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Guest house · Sé
"On the bohemian fringe of Porto’s Old Town, Cocorico Luxury House is a pioneer of regeneration in an area already known for vibrant art and culture (the São João National Theatre is just a few minutes’ walk away). Two restored 18th-century townhouses have been knocked into one and the result is a beautifully furnished guesthouse that celebrates the long romance between France and Portugal – a theme which is evident in almost every detail.Inside, it’s all cool, tiled floors, lofty ceilings and ornate plasterwork, A cantilevered staircase limbers up to 10 elegant rooms and suites, each decorated with French antiques, wrought iron frames and original features. Most have super-sized, open-plan bathrooms and some have big balconies with folding doors, making them feel very romantic; the emphasis here is on couples, but there are three family rooms, too. Do linger in the cocktail bar, which serves excellent drinks and small plates, and there's a pretty terrace for alfresco dining on a balmy summers day. Cocorico means 'cock-a-doodle-doo' in French, and the colourful rooster, an emblem of Portugal, represents this nation’s love of life. You're invited to share this happy mindset and make yourself completely at home. Highs The rooms are light and generous, cleverly combining contemporary design with original features Brilliant location, quieter than most of central Porto but within walking distance of most of the city’s must-dos The team of first-class staff go all out to make guests feel at home - the atmosphere here is very welcoming and laid-back The cocktail bar's cool, shady courtyard is the perfect place to try a glass of chilled Dalva Espumante or one of Cocorico’s signature cocktails Lows No restaurant on-site; but plenty of eating options within walking distance The hotel is on a street that looks a little rundown, but any misgivings are dispelled the moment you cross the threshold Not everyone will love the open-plan bathrooms (fear not, the loos are separate and completely private) Views are not a strong point, though we rather liked the jumble of crumbling rooftops and wild gardens at the back of the house With wooden floors in an old building, noise carries" - Lesley Gillilan
R. do Duque de Loulé nº 97, 4000-325 Porto, Portugal Get directions
Bed & breakfast · Greenside
"At the foot of Calton Hill and a short walk from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this magnificent 4-storey Georgian townhouse is the perfect base for enjoying the city sights with all the comforts of a grand home. Tucked into a historic cobbled crescent, this place exudes elegant comfort as well as a playful sense of fun - a lasting tribute to the late chef Paul Kitching, who owned and ran 21212 with his partner Katie. Since Paul’s passing, Katie and her friendly team have kept up the 4 intimate yet spacious suites, with crisp bed linen, sumptuous furnishings, state-of-the-art bathrooms and dreamy views over the city rooftops. They’ve also added a cosy ground-floor apartment for 2-3 with a separate entrance and a haute-hideaway feel. While the restaurant is now run separately to the hotel, the chef's baton has been handed to Stuart Ralston, and the dining room downstairs transformed into his latest culinary venture; Lyla. Here, a delicious seafood-leaning tasting menu is served up in a sleek, understated setting - and you’ll be glad to have your own room close-to-hand when you roll out, happily stuffed. Highs The location is very central but feels quiet and residential The warm, relaxed service gives the sense you're staying at a friend's house The upstairs Suites have beautiful views over the city or back onto Calton Hill The fine dining restaurant downstairs is led by one of Scotland's most acclaimed chefs Plush beds, large baths and local bath products give it a very sophisticated and serene feel Lows There is no lift and lots of stairs up to the top rooms The hotel and restaurant are now run seperately so keep this in mind when booking Parking nearby is all metered, though it’s free overnight and all weekend The rooms at the front of the house can be subject to some noise from the road" - Evelyn Chapman
3 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5AB, United Kingdom Get directions
Hotel · Peloponnese
"You may not have heard of Laconia, in the southeast corner of the Peloponnese, but it hides some lovely stretches of coastline fringed with citrus groves, shallow coves and fishing villages whose pace of life is suitably laconic (see, you have heard of it). And there are some stunning sites, too: the medieval rock-castle of Monemvasia, the handsome harbour of Gythion, the sand-dune beaches of Elafonisos, the Byzantine chapels of hilltop Geraki. At the centre of these four gems, sitting on a sea-washed spit beside its own private sickle of dark sand, is this surprisingly un-Spartan hotel (Sparta - yes, that Sparta - is the region's main town). There's an impressive double-height lobby with lamps floating like blobs of mercury, 37 spacious bedrooms and suites with taupe palettes and sea views, plus a subterranean