Wine Country

The perfect antidote to the stresses and strains of modern day life. If you are looking to get away from it all without giving up on the good things that modern life has to offer, then you will have found the perfect spot in the Agriturismo M...

The B & B Alegria might be located in beautiful Provence, France, but its name actually means joy in Spanish and Portuguese. A stay here clearly brings a lot of that, for this is a stylish guest house with incredibly friendly hosts and a...

The Antico Borgo di Tabiano Castello sure goes back a long way. To the 11th century, in fact. It was actually built on the ruins of an old Roman settlement and for quite a few centuries it was military stronghold of the Pallavicino family, one...

Deep in the heart of the beautiful Cape Winelands, Babylonstoren opens its gates to a piece of paradise. Founded in 1692 and being one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the region, it combines tradition and modern farming methods. The core of the...

If you want to stay in a cottage (always great value for families) take in the jaw dropping beauty of the Luberon valley and the atmosphere of Provence, then the Bastide Le Mourre could be the place for you. Le Mourre started off as a 17th cent...

The history of the Borgo Alveria country resort reaches back a long, long way. It was built on the site of an ancient monastery in 1451 and then razed to the ground by the great earthquake that destroyed ancient Noto in 1693.If only the place coul...

This one of a kind accommodation has basically seen it all. It started off life in the 17th century and has already been a stable, granary and oil press, amongst other things. After all it has gone through, it remains a remarkably well preserved a...

Rural beauty and simplicity, Italian style. Simplicity Italian style is never just plain simple. It is usually simple and beautiful and both the Casa Roccio and dell Arco, located within the Borgo di Pianciano estate are a case in point. The...

Wonderful collection of houses located in an equally charming hamlet in south Tuscany. Rolling hills, woodlands replete with deer, hares and olive groves make up the enchanting backdrop to the equally delightful hamlet of Lucignano d’As...

The house is a mansion of XVIII century, renovated with great care and love, respecting the original structure, reusing and exploiting the original materials to recreate the atmosphere of the ancient houses of Piedmont nobility living close to...

A great place to relax and take in the good things from a beautiful region. In our book, any excuse to go and experience fine wines, gastronomy and the delicious white truffles of northern Italy is fine by us. If we can then stay at the Cà Sa...

The Casa da Levada brochure talks of paradise in the mountains and a stay in this old mansion (or shall one say, mini castle) certainly feels like it. Located on the Aboboreira Mountain in a very picturesque hamlet, the surrounding vistas are...

One cannot but fail to be impressed by the sight of the 18th century twin towered edifice and its granite freestone as it comes stunningly into view. This is a magnificent manor house in all respects - beautiful Portuguese architecture, priva...

The BBC gave the countryside hotel Casa de Casal de Loivos the accolade of having one of the 6 best views in the world. This praise is merited for the panorama over the Douro valley from the hilltop where the house stands is simply stunning a...

The name of this house has an interesting origin. Allegedly, “Justice” was handed out around the 15th century fortified tower, which is now, in fact, the kitchen. Hence the title “Juste”. The kitchen cum court has rece...

Borba is a small Alentejo town best known for its tasty wines and its laid back, lazy feel where time has been kind in preserving its pretty streets and facades. Perhaps one day it will also be renowned for the Casa Terreiro do Poço, a...

Wonderfully located and good value for money rural bed and breakfast. Set in the gorgeous Tuscan hills, and yet only half an hour from Florence, the Casa Palmira is one of those skillfully renovated medieval farmhouses that the Italians seem...

Casa Talia is a unique boutique hotel in the heart of Val di Noto. It is a small oasis in the historical centre of Modica, surrounded by a beautiful baroque background. Talía is the ideal location for a regenerating and relaxing stay in a place wh...

Surrounded by 15 hectares of vineyards, Cascina Baràc is set in an ancient farmhouse. It enjoys lovely views of the Langhe countryside, 5 km from Alba city centre. It offers rooms and apartments decorated in an elegant rural st...

Going just beyond the “standard” villas in Tuscany, this Castle retreat is something quite out of the ordinary. Machiavelli bought it in 1511 when it was already 500 years old and its defensive position on top of one of Chianti’s hills gives it...

Just 8 miles from Siena in the hills of a quieter, more traditional Chianti is the hamlet of Fonterutoli where the Mazzei family, owners of the Fonterutoli Castle since 1435, have four very historic apartments. Time has stood still here and b...

A truly historic Tuscany hotel, right in the heart of Chianti. Knights in shining Armour, shields, spears, thick stonewalls and an austere beauty leave you in no doubt that the Castello di Spaltenna is a true medieval castle. Indeed, the cita...

