Restorative breaks

Some holidays you want to go on, some you need to go on. When the pings and bleeps of modern life get a bit much, these are the places to escape to. Each one has been tried and tested by the most overworked member of our team we could find at the time, so you know that we’ve been there and come back happy, meaning you probably will as well. Browse sunny island escapes for sangria at sunset, chic spa hotels for a massage and a steam, and grand chateaux where you can stroll the gardens in the blissful peace that only comes when you get far, far away from it all.

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The Cottage at Halzephron House Gallery

The Cottage at Halzephron House 1 - Gallery

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The Cottage at Halzephron House
Helston, Cornwall
From £181 p/n

Self-catering

1 place for 6
A delightful coastal cottage with far-reaching ocean views from almost every room, two gardens and a short hop to beach and Coast Path

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Château de Grandvaux Gallery

Château de Grandvaux 1 - Gallery

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Château de Grandvaux
Varennes-Sous-Dun, Saône-et-Loire
From €111 p/n

Bed & Breakfast

3 rooms for 2 - 3
Philippe and Stéphanie give you delicious food and comfortable, colourful bedrooms in their ancient château with gardens and pool

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Casa Beleza do Sul Gallery

Casa Beleza do Sul 1 - Gallery

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Casa Beleza do Sul
Tavira, Algarve
From €80 p/n

Bed & Breakfast

5 rooms for 2
You’re right in the midst of Portuguese life here: cafés, shops and restaurants buzz and there are panoramic views from the roof terrace

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Maison 1643 Gallery

Maison 1643 1 - Gallery

Maison 1643 2 - Gallery

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Maison 1643
Laudun-l'Ardoise, Gard
From €125 p/n

Bed & Breakfast

3 rooms for 2
Art-inspired B&B in a former silkworm factory. Swim in the eco-pool, feast on delicious food, explore Avignon, Arles and Roman ruins

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The Wellhouse & Wellhayes Barn Gallery

Deckchairs on the pontoon overlooking the lake at The Wellhouse & Wellhayes Barn in Dorset

Exterior of The Wellhouse & Wellhayes Barn in Dorset

The Wellhouse & Wellhayes Barn 3 - Gallery

Bright and airy master bedroom

Cosy sitting room with corner sofa

Bathroom with free standing bath tub

Exterior of The Wellhouse and Wellhayes Barn in Dorset

Stairway leading to the upper floor

Master bedroom with log burner

Freshly baked scones sitting on the coffee table in the sitting room

Study next to the master bedroom

Cosy kitchen with a traditional aga

Cosy twin bedroom

Pontoon overlooking the lake

Large sitting room with log burner and bi folding doors

Outside seating area at night with candles lit on the table

Glasses of whiskey sititng on the coffee table in front of the log burner

Large modern kitchen with kitchen island

Cosy double bedroom with log burner

Bathroom with bath overlooking the garden
The Wellhouse & Wellhayes Barn
Lyme Regis, Dorset
From £240 p/n

Self-catering

2 places for 4 - 6
By a lake, enclosed by woodland - a contemporary house and barn, full of handmade furniture – laze in a hammock, walk the Jurassic Coast

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Another Place - The Lake Gallery

Another Place - The Lake 1 - Gallery

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Another Place - The Lake
Penrith, Cumbria
From £190 p/n

Hotel

46 rooms for 2 - 5
Family-friendly hotel on Ullswater with a pool and a variety of bedrooms, some super-cool - swim in the lake, walk in the hills, eat well

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