Stroll through time: a shortlist of the loveliest European parks and gardens
Sometimes, you just need to be somewhere without responsibility, without children, without noise.
Sometimes, just sometimes, you need the mental space to reset and bloom.
The luxury of meals that aren’t only cooked for you, but prepared to the highest gourmet standards, then served by candlelight.
The satisfying feeling of your body sinking into cloud-like cotton that’s been tucked into a bed with the precision of a heart surgeon.
Sometimes, you need pure seclusion.
These tranquil historic hotels are the perfect places to do just that.
Escape to these romantic retreats to recharge the batteries and spend quality time with your other half, while enjoying everything Europe’s countryside has to offer.
Villa Astra: Lovran, Croatia
Nothing says exclusive like your own secluded beach. Hotel Villa Astra is a tucked-away sanctuary designed by a Venetian architect. With only seven bedrooms, an intimate restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and peaceful massage area, it’s a world away from everything. A Shangri-La for two.
Carrig Country House & Restaurant: Caragh Lake, Ireland
Victorian vibes bring an enchanting elegance to the tranquility of Carrig Country House. Originally built as a hunting lodge, where British aristocrats would hunt and fish, it’s since been spectacularly restored to its former glory. Travellers can enjoy the peace and quiet of a period home, with rooms gazing over Caragh Lake and the handsome mountains beyond. Guests adore the Presidential Suite – which has its own separate panoramic sitting room, male and female dressing rooms, and a sumptuous jacuzzi bath.
Rosleague Manor: Connemara, Wales
There are two kinds of traveller: those who love snuggling up with a book in front of an open fire, and those who crave the thrill of a fresh-air adventure. Grab a slice of both at Rosleague Manor – a picture-perfect Georgian house in 30-acres of secluded woodland overlooking Ballinakill Bay. Inside, expect discreetly converted Victorian-style rooms – all antiques, chandeliers and paintings. Nearby, nature lover’s can explore Connemara National Park and Kylemore’s stunning abbey and walled gardens – with horse-riding, salmon fishing, golf and tennis all available in the surrounding area.
Villa Galini: Porto Carras, Greece
Nothing is quite as “off-grid” as a former monastic property overlooking the true-blue Mirabello Gulf. The sun-drenched Villa Galini was designed to resemble the monastic architecture of nearby Mount Athos, so you’ll be shrouded in serenity both indoors and out. With its unique art works and bathroom designed by Salvador Dali, Villa Galini has been featured in magazines as one of the most beautiful buildings of the country.
Villa Le Barone: Tuscany, Italy
Peace-seekers can do no wrong flocking to the Chianti countryside. Villa le Barone is close enough to explore some of Italy’s most beautiful cities of art – looking at Florence, Siena and San Gimignano – but far enough to experience true secludedness. The homely atmosphere is enhanced with from-the-heart Tuscan cuisine served by candlelight. The only thing that can trump the historic hotel is the magnificent sun dropping behind those famous rolling hills.
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