A beautiful, peaceful, luxurious Tuscany Hotel. The meaning of luxury is often in the eye of the beholder, but by any definition the Castello di Vicarello surely classifies an accommodation of great quality and charm. After driving along the...

Chambre Avec Vue is located in the peaceful medieval village of Saignon - five minutes from Apt and its famous market, whilst historic Avignon is some 60 km away. It has been delightfully transformed from an old and noble building in ruins into...

A Private View to France with all the douceur de vivre of the Loire and the gracious hospitality of French aristocracy. Located in the Loire Valley, just two hours from Paris hidden within a 100 acre private park, lies a graceful Chateau, where el...

If you want to mix 17th century grandeur, 21st century facilities and good old fashioned home from home hospitality, then the Chateau de la Resle should be on your list of places to visit. Johan and Pieter have transformed this old and beauti...

The Château St. Pierre de Serjac offers a unique opportunity: Your holiday on a vineyard!This luxury hotel has eight rooms in French style with a comfortable bed, air-condition and a private bath room. Furthermore, a large breakfast and free acces...

Chateau Villarlong represents much more than just a holiday apartment. By offering a greatly higher privacy than any other hotel-suite, every dwelling of Chateau de Villarlong will be a magnificent location for our guests.The name of Villarlong de...

Arriving at the Close des Aspres, you will discover a traditional Catalan house of the 19th century, as typical as the vineyards of the area. In a simple yet elegant setting where old and contemporary are combined, this ch...

This is the sort of thing Italy does so well – a retreat amongst olive groves and vines with never ending views of countryside that seem to have been made in Heaven. A truly aristocratic place to stay - in this case literally - as the San Bonifaci...

The elegant Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa lies in the romantic tree-lined streets of the historic town of Stellenbosch in Cape Winelands, South Africa's sunny wine county. Located in a 1773 built house, the 5-star hotel will give you the m...

Who needs Languedoc or Provence when you have such a beautiful, undiscovered gem as the Midi-Pyrénées. We say this tongue in cheek, of course, but this part of the world is surely reminiscent of what its more famous neighbours in...

The Domaine de Verchant's origins date back to the 16th century – when given by the Bishop of Montpellier to the Verchant family, hence its name – so bear this in mind: every nook and corner of the state can tell you a rich and vivid story if you...

Enjoy modern comfort in the midst of nature.The Barbialla Nuova is an extensive estate surrounded by nature, which is located in the heart of Tuscany. The organic farm offers nature holidays in self-catering accommodations and a cottage. The busin...

Fattoria San Martino, a small piece of idyll with rural flair will also capture your heart by storm. This accommodation offers not simply just a place to sleep in a pleasant atmosphere. No, here you will find a small world, which should be dis...

Fattoria Tregole is your unique vine farm and charming residence in Tuscany in the heartland of Chianti Classico. From our terrace you can see the vineyards in an unspoiled countryside. Food is a real feature of a visit here. Enjoy the dinne...

When the owners are the one that receive you at your arrival, the possibilities to enjoy a pleasant stay dramatically increases. Fabio and Suzane, your Italian and Dutch hosts are really charming, thus allowing each guest to receive attention a...

Frances Mayes once said “I can think of no greater pleasure than to get lost on some country road in Umbria." We know exactly what she means, for even a simple journey through the bucolic countryside here is an experience in itself. This is a m...

Authentic Andalusia in luxurious surroundings Here is a piece of the real Andalusia with bells and whistles attached – class, history, Spanish charm, bougainvillea clad walls, patios, plus the apparent contradiction of “simple sophistication” t...

Did you know that the village of Seillans has been officially designated as one of the most beautiful in France? Anyone who has ever been there will most certainly agree. Over the centuries, the houses of the village were built in tiers with th...

The origins of this hotel go back a long way - 1698 to be precise, as evidenced by the recently discovered local archives that point to this date. The comforts, though, are utterly modern. The present building, for example, is “only&r...

In spring 2004, Alain Ducasse indulged his passion for Italy by setting up a new resort in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, inspired by the charms of the Mediterranean. Thus came about L’Andana, in the 500-hectare La Badiola Estate, a few miles...

As the guests usually describe it, Hotel Lous Grits is the example of a lovely, beautifully well decorated and presented charming hotel. Everything in this refined and luxury hotel reminds of the warm welcome and atmosphere of the French Tusc...

Just 25 minutes from Barcelona this beautiful 19th century villa is the result of a plantation owner’s desire to build something a little out of the ordinary and settle back in the “mother” country. The exterior of what was on...

A classy and atmospheric hotel in the heart of Piemonte. The region of Alba is blessed with a number of man made and natural wonders. This is definitely one of those regions where superlatives may be given free rein. Barolo and Barbaresco, co...