spa with its own little pool. But life here takes place outdoors: around the freshwater pool with its thatched bar, the cushioned sofas on their hard-won strip of lawn, the dining tables beautifully laid with candlesticks and bottles of Alas-branded wine. It's only 20 paces to the hotel's little beach, whose enclosed waters are safe and sandy. In every direction you gaze over languid seas to the silhouetted mountains of the Mani, behind which the sun sinks with reliably Instagrammable golds. Highs Kids will love it here, parents too: upbeat staff, good affordable food, massages to ease you into holiday moodThe 2-bedroom senior suites have plenty of space for a family, the jacuzzi suites are great for a coupleIt's a 15-minute walk to the sleepy fishing harbour of Elea, with its bobbing boats and handful of summer tavernas and cafésThere's just enough local culture to keep curious parents happy, and more than enough beaches to please the kidsIt's fun being with mostly Greek guests; barely another Brit in sight Lows The hotel's beach is small with dark sand, but nicer ones are a short drive awayExpect modern architecture, with a touch of bling in the common areasThe pool can get loud with music, kids and visiting locals in high seasonWiFi, we're told, can be patchyIt's a 2-hour drive from Kalamata airport, 3½ hours from Athens (consider a stopover in Nafplio)" - Handpicked by our hotel experts
Hotel · Saint John Figtree
"A long-standing favourite with travel writers, Montpelier is a breath of fresh air in the sultry Caribbean heat. Of the several sugar plantation houses that have been converted into intimate hotels on the unspoilt island of Nevis, Montpelier is the most exclusive. Perched 750ft above sea level in a 60 acre estate, it's famed for hosting the wedding of Horatio Nelson to Fanny Nisbet in 1787. These days it is a beautiful hideaway with a graceful and welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for those in need of rest and recuperation, and for couples seeking a romantic retreat. The house feels like a tropical version of the English country manor, with a blend of traditional charm, stylish décor, informal luxury and gracious hospitality. In the evenings you are invited to join the other guests for drinks in the Great House, before dining on delicious local food served on the candlelit veranda. Walk, read or just simply relax in the sunshine. For the energetic, there's a tennis court and a large freshwater swimming pool; golf, riding and mountain walks can be arranged nearby. Highs The service is among the best in the Caribbean - nothing is too much trouble The food is fabulousJust 18 beautifully appointed guest rooms with wonderful views of the gardens and distant sea Montpelier's private beach offers secluded cabanas and a shaded beach bar with dazzling ocean viewsEasing yourself into the island's slower pace of life - the atmosphere is extremely peaceful and relaxed Lows The hotel's private stretch on Pinney's sandy beach is a 20 minute drive away (a complimentary shuttle is provided)Don't come expecting wild nightlife, Nevis is a sleepy island and Montpelier, as with the other plantation inns, is located in tranquil countryside" - Anita Naik
St Johns Parish Montpelier Es 4CF5+6RR Pond Hill, Nevis, St. Kitts & Nevis Get directions
Hotel · Saint John Figtree
"Full of history, character and classic style, Hermitage Nevis is known not only for its beautiful location on the slopes of Mt. Nevis, but also for its amiable and sociable hospitality. This alone makes it an ideal place for families, as well as those seeking a romantic and private destination. Here you'll find a hint of old Nevis: the Great House, built 250 years ago and said to be the oldest wooden house in the Caribbean, is filled with antiques, oriental rugs, a library, a veranda restaurant, a sun terrace and a well stocked bar. The individual guest cottages, some with distant sea views, are scattered in the gardens - a botanist's dream. Mostly planted by the owner Maureen Lupinacci you'll find cocoa, mango and breadfruit trees, spider orchids, and sandpaper flowers. For animal lovers there are horses, dogs, rabbits, pigs, ducks, geese and even the occasional monkey wandering about. A freshwater swimming pool and tennis court are also on site and in room spa treatments are available. Highs Relaxed, friendly atmosphere - the Lupinaccis are great hosts who welcome children as well as romantics Steeped in history and West Indian charm: gingerbread cottages, polished wooden floors, huge four-poster beds, verandas with hammocks... Tropical rainforest, animals, horse riding and walking trails make it ideal for nature lovers Delicious cooking and fine rum punches Lows Nearest good beach is a 15-minute drive away Not for those seeking glitz, nightlife, casinos or shopping - people come to Nevis to get away from it all, unwind and do very little amid beautiful scenery" - Anita Naik
Hermitage Road 4CM6+CQ6 Saint John Figtree Charlestown, Nevis, St. Kitts & Nevis Get directions
Punjabi restaurant · Ghole Road
