"Drive out of San Antoni and head up and up, around hairpin bends and through glorious pine forests. The vistas are staggering, the lush foliage amazing in what you imagine to be a fairly arid country. Abruptly you plunge down into a valley, but this too is beautiful: craggy rocks, deep red earth and blossoming almond trees planted in meticulous rows. You feel worlds apart from San Antoni's clubs and crowds yet unbelievably you're only 7km away.Set back from the road and deep in this valley lies the charming Es Cucons. A carefully restored 1650s finca, this intimate hotel is cosy and colourful. It's run by a couple of Spanish sisters (Maria and Barbara) and their respective husbands (Pasi and Jaime), and it exudes their own warmth: this is the fulfilment of a family dream. The grounds are lush, teeming with lavender, geraniums, cacti and palm trees. Inside, bedrooms are beautifully decorated, each with a distinct design and private outdoor space. Come with your partner and hike or borrow bikes to explore the valley, then unwind with a specialist massage. Or just laze by the pool, a perfect sun-trap. Highs Wonderful food served alfresco in summer and in a snug dining room in autumn; great cocktails, tooLovely bathrooms with deep, claw-footed bathtubs and walk-in rain showersYour hosts: super friendly, devoting time to chat to each and every guestThe whole hotel feels really well cared for: firepits and candles are lit at night, and there are bowls of bright citrus fruit and pine cones scattered aboutA small spa area for 1 couple at a time, with sauna, hot tub, plunge pool and massage room Lows Not a cheap treat and prices don't include 10% taxA few rooms are quite dark in autumnYou definitely need to hire a car to get hereIntermittent internet access" - Liz Simpson