Best Of Countryside
The Bull Charlbury
Charlbury, Cotswolds, United Kingdom
The Bull, now run by the team behind Notting Hill’s The Pelican, has an exceptional menu with meat cooked over the fire, whole market fish, and top notch veg, alongside a dynamic wine list featuring skin-contacts and Pet Nat. There are pared back, beautiful bedrooms, with elegant four posters, moss green curtains and generous bathtubs.
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Nordelaia
Cremolino, Piedmont, Italy
Nordelaia, set within five hectares of arable land, is a destination where heritage, design, comfort, and nature blend into an experience to enrich the soul and ease the mind. Sensitively built around an 800-year-old farmhouse, reconstruction was carried out over 3 years with the utmost respect and care for its heritage and tradition.
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Seegut Zeppelin
Friedrichshafen, Lake Constance, Germany
The Seegut Zeppelin, which opened this year, is located in the middle of an old landscaped park directly on Lake Constance. The spruce-clad hotel buildings are just a stone's throw from the shore. The modern solitary buildings blend unobtrusively into the protected park. Inside, the surrounding nature is impressively recreated through floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel buildings are furnished with natural materials and high-quality design, while the cuisine is based on an innovative concept with a focus on vegetarian cuisine.
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Editors pick
Vermelho
Melides, Alentejo, Portugal
South of Lisbon, Portugal’s Alentejo region is becoming a go-to haunt for those lured by rhythms of slow travel. Comporta has long attracted surfers and the stylish set, but now its neighbour, low-key Melides, is the rising star. Tranquil and untouched, it combines sandy Atlantic coastline with vineyards, rice fields and forest. This spotlight is in part thanks to the opening of Vermelho, the first hotel project from Christian Louboutin — a longterm fan of the region.
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Les Bains Gardians
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Camargue, France
In the heart of the Camargue Regional Nature Park, Les Bains Gardians is set in a 4-hectare estate, between the characteristic landscapes of this wild region and the infinite blue of the Mediterranean Sea just a few hundred meters away.
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Casa Newton
Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy
A high-end country house encircled by natural beauty awaits in the Val d’Orcia: Welcome to Casa Newton. The design-led country house is a stylish home away from home in a scenic and commanding position near Pienza, between Montalcino and Montepulciano.
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Monastero Arx Vivendi
Arco, Lake Garda, Italy
Monastero Arx Vivendi is a place of deceleration, a place where you can leave everyday life behind and find time to relax, enjoy, and experience in one of the most beautiful settings in Northern Italy.
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Sterrekopje
Franschhoek mountains, South Africa
Cradled in the foothills of the Franschhoek mountains is Sterrokopje, a biodiverse farm with scattered sanctuaries that is designed to regenerate earth, body, and soul. Guided by ancestral wisdom and a conscious way of living, this luxurious hotel is a haven of tranquility spread across 50 acres of farmland. Guests can choose from different lengths of ‘journeys’ that range from two to seven days long.
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Sao Lourenço do Barrocal
Alentejo, Portugal
South of Lisbon towards the Spanish border and stretching out towards the Atlantic, the Alentejo region remains the unsung hero of Portugal. Undeveloped and dotted with cork forests, wildflower meadows, and white-washed villages, it is a rough and ready rural idyll where time seems to stand almost still. The place to stay is São Lourenço do Barrocal, a quietly luxurious farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, which sits under the ancient hilltop town of Monsarez.
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3rd Night On Us
Sublime Comporta
Comporta, Portugal
Quietly located on a 17-hectare estate, Sublime Comporta encapsulates the magic of the region - white beaches, cork trees, dunes, and organic gardens. The property is naturally designed to pay homage and respect to the surroundings, relying on natural materials, local crafts and artisans, and their very own vineyards. Sublime offers many activities from surfing, horseback riding, private cooking presentations, and yoga all designed to enjoy the splendor of the region.
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Best Rated
Lupaia
Montefollonico, Tuscany, Italy
Lupaia is an ancient Italian country estate dating back to 1622. Laid out like a tiny village, there are a lot of hidden spots and angles to explore. With just 12 rooms and suites, a restaurant, and a pool, Lupaia lies in the middle of the Tuscan countryside, in the world-renowned wine region of Montepulciano.
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Heckfield Place is a Georgian family home lovingly restored from its classical origins and rewoven into a luxury hotel standing on 400 acres of secluded Hampshire landscape.
Hampshire, United Kingdom
From €620 / night
Tillingham is set amongst 70 acres of rolling hills and woodlands with far-reaching views along the Tillingham River valley, close to the fortified, lively hilltop town of Rye, East Sussex, across to the sea, and close by the Romney salt marshes beyond. 'Well-situated' they would say.
