Il Pardini’s Hermtage, Tuscany, Italy
The Isola del Giglio is a wonder of flora and fauna – peregrine falcons, kestrels, buzzards, gorgeous wild flowers. This former hermitage lies far from any village or coastal resort. Bedrooms are simple and the doubles have stunning sea views. . Paint, ride a donkey, or visit a beach on the other side. Dinner is a formal affair of stiff white table linen and hushed conversation. Check our rent a car prices for Italy
La Chiusa delle More Peschici, Puglia, Italy
The Italians flock here in August. Out of season, however, the beaches and fish restaurants are wonderfully uncrowded; on the seafront, you can watch the fishermen sort their catch. The 16th-century farmhouse on the Puglian coast is 500m from the sea: climb up to the terrace from where you can drink in the views with your wine. The B&B rooms, in a small block to one side, are light, cool and simply furnished. The olive oil and vegetables from the kitchen garden supply the restaurant which serves typical Puglian dishes and the local wines.
Armonia Bay Hotel, Samos
Nearby Kokkari got the tourist bug first, but here you have lushness and a sense of privilege in the only hotel overlooking the lovely beach, which is beloved of sun-worshippers, naturists and windsurfers. The building is modern, with a terrace out front. Wicker recliners, fan palms, pink oleanders and an infinity pool lend style. The bedrooms are comfortable and stylish with marble floors and bathrooms and sea-facing balconies.
Ma Maison de Mer, Aquitaine, France
Sink into a cream sofa with a chilled après-plage beer and soak up the cool, nautical chic of this 1920s hotel just 150m from the beach in St Palais-Sur-Mer, western France. Recently renovated, its white wooden floors draw attention to the vibrant paintings on the walls. Other charming touches – seashell collages, knitted cushions, a model gaff-rigged yacht – enhance the house. The same soothing shades are used in the bedrooms, which have seagrass floors, sumptuous bedspreads and white linen. The four-course set menu changes daily, but expect plenty of seafood and superb quality. Check our car hire prices for France
Hôtel La Jabotte, Cap d’Antibes, France
Why is La Jabotte so special? Is it the courtyard scented with oranges or the bedrooms the colours of jewels? Or is it Claude and Yves, Belgians who came to the Cap d’Antibes one summer and fell for a small, faded hotel. Today, it is an exquisite jewellery box, an explosion of colour. Tucked down a side street, 60m from the beach, are polished stone floors and cherry-red walls, pots of roses and bright parakeets, a wagging Westie, lavender and glasses of champagne. Saunter into Old Antibes or down to the free sandy beach and your own parasol.
Beyaz Yunus Faralya, Ölu Deniz, Turkey
It may be only 12km from the busy little Ölu Deniz resort, but you couldn’t feel more secluded than at Beyaz Yunus Faralya. Cleverly tucked away in a clearing at the end of a bumpy track, the hotel’s seven rooms are enclosed on one side by the dark green forest and on the other by the turquoise Mediterranean.
Huerta las Terrazas, Andalucía, Spain
Climb through honeysuckle, mimosa, oleander and cypress to reach the cool, blue pool. In the bedrooms modern design blends with traditional furnishings. Seagrass matting, white walls and soft bed linen complement dark wood furniture, rich cushions and hints of Morocco. Breakfasts are from the organic fruit and veg garden, while a spring feeds both pool and taps. Swim, surf or ride on the beaches, explore nearby Tarifa, enjoy a massage or watch the birds migrating to Africa. Check our rent a car prices for Spain: Andalucia car hire, Malaga car rentals, Sevilla rent a car
Hotel Sant Roc, Costa Brava, Spain
This quiet little hotel is a family affair where guests are treated like old friends. The setting in Calella de Palafrugell is marvellous. It perches at the edge of a cliff, surrounded by pine, olive and cypress. The rooms are light and pretty with details hand-painted by an artist friend. A path from the hotel winds down to the beach, and there are longer walks around the bay. With French-Catalan owners you can expect something special from the kitchen: fresh fish, is a speciality.
Villa Annette, Rabac, Croatia
An oasis of contemporary calm set against the ancient landscape of Istria’s sweeping coast, Villa Annette has all the hallmarks of the classic boutique hotel. An infinity pool is shielded by 100 young olive trees. The minimalism – cream leatherette armchairs, gleaming modern stone floors – is enlivened by warm colours from paintings and rugs. Feted for its cuisine, the hotel is one of the pioneers of the Istrian Slow Food movement. You can even sign up for a Slow Food weekend and learn all about the local fresh ingredients that go into Croatian-Italian cooking.
Monte Velho Nature Resort Algarve, Portugal
This stylish resort is near one of the best surfing beaches on the Algarve – the rolling breakers can be seen from the house. Polished floors, Indian beds, floaty fabrics, bold art, sofas with plump cushions, warm lighting and music all add to the sense of ease. Suites have terraces, complete with hammocks and rattan chairs – some have mezzanines, others wood-burning stoves and all have sitting rooms. Get to the beach by donkey, take a surfing lesson or a boat trip and return for a massage, yoga or tai chi. Check our car hire prices for Portugal
via http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/
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