Coastal retreats

Bedrooms with terraces and views over St Michael’s Mount Bay. Explore the gardens; walk from the door to glorious beaches

Escape to this cosy, restful cottage - a stroll from the village pub, close to the coast - for birders, walkers and loafers, and their dogs

The oldest of three secluded cottages that share a gravel courtyard and a beautiful garden with cathedral views

A cottage to help you feel restored and refreshed; uninterrupted views of the coast, a hamper of local produce and wildlife spotting.

A wild old windmill - what a wow! Hand-built stairs, a curved kitchen, and the living room a lookout with views all the way to Dartmoor

Bountiful breakfasts, the warmest of owners and Breton adventures. Enjoy romantic ruins, quaint villages and delicious seafood suppers

In a Normandy hamlet near the sea, leafy walled grounds envelop the old doctor's house. Now sumptuous, its fine features have been retained

A stylish hotel on Chesil beach with views of sea and sky - expect smart rooms, a bar for cocktails and some lovely local food

A cosy old cottage with a small garden, tucked down a lane between Victorian houses a short walk from the town's three beaches

Minutes from old Ajaccio (a scenic cycle ride) is a charming small hotel with a stunning bay setting, and majestic mountains behind

Flop in a hammock and be lulled by Mediterranean scents and breezes, sleep in an ancient Trullo – come here for raw beauty not for frills

Fresh lobster, bath with a view, an hour from Inverness airport, but a world away from the city. Great views, top notch design

Gaze over olive groves to the sea from a light-filled village house. Crisp furnishings, big terraces, close to sights but blissfully quiet

Achingly trendy, a design-lover's dream with infinity pool, wine on the terrace, pampering spa and a sunny bay at your feet – stunning

Comfortable cottage steeped in history and surrounded by nature, a stroll from seaside villages, family-friendly beaches and good pubs

A 300-year-old cottage and a secluded, magical setting next to the longest sea loch in the UK, for walkers, dreamers and nature lovers

A tranquil B&B just metres from the beach. Borrow parasols and loungers, watch the boats at the Cap, or party in Juan les Pins.

A stylish little nest for two with delicious breakfast delivered if you want. Salty air, ships and plenty of good restaurants on the quay