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Cottage · Llangefni
"Handsome Ein Cynefin stands majestically among rolling hills and meadows stretching to the English border near Chester. This Victorian manor house is the former home of sister-owners Angharad and Teleri, who have thoughtfully restored the house with a sympathetic nod to their Welsh heritage. Behind the building’s honey-coloured facade, original features blend with curated interiors sourced from local Welsh artisans to create a fresh take on a classic country retreat. You enter into a grand, double-height hall with a Bechstein baby grand piano in the corner, the first of many handpicked antiques that decorate the rooms of this beautiful home. The hall leads to a myriad of living spaces, all with sash windows and 20th-century Welsh art, one with a pretty window seat, another with a roaring log burner. A sweeping staircase ascends to five light-filled bedrooms (four doubles, one twin), each enormous and ensuite, with long, leafy views of the gardens (on all four sides of the house). These gardens are a dream for youngsters, who can play croquet or badminton, hide in the trees, or pick apples from the orchard. And when you’re not all playing lord of the manor, the Welsh countryside calls: climb the Clwydians (Moel Famau - Mother Mountain - is visible from the house), or head up to North Wales’ beautiful coastline. Fresh air, family fun, and the finer things in life, all just 40 minutes from both Liverpool and Manchester, what could be better? Highs An elegant family manor restored with love and an eye for design, and yet excellent value All five bedrooms are large and light-filled, and each has an ensuite boasting a bath with a view Set among stunning North Wales countryside just across the border from Chester, with rolling meadows, the Clwydian hills and the coast nearby The sprawling lawns are perfect for letting kids (and dogs) run free Warm, hospitable owners who can arrange extras from hot-tub hire to catered dinners Lows You’ll need a car – shops and restaurants are a short drive away, and there's not much to do within the immediate vicinity This is an old house, so expect the odd creaky floorboard The rural location means WiFi can be patchy in some rooms, particularly for streaming" - Handpicked by our hotel experts
Cynefin, 15 Ty N Coed, Llangefni LL77 8YX, United Kingdom Get directions
Holiday apartment · Kreuzberg
"The Berlin Wall toppled 30-odd years ago, but the city remains divided – only this time it’s between the genteel western districts and the achingly cool eastern boroughs. Chief among the latter is Kreuzberg, a vibrant enclave for the terminally hip, where fashion, music, food, clubbing, art and fun collide.In a city where multiple-room apartments are hard to come by, Berlin Design Apartment is a rarity – a colourful four-bedroomed haven that can accommodate up to eight adults. A former office, the first thing that strikes you is the amount of space: the high ceilings, huge dining and kitchen area, and expansive reception room. The second thing is the bold modern design: the attention to detail is impressive, from the fitted fixtures and funky colour scheme to the quirky objets and designer lighting. Despite the strong aesthetic, the apartment has a homely charm that emphasises comfort and calm – whether you’re sprawling on that vast chenille sofa or gossiping around the eight-seater dining table. Across the road is the pretty Viktoria Park. A 10-minute stroll will take you to buzzy Bergman Strasse, while a 30-minute walk takes you to the Brandenburg Gate, the Tiergarten and all the sights that make Berlin famous. Highs Quintessential Berlin is literally on your doorstep; the tourist parts are easily walkable, while the nearby S-Bahn provides quick access to the city’s major attractions The design is exemplary, but even small details have been considered, such as kitchen essentials (salt, pepper, oils etc) Owners Nils and Yannis have a QR code on the kitchen table that takes you to a regularly updated map showing their favourite bars and restaurants nearby Four bedrooms give flexibility for guests, whether a couple of families or groups of friends Lows The two front bedrooms are beside a busy road. Thick window glazing and electric shutters mean they’re not noisy, but you will hear the hum of traffic The back bedrooms are beside the kitchen and curtained off – so probably not best for those who want to retire early Only one bathroom – however, it is sectioned off into toilet, shower and handbasin areas so still usable by multiple people No twin beds" - Sean Lynn
Hotel · South Andaman
