel et Des Palmes
Palermo, Sicily

Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms: 100 (8 Suites)

The Carlton, A Rocco Forte Hotel
Milan

Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 71 (29 Suites)

Borgo Egnazia
Savelletri di Fasano, Puglia

Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 184 (64 Suites – 28 Villas)

Ostuni a Mare
Rosa Marina, Ostuni, Puglia

Rating: 4-star | Rooms: 198 (48 Suites)

Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection
Florence

Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 83 (34 Suites)

La Tiara di Cervo
Porto Cervo, Sardinia

Rating: 4.5-star | Grand Suites: 27

Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites
Golfo Aranci, Sardinia

Rating: 4-star | Rooms: 80 (22 Suites)

Ancora Cortina
Cortina D’Ampezzo, Dolomites

Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 38 (19 Suites)

Castel Badia
San Lorenzo di Sebato, Dolomites

Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 28 (18 Suites)

Gardena Grodnerhof
Ortisei, Dolomites

Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 60 (19 Suites)

Spain

The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca
Mallorca

Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 115 (88 Suites)

Portugal

Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort
Albufeira, Algarve

Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms: 217 (33 Suites)

switzerland

Basel Marriott Hotel
Basel

Rating: 4-star | Rooms: 239 (21 Suites)

Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort
Marbella

Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 125 (59 Suites – 9 Villas)

Pine Cliffs Ocean Suite, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Albufeira, Algarve

Rating: 4.5-star | Suites: 148

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
Interlaken

Rating: 5-star | Rooms: 216 (106 Suites)

croatia

Hotel Dubrovnik Palace
Dubrovnik

Rating: 4.5-star | Rooms: 308 (37 Suites)

england

The Franklin Hotel, A Starhotels Collezione
London

Rating: 4-star | Rooms: 41 (10 Suites)

Greece

Creta Maris Resort
Heraklion, Crete

Rating: 4-star | Rooms: 676 (36 Suites – 49 Bungalows – 1 Villa)

Stay tuned for next issue’s updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Thank you,

Europe Product Team

bonty escallon headshot leadership

Bonty Escallon

Managing Director, Product Development

Athens, Greece

Vicky Chalkiadaki europe product team

Vicky Chalkiadaki

Product Development Director 

Athens, Greece

Alessandro Longo headshot europe product team

Alessandro Longo

Sr. Product Development Manager 

Rome, Italy

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Valentina Mastio

Product Development Manager

Florence, Italy

Kristy Garikou headshot europe product team

Kristy Garikou

Associate
Product Development

Athens, Greece

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Maria Bistrin

Associate
Product Development

United States