Athens Capital Hotel MGallery Collection holidays to Greece Spain and Italy travel

Sun, sea and sand: Everyone wants to holiday in Italy, Spain and Greece

Where to Stay and What to do in 2022's Top Luxury Travel Destinations as Identified in the Accor Travel Trend Report

Italy, Spain and Greece are this year’s most popular luxury travel destinations, according to the inaugural Accor Travel Trends Report which revealed Italy is the number one destination choice for Europeans in 2022.

55% of the 6,000 people surveyed* said they intend to keep their travels within Europe, after two challenging years, with 39% saying they intend to spend more on travel in 2022. Beach holidays top the wish list for travel in 2022 with 33% planning sun and sand. City breaks (26%) are expected to return strongly as the desire for cosmopolitan culture returns.

The three most desirable destinations within Europe are seen as Italy, Spain and Greece, all of them offering an enticing combination of shorter flight times, warm climate, coastlines, family-friendly food, fashion and culture but there is also strong interest in other areas of Europe.

According to the Accor study, the top 10 destinations in the world to visit in 2022 are:

23% - Italy
21% - Spain
18% - Greece
16% - France
13% - Germany / USA (tied)
12% - United Kingdom / Croatia (tied)
11% - Portugal
10% - Thailand

Across each of the top three destinations, there is a plethora of new hotels opening this year, from Athens Capital Hotel-MGallery Collection and Niko Seaside Resort-MGallery Collection in Greece to Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna in Italy and Sofitel Barcelona Skipper in Spain.

Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna holidays to Greece Italy and Spain travel Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna Sardinia

There are countless experiential and cultural reasons to visit the new hotels across the three countries, including Mini Viaggi luxury supercar day trips in Rome, designer shopping in Athens’ exclusive Kolonaki district and fascinating archaeological visits in Sardinia, Italy. All of which are in line with the ‘mindful travel trend’ uncovered by the Accor’s report, with 66% of people identifying the emotional and experiential role of travel being their biggest priorities when going on holiday.

1. Italy

Throughout Accor’s Travel Trends Report, Italy took centre stage as the premier destination for travellers from Europe, and there are plenty of reasons to visit this year.

The Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna, is a brand-new 5-star hotel situated in an idyllic spot of Sardinia, which is a hub for outdoor sports as well as biking and hiking trails. Local cultural activities include visiting the island’s number one food market, San Benedetto Market, located on Via Coccu Ortu, and Barumini, an archaeological park that showcases Nuragic architecture.

Another new 2022 hotel opening in Sardinia includes Palazzo Tirso Cagliari MGallery, a carefully preserved palace featuring 85 charming rooms, a rooftop lounge and bar, a botanical garden and pool, two stylish restaurants, and an expansive spa.

Everyone wants to holiday in Italy Spain Greece Palazzo Tirso Cagliari MGallery Rooftop Sardinia Palazzo Tirso Cagliari MGallery Rooftop

Those who wish to discover the city of Lecce’s Baroque architecture and sunken Roman Amphitheatre can head to the Mercure Lecce Hotel President, which will also open this month, following a renovation of the 150-room hotel, keeping the design and craftsmanship of the past intact with a modern touch. A guided tour of Lecce is a must for all visitors.

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is located in the centre of Rome, near the renowned Borghese gardens and Villa Medici, and within walking distance of the Eternal City's main attractions. The five-star hotel’s design is inspired by the adjacent gardens and its previous incarnation as a former 19th-century Roman palazzo.

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese Rome where to holiday spain Italy Greece travel Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese

The hotel curates unique activities available for guests, including a collection of Mini Viaggi day trips in luxury supercars, yoga around Rome at some of the city’s most scenic locations, and a Bellissima Experience with a top Italian fashionista that features everything from wardrobe styling to hair and makeup by a celebrity artist. Additionally, its new ‘Rome for Repeat Visitors Guide’ features Rome’s history and culture at under-the-radar museums, parks, palaces, and churches.

2. Spain

Coming in close second in travel popularity this year is Spain, where travellers can explore cosmopolitan Barcelona and stay in the new Sofitel Barcelona Skipper, which will open in September 2022. This 5-star hotel makes the ideal luxurious base for those wanting to explore the stylish city, and it has a wide range of original leisure options that encourage guests to visit time and time again. Its historic centre stands on a promontory, and contrasts with the broad avenues lined with buildings, shops and outdoor cafés which extend five kilometers along the Barcelona coastline.

Seville, with its characterful old town, is another Spanish city full of atmosphere and plays host to music concerts, flamenco shows and ceramic crafts events. This spring the new Ibis Styles Sevilla Santa Justa will open, which will feature a roof terrace and cocktail bar and pool, enough to enjoy after a day exploring the lively city.

Ibis Styles Sevilla Santa Justa

The luxurious new Mercure Lugo is set in the heart of Lugo in northwestern Spain, the world’s only city entirely ringed by an intact Roman wall - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel, which is surrounded by a garden and specialises in locally sourced produce, is situated just 500 meters from the Roman wall and close to the city's most attractive spots.

Mercure Lugo holidays to Spain Italy and Greece travel Mercure Lugo

Also in Spain, the innovative Mercure Benidorm is opening in June 2022, complete with spacious, bright rooms, and exclusive suites with private pool and soulful duplexes. Ideally located to discover the best parts of the Costa Blancan city, guests can visit the peaceful Poniente Beach, lively Levante beach or discover the old town with its tapas restaurants.

3. Greece:

Greece is home to an abundance of ancient history, fine art and culture. Within the iconic capital of Athens is the new Athens Capital Hotel-MGallery Collection, situated in Syntagma Square, Athens’ most historic square. This property is a beacon for art as well as high-end gastronomy and a rooftop pool with enchanting 360-degree views of the city. Nestled in Athens' upmarket Kolonaki district, the hotel is an unrivalled spot for discovering international labels and Greek designer boutiques alongside with sleek concept stores and galleries.

Niko Seaside Resort Crete MGallery Collection holidays to Greece Spain and Italy travel Niko Seaside Resort Crete

A short flight away is the beautiful island of Crete, where the new adults-only luxury hotel, Niko Seaside Resort-MGallery Collection is located. The 5-star beach-front property has stunning sea views and boasts a unique contemporary design and modern architecture. Only 10 minutes from the sleepy Greek town of Agios Nikolaos, travellers can enjoy the culturally rich island experience, visit Voulismeni lake, ruins from the ancient city, and an archeological museum. Travellers can amble down to the marina to admire the yachts and enjoy browsing the local shops.

To read more from the Accor Northern European Travel Trends Report, click here