Italy

This lovely, beamy, uncluttered Tuscan farmhouse with separate apartment is an elegant lodging on a vast fruitful estate with pool, and lovely owners

High above the bay of Naples, this lovely B&B could be a Fellini film set. Romantic rooms are furnished with antiques, dinner is delicious

Come for a traffic-free medieval hamlet in sleepy Maremma with easy-going hosts, a beautiful garden and views over the valley to the hills

Come for the serene views, the beautiful meals and the music festivals in summer. Madeline’s village hotel is a treat for all the senses...

Come for much charm, peace, sunsets, infinity pool, sauna and gym in this history-steeped countryside retreat, for lovers of tranquillity

In stunning Umbria, these charming hosts promise an authentic stay. Pasta making courses, truffle hunting, olive picking, an infinity pool and sauna

Laze under the loggia, drink in superb, sweeping Umbrian views and wine from the vines beyond the pool; sleep peacefully in grand style

Inviting, inspiring, and perfect for 4. Off the beaten track in little-known ‘Swiss Tuscany’ is a treat for foodies and walkers

A 200-year-old quintessential Umbrian farmhouse with pool, immersed in nature and with no immediate neighbours for lazy, peaceful days

Historic, indulgent, atmospheric – and the Contessa is so warm. Vineyards, restaurants, operas, walks...La dolce vita on Slovenia's border

Two-storey wing of an aristocratic palazzo next to Modica’s Sicilian Baroque cathedral, with sweeping city views and a concierge

Rooms in an old palazzo in the historic centre of town, with a swimming pool, restaurant and café, and lovely beaches a short drive away

A 18th-century house with pool in a small town with friendly owners and a tropical garden of banana, fig and, of course, frangipani

Visit Florence, Arezzo, Siena… or revel in the beauty and peace of Casa Zia, surrounded by wilderness and lovely birdsong

Funky candle lanterns for bedrooms, balcony and terrace at this eco-serene bolthole in Modica's historic heart. Beaches are 20 minutes away

An immaculately restored 1500s palazzo, filled with history, art, antiques and books in the buzzing heart of a charming town

An incredible living museum, dedicated to the history of Sicily and the arts. Stay in the main house or in a cottage in the fecund garden

An interesting historic townhouse filled with art and antiques, in the old part of Amantea, near shops, restaurants and beach