Chill under poolside palm trees or lose yourself in novels on super comfy armchairs. Funchal with its colourful markets is within easy reach

An attractive, seaside hotel with an airy, contemporary feel - chic interiors, an excellent restaurant and big sea views await

A bright and spacious cottage set against a backdrop of woodland for days spent happily reading by the wood-burner or lunch on the sun deck

A scented garden, delicious local delicacies and those coastal landscapes. This place is a sensory feast

Set loose your inner castaway on your very own island with enthralling views and much wildlife a short boat ride from Skye

A spacious courtyard, two ancient yews and this lovely restored house ooze charm - swim, cycle, walk in glorious countryside, taste cognac

A beautiful cream stone building in the grounds of a grand château, with a large and view-filled outdoor terrace for peaceful dawdling

Three tranquil apartments in the Ria Formosa nature reserve with a stunning natural pool, near to a village and sandy beaches

A Georgian manor house in the old quarter of Penzance, close to the water, with good food and a chilled vibe

Two cosy cottages on a former winemaking estate with private terraces, a shared pool, stunning views and glorious walks from the door

A swishly renovated detached hideaway up a hill, surrounded by vineyards and with a covered deck for sweeping views just outside Beaune

Painting courses on request, gardens full of roses, a parasol’d terrace, a seductive pool… we love this welcoming, traditional hotel

A 1750s farmhouse with a comfortable, informal feel resting in woodland. You're near to iconic tourist spots but hiding in the quiet woods

High up and with splendid views of the estuary and harbour, this roomy apartment is a very comfortable base for seaside holidays

A peaceful grown-up place circled by meadows and woodland with helpful owners next door – a superb spot to explore the south-west

Come for dreamy river views, a lovely garden and this bolthole for two, beautifully renovated inside and out and with a private hot tub

A listed townhouse with 16th-century roots in lovely little Wells with a pretty garden, just a short walk to the magnificent cathedral