Key facts
- New hotels are opening across the Mediterranean, emphasizing local craft and heritage materials.
- Casa Bonavita in Malta features antique Maltese linens and Sicilian marble tables.
- Zannier Île de Bendor in France is a private island resort with former fishermen's houses converted into villas.
- Luura on Paros offers place-based craftsmanship and art collections.
- Vestige Binidufà in Menorca showcases bespoke furnishings and art from local artisans.
- Fouquet’s Mykonos in Greece incorporates rough stone, timber, and contemporary art.
- Wellness offerings at new hotels include hyperbaric chambers, flotation tanks, and natural pools.
This summer, a new wave of Mediterranean hotels is opening, moving away from generic modern design to embrace local craft, heritage materials, and architectural preservation. These properties aim to offer guests a deep sense of place by integrating local histories and artisanal techniques into their design and guest experience.
In Malta, Casa Bonavita, an 18th-century palazzo, opened in May under the ownership of Christopher and Suzanne Sharp. The 17-room property features hand-painted pottery from Villa Bologna, Sicilian marble tables, and antique Maltese linens. On the French Riviera, Zannier has launched Île de Bendor, a 17-acre private island retreat that was formerly owned by the Ricard family. The island, now a car-free village-resort, features former fishermen's houses converted into villas by Paris firms Hardel Le Bihan Architectes and Niez Studio Paysagistes, with crafts workshops offered to guests.
The Greek Islands see the debut of Luura on Paros, an adults-only, all-suite property emphasizing place-based craftsmanship and art collections. Guests can participate in workshops, including ceramics led by Maria Economides. In Menorca, Spain, Vestige Binidufà, an 11-room hideaway, continues the Vestige Collection's focus on historic fincas. Its design incorporates artful dried flower arrangements, antique furniture, and bespoke furnishings created by Menorcan artisans.
Other notable openings include Fouquet’s Mykonos in Greece, which features a blend of rough stone, timber, and contemporary art, and La Tiara di Cervo in Sardinia, Italy. These hotels highlight a trend towards unique, location-specific design, with wellness offerings expanding beyond traditional spa treatments to include hyperbaric chambers, flotation tanks, and natural pools. Restaurants are also becoming a key draw, with some properties featuring acclaimed dining establishments.