Rye, East Sussex, United Kingdom
From €200 / night
In the heart of the Luberon and 45 minutes from Avignon, the village of Ménerbes is perched on the rocky overhangs dominating the Cavalon planes. It is at the top of this beautiful artists’ village that the elegant 18th century edifice known as Hôtel de Tingry stands. In this enchanting setting, propitious to getaway and rest, residents will be captivated by the superb architecture and the breathtaking view. They will also have access to all temporary art shows as it is also an art gallery that welcomes artists occasionally.
Ménerbes, Provence, France
From €350 / night
Situated in the hills of the Riviera is Toile Blanche, a contemporary guest house filled with art, and 16 suites, some of which have their own plunge pool. Toile Blanche means much more than just a holiday destination. It is a place that brings people and art together in a familiar atmosphere, creating a very personal and inspiring environment. Every detail has been carefully thought out, to provide an exceptional experience for guests. From the timeless architecture, designed by the Leroy Brothers, to the many facilities and the attentive service of the staff.
St Paul de Vence, Côte D'Azur, France
From €390 / night
In the foothills of southern Bavaria’s Allgäu Alps, you will find ROSSO, surrounded by lush meadows, gentle rolling hills and beautiful forests — all soundtracked by the soft peal of cowbells. A red farmhouse that feels more refuge than hotel, guests sleep in three cosy apartments that encourage cooking and spending time together.
Altusried, Allgäu, Bavaria, Germany
From €220 / night
Asolo has always been a place particularly appreciated and dear to artists and men of culture, and it still is to this day. Giosuè Carducci called it “the City with a hundred horizons.” The beauty and history of this city caused it to be recognised as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Just a few steps from the medieval town, with its outstanding feature as a noble country residence, Villa Cipriani is the ideal destination for a holiday filled with tranquillity and wellness. Guests will find the perfect combination of elegance, hospitality, and attention to detail, in a timeless atmosphere.
Asolo, Treviso, Italy
From €250 / night
Finca La Donaira is an eco-retreat of discreet luxury, an organic farm and equestrian center located on the top of the Andalusian Serranía de Ronda, in southern Spain. Offering accommodation in just nine individually-designed rooms; friendly and professional service; state-of-the-art facilities including a spa; and an infinite list of tailor-made activities from horse riding and wellness to music festivals and wedding celebrations.
Serranía de Ronda, Andalucia, Spain
From €880 / night
Nestled in Galicia’s Rías Baixas wine region, Casa Beatnik Hotel marries history and modernity, and is a home for bon vivants and seekers of off-the-beaten-track experiences in an untouched region of Spain. Located 20 minutes outside of Santiago de Compostela, Casa Beatnik Hotel boasts 13 individually styled suites, six luxury yurts, Beatnik Cocktail Bar & Restaurant, Tribu Restaurant, and working winery and vineyard featuring one of the world’s oldest vines. It is also home to a heated saltwater pool and spa with saunas, massages and rituals on offer.
Galicia, Spain
From €150 / night
Located in the heart of Emilia Romagna, Italy’s foodie and motor valleys, Roncolo 1888 is a century-old Borgo surrounded by 130 hectares of organic land. For many years, it served as the private residence of noble families and now, having undergone sensitive restoration to preserve its heritage, Roncolo 1888 is a stunning hideaway in the Emilian countryside — and the very essence of elegant hospitality.
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
From €285 / night
Chateau St Victor La Coste is magical. It is a private home decorated artistically yet flamboyantly, with an eclectic style. It is genuinely wonderful and very special, located in a sleepy Provencal village untouched by tourism. Surrounded by Côte de Rhone vineyards and forests, this is a world away from the glitz of the Côte d'Azur and is the right choice for the more discerning traveller.
St Victor la Coste, Provence, France
From €250 / night
Situated on a 40-hectare estate in the heart of Mallorca, Finca Serena welcomes you to a world of wide, open spaces, lush Mediterranean gardens, and trails that allow you to explore 10-hectares of vineyards that envelop rooms scattered across the property.
Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
From €490 / night
Set amongst 66 acres of meadows, woodland and oak-lined streams, Coombeshead Farm is a guesthouse and working farm offering glorious isolation and farmhouse comforts in the heart of Cornwall’s rural countryside.
Launceston, Cornwall, United Kingdom
From €170 / night
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Il Borro is a century-old hamlet surrounded by 1.100 hectares of organic land. Thanks to meticulous restoration that began in 1993 it has been restored to its former glory and now stands as the custodian of tradition, culture, and sustainability and today speaks for the most elegant Tuscan hospitality.
Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy
From €380 / night
La Foleia is a special, recently renovated destination. “Foleia” is the Latin word for “follia” which
translates into folly, or madness. It was first imagined, then realized with art, courage, and
determination. Once an oak forest, it became a property with a 4000 sqm circle of water filled with a private, natural spring from the Ticino River. On the lake’s two opposite shores are two mirrored houses: one has an octagonal plan, with French windows that frame the water and the statues that
adorn its edges from the living room. The other, is a neoclassical pavilion, with large windows that open onto a stairway that accompanies you into the lake.
Lake Maggiore, Italy
From €800 / night
Locanda in Tuscany is a perfect location for an authentic luxury experience, for those looking for a relaxing holiday in the most perfect part of Italy, the Val d’Orcia. An intimate and immersive experience with a focus on sustainable and organic principles, from the mini-bar selections to the food and wine offerings at the restaurant. The building is a private country mansion from the XVII century renovated concerning the Tuscan tradition and in authentic country chic style.
Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy
From €230 / night
Hôtel Crillon le Brave is a discreet five-star hotel with a breathtaking view perched on the foothills of Mont Ventoux, looking out over the Dentelles de Montmirail in the heart of the medieval village of Crillon le Brave. Composed of nine centuries-old houses, it blends perfectly into the village of Crillon le Brave and offers a seamlessly authentic setting. This hotel in the Vaucluse immediately gives you the feeling of going back in time!
Crillon-le-Brave, Provence France
From €490 / night
Jonkmanshof is a private country escape, nestled in the small, picturesque Klein Karoo town of Montagu. The Cape Dutch-style heritage house, with its captivating mountain views and manicured farm gardens, harmoniously shares its fully restored original interiors with 18th-century Cape furniture and contemporary South African art.
Montagu, South Africa
From €130 / night
Château du Grand-Lucé is a French national treasure, located in the Loire Valley, a 55-minute train ride from Paris. This exclusive private enclave of royal proportions was built by a nobleman and has hosted the most discerning travelers for centuries. Built in 1760 and named for the idyllic village in which it is located, this neoclassical French icon has been exquisitely restored. With a vigilant attention to detail, its unapologetically opulent chic interiors are a stunning tribute to its noble provenance and are a gallant steward of its rich history.
Loire Valley, France
From €550 / night
Dating back to 1856, The Fife Arms is a beloved landmark in the village of Braemar, home of the Highland Games. Under its new owners, Iwan and Manuela Wirth (yes that Wirth, of Hauser & Wirth Gallery), the hotel has been given a meticulous craft restoration and museum-worthy walls, reviving the splendor of the former coaching inn and once again establishing it as a hotel for the Highlands, touting many of the collectors' pieces for your enjoyment.
Braemar, Highlands, Scotland
From €420 / night
Nestled in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, La Pescaia Resort is a piece of authentic rural patrician history brought back to life, through a conservative restoration very respectful of the genius loci. An elegant example of a nineteenth-century villa farm, one of the few remaining in the area, with a past that refers to the family of Pia Tolomei. La Pescaia Resort is a paradise protected by over six thousand ancient olive trees, pristine forests, and hidden paths for lovers of walking and of the horseback riding.
Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
From €220 / night
Castello di Tassara is nestled among fields, vineyards, and landscapes and follows a rhythm of nature and agriculture. A quiet haven suspended in time. Its story is one of restoration carried out respecting esthetic harmony, tradition, hospitality, love for refined simplicity, tastes, flavors, and animals.
Tassara, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
From €190 / night
Castello di Vicarello is a 12th-century castle turned estate country retreat nestled in the untouched region of Maremma with sweeping views over rolling hills facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. Castello di Vicarello offers a choice of eight creatively appointed suites, two swimming pools, two kitchen gardens, and exquisite terraces surrounded by 40 hectares of vineyards and olive groves - where guests can also experience massage treatments set in pure Tuscan nature.
Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
From €550 / night
In the heart of Saint Rémy, behind the door of this old Provencal building hides a secret garden. Welcome to Jean-François's Le Petit Hotel, where you can relax by the art deco-designed pool and enjoy a peaceful getaway under the olive trees.
Saint Rémy de Provence, Provence, France
From €180 / night
This 17th-century townhouse with remarkable architecture is located in a historic town with a global village feel, offering a cultural environment in a natural setting made even more beautiful by the river.