Once the home of a poet and now a beautiful hotel above the town of Cortona, Tuscany, we fell in love with Il Falconiere, its views across the Tuscan landscape and its private groves of olive trees and vines. The building dates back to the 16...

Decidedly Italian, decidedly Umbrian, decidedly enchanting. Umbria is to many people the Tuscany of yesteryear, a bucolic heaven where Italians from the villages hang out by the piazzas with an espresso coffee in hand and pass the time conversi...

Welcome to one of Tatlers 101 top hotels - la Bandita. Ideally located between Florence and Rome, nearby the renaissance gem of Pienza, the medieval hot springs of Bagno Vignoni, and the wine capitals of Montalcino and Montepulciano, the hotel la...

La Finestra Sul Fiume is located on the banks of the river in Valeggio sul Mincio, just a few miles from Peschiera del Garda, Verona and Mantua's lakes, where Valeggio's hills slope down into green pastures that terminate in the river, making it o...

You’ll love this place” is how a guest lovingly talked about the La Locanda. In truth, it is a dream set in some of the most unspoilt landscapes of Chianti. Surrounded by vineyards, woods and olive groves, and overlooking Volpaia, a magnifice...

A lovely little Tuscany hotel still off the beaten track. Unless you are a connoisseur of fine white truffles, you may never have heard of San Giovanni d’Asso, a small hamlet nestled comfortably in the hills of this beautiful and relati...

The Maison d’Ulysse is a small luxury hotel with Mediterranean charm, just a stone’s throw away from Uzès and the Pont du Gard. The medieval town of Uzès in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France is still like the Provence was many...

A superb old country estate house in every respect: labyrinthine 15th century architecture, sumptuous comfort, peaceful, romantic and made all the more charming for its remoteness.The nearest village, for example, is 12 km away and just accessing...

Do you like animals? Would you miss having a Television in your room? Would you find it stimulating to eat dinner around a communal table with other guests? Do you prefer old world comforts over the new? Do you like flowers? If the answers to t...

Located in Provence, the historical village of Grignan is home to our charming 4-star hotel: cross the gate and enter through our garden.  The joy of life is felt in our distinguished rooms offering views onto the garden or fountain. ...

Beauty is not always subjective or skin deep. Sometimes it is actually set in stone – literally in the case of the utterly delightful Le Clos Saint Saourde. For this 18th century building was painstakingly hewn out of the rock of the mountain...

Well, the French sure know a thing or two about how to do stately home elegance. And if there was ever a French capital of stately homes the Loire Valley would be a prime contender. It has some of the best. The Le Manoir de Contres is a magnifi...

Located in the beautiful village of Autignac, cradle of some of the finest vineyards of the Languedoc and sitting between the Mediterranean and the Espinouse mountains, we find Le Saint André Chambres d'Hotês. The perfect spot to explore the stunn...

If you didn’t know that Gordes is considered to be one of France’s most beautiful villages you certainly will after spending a few days there. In fact, this whole area of the Luberon is superb in the beauty stakes (and not only – history, good...

Peaceful, panoramic, secluded and utterly wonderful. The Locanda del Gallo is one of those beautiful and peaceful old houses set in gorgeous countryside that Italy seems to specialise in. Yet it is at the same time typical and unique, with mo...

The Locanda Ilune likes to say that “Another World is possible” and how true this is, for it seems to be one of those places on another planet – a perfect one. Perfect hosts, perfect house and perfect location to boot. The beautiful small inn...

The Locanda Palazzone is a beautiful contradiction in terms. It is considered to be one of the oldest hotels in the whole of Italy, having started off life as a 13th century pilgrim's inn, yet it is also one of the country's most cont...

Provence has a magical pull and if you’re looking for beautiful countryside, great wine and gorgeous villages, the Le Mas de la Regalade could be for you. This 17th century farm is located at the foot of Gordes, which is classified as one of...

The Masseria Cianció is located at the most Eastern tip of Sicily, 10 kilometres from Modica, 5 km to Pozzallo town and from its port it is possible to visit Malta Isle. It is immersed in the countryside between carob trees, olive trees, fig trees...

Situated in Conques sur Orbiel, on the road to Lastours, we find the Métairie Montplaisir. A 19th century country house thoroughly renovated by its owner, Amelie, who always dreamed about creating a small, cozy boutique hotel where to pamper guest...

This is what happens when all the right raw materials are in place and you transform a seaside cum moutainside cum countryside historic country house into an entirely up to date stylish boutique accommodation. You see, the Relais Monaci delle...

