The Mediterranean has long been a hotspot destination for tourists on their summer holidays, and this year will be no different. But as the Med’s tourist industry saturates, it’s becoming ever more difficult to source and book your ideal resort. To sift through the noise, we’ve highlighted four standout hotels which will deliver a superb, sun-soaked escape.

St. Regis Mardavall Resort: Mallorca’s best up-market, family-friendly resort

Occupying one of the Mediterranean’s most coveted stretches of shoreline, the St. Regis Mardavall Resort exemplifies the refined elegance and luxury synonymous with the St. Regis brand. TripAdvisor contributors consistently praise the high-quality service, the stylish rooms and the exceptional on-site dining.

The resort is arranged across four terracotta-hued buildings and hosts a variety of amenities receiving rave reviews from previous guests. From the three-tiered cascade infinity pool to the world-class spa and luxurious gardens, the Mardavall Resort offers an escape from Mallorca’s ‘party’ reputation.

Booking Link: The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort – Booking

db Group Seabank Resort & Spa: Malta’s top resort, perfect for families and couples alike

Malta is fast emerging as a prime destination for those seeking a Mediterranean escape. Despite its small size, the island’s natural beauty, extensive heritage, and vibrant coastal landscapes have made it a firm favourite for many.

Among Malta’s standout properties is db Group’s Seabank Resort & Spa, an elevated retreat situated in the scenic northwest. Located just a stone’s throw away from the island’s largest sand beach, Mellieħa Bay, the resort offers easy access to the golden sands and clear waters of Malta, making it, as The Guardian notes, ‘ideal for a classic beach holiday’.

For those wishing to venture beyond the resort, look no further than the local town, Mellieħa, perched on a hill just behind the Seabank Resort. This quaint town features picturesque panoramic views over the bay alongside a series of caves, tombs and temples for the curious traveller to discover. For those seeking adventure, head off to St Paul’s Bay, a 10-minute taxi from the resort. Rich in history, the bay also boasts stunning scenery along with excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities.

Beyond its prime location, db Group has ensured that the resort offers an impressive range of facilities. With seven restaurants and bars, a spa, a bowling alley and three pools – including a shallow pool and most notably, the largest outdoor swimming pool in Malta – the Seabank offers an exceptional range of amenities that can cater to both adults seeking a quieter stay or those on a bustling family holiday.

It is no wonder that this local, family run business has emerged as a leading contributor to this expanding hospitality scene, with the group – already certified as a green-key establishment  – now having opening multiple luxury resorts across Malta. Established in 1984 by Silvio Debono, Silvio’s children – Robert, David, Alan and Victoria – are now heavily involved in the company’s day-to-day operations.

Booking Link: db Hotels and Resorts – Book Online

A Belmond Hotel, Villa Sant’ Andrea: Sicily’s best answer to old-school Mediterranean chic

Villa Sant’ Andrea, initially a family beach house for the Trewhella family, was transformed into a hotel in the 1950s, attracting Golden Age movie stars of the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.  It is no wonder that Time Out refers to the hotel as ‘dripping with old-school’ glamour. Yet, despite its opulent past, the villa retains a feeling of quiet charm and a sense of being a welcoming ‘family home’. This chic, seafront hotel overlooking the Bay of Mazzarò is therefore perfect for those seeking a relaxing getaway with the family.

If it had to be whittled down, perhaps the main selling point of this villa is the scenic, private beach. Here, guests can enjoy a slower pace of life (perhaps having dropped the children off at the hotel’s kid’s club already). The enchanting seascape also offers a snorkelling excursion, where nearby caves are likely to unveil a wealth of marine life.

Whilst a complementary shuttle service is provided to the local town, Taormina, and the hotel’s namesake, Sant’ Andrea, is accessible via cable car, visitors may wish to rent a car to immerse themselves fully in Sicilian culture. It might be tricky at first to pry yourself away from the hotel’s extensive facilities, but the surrounding landscape is far too spectacular to overlook. With such proximity to these natural wonders, it would be a shame to miss out on the dramatic Alcantara canyon or the island’s renowned volcano, Mount Etna.

Booking Link: Belmond Booking Engine

Mar-Bella Collection, Elix: Greece’s sanctuary for those wishing to be undisturbed

Nestled in the picturesque, secluded western coast of Greece lies Elix, a family-friendly resort which nonetheless retains a luxurious, sophisticated feel. Overlooking Karavostai beach, this hotel is lauded for its sensational views. Standing by the infinity pool, guests can gaze out across the Ionian Sea toward Corfu and Paxos or simply unwind whilst relishing in the pine forests enveloping the hilltop retreat.

The Mar-Bella Collection, a family-owned Greek hospitality brand, has ensured that despite Elix’s modern exterior, the hotel retains an authentic Grecian feel. In keeping with this ethos, whilst any of Elix’s four restaurants are worthy of a visit, Pearl stands out with its offering of a modern Greek fine dining experience, curated by one of the country’s most celebrated chefs, Sotiris Evaggelou.

As a top tip to truly enhance your stay here, the most effective (and most exciting) way to reach Elix is via boat from Corfu. Not only does this option sidestep the limited flight schedules into Preveza on the mainland, but it also sets the tone for the holiday ahead: arriving in effortless style, basking in the sunshine, and taking in Greece’s spectacular coastal scenery from the water.

Booking Link: Elix by Mar-Bella Collection: Booking