"Attention to detail and effortless hospitality permeate every corner of this peaceful guesthouse - aptly named Amrapali - House of Grace. An oasis of calm, it took almost 3 years of renovations to convert the once-dilapidated villa into its current state of splendour, and today it feels more like an expertly run aristocratic home than a boutique hotel. From the moment you arrive, you're incredibly well taken care of. There's no formal restaurant; rather, a casual dining space where you're asked for your personal preferences. As a result, everything we ate was superb: a bespoke fusion of Goan and European flavours, with as much homemade, locally sourced and organic produce as possible. Overlooking the peaceful Zuari river, this is perfect for those in search of complete relaxation and an authentic experience. Ayurvedic massages will help you unwind, and once you're restored in body and mind, Old Goa and its picturesque Latin Quarter are only a 15-minute drive away. Truly a House of Grace. Highs Only 30 minutes from Goa airport, so ideal for a couple of nights before or after your international flight Just 5 spacious bedrooms, with gorgeous antique furniture and a generous price tag Friendly staff are attentive without being obsequious A true sanctuary, well away from the tourist crowds Lows Strict cancellation policy Noise from the nearby NH-66 highway Recommended bars and restaurants are a drive away for a change of scene and you're a day trip from Goa's famous beaches (note, the nearest beach isn't clean enough for swimming) No twin rooms" - Meg Lambert
1227, Fergusson College Rd, Ganeshwadi, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411004, India Get directions
Hotel · Lisbon
"Portugal's aristocracy began decamping to the scenic Estoril Riviera for sunshine and play in the 19th century, hence the plethora of hunting lodges and crenellated mansions along this coast. Laid-back luxurious leisure is still the watchword at this spacious hotel, set in the exclusive environs of Quinta da Marinha, a short drive westwards from Cascais, inland from the Atlantic. Run by the Onyria Group (who took it over from Martinhal in 2023) and part of IHG's Vignette Collection, it's perennially popular among i-escape readers looking for an easy but pampering holiday with or without kids. At nearly 100 rooms, it may be large – by our standards anyway – but it offers a fun vibe plus golf and excellent service.On our most recent visit we were pleased to see that despite the transition there's still a cool playground, and the Atlantic pool provides plenty of space for all. Our bedroom was supremely comfortable; our son declared the bathroom was the biggest he had ever had! Why not enjoy a treatment in the spa whilst the kids make glitter tattoos or try their hand at yoga in the excellent marine-themed kids club. There are wondrous beaches and coves nearby (much of the coastline is protected), and day trips to Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra are easily arranged. Highs Good kids facilities including an excellent playground, bikes to hire, year-round Kids Club, and a choice of three pools!Parent pampering in the excellent spaWe loved the sleek, spacious rooms in hotel and villas alike, and were amazed by how quiet they were insideThe staff are stellar Lows The transition to new owners is on-going so more changes may be on the horizonThe lovely free-form Atlantic pool is open June-Sept only and is unheatedBear in mind that it's aimed more for under 10s, but teens can enjoy air-hockey, swimming, surfing nearby and day trips to Lisbon or Sintra" - Nadine Mellor
R. Clube 36, 2750-005 Cascais, Portugal Get directions
Serviced apartment · Sirinyer
"For couples seeking the slow life along Turkey's sun-drenched Aegean coast, the Bozburun peninsula beckons: home to secluded bays, untouched islets, charming fishing villages and ancient nature. Sitting halfway between two big hitters, Bodrum and Fethiye, the masses are yet to stumble upon its treasures. But it's been a very important place for generations of one family in particular. Since the 1980s, the Karia Bel family have spent their summers right here in their little house by the sea, just outside Bozburun town. Now, they want to share their waterfront haven with the world. What was once a lone house on the hill has been tastefully expanded into an elegant seaside hotel with 18 rooms and a top-rated restaurant. Rooms are big, bright and all bar one have sea-facing terraces. After a silent night’s sleep, drift down the stone steps to the waterfront restaurant and bar, gorge on a nourishing breakfast, then pick a day bed and stay put for hours. The deck sits over the turquoise water, so whenever the urge strikes, you can dive straight in. Owner Beliz hoped to create a peaceful retreat that celebrates the area's beauty and her family's connection to it, with an atmosphere where guests feel at home. If the reviews are anything to go by, it seems she’s managed that and more. The personal, attentive service from her and her tight-knit team is a highlight of every stay, along with the blissed-out vibe, daily boat trips and the best seafood in the bay. No wonder so many guests return year on year - we can’t wait to join them. Highs Located in a quiet, unspoiled bay where life is laidback and unfussy All rooms offer a sea view, plenty of space and all bar one have a private terrace Beliz greets every guest like an old friend, and nothing is too much trouble for her fantastic staff We hear amazing things about the food Arriving by boat sets the tone for a very special stay Lows No pool but the sea couldn't be closer Rates seem high, but they include breakfast and dinner Some rooms are reached by lots of steep steps, but staff will help with bags No kids under 12 - a high for some If driving, you'll leave your car in the hotel's private car park in Bozburun" - Handpicked by our hotel experts
