An 18th-century farmhouse, near the coast, which was once an old resting stop for travellers along the Appian way. Come here for an authentic slice of Puglian rural living (with high-quality bedsheets). See the full post >

Health and wellness are the main draw for a diverse crowd – from royalty to retirees – to the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, a superb spa with thermal waters attached to three very good hotels, on the edge of a beautiful alpine spa town. See the full post >

The Dolphin Bay is not just a fanciful name, dolphins genuinely leap out of the water in front of your balcony. If you were any nearer the Pacific, you would be in it. See the full post >

You can wake up to close views of tangled rainforest rising to high peaks at the Scenic, set in one of New Zealand’s most dramatic regions. This quiet, understated hotel makes an excellent base from which to explore, with super-comfy beds and a great little bar. See the full post >

A large, sprawling hotel in the heart of Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal lakeside resort. There’s a great choice of facilities for all ages – the covered pool especially – and attempts have been made to inject some character into the modern building. See the full post >

One of Auckland’s premier addresses, this large, modern hotel is where dignitaries and celebrities stay. It is luxurious without being pretentious, with plush rooms and all the facilities you’ll need. The most memorable aspect is the staff, who take a genuine interest in guests. See the full post >

Kakslauttanen has expanded from humble beginnings to two separate East and West ‘Villages’ of cosy log cabin chalets, glass and snow igloos, hybrid log-and-glass igloos, and restaurants. The Northern Lights are a priority and the resort is right in the zone for optimal aurora viewing. See the full post >

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Against a backdrop of the Southern Alps, the Mackenzie is a place for lovers of the great outdoors who still crave creature comforts. It’s very well placed for those touring, being in the middle of nowhere yet close to some of New Zealand’s main attractions. See the full post >

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