Come for huge skies, birds and wildlife, rare flora and fauna, precious pingo ponds and a comforting retreat from the hectic whirl

If you need a great place in which to relax and don’t want to pay too much for it, try these excellent suites, which spoil you all the way

A picture-perfect village and a beautifully refurbished 17th-century inn with a cracking bar, stylish bedrooms and delicious pub food

A hugely spoiling place to stay with gardens, plunge pool, hot tub and sauna - part of the village pub, farm shop, brewery and Wellness Barn

A private villa beautifully flanked by gardens bursting with fruit. Here you'll find real Spanish character, style and a sun-trap terrace

Sweep along the gravel drive through lawns and specimen trees to this elegant manor house with 17th-century roots

A cosy and pretty old cottage for rest or romance, with garden and pool in a small hamlet surrounded by walnut orchards and mixed woodland

Smart country inn in Constable country with lovely rooms and food - grab a picnic, hire a boat and drift along the river Stour

Three very special places to stay on one glorious estate. Gather those whose company you enjoy and immerse yourselves in beauty and history

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

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

Blissful views to vineyards and mountains from this faithful reproduction of a 16th-century manor. Eat well, hike, bike, sauna and swim

Cool, airy villa with Lake Como glistening below. Beautiful terraces and garden, plunge pool - and chilled prosecco and cake to welcome you

Traditional house with a contemporary and imaginative interior; stroll to shops and restaurants, jump in the car to explore Provence

If you want to come to Venice as an open-hearted traveller rather than a tourist then this is the place for you - just walk to everything

On the outskirts of Marazion, this timber clad house perched above the sea is a super pad for romantic couples

Come for a traffic-free medieval hamlet in sleepy Maremma with easy-going hosts, a beautiful garden and views over the valley

An Edwardian villa with stunning views, polished floors, cosy fires and child-friendly garden a short walk from lovely Portmeirion