Adults-only hotels have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to understand their appeal. Whether you’re dreaming of a trendy hideaway in Sri Lanka, a nature-focused escape in Costa Rica, or a romantic retreat in the Mediterranean, holidays as a couple can be blissful and indulgent. Solo travellers, too, often choose adults-only hotels; as do groups of keen partygoers eager to dance the night away in Morocco, Mallorca or Mexico. Fabulous family holidays undoubtedly have their place, but it’s also well worth highlighting our favourite spots for grown-ups across the globe. If you’re seeking splendid seclusion, a hip holiday hotspot or a sophisticated city bolthole, our list of top-notch adults-only hotels has it all.
Adelianos Kampos — Crete, Greece Show the map
119 rooms 
Paros — Greece Show the map
41 rooms 
Agia Pelagia — Crete, Greece Show the map
49 rooms 
Peristeri — Naxos Island, Greece Show the map
70 rooms 
Agios Nikolaos — Crete, Greece Show the map
135 rooms 
Ahangama — District de Galle, Sri Lanka Show the map
7 rooms 
Alpe di siusi — Trentino Alto Adige, Italy Show the map
47 rooms 
Alvor — Portugal Show the map
70 rooms 
Antananarivo — Madagascar Show the map
3 rooms 
Antwerp — Antwerpen Province, Belgium Show the map
5 rooms 
Antwerp — Antwerpen Province, Belgium Show the map
4 rooms 
Argostolion — Greece Show the map
10 rooms 
Austin — Texas, U.S.A. Show the map
42 rooms 
Avignon — Provence, France Show the map
5 rooms 
Balaclava — Mauritius, Mauritius Show the map
272 rooms 
Beaumont-en-Auge — Normandy, France Show the map
5 rooms 
Big Sur — California, U.S.A. Show the map
60 rooms 
Bocas del Toro — Panama Show the map
19 rooms 
Brixen — South Tyrol, Italy Show the map
104 rooms 
Cala en Bosc — Menorca Island, Spain Show the map
90 rooms 
Can Picafort — Balearic Islands, Spain Show the map
139 rooms 
Canggu — Bali, Indonesia Show the map
17 rooms 
Canyamel — Majorca Island, Spain Show the map
28 rooms 
Cap Ferret — Landes Coast, France Show the map
3 rooms 
Oistins — Barbade North, Barbados Show the map
280 rooms So many elements coalesce to create a stand-out hotel; being adults-only is merely one. The choice not to cater to children does, however, create space for other priorities. Architecture and design, for instance, can be appealingly creative, without concern for little ones tumbling into swimming pools, spilling food on pale textiles or bumping against sharp corners. There are some gorgeous design-led hotels with an adults-only focus, impressive art collections and a fantastically sophisticated feel.
When it comes to atmosphere, adults-only hotels broadly fall into two categories: tranquil or lively. One advantage of not having guests under the ages of 16 or 18 (depending on the hotel’s guidelines) can be a more peaceful, laid-back experience. Hotels with this in mind tend to be small, intimate boutique properties. Lovely lodges might have cosy reading nooks, seaside hotels may promise beautiful candlelit dinners, and restored manor houses might boast soothing spas. All are likely to appeal to couples or solo holidaymakers.
At the other end of the scale are luxurious adults-only resorts with a big buzz. Think guest DJs, late-night parties and cracking cocktail bars. Whether you’re travelling independently or with a group of friends, these hotels have a reputation for being great fun, and it’s certainly easier to let loose if you’ve left the kids at home!
Menus, too, can reflect a grown-up palette, and some of our most popular adults-only hotels have much-lauded gourmet restaurants, perfect for foodies eager to enjoy super seasonal cuisine in thoughtfully curated surroundings.
Tremendous adults-only hotels abound in Europe. Highlights in the Balearic Islands include Ibiza’s quirky La Bohemia del Rio, gorgeous Teranka on Formentera, Agroturismo Llucasaldent Gran Menorca, and timeless Hotel Son Xotano in Mallorca.
When it comes to France, five-bedroom Les Jardins de Baracane is an idyllic Avignon base, whilst Michelin-starred fare awaits at Villa de l’Etang Blanc in Aquitaine.
Greece’s profusion of exceptional adults-only hotels includes minimalist F Zeen in Kefalonia, glitzy Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel & Spa on Kos, wellbeing-focused Acro Suites and The Syntopia Hotel in Crete.
M Boutique Hotel reimagines the legendary Daphne Hotel in Cyprus, ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat promises grown-up indulgence for Austrian ski holidays, and Pensão Agrícola embodies farmhouse chic in Portugal.
Venture beyond Europe to verdant Nayara Bocas del Toro in Panama, or Costa Rica’s Amor Arenal, in the forested foothills of the Arenal Volcano; both are brilliant for nature lovers.
To party, look instead to Impression Moxché by Secrets on Mexico’s fun-loving Playa del Carmen.
Romantic Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel promises heritage charm in Merida.
For an all-inclusive Caribbean honeymoon, Sandals Barbados delivers.
Terracotta-tiled Casa Tikiri will delight surfers, yogis and calm couples in Sri Lanka, Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa has private pools and wellness offerings galore in Bali, and onsen soaks at traditional Bettei Otozure in Nagato are immensely restorative. Alila Ventana Big Sur combines surf and wellbeing; this time in 160 acres of stunning Californian wilderness.
One destination can offer varied experiences. Egypt’s El Gouna welcomes well-heeled partygoers to contemporary Cook’s Club El Gouna, whilst nearby 13-suite La Maison Bleue reflects designer Amr Khalil’s eclectic style and love of antiques.
A few kilometres from Essaouira in Morocco, Dar Alya Essaouira Maison & Table d’Hôtes is another romantic favourite.
