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Much of Southern Europe is sweltering under an extreme heatwave pushing temperatures well past 40C – with Italy reporting the death of a street sign painter who collapsed working in the heat. The 44-year-old worker collapsed while on the job in the northern town of Lodi on Tuesday. He was rushed to hospital but doctors were unable to revive him, according to local media. It comes as nations across Southern Europe issued warnings to both residents and tourists, as millions of holidaymakers head off for their holidays on the Mediterranean. Temperatures could spike as high as 45C to 48C in parts of Sicily and Sardinia in Italy and Cordoba and Seville before the week is out. Temperatures are also starting to tick up in Greece, where a heat wave was forecast to reach up to 44C in some parts of the country in the coming days. The heatwave was named "Cerberus" after the three-headed monster dog in Greek mythology which guards the gates of the underworld. Ruben del Campo, of Aemet, the Spanish state meteorological agency, said: “In some points of the south the temperatures will reach 44C on Wednesday. More than 100 weather stations registered temperatures of at least 35C as early as 6am on Wednesday. “In general, in Andalusia, temperatures will be above 40C. The heat will be suffocating in Cordoba and Granada and areas of the Costa del Sol”. He added: “At night temperatures will not fall below 25C in Granada, Almeria, Seville and Las Palmas in the Canary Islands.” Mr Del Campo added that from Thursday temperatures would fall in the Balearic Islands and east of the country but not in the south and west of Spain. Cristina Linares, co-director of climate, health, and urban environment at the Carlos III Institute of Health in Madrid, proposed using libraries, health centres, churches and public transport as air-conditioned places which can be used by the elderly, pregnant women and those with breathing problems as temperatures soar. In Italy, 10 cities were put on high heat alert for older people and other vulnerable populations from Bolzano in the north extending southward to Bologna, Florence and Rome. Ms Linares also warned tourists to avoid heavy drinking in the heat. “People who are not used to living in hot countries should also be warned against heavy drinking of alcohol during heat waves,” she told The Independent. But some appeared happy to disregard that advice. Jack, 13, a British schoolboy who lives in Barcelona, started selling drinks on the beach with friends. “Most people seem to want cold water and beer but I am not allowed to sell beer. We have done well. I made €7,” he said. Many homes in Spain battened down the hatches against the heat, with all windows and shutters closed during the day. In Cádiz, in southern Spain, police used air-conditioning units which were seized in raids on drug factories and installed them in public schools, which are used in summer for children’s camps. If tourists struggle with the scorching heat during the day, trying to get to sleep at night with tropical temperatures over 25C in many parts of Spain will not be easy. Spain’s state-run RTVE television ran a report advising people on the tricks to sleep properly during a heat wave. “Sleep near a window, wear little in the way of clothes, drink as much as you can and if you still cannot sleep put on the air conditioning,” the reporter told viewers. In Greece, authorities banned access to nature reserves and forests to reduce the risk of wildfires, while municipalities were opening air-conditioned areas in public buildings for people to shelter from the heat. The country's agriculture ministry also issued restrictions on the transportation and working hours of animals such as horses and donkeys offering rides in tourist areas during the heat wave. Working animals will not be allowed to work between noon and 5pm on days where temperatures are between 35C to 39C in the shade, while they will not be allowed to work at any time of the day when temperatures exceed that range. Extreme heatwaves contributed to more than 60,000 deaths in Europe in 2022, according to a report issued earlier this week. The study, conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and published in the journal Nature Medicine, estimated that 61,672 deaths were caused by