The character of the Alentejo means a warm welcome and rustic charm. Originally the rural house of the local Blacksmith, Monte da Fornalha has been renovated and transformed from a state of ruin into a very attractive and comfortable accommod...

A luxury farmhouse, close to the sea, with beautiful gardens and shady terraces, heated salt water swimming pool, surrounded by vineyards - can you imagine something more appealing than that? It's hard, no?Here at Olives and Vines, the owners...

This wonderfully located 17th century manor house is owned by a real Count, no less, and has been in his family’s hands since its inception. Indeed, the feeling of tradition and heritage here is palpable, yet the atmosphere is by no means stu...

Sobriety and architectural elegance seem to sum up this late 17th century palace, each stone and wall suggesting a rich historic and artistic patrimony. After many years of neglect it was thankfully taken over by Jon Ugalde and Ana Amillano i...

The stimulating blend of nobility, architecture and nature all make this fabulous 16th century pousada a fine example of how to harmonise the traditional and the modern concepts of Portuguese architecture. The original structure of the building ha...

This historic manor house dates back all the way to the 12th century, when its tower was built to protect the Santiago do Compostela pilgrimage route. Later on, in the 16th century, the Portuguese discoverer Gonçalo Ferreira de Villas...

Think of utter peace, simplicity and verdant beauty and you have an idea of what the 17th century house of Quinta da Bouça has to offer. This is a totally charming place encompassed within lush gardens, an abundance of flora and great...

Situated above a valley, the Quinta de Sant'Ana boasts glorious views of the most beautiful and unspoiled countryside, over vineyards, pear orchards and eucalyptus forest.There is hardly a sign of civilisation in sight. A private drive leads t...

The Quinta de Abôl de Baixo is located in a 35 hectare estate complete with vineyards, orchards and gardens at the point where the Douro and Tamega rivers meet. It’s origin is lost in the mist of time but earliest records go back to the 15th...

Quinta do Vallado Quinta do Vallado is an outstanding hotel situated in a traditional charming Portuguese house. This accommodation was able to mix the new and the classical. And the end result is unbeatable. The stone façades of the differ...

On your way to Schlößchen Hildenbrandseck, you will pass wine yards, pittoresque villages, green forests and vast fields. Once arrived, a manor house from the 16th century awaits you that has been most carefully restored by the von Oettingen f...

The imposing and somewhat austere stonewall facade of this 18th century palace gives only a little hint of what is to come inside. The hosts, Angela and Pedro bought the hotel in ruins but being interior designers by profession they have manage...

The hotel’s brochure starts off with an apt quote from Einstein: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is a miracle”. Well, in a certain way the Six Sense Hotel is a miracle. B...

The Tapata de Sao Domingos is a new venture for Rural Tourism in Foz de Sousa, about 12 km from Porto, on the north bank of the river Douro. It is ideal for those who want to hide away from the daily stress of the city, but, however, does not...

This is a truly outstanding place, set in truly outstanding grounds where the sights and aromas of the vineyards (see below), picturesque villages surrounding the place make for a truly, dare we say it, outstanding occasion. Simple as that real...

The Torre de Palma is a very chic manor house in Alentejo. It offers numerous and big rooms, which are all decorated in warm tones and with nature elements. Nothing seems out of place here. The furniture is of high quality. Stroll through Ale...

Tuscany certainly brings a number of evocative images to mind. Those rolling hills, views to die for, cultured ambience, history, not to mention fine art and cuisine. It can take many days of traveling to just to get started on the real Tuscany...

This Villa is part of the “Le terre di Poreta project” - Five gorgeous houses that are more than easy on the eye.This prestigious estate as a whole, located in Spoleto Poreta, used to belong to the heirs of the family della Genga up to the 15th ce...

The Villa Fontelunga – a typical, yet cosmopolitan Tuscan Villa. Three friends, two English and one Italian, one day got together to set up their own ideal of a stylish and relaxing retreat, where guests are warmly welcomed and invited...

Charming aristocratic country house in the heart of Chianti country The Villa Il Poggiale is a sister hotel to the Johanes, Johlea and Antica Dominica in Florence. Being owned by the same charming people means you can expect high standards...

A word of warning about staying at the Villa La Favorita. You might never be the same again after an evening’s truffle hunt in the surrounding hills or forced to try some of the Nebbiolo d’Alba wine made on the estate. Whilst ther...

Beauty, serenity, authenticity and hospitality are the key words to describe Villa le Barone. Staying at Le Barone is very much like visiting friends in a private, elegant home set in the gorgeous Tuscan hills in front of the San Leolino roma...

Some places – not many, for sure - are so stunning, so imbued with history, beauty and culture that they take the breath away. The Villa Mangiacane is one such place in almost every respect we can think of and we can’t speak highly...