A charming hotel in a quiet neighbourhood in medieval Bologna, just the ticket for a city escape filled with food, history and culture

Luxurious living combines with bleating sheep and bells from the church next door - 4 fabulous retreats on the Cotentin Peninsula

Your hosts couldn’t be nicer and look after you beautifully – this is a lovely, homely place with a rambling garden

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

Rooms are good value, breakfast is taken overlooking the garden and there's superb veggie food next door - a Sawday's Community Champion

Technically in Florence yet immersed in the Tuscan hills: easy comfort, country character, warm wonderful hosts, heavenly views

A very special place to stay, immersed in the architecture and history of the city as well as its traditions, culture, food and wine

Food grown, foraged and prepared with care, a carefully curated wine list, roaring fires and very comfortable bedrooms to sink into

Laze under the loggia, drink in superb, sweeping Umbrian views and wine from the vines beyond the pool; sleep peacefully in grand style

A wall of glass frames the sea view - take drinks on the waterfront lawn in summer, or by the crackling fire in winter

Come for much comfort in both buildings which face each other across the garden, plus a pool, lake, yoga and fitness studios

A 200-year-old village house surrounded by vineyards. Light-filled interiors, lots of art, a garden and a pool

Wonky floors and handmade beds in a restored coaching inn for 4, 6 or 8 - sociable evenings round the farmhouse table, walks from the door

A stylish Sicilian farmhouse that feels like a home with hotel luxuries. Come for a generous welcome, lovely beaches and gorgeous local food

Light-filled chalet in a small hamlet just outside Châtel. Feast on superb breakfasts before heading out to explore the Portes du Soleil

A warm and convivial place steeped in French history with an interesting, kind host who really looks after you. Under an hour from Paris too

Once a lofty edifice for music recitals, now an original place to stay - with stained-glass windows, a bed on a stage and wild gardens

Take the road less travelled as you climb into the Welsh hills to discover this lovely 16th-century farmhouse full of family history