Secret Sanctuaries

Superbly comfortable house with beamed rooms, lovely views, a club-like morning room, art and antiques, terrace, pool, fitness centre and lily pond

A clutch of airy properties, most with their own jasmine-scented terraces arranged around a funky pool

Wake to ocean views, breakfast overlooking the sea and a beach stroll in the afternoon from this smart lodge on the Dunskey Estate

A great little inn, hugely popular, with chic rooms, lovely food, happy staff and a winning position on the river Wyre

A dramatic house with stylish interiors – designed to bring the outdoors in so you feel wrapped in nature. Great for families or friends

A super-stylish bolthole in God's own county, with lovely rooms, a fine courtyard, fabulous food and a cool restaurant to eat it in

Two villas on opposite shores of a big lily-covered lake, fed with natural spring water from the Ticino river and surrounded by gardens

In a profoundly peaceful spot between arty St Ives and stunning Marazion, a hideaway for two surrounded by gardens and parkland

Treat yourselves to some downtime at this lush, semi-tropical hideaway with big pool, delicious breakfasts and charmingly rustic bedrooms

Come for good architecture, thoughtful design and much space for relaxing: swimming, massages, hammam and sauna, beautiful bedrooms

Perfect for a special celebration – revel in the beauty, history and off-the-beaten-trackness of this wonderfully restored mansion

Up the winding road to stillness, nature and a magical view. There’s glorious Gubbio to explore, and a log fire to come home to

Indulge in superb Galician seafood and wine, an open fire, local art, pool, hammock, village peace, sandy beaches...and warm, dynamic hosts

Small hotel in a hiker's paradise a short walk from Cómpeta with pool, spacious rooms, private terraces, breathtaking views and generous breakfasts

A nature-filled estate for smart lodge holidays in rural peace with woods and coast to explore, onsite activities and yummy homemade meals

An 1860 stone built mas, ensconced in rows of vines, with an inviting pool, rambling garden and south-facing bedrooms linked by a balcony

Stylish, family-friendly hotel on the side of a peaceful Cotswold hill with big views, well-priced rooms and a 400-acre estate to explore

A charming base in historic Beaulieu - expect delicious food, traditional country-house interiors, and walks that start from the front door