2025 has been a great year for guest feedback – thank you! Encouraged by our Review Rewards, you’ve sent us more feedback than ever. And I’m pleased to say it’s been more positive than ever, with over 400 of our handpicked hotels and rentals scoring an overall 10/10. It’s also made my end-of-year job, of sifting through thousands of comments to find 10 winners and 10 runners up, more difficult than ever – in a very heart-warming way.
So what has won your hearts this year? Small, subradar hotels and guesthouses whose owners go the extra mile – just the kind of place we specialise in – as well as a handful of family-friendly places where both parents and children feel spoiled and delighted. Other key ticks include beautiful spaces to switch off and relax; delicious, sustainable local food; quirky activities and secret spots straight from the owner’s mouth; the spoiling combo of self-catering with the services of a concierge or chef; and, above all, the kind of sensitive, thoughtful care which maps out the perfect day for you before you even realise what you wanted.
These riverfront houses on the Douro are “a fantastic place to unwind and enjoy the peace and amazing scenery”, with kayaks and paddleboards to pootle downstream, and plenty of activities nearby. Many of you “enjoyed swimming in the river, wine tasting and using the local train to explore”, while the more active thank “amazing hostess Juliana” for “arranging jet skiing and off road buggies”. The set-up is a winner too: “We loved self-catering combined with an onsite host, breakfast delivered and daily cleaning”. “What a great place”, waxes another, “one of the best we have ever been. When we left, it felt like we were abandoning paradise.”
“This property is out of the ordinary” with “exceptional service, delicious food”, “spacious family rooms” and an “ideal” mountainside setting where you can “escape the crowds of the coast”: sentiments echoed by all who stayