A serene restaurant-hotel on Chesil beach, with a perfect view of the big blue sea. How restorative can a hotel be?

Shady spots in the garden, a pool overlooked by tall palms, a bar nook stocked with drinks and a new spa in the Serra do Açor

Come for sea air, independent shops, great places to eat and this quirky cottage with plenty of room and a sunny walled garden

A Victorian farm steading cleverly repurposed as an open-plan holiday home with bright, colourful interiors, deep in the Perthshire hills

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

Contemporary boathouse for all the family. Find rock pools, a shingle beach and plenty of ozone in the salty Cornish air

What a surprise to find a masseria in the heart of a Puglian village. Welcome to Anna’s elegant agriturismo

A beautiful little house in a corner of the garden: walk for miles or just to the local pub, barbecue on the deck with its rural views

A romantic and very comfortable retreat in a smartly converted dairy with a pretty garden, close to the South Downs

Rustic charm and homely hospitality – this 12th-century hideaway in a medieval village is perfect for slow days, wine and wandering

Chiara’s blissfully informal hillside home is a hard place to leave... Guests can get involved with cookery courses or the olive harvest

An Italian farmhouse with soothing views, a scented garden and a big swimming pool where you can unwind in peace and comfort

A handsome little château perched on the edge of a verdant valley, with wonderful views, lots of space and a rambling garden

Fine linens, cool pool and a barbecue for this soothing barn renovation in a dreamy corner of Tuscany. Friendly owners can cook on request

A beautifully-restored old cow shed, light and airy, floating over a wildflower meadow in spring and summer. 20 mins from the Jurassic Coast

The sort of place where you arrive and never want to leave – atmosphere, nature, character and comfort in a magical timeless valley

Unwind in a hammock, in the pool, in a balconied rose-coloured bedroom – meander local markets, pick a pepper, cook up a feast and have fun

A gorgeous big old house on a farm near Marlborough with deeply comfy beds and superb breakfasts - walk out onto the North Wessex Downs AONB