On a sleepy hillside near Noto, the peace is profound at this country estate set in a modern property with a spa, gym and generous suites

In a quaint village with a bakery, brasserie and shops, a handsome gîte with a wonderful pool and fashion museum

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

It's quiet among the lavender plants... bees humming, sun shining. Splash in the shared pool, visit lovely villages, taste local wines

A beautiful old building with generous windows, arched doorways and opulent interiors in the glorious countryside by a fairy tale château

Sleek, contemporary style with a stunning view. Soak up the sunrise, scuba dive off the Medes islands or simply stroll to the local bar.

A truly peaceful and charming hideout in a joyful, bird-filled setting - look after yourselves and retreat, or be thoroughly spoiled

Steps from the sea in get-away-from-it-all scenery – half an hour’s walk from St Ives’ arty heart. Sleeps 4 with pull-out beds for 2 more

Welcoming Julia fans passions for Arlesienne cuisine and culture in her art-stuffed Provence home where everything catches the eye!

A hugely seductive and stylish special place - with magnificent views, pool and bikes, vineyards and hilltop villages to visit

An L-shaped former farmhouse is now a gorgeous place to stay, just half an hour from the sea or the mountains and near interesting villages

Grand and old and filled with history, the estate and such a pretty house are a tonic, as are the well-tended grounds and parkland

Proper village pub with much-praised food and cosy rooms; country walks lead from the door and Oxford is half an hour away

White-painted beams, wonky white walls and your own parking spot fairly nearby. You're near the harbour and subtropical gardens

Treat yourselves to a seamless stay in this 255-year-old manor house with dreamy gardens, sumptuous bedrooms, sparkling pool and spa

From the delicious scented garden with its limestone pool to the cool rooms with perfect linen, this is a place for a special occasion

An 18th-century townhouse restored with flair by former restauranteurs: come for colour, comfort and sublime dining

An 18th-century listed cottage in a pretty terrace with a private courtyard garden and pond, just a short walk from the high street