Finca El Azahar

Deep in rural Extremadura, a 19th-century wine press – spot the original stone press in the living room where grapes were crushed by foot – has been gracefully transformed into an elegant five bedroom guesthouse. You’ll feel serene here in big airy rooms, each with their own living spaces, and fine views out of every window to almond, olive and citrus trees that dot the eight hectares of gardens.

Breakfasts (and dinner if you pre-book) are packed with fresh produce from the olive groves and productive veg garden: tomatoes, olive oil, homemade marmalade and cakes, freshly squeezed juice. You eat under the sun-dappled pergola where you can linger over coffee before slinking down to the pool with a good book. Easy to stay put but there are bikes to borrow and walks from the door.

Stroll 15 minutes to a small bar for tapas or paella, otherwise it’s a drive to interesting towns – Mérida, Cáceres and Trujillo are all within easy reach.