CNN: 2 Greek hotels among Europe’s 20 most beautiful

Two Greek hotels, the Mystique Santorini and the Blue Palace in Crete are among CNN’s list of the 20 most beautiful hotels in Europe.

The article describes them as follows:

Mystique (Santorini, Greece)

Though it’s hard to find a poor view in Santorini, Mystique has the most Instagram-worthy vista around thanks to its lofty perch on the rim of the caldera, on the southernmost tip of Oia.

From the hotel’s infinity pool, guests can soak in an unrivaled panorama of Santorini’s dramatic volcanic cliffs and the glittering southern Aegean Sea.

The airy, free-form rooms are carved directly into the cliff and feature private, ocean-facing terraces.

The highlight of the property is its pool bar, Aura, which serves up cocktails to match the showstopping sunsets.

Blue Palace (Crete, Greece)

The striking simplicity of this low-rise, whitewashed resort proves that beauty doesn’t necessarily equal opulence.

Its 256 rooms are bright, minimalist and bohemian, allowing luxe touches like the ocean-facing terraces and private plunge pools to shine.

Clay roof tiles, wooden shutters and pebble mosaics add to the property’s low-key charm, while palms and olive-tree-filled gardens help it blend into the wild landscape.

From the main pool, guests can enjoy breathtaking views over the Cretan Sea and the island of Spinalonga.

The complete list includes:

1. Monastero Santa Rosa (Amalfi Coast, Italy)

With amazing views over the Tyrrhenian Sea, this hotel built in a 17th-century monastery sits 1,000 feet up a limestone cliff.

2. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet (Istanbul)

This neoclassical property is built completely around what was formerly an exercise yard for inmates -- now a landscaped courtyard.

3. Mystique (Santorini)

Pool with a panorama: Santorini's Mystique.

4. The Peninsula Paris (Paris)

Opened in 2015 after a huge restoration project, the Peninsula Paris has 200 bright rooms, a 19,000-square-foot spa and a sleek indoor swimming pool.

5. Cliveden House (Berkshire, UK)

Built in the 1850s, Cliveden House feels more like a grand private home than a hotel. It has just 38 rooms and suites, each named after a figure from the house's past.

6. Ashford Castle (Cong, Ireland)

Ireland's oldest castle, this 12th-century citadel has hosted Ronald Reagan, two Beatles and numerous celebrities and royals. It reopened in 2015 after a year-long renovation.

7. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze (Firenze, Italy)

Constructed from two adjoining villas, the Four Seasons' highlight is its Della Gherardesca Royal Suite, which spans 25,000 square feet.

8. Bela Vista Hotel & Spa (Algarve, Portugal)

The Bela Vista was the first hotel to open on the Algarve, back in 1934, but remains ahead of the game thanks to inimitable charm and boutique feel.

9. Hotel d’Angleterre (Geneva)

Overlooking Lake Geneva's Jet d'Eau fountain, the Hotel d'Angleterre's Windows restaurant has incredible views through floor-to-ceiling panes of glass.

10. Trianon Palace Versailles (Versailles , France)

Within walking distance of the Palace of Versailles, the Trianon has 199 rooms outfitted with fireplaces and terraces, and a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Gordon Ramsay au Trianon.

11. Schloss Fuschl (Fuschlsee-Salzburg, Austria)

This 15th-century hunting lodge sits on the shores of Lake Fuschl, where the resort's private jetty provides the launch point for a wooden boat ride.

12. Blue Palace (Crete)

The Blue Palace has 256 bright, minimalist and bohemian rooms. Luxury touches include ocean-facing terraces and private plunge pools.

13. Schloss Elmau Retreat (Elmau, Germany)

Comprising two separate hotels, Hideaway and Retreat, Schloss Elmau was originally founded as a sanctuary for creatives looking to escape the

14. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (Budapest)

The Gresham's lobby is a work of art, with a Moorish glass-domed ceiling and dazzling, spiked-glass chandelier.

15. Le Sirenuse, Positano (Amalfi Coast, Italy)

This Amalfi Coast grande dame is legendary as much for famous former guests, such as John Steinbeck, as its swimming pool overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

16. Belmond La Residencia (Mallorca, Spain)

Mallorca's Belmond La Residencia: Mediterranean magic.

17. Villa Gallici (Aix-en-Provence, France)

Villa Gallici's 22 rooms are decorated with antiques, four-poster beds, rich tapestries and hand-painted Chinoiserie wallpaper.

18. Mandarin Oriental Prague (Prague)

A former 14th-century monastery, the Mandarin has 99 rooms with vaulted ceilings, parquet floors and views of either the old monastery courtyard or Prague Castle.