Quinta da Colina

Wherever you choose to stay you get a continental breakfast of fresh breads, natural yogurt, jams and honey, local meats and cheeses, fresh oranges from the orchard, figs and lemons in season. If you want something more robust then just ask Charlie ahead and he can rustle up scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, even a glass of fizz to go with it. The main house has a reading room, a grand reception hall and a self-contained studio apartment with its own kitchen.

Bedrooms with very thick walls are all a good size with high, beamed ceilings, lovely old shutters and tiled floors, TVs, comfortable seating and the means to make coffee and tea, so you’ll feel quite private. Arrange yoga, breathwork or a massage in the converted barn in the grounds or simply wander through the expansive grounds finding the plunge pool and pétanque pitch.

Walk through the orange groves and undulating hills with stunning views, hearing nothing but birdsong.