"Havelock may not be the easiest place in the world to get to, but boy, it's worth the effort. A coral-ringed island with some of the most spectacular beaches on earth and an abundance of nature's other pleasures awaits: mangrove creeks teeming with birdlife and crystal-clear seas filled with a dazzling array of aquatic life. And now there’s another reason to go: this stunning retreat carved into the virgin rainforest with 6 stylish suites, a private villa and a 16m ozone infinity pool. It was an overgrown banana plantation until British chef and entrepreneur Mark Hill enlisted a crack team of architects, artisan builders and crafters to clear the land and blend traditional Indian materials and techniques with fluid lines, modern minimalism and imagination. The result is a sublime hideaway with a laid-back vibe and luxe finishes. Rooms are arranged over staggered levels, leading down to an expansive decked platform and the glittering infinity pool. There’s an open-air massage suite, yoga classes, even a badminton lawn. Book island hopping excursions, private beachside picnics and jungle foraging walks then return here for a sundowner and some of the best views on the island. Highs The back-to-nature vibe with the spoiling benefits of a top hotel Cool and clean suites with dreamy bathrooms and bags of indoor and outside space Delicious food, with a seafood focus and tropical breakfasts The fun, sociable open-air bar and lounge; there’s a great cocktail menu and even a film projector for movies under the stars A perfect place to relax and rejuvenate - surrounded by virgin rainforest and no phones or TVs to distract you Lows We were the very first guests so we didn’t see some of the finishing touches, but we’re assured it’s firing on all cylinders now No WiFi in the rooms, but that's half the point (if you need to connect, there's WiFi in the bar/lounge) It's a remote island so getting here is an adventure, and things can be unreliable when you arrive - expect occasional power cuts (though there are now back up generators) or a shortage of produce from the mainland" - Sarah de Vere-Drummond
Village number 4, Havelock island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211, India Get directions
Hotel · Schoneberg
"These elegant apartments in a renovated 19th-century building offer the best of both worlds: a home from home in a vibrant, residential neighbourhood, combined with the feel of a luxury hotel. As well as space and comfort in abundance, the high ceilinged 16 apartments ooze opulence with marble-clad bathrooms, heavy silver chandeliers and plush soft furnishings. The huge 2- and 3-bedroom versions have lots of communal space as well as spacious double/twin bedrooms, while the 1-bedroom apartments are cosy and compact without scrimping on the comforts of their bigger neighbours. There is also a shared BBQ in the quiet courtyard, and a small communal roof terrace that's perfect for aperitifs before a night out on the town.The sociable Schöneberg district has had its fair share of famous residents, from Albert Einstein and Christopher Isherwood to David Bowie. Nowadays it's home to many well-heeled young families and continues to be the centre of Berlin’s gay scene. Situated in the centre of west Berlin, it's just a couple of U-Bahn stops from the famous shopping boulevard Kurfürstendamm, and an easy link from the airport. Highs Convenient location in the heart of Schöneberg, close to shops, restaurants, bars, cafés and public transportThe 2- and 3-bedroom apartments are very spacious and ideal for families or groups of friendsGreat valueIdeal for longer stays with well-equipped kitchens, a washing machine/dryer, and plenty of storage spaceA stone’s throw from Winterfeldtplatz, where one of Berlin’s best food markets takes place twice a week Lows A one week minimum stay requirementA starter pack of coffee capsules, tea and cleaning materials is provided, you'll need to buy all other basicsMaid service only on request (extra cost); if staying longer than a week you'll need to wash your linens Views from the apartments are a little drab, but you're literally a 2-minute walk from pretty WinterfeldtplatzThough the friendly, helpful management have an office in the building, it is closed on weekends (there's a safe key lock system)" - Jenny Piening
Hotel · Las Palmas
"This elegantly rustic 18th-century house, known previously as the Caserio de Mozaga (the hamlet's farm estate), has been in the same family for 200 years. Old cart wheels lean against whitewashed walls, a chandelier hangs from the sitting room ceiling, and a rattan sofa waits in the shade of the cloister. There's a winery next door - one of Lanzarote's best - which is also in the Bethencourt family.You enter through smart gates into a peaceful courtyard which faces south to ensure one corner always gets the sun. Ornate guttering draws rain from the rooftops into the well, and the feel here is smartly rural, as if this was the house of well-to-do farmers (which it is). Woodwork is painted dark green, bougainvillea flames against white walls, and candles embedded in glass jars flicker at night. The 11 rooms and suites are traditionally decorated with original furniture and family antiques. Expect cast-iron beds, terracotta-tiled floors, old oil paintings and shuttered windows. Some rooms open onto the courtyard, others onto the lovely garden, both dotted with places where you can sit back and relax. Best of all is the restaurant. The food here is glorious and those who wish to feast like a king will be in heaven. Highs Good food in the on-site restaurant; it’s one of the best in the area The age-old beauty of the place, especially the central courtyard This feels like (and is) an old family home, run with an easy charm and plenty of personal furnishings We loved the hushed, elegant ambiance; like being welcomed into the summer residence of a Canarian aristocrat The central setting - ideal for exploring Lanzarote's beguiling mix of wistful landscapes, volcanic peaks and jaw-loosening beaches Lows No swimming pool, but beaches are easily accessible by car Breakfast is a fairly simple spread The chef has changed since our last visit, but feedback remains excellent The rooms are refined and comfortable but rather basic - stay elsewhere if you want 5-star luxury Not recommended for families with energetic children who might disturb the tranquility, nor for those seeking nightlife" - Tom Bell