Now a quaint boutique hotel, you can expect impeccable service, spacious and comfortable suites, a secret garden with a pool, and an art gallery where artists and designers are showcased alongside items from travels around the world.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Provence, France
From €340 / night
Composed of ten huts inspired by traditional Owambo architecture, Omaanda is an exceptionally appealing lodge, whose discrete elegance and timeless appeal take you on an unforgettable journey. Discover the singular beauty of the Namibian savannah, in the very heart of a private animal reserve of over 9,000 hectares surrounding the capital Windhoek. Omaanda owes its name to its exceptional situation, lying right in the heart of a private animal reserve, the Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê.
Namibia, Africa
From €550 / night
Zannier Hotels Sonop is a luxurious tented camp nestled at the Southern extremity of the Namib desert, in the Hardap region. Designed as a refined British colonial experience from the 1920s, this out-of-the-ordinary lodge offers a perfect retreat in a stunning panoramic desert landscape. Constructed on top of boulders, the ten spacious tents aim to offer a unique journey through time.
Namibia, Africa
From €600 / night
Thyme is an English country destination, nestled in the heart of the Cotswold village of Southrop. An enclosed collection of restored historic buildings form a peaceful hamlet environment, a ‘village within a village,’ that epitomizes the understated & natural beauty of the surrounding area. A sustainable ethos is rooted in the kitchen garden & farm, ensuring a gentle footprint in the local and global landscape. Offering hotel rooms, cottages, cookery school classes, spa facilities, tithe barn dining for celebrations & corporate events, cocktail bar, restaurant, village pub, and gardens.
Gloucestershire, Cotswolds, United Kingdom
From €390 / night
Locanda al Colle is a contemporary country house, nestled in the hills of Versilia and only a short ride away from the famous beaches of the beautiful Tuscan coast and Forte dei Marmi. The inspiring taste of the owner can be felt in the air, his love of vintage and contemporary art makes the Locanda al Colle a unique guest house, in which harmony, warmth, and cordiality compose the theme tune for an enjoyable stay.
Camaiore, Forte dei Marmi, Tuscan Coast, Italy
From €260 / night
In the heart of the island of Ibiza, set in an estate spread over 4 ha of land, lies Cas Gasi Boutique Hotel. A small luxury hideaway nestled on a southern hillside towards a small valley with exceptional views across the island. Far away from the famous and noisy nightclubs, Cas Gasi is a hidden retreat in the unspoiled Mediterranean countryside.
Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
From €485 / night
Hotel Tresanton is a cluster of houses on the edge of St Mawes, one of the prettiest fishing villages in Cornwall. Formerly a yacht club, it feels like an almost Mediterranean getaway. In 1997 Olga Polizzi bought Tresanton and spent two years completely redesigning and restoring it. All 30 rooms have stunning sea views looking out towards St Anthony’s lighthouse, while the hotel itself boasts a restaurant, bar, sitting room, cinema, playroom, popular Beach Club, and a private yacht.
St Mawes, Cornwall, United Kingdom
From €290 / night
Formerly an 18th century hunting lodge, and the home of the 6th Earl of Bedford and his wife the Duchess of Bedford, Georgina Russel, Endsleigh Hotel is set within 100 acres in the Tamar Valley and is a peaceful little snippet of enchanting English countryside. Brought back to life by hotelier Olga Polizzi – who also owns Tresanton Hotel in St Mawes – its surrounded by woodlands and formal gardens created by Humphry Repton in the 19th century, which are Grade 1 listed, while there's also an arboretum, follies, a waterfall, rockeries and a croquet lawn.
Tavistock, Devon, United Kingdom
From €320 / night
In the heart of the historic center of Noto, Seven Rooms Villadorata is an exclusive Sicilian guesthouse, occupying part of a 17th-century palazzo built in the famous flamboyant Sicilian Baroque style. Formerly the residence of the Prince of Villadorata and representative of the Sicilian Baroque in the city, now hosts the Villadorata. The villa has been brought back to life as a guest house. The property owners have cured every detail, choosing the finest furniture and fabrics of the best, refined, and well-known Italian and French designers, rendering every room not only luxurious and comfortable but, also unique.
Noto, Sicily, Italy
From €240 / night
Conti di San Bonifacio Wine Resort truly offers an experience in Southern Tuscany that is off the beaten track. With personalised service, gorgeous accommodations, and beautiful landscapes.
Foodies will rejoice at the excellent Tuscan food and wine on offer in this charming rustic retreat. This restored stone farmhouse sits in the middle of a gorgeously green landscape, beneath the Tuscan sun.
Tuscany, Italy
From €290 / night