extreme heat in Europe between 30 May and 4 September 2022. The highest temperature in European history was recorded in Syracuse, in Sicily in August 2021 at 48.8C. Read More G7 countries sign joint declaration in support of Ukraine at Nato summit Spain sweats out sultry nights as heat wave bakes southern Europe ‘You belong in Nato’ Rishi Sunak tells Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky Argentina turns its attention to youth divisions in search of a Messi-like player in women's soccer Red Hot Chili Peppers and Ms. Lauryn Hill will headline Global Citizen Festival to fight inequality With player stylists and Gucci collabs, MLB eyes a fresh look with younger fans

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or a longer holiday for all the family, a European trip is the way to go. There are plenty of great hotels on offer, but if you’re after somewhere extra special to stay, you’re in luck, as the past year or so has seen the unveiling of a dazzling bunch of new and revamped European hotels, including a dolce vita-inspired legend and several slick new city kids on the block. From a boho chic property in Lisbon and a sophisticated wellness resort in Greece, to an Art Deco beauty in Prague and a French 18th-century property in the heart of Burgundy’s wine region, these hotels all offer something rather special. Passports at the ready, and get scrolling for some of the latest European hotels to book for a cool and chic stay. The best hotels in Europe in 2023: Best hotel for a hipster city break: The Hoxton, Poblenou, Spain Best hotel for families: La Zambra Resort GL, Spain Best spa hotel: Isla Brown Corinthia Resort & Spa, Greece Best hotel for luxury: Cali Mykonos, Greece Best hotel for wellness: One&Only Aesthesis, Greece Best hotel for affordability: Mama Shelter Lisboa, Portugal Best hotel for couples: The Julius Prague, Czech Republic Best hotel for foodies: Hotel La Palma Capri, Italy Best hotel for art and design: Sommerro, Norway Best hotel for vineyard location: COMO Le Montrachet, France Best hotels in Spain: Best hotel for a hipster city break: The Hoxton, Poblenou Location: Barcelona Offering cool-cat design and lively social hangouts at prices that won’t break the bank, the Hoxton Hotels group has amassed a legion of loyal fans. One of its most recent addresses is a 240-room property in Barcelona’s arty Poblenou district – a traditionally Catalan neighbourhood where tech start-ups, craft breweries and concept stores have all sprung up in recent years. Abstract woven wall tapestries, subtle floral touches and natural fern-green and biscuit tones masterminded by Ennismore Design Studios give stylish bedrooms a gently whimsical feel. In addition to the familiar roster of room categories, ranging from “cosy” through to “biggy”, come new “homey” rooms, with their own lounges and kitchenettes – ideal for longer stays and larger groups. Not only is the Sagrada Familia just a 15-minute walk away, guests can enjoy killer views of Gaudi’s architectural wonder while enjoying tacos and margaritas from the hotel’s hip rooftop pool. Best hotel for families: La Zambra Location: Mijas Another hotel icon and jet-set magnet is the La Zambra, previously the Byblos Hotel, a historic property half an hour from Marbella’s beaches. When it launched in the mid-1980s, Byblos quickly drew an A-list crowd, with the likes of The Rolling Stones and Princess Diana checking in during its heyday. In the summer of 2022, the 197-room property was reborn as La Zambra – a new addition to the Marugal Hotels portfolio (which includes the ritzy Cap Rocat and Torralbenc hotels) – and sporting a top-to-toe zen look created by Mallorcan father-and-son architectural studio Esteva i Esteva. Artful bedrooms pay homage to contemporary Andalusian style, with soft cappuccino, sand and pistachio hues, wooden touches and bespoke furniture. Terraces have sweeping views out to the Sierra de Mijas mountain range, while two neighbouring golf courses give you room to roam. As well as being a golf haven – there are a dozen courses close by – La Zambra has three swimming pools, a gym, yoga and pilates studio, tennis courts, wellness centre with 10 treatment rooms and a kids’ club to keep little ones entertained. Best hotels in Greece: Best spa hotel: Isla Brown Corinthia Resort & Spa Location: Agioi