Hotel · Las Palmas
"This elegantly rustic 18th-century house, known locally as the Caserio (farm estate) de Mozaga (the hamlet where it's located), has been in the same family for 200 years. Old cart wheels lean against whitewashed walls, a chandelier hangs from the sitting room ceiling, and a rattan sofa waits in the shade of the cloister.You enter through smart gates into a peaceful courtyard which faces south to ensure one corner always gets the sun. Ornate guttering draws rain from the rooftops into the well, and the feel here is smartly rural, as if this was the house of well-to-do farmers (which it is). Woodwork is painted dark green, bougainvillea flames against white walls, and candles embedded in glass jars flicker at night. The 11 rooms and suites are traditionally decorated with original furniture and family antiques. Expect cast-iron beds, terracotta-tiled floors, old oil paintings and shuttered windows. Some rooms open onto the courtyard, others onto the lovely garden, both dotted with places where you can sit back and relax. Best of all is the restaurant. The food here is glorious and those who wish to feast like a king will be in heaven. Highs Good food in the on-site restaurant; it’s one of the best in the area The age-old beauty of the place, especially the central courtyard Maria Luisa, who runs her old family home with an easy charm and shares plenty of personal furnishings The hushed, elegant ambiance; it feels like being welcomed into the summer residence of a Canarian aristocrat The central setting - ideal for exploring Lanzarote's beguiling mix of wistful landscapes, volcanic peaks and jaw-loosening beaches Lows Breakfast is a fairly simple spread The chef has changed since our last visit, but feedback remains excellent No swimming pool, but beaches are easily accessible by car The rooms are refined and comfortable but rather basic - stay elsewhere if you want 5-star luxury Not recommended for families with energetic children who might disturb the tranquility, nor for those seeking nightlife" - Tom Bell
Bed & breakfast · Saint-Didier
"Did Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’ make you dream of sultry days in the south of France, with the scent of lavender in the air and the hum of cicadas in the background? You can make this fantasy a reality with a stay at the Bastide Saint-Didier, a blissful 7-bedroom B&B set in a converted 18th-century farmhouse that will quickly become your home away from home. You're expertly hosted by the warm and welcoming Richard (baker and chef) and Jasmine (gardener extraordinaire), who created this little piece of paradise and are brimming with local knowledge - they can make restaurant recommendations and conjure up itineraries to order.Give yourself a whole week here, if you can swing it, as there’s much to do in the region, best enjoyed by embracing its relaxed spirit. Begin each morning with a glorious breakfast on the terrace in the dappled shade of grape vines, and leisurely plan activities between mouthfuls of crisp baguette and locally-grown seasonal fruit. Allow plenty of time at the property to swim in the saltwater pool, read books in the scented garden and maybe dabble in a game of boules. Then venture out on a few day trips: see the medieval village of Venasque, pick up some antiques in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, explore Avignon, go kayaking on the Sorgue river, or take in a round of golf. Highs The generous breakfast is way more special than your average hotel continental The rose- and lavender-filled garden is a highlight, especially in springtime Wonderful and generous hosts, Richard and Jasmine, who will elevate your stay to the truly memorable The sizeable and romantic rooms come with high ceilings, original beams, comfy beds, even air-conditioning and mosquito nets Charming Saint-Didier village is 10 minutes' walk from the property and boasts restaurants, bakeries and bars Lows No twin beds The child-free policy makes this B&B a no-go for families, and no pets allowed; this is a tranquil grown-up place Only one room on the ground floor, making options limited for those with mobility issues The pool area feels a bit dated and the deck chairs are close together, limiting privacy No TVs in the rooms or in the common space, which might bother some but also adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the property" - Alex Lalak
193 Chem. des Terres Mortes, 84210 Saint-Didier, France Get directions
Hotel · Beesalpur
