May 2008
Thinking of an early spring getaway? These places are tailor-made for unwinding – whether it's in the Yorkshire dales, a Tuscan hillside or Outback Australia.
Hell Bay >
West Country
Escapist heaven in the Scillies that's anything but Hell
Hell Bay? Actually it’s more like a little Eden. Hell Bay clings to Bryher, a verdant sliver of land in the Scilly Isles overlooking an ocean that doesn’t stop till it reaches America.
Escapist heaven in the Scillies that's anything but Hell
Hell Bay? Actually it’s more like a little Eden. Hell Bay clings to Bryher, a verdant sliver of land in the Scilly Isles overlooking an ocean that doesn’t stop till it reaches America.
Doubles from: GBP 155
Ardanaiseig >
Scotland
Ruggedly romantic loch-side escape in wildest Argyll
This imposing baronial manor on the shores of Loch Awe is set in a wildly romantic setting at the end of a winding road, amid 100 acres of woodlands littered with exotic plants.
Ruggedly romantic loch-side escape in wildest Argyll
This imposing baronial manor on the shores of Loch Awe is set in a wildly romantic setting at the end of a winding road, amid 100 acres of woodlands littered with exotic plants.
Doubles from: from GBP 85
Nonsuch House >
West Country
Terrific Devonshire B&B with heart-stopping river views
This grand Edwardian townhouse has been converted into an outstanding family-run B&B, perched on a hill with heart-stopping views across the Dart estuary – one of the prettiest spots in Devon.
Terrific Devonshire B&B with heart-stopping river views
This grand Edwardian townhouse has been converted into an outstanding family-run B&B, perched on a hill with heart-stopping views across the Dart estuary – one of the prettiest spots in Devon.
Doubles from: GBP 100
Adler Thermae Spa >
Florence and Tuscany
First-rate Tuscan spa that hits all the senses
You can get high at Adler Thermae Spa just by breathing the air. Wrapped in vapours from the thermal pools that surround it, this fabulous spa hotel sprawls in the Tuscan countryside.
First-rate Tuscan spa that hits all the senses
You can get high at Adler Thermae Spa just by breathing the air. Wrapped in vapours from the thermal pools that surround it, this fabulous spa hotel sprawls in the Tuscan countryside.
Doubles from: EUR 370
Maison La Minervetta >
Naples and Amalfi coast
Plum designer address bursting with visual vroom
Architect Marco de Luca has created a stunning contemporary address this white-walled 1950s villa on Sorrento’s cliffside that feels more like an airy Mediterranean style loft apartment than a conventional hotel.
Plum designer address bursting with visual vroom
Architect Marco de Luca has created a stunning contemporary address this white-walled 1950s villa on Sorrento’s cliffside that feels more like an airy Mediterranean style loft apartment than a conventional hotel.
Doubles from: from EUR 320
Relais San Pietro in Polvano >
Florence and Tuscany
Tranquil Tuscan gem run with passion and pride
This 300-year-old farmhouse is just the place for fast-laners looking for a Tuscan idyll to unwind in. On long summer days, feast on the views from the terrace and wonderfully private pool.
Tranquil Tuscan gem run with passion and pride
This 300-year-old farmhouse is just the place for fast-laners looking for a Tuscan idyll to unwind in. On long summer days, feast on the views from the terrace and wonderfully private pool.
Doubles from: EUR 220
The Quay House >
The West
Waterfront Galway townhouse filled with flamboyant charm
Two centuries ago, this was the local harbourmaster's magnificent waterfront townhouse. These days the Quay House at Clifden is a Georgian classic, gorgeously restored as a 14-bedroom guesthouse.
Waterfront Galway townhouse filled with flamboyant charm
Two centuries ago, this was the local harbourmaster's magnificent waterfront townhouse. These days the Quay House at Clifden is a Georgian classic, gorgeously restored as a 14-bedroom guesthouse.
Doubles from: EUR 150
Bastide Saint Georges >
Provence and the Cote d`Azur
Peachy provencal property in the Luberon hills
This appealing little place near Forcalquier – just our kind of provençal getaway – fetchingly sums up the spirit of the area. Inside, everything drips with coolly elegant shades and a stripped-back feel.
Peachy provencal property in the Luberon hills
This appealing little place near Forcalquier – just our kind of provençal getaway – fetchingly sums up the spirit of the area. Inside, everything drips with coolly elegant shades and a stripped-back feel.
Doubles from: EUR 140
Chateau d'Esclimont >
Paris and around Paris
Moated Renaissance chateau-hotel an hour from Paris
Arriving at Château d’Esclimont is pretty magical. Enveloped in 150 acres of gardens, lake and woodland walks, this magnificent-looking moated French chateau comes with turrets, towers and all the grandeur you would expect.
Moated Renaissance chateau-hotel an hour from Paris
Arriving at Château d’Esclimont is pretty magical. Enveloped in 150 acres of gardens, lake and woodland walks, this magnificent-looking moated French chateau comes with turrets, towers and all the grandeur you would expect.
Doubles from: from EUR 230