Theodoroi, Corinthia Well-known for a clutch of trendy boutique hotels in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Athens, Brown Hotels’ Isla Brown Corinthia Resort & Spa is less than an hour’s drive from the Greek capital on the picturesque Corinthia coast. A slick, curved building with views out to the shimmering Saronic Gulf, it’s a sculptural, modern project designed by Elastic Architects, comprising 166 rooms and 110 bungalows, with eye-catching curved details in bedrooms and communal spaces. Eschewing the bold colour palettes the brand’s known for, the seaside resort favours relaxing white-on-white rooms with occasional blasts of colour. There’s a spacious beachside swimming pool, as well as a rooftop bar and private beach. There’s also a watersports centre, to keep adrenaline junkies happy, with windsurfing, kayaking and flyboarding on hand – plus a high-end spa for those who prefer things more relaxed. Best hotel for luxury: Cali Mykonos Location: Kalafatis, Mykonos For those looking to push the boat out on their next beach holiday, coastal escapes don’t get much more stylish than this 40-villa hotel on Mykonos, with its own private beach. Tucked between two mountains on the rugged eastern side of the island, the sensitively constructed, striking sugar-cube villas sit atop old stone walls, with views out to the glittering Aegean Sea from a discreet pool terrace. Roofs are planted with lavender and prickly pear, while, inside, interiors show off natural, sustainable materials, local marble, and beds with eco-friendly Coco-Mat mattresses. Plus, there’s an impressive 110m river-shaped saltwater infinity pool, a Mediterranean restaurant, sushi bar and a state-of-the-art spa. Yachts and speedboats linger offshore to whisk guests out to neighbouring Tinos and Paros on a whim. Best hotel for wellness: One&Only Aesthesis Location: Athenian Riviera Greece really has been upping its game when it comes to hotels, and adding flair to the coast outside Athens is One&Only Aesthesis. The big-hitting wellness resort brand revived a landmark site on Glyfada’s exclusive beachfront, with the aim of recreating the sophistication of the Riviera’s heyday in the Sixties and Seventies. The 21-hectare estate allows guests to truly get back to nature, with beach and forest to explore, and Athens, the Parthenon and masses of ancient history just 25 minutes’ drive away. Natural stone and timber details complement the breathtaking blue hues of the ocean, and design features riff on aspects of Greek mythology, including fire and water. As well as a nostalgia-fuelled beach club, innovative kids’ club and top-notch restaurants, most of the secluded villas have their own pool – sure to attract the odd A-lister looking for a private escape. Best hotels in Portugal: Best hotel for affordability: Mama Shelter Lisboa Location: Lisbon Known for its cheeky and affordable crashpads, French brand Mama Shelter brings its signature sass to the Portuguese capital, with a 130-room property set between hip Principe Real and swanky shopping street Avenida da Liberdade. Mama Lisboa pays homage to Lisbon, inside and out, with a Viuva Lamego-tiled facade, columns decorated with Bordallo Pinheiro fish ceramics and wave-patterned carpets inspired by the Tagus River. Boho-look bedrooms pair straw lampshades, colour-pop pillows, cork-framed smart TVs and leafy ceramics with a kooky pop culture reference or two, as well as organic, plastic-free toiletries. There’s also a rooftop bar for porto tonico sunset toasts, which segue into Portuguese-meets-French brasserie suppers, accompanied by twinkling fairy lights and DJs spinning chillout tunes, plus a pizzeria, cocktail and coffee bar. Best hotels in Czech Republic: Best hotel for couples: The Julius Prague Location: Prague Famed coffee pioneer and the brand behind Austria’s upmarket food emporium, Julius Meinl am Graben (the Viennese answer to Fortnum & Mason), the Meinl family has added a fresh string to its bow with this first foray into hotels. Launched in the Czech capital in spring 2022, The Julius Prague is a gorgeous 168-room pad inside an Art Deco building, reimagined by Italian architect Matteo Thun & Partners. Interiors have a restful, autumnal palette (inspired by the works of celebrated Czech artist Alphonse Mucha) and give “a feeling of home” with soft orb