"Set deep in Jawai’s rugged landscape, guarded by an ancient rockface, this 18th-century haveli-turned-heritage hotel isn’t your average safari operator. After morning prayers in the Bisalpur family’s historic shrine, peaceful strolls through the local village, sundowners by the Jawai Lake, and cool dips in the pool, embark on the main event: an evening safari with your hosts – the Singh brothers – who have opened their ancestral home to share their love of the land and its native leopards. Poised beside the atmospheric ruins of the adjacent palace, this tastefully restored Indo-European guesthouse has four comfortable rooms with views across the estate. Days are dictated by the gentle rhythm of long-held traditions and punctuated by homecooked meals with local ingredients, savoured by a crackling fire under the stars. Perfectly positioned as a convenient stopover between Udaipur and Jodhpur, you may come for the safaris, and they don’t disappoint, but you’ll want to stay for the soulful serenity and Rajputana hospitality. Highs The evening safaris offer a unique opportunity to spot leopards away from the crowds It’s great value for such a special experience, with meals and a daily safari included in the rates We’ve heard the food and hospitality is top-notch – a real taste of local culture You can fill your days with activities or simply relax and explore the frescoed walls of the palace ruins We love the eco-friendly initiatives like water harvesting and a zero-plastic policy Lows It is a journey to get to, but the rural location is part of its charm, and you're equidistant from Udaipur and Jodhpur The rooms are comfortable and homely, but don't expect regal glitz and glamour" - Handpicked by our hotel experts
VPO-Bisalpur, Via-Jawai Bandh, Dist, Bisalpur, Rajasthan 306126, India Get directions
Hotel · Nicoya
"The Harmony Hotel isn't easy to reach, but it’s well worth the effort. An eco-hotel with exemplary credentials, it sits in the jungle of Nosara - a coastal town made up of 4 beaches - and a few yards behind one of the most stunning surf beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Guicones. It’s become the place to stay for city-dwelling surfers and grown-up Bohos who are too old - and too well-off - to stay in a grungy surf shack, but still want the feeling of a stylish, authentic hotel. With its wood and wicker furniture, palm trees, freshwater swimming pool and open air/open-plan layout, the hotel has a 1950s Hawaiian resort feel. This is not, I emphasise, a luxury hotel: there are no plasma screen TVs or iPods in the 24 rooms, and service is more of the chat-at-the-breakfast-table variety than silent obedience. But if luxury means a healing centre, organic food, sunrise yoga on the beach before hitting the surf, a hotel with integrity, the sound of waves drifting you to sleep in a big comfy bed, and a tropical paradise, then Harmony would more than qualify as a top-notch destination. Highs A hotel in tune with nature - it's environmentally conscious, and set in tropical gardens, with howler monkeys, hummingbirds, iguanas all aroundThe vegetable patch serves the kitchen, food is organic, shower water is recycled, and the hotel contributes to local environmental and social projectsNew York levels of service delivered with ‘Tico’ charmRooms have private patios, hammocks and outdoor showersDirect access to the beach down a pathway crowded on both sides by bush that sings and twitches with lifeA protected (no building allowed) 6km white sand beach for yoga, surfing, shell collecting, nature walks, horse and bike riding and cold beers at sunset Lows An adventure to get there: most guests take a small plane from San José to Nosara. Once there, the pot-holed, jungle dirt tracks are only suitable for 4x4s. The dry season means dust on the roads, the wet season brings thick mudExpensive compared to other hotels in the area Power cuts are a frequent occurrenceWith its rip tides, Playa Guiones is more of a surfing beach than a swimming beachNosara is not so secret anymore: American retirees own many of the hotels, surf schools and restaurants" - Charlotte Sinclair
Hotel · Mandrem
"Northern Goa’s vibrant coastline has drawn flocks of surfers, yogis and eclectic revellers for decades, but the fishing village of Mandrem has somehow managed to keep its sleepy charm. So, if you’re looking to soak up the spirit of Southern India without the crowds, follow the village walking path through swaying palms to Vaayu Kula, and groove to the gentle sounds of the Arabian Sea. The Sanskrit word ‘kula’ means community, and that’s what Rahul Malaney and Jill Ferguson set out to foster in their new venture. Initially dreamt up as an artist residency, it’s blossomed into a boutique retreat with 8 rooms, a two-bedroomed beach house, a surf and SUP school, a wellness studio and a buzzy beachside restaurant. With influences from coastal cultures around the world, and a focus on sustainability, the rooms and suites are elegantly bohemian, with French doors that open out onto balconies with sea views. Whether you’re looking to coast waves, sip cocktails, or breathe into some new shape, you’ll find your ‘kula’ here. Highs The location on a tranquil, uncrowded beach is quiet yet convenient for seeing the rest of North Goa We’ve heard their beach restaurant serves up delicious, nutritious food - and you can't beat the sea views All rooms and suites have private balconies with views of the ocean With a surf school and wellness studio, you have plenty of activities right at your fingertips The Vaayu community ethos is centred around sustainability and respect, creating a warm, inclusive environment Lows Things can wash up on the sands, so at certain times of year it may not be so pristine No pool, but you are right on the beach The pace here is leisurely, so don’t expect five-star service at all times There are no twin rooms, but there are daybeds for extra guests Not directly accessible by road or vehicle. A sandy path connects the main road and parking area with the hotel" - Handpicked by our hotel experts
