Get to know Lisbon with ease from this generous and comfortable townhouse hotel bang in the middle of the city centre

Off-the-beaten track cottage promises peace and quiet, wild swimming and hikes in the hills. A world away from the urban jungle

Light-filled gites share a lovely pool, with pétanque, ping-pong and bikes to borrow – bring friends and take all three

Come for a pretty village in fabulous walking country, delicious estate-sourced food, friendly staff and very comfortable bedrooms

High in Ávila's unspoilt nature is this stylish, eco-brilliant family hotel: mountains, massages, pool, organic dinners... a special escape

A peaceful, romantic village escape for couples, plus a babe-in-arms, attached to the welcoming owners' home in the Scottish Borders

This hidden valley is the dreamiest part of South Devon. Catch the ferry across the Dart; gaze on the hills; snuggle up by the wood-burner

An attractive converted stable with covered veranda, private garden and views over rolling countryside, minutes from the coast

Big house with bags of character and easy access to beaches, cafés and cobbled streets, coastal paths and hidden coves

A reader writes, 'This place turned out to be one of life's wonderful experiences - a beautiful setting, gorgeous food, kindest of hosts...'

An 18th-century coaching inn right in the heart of an old Welsh drovers' town, with award-winning food and the Brecon Beacons rising behind

A peaceful and unpretentious spot for a digital detox with long walks up on the moors and fabulous views from the top

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

A grand spot with superb Peak District views for this secluded, immaculate conversion of a handsome stable block - spacious and light

Slow down, discover the quieter side of the island - volcanic rocks, clear seas from hidden beaches and César Manrique's Jardín de Cactus

An important spot for this grand 19th-century château on the banks of the Loire, steeped in history and with kind, erudite owners

A cottage in a conservation village with logs in the burner, sloe gin on the table, and a good dining pub you can walk to

A romantic creekside cottage down a web of narrow lanes in a tumbling green valley – mess about on the water to your heart’s content