lighting, comfy beds topped with eco-conscious Quagliotti linen and refillable toiletries. Most have living rooms behind oak-panel dividers, and many have fully mod-conned open-plan kitchens, too. Communal spaces include a bistro restaurant and laid-back lounge (ideal for co-working), and there are electric car-charging points on site. Best hotels in Italy: Best hotel for foodies: Hotel La Palma Capri Location: Capri After a dose of la dolce vita? About as high-end and haute as it gets, Capri’s first and oldest hotel – Hotel La Palma – reopened in April 2022, joining the likes of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, The Lanesborough and Le Bristol Paris in the rarefied, international Oetker Collection. Sporting a seriously fresh new look, the storied Mediterranean property continues its 200-year-long tradition of attracting the great and the good to 50 exclusive rooms and suites, all with alluring white and aquamarine-accented interiors and their own balcony or terrace, designed by Francesco Delogu. Just moments from the vibrant Piazzetta – the island’s most fashionable square – Hotel La Palma’s restaurants, under the culinary direction of acclaimed chef Gennaro Esposito, includes Gennaro’s for authentic Italian feasts; a rooftop restaurant and bar (Bianca); a new pool deck and bar, and an upmarket spa. Best hotels in Norway: Best hotel for art and design: Sommerro Location: Oslo Oslo’s design-led hotel scene has been a slow burn – first came The Thief in 2013, known for its eclectic modern art,  then in 2019 Amerikalinjen brought a touch of funky nautical-chic to the Norwegian capital, and this hotel comes from the brand that has masterminded both: Nordic Hotels & Resorts.  Sommerro, in Oslo’s West End, has 231 rooms set inside the striking former HQ of electrical company Oslo Lysverket, and is Norway’s biggest conservation project to date. A multi-million pound renovation saw the 1930s building transformed into a hotel, which reads like a love letter to Norwegian design, and features works from acclaimed artist Per Krohg, including a wall fresco and ceiling mural throughout the property. Bedrooms, ranging from cosy lofts to vast suites, feature Art Deco details, oak parquet floors and hand-knotted rugs, with the most swish rooms kitted out with Murano glass chandeliers, four-poster beds, and dusky pink marble bathrooms with deep tubs. Home to four restaurants – including an outpost of popular Nordic-Japanese restaurant Tak, helmed by Frida Ronge, and To Sostre for tasty Smorrebrod (open-faced sandwiches) accompanied by live classical music – they use hyper-local ingredients, and offer experiences with a sustainable focus. With a trio of bars, and the city’s first year-round rooftop pool, it’s an all-round crowd-pleaser. Best hotels in France: Best hotel for a vineyard location: COMO Le Montrachet Location: Puligny-Montrachet, Cote-d’Or Much to the delight of fans who like to slumber in style, wellness guru COMO – known for its purpose-led ethos and high-end spa offering, with spoiling properties from Bali to Bhutan – has recently made its French debut in the heart of Burgundy’s wine region. Taking over and transforming the Hotel Le Montrachet, the 18th-century property sits across four heritage buildings, which ring a charming courtyard in Puligny-Montrachet. There are 30 rooms and suites to choose from, designed by Italian interiors whizz Paola Navone. Through its insider connections, COMO can also arrange unrivalled behind-the-scenes access to the area’s Grand Cru vineyards, too. Read more of our Europe hotel reviews: The best family-friendly Europe resorts Where to stay in Spain The best hotels in the Greek Isles Read more about Europe travel: The ultimate France travel guide How to spend two days in Porto Greece travel guide: Everything you need to know Read More The best European holiday destinations to travel to by train from London Best luxury UK hotels 2023: Where to stay for great food, family adventures and spa retreats Best family holiday destinations for 2023 that kids of all ages will love Best hotels with swimming pools in the UK: Where to stay for romance, relaxation and sky-high views The UK’s best seaside hotels 2023 8 best family adventure holidays in Europe that adults, teens and kids will love

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