Armutalan, Cumhuriyet Blv. No: 103, 34848 Marmaris/Muğla, Türkiye Get directions
Bed & breakfast · Essaouira
"20 minutes outside of Essaouira, the little windblown village of Sidi Kaouki sits between a long sandy beach and arid scrubland. Though it’s seen some recent development, it still feels sleepy and offbeat. Just one main road runs along the beachfront, lined with bohemian cafes and crisscrossed by surfers, camels and horses. Locals and expats rumble slowly past on bikes, boards in tow, and kite-surfers dance on distant waves. Tucked into the backstreets, surrounded by wild gardens and just a short stroll from the beach, Kaouki Lodge is everything you could want in a home away from home. Built using traditional Moroccan materials, this tranquil house has 6 bright and airy guest rooms, with exposed stone walls and big, comfortable beds. Most open into a shared courtyard, which leads to the large open-plan lounge and dining area, perfect for breakfast or curling up somewhere cosy with a book. That’s when you’re not exploring the gardens with the two resident dogs, lazing in the saltwater pool, or gathering around the fire pit with newfound friends. One such friend might be the owner, Jo, who lives onsite and fosters a serene yet convivial environment from the moment you arrive. In creating this oasis, she’s put sustainability front and centre - from supporting local artisans to using solar heating for the pool and showers - and great care goes into every detail. So all you have to worry about is when you’d like your in-room massage, or where you’d like Jo to book you a table for dinner. Highs The location is ideal: peaceful but within a short stroll of the beach and all of Sidi Kaouki’s restaurants and cafes We love the focus on sustainability and supporting the local community We’ve heard great things about the owner, Jo, and the attentive yet unfussy service The design is simple and tasteful, decorated with traditional influence and colourful textiles There's plenty of space to roam between the courtyard, terraces, outdoor pool, yoga shala, boules pitch and indoor lounge and dining area Lows No children below 12 The pool is compact - an intentional eco-friendly choice There are no ‘family rooms’ and no space for extra beds, but there are adjoining double/twins that can be booked together" - Handpicked by our hotel experts
Resort hotel · Idukki
"In 1989, Kerala gained the nickname 'God’s Own Country', and it is places like Windermere River House and its surrounds that make it incredibly clear why. Located just over an hour from Kochi airport, you take long, winding roads through towering forests which eventually lead to what feels like a secret hideout. This hideout is the second outpost from the family behind famed Windermere Estate in Munnar, but no less special. What's perhaps most striking though is not the grand house and its five, spacious rooms, but the tropical forests, jungle, and flora in which its situated; verdant greens of every shade, in every direction. Days here are peaceful, with meals taken in the riverside restaurant offering tasty, homely and unfussy food, punctuated with either a nature walk nearby, a visit to a bird sanctuary just a little further away, or a short wander from your room via a majestic walkway of shading banana leaves to the pool and back. It’s wilderness and nature in comfy surrounds. This is an essential stop for anyone looking for a serene break on the long road to Munnar, or in search of somewhere different for a few days languishing beside a beautiful pool. Highs The scenery is stunning; with just the river in front of you and sweeping hills in the distance behind, ensconced in jungle and forests. There's little like it in the area The pool is divine; you can easily (and we did) spend hours there The staff are wonderful; attentive to every need with only five rooms to cater to, and very flexible depending on your interests The food was delicious: unfussy and full of flavour Lows There’s no bar on site, but you’re more than welcome to bring your own alcohol There are a tricky set of steps and a long, uneven pathway between the buildings and pool; challenging for those with mobility issues Although comfortable, the property isn’t lavish; we found luxury in the surroundings and serenity, rather than in its fixtures and fittings You’re well and truly in nature, so expect bugs and insects" - Donal Anand Shaw
Inchathotty Neriamangalam Road, Inchathotty, Neriamangalam, Kerala 686681, India Get directions
