Have you ever wanted to just get away for a few days and simply relax? Do you need to recharge your batteries? Are you looking for a romantic break? Do you want to pop the question and ask him to marry you? Do you just want to vegetate, eat and drink and sleep? Here are some ideas to get you going with a little more emphasis on the needing to get away part. This is a selection of off the beaten track – away from mobile phones, meetings and any form of stress possible. Just close your eyes and relax.

COUNTRY SOLITUDE

Surrounded by over 500 hectares of land with vineyards and olive trees, you are completely immersed in nature. Everything you need is here, from a spa and hammam, indoor and outdoor pool, tennis court and a small golf course. The dining is overseen by chef Alain Ducasse who tempts your taste buds.

LAKESIDE BLISS

Panoramic and charming. The house has a magnificent view of Lake Garda and is surrounded by an amazing garden, which is personally cared for by your hosts. Breakfasts are home made, from the bread to the yoghurt and the jams, which are served in the dining room with its vaulted ceiling frescoed with lemon trees and the stone fire-place.

A HIDDEN APULIAN TREASURE

A 180 hectare wide organic farm with Olive trees, vineyards, almond and cherry-orchards. The main house within the farm was built in the nineteenth century, and, recently, it has been fully renovated respecting its original structure. Each single detail has been meticulously studied to let the atmosphere circulate freely. There are nine bedrooms each equipped with their original fireplace to create the simple yet suggestive atmosphere of old times. Beds are north facing. Solar panels heat each room and heat the water that supplies each bathroom. This masseria, with its forty chimneys, its disseminated round-shaped roof houses (trulli), and a suggestive cave close to the main house illustrates the history of the generations of people who have lived, worked, and rested in this magical place characterised by its endless panoramic views.

EMBRACE THE TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE

Hide away in this castle in the midst of the Tuscan countryside. Magical with a touch of luxury. Treat yourself to a long weekend here and really go overboard and spoil yourself. For a truly romantic few days we would suggest that you stay in the GIARDINO SEGRETO, a romantic suite with its own private garden facing south, even in winter this corner is very peaceful and warm. Set out over two levels and situated off the castle’s courtyard the suite includes beautiful furnishings such as a four poster bed in the bedroom, a terracotta wood-fired stove and comfortable old leather armchairs and a couch in the living room. From the windows you can take in the beautiful view of the surrounding hills which can even be enjoyed while relaxing in the bathtub. There are only 6 magnificent suites here, some with open fireplaces and all bar La Grotta with kitchenette. The place is eco friendly, with fruit and vegetables grown organically in the hotel gardens while wine and olive oil is produced here and meat is hunted on the grounds. You will find that on occasions the owner takes over the kitchen and cooks the meat discussing the true essence of taste! This place is ideal for romance, good food and wine.

SOUTHERN COMFORT

As stated by Baudelaire… “The expanse of the sky, the mobile architecture of the clouds, the changing colours of the sea, the shimmering glow of the lighthouses, are a prism wonderfully contrived to amuse the eyes without ever tiring them. This place is elegant and rustic combined into one. In complete perfect harmony with its surroundings.

FIT FOR A MOVIE STAR

Luxurious and elegant and beautifully positioned. With high ceilings, gardens, suites and a pool. This relais is sweetly charming and an ideal place to unwind. There are a total of 6 suites which have been organized over 3 floors and we would highly recommend the Romantic suite which is just divine.

A JEWEL IN THE SARDINIAN CROWN

At the top of town - and of its accommodation range – this resort oozes slow and chic. The atmosphere is cool and calm, with a touch of design breaking up the fresh white interiors. The 12 rooms and suites are cleverly laid out over the property so that each and every terrace looks out onto Castelsardo's promontory and the intense blue of the Mediterranean. Sun worshippers will be in heaven, stretching out on one of the poolside lounges, or chilling out down at the numerous beaches just minute’s drive away. The Resort is just far enough out of Castelsardo town to escape the noise of the throbbing historical centre, but near enough that you can dip into it in a 5-minute drive.

Bajaloglia Resort, View

SHEER SIMPLICITY

A seaside apartment in the peculiar style of the Aeolian Islands placed in a sunny and quiet location on the island of Stromboli Island. This is the starting point of the path leading to the lookout on to the "sciara del fuoco" (slant created by the lava stream on fire)…while in the surroundings the most beautiful sea extends before you. A little footpath with a few steps separates the residence from rocky cliffs of lava stone and delicious little beaches of dark sand. Hospitality is offered to guests via three comfortable independent apartments. The lodgings develop around a small but flourishing and well-maintained garden with green lawn, flowers and Mediterranean plants; they have been furnished with taste and functionality and have a patio with a pergola equipped for open-air dinners (furniture, barbecue) and with a shared external shower as well.

EFFORTLESSLY CHARMING

The villa is an attractive, very Mediterranean old house with a flat roof and thick white walls and green shutters to keep out the sun. However, your hostess spent many years in England and there is a definitely an Anglo-Saxon atmosphere especially in the large garden with its perfectly English lawn with rose bushes and fruit trees. Eucalyptus trees shade the swimming pool and there are beaches at a short distance from the villa. The famous Agnano thermal baths are also within easy distance. Well placed if you feel that you wish to do a spot of sightseeing.

A range of other great destinations & properties available for a Romantic Escapade

Just ask for details