Italy

A heavenly setting for this very private feeling white cottage with its own small pool, amazing views and a short scramble down to the sea

Citrus scents the air, loungers flank a spakling pool. Light, cool, simple rooms, vibrant hosts, garden and olive groves - divine food

The ferry transports you from Trapani and in minutes you’re on the dusty track to the villa, within sniffing distance of the turquoise sea

‘Pinch me’ views over Lake Como, your own private beach, Varenna on your doorstep… these chic apartments are in an idyllic spot

Breakfast on homemade ricotta, bask on a cool white lounger, swim in the cove below. We love this young, friendly, rustic B&B

A medieval monastery, stunningly revived, in untouristy, car-free Pisciotta. Sip greco on the terrace; scramble through olives to the sea

Stay a while... lulled by lapping sea and fragrant hanging gardens - cool, light, balconied, classic, intimate, unpretentious

A Napoleonic villa full of warmth and charm, with a Slow Food ethos and views that reach to the Adriatic - the sea is under a mile!

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

Splash under the Elephant Arch, take a boat to the caves, set off for Tunisia! Then it’s back to a super-private room by the sea

Vistas of olive groves, village life and the sea; gaze and daydream from this beautiful spot. A Michelin recommended restaurant to boot

Simple agriturismo with views of sea and mountain. Feast on authentic Sicilian cuisine, drive to the beach in Cefalù in 20 minutes

A beautiful old stone house immersed in a sea of olive, citrus, bamboo and oleander facing down to the sea with views of Capri and Ischia

Move from terrace to terrace tracking the sun's progress and dive into the the deep blue sea from your own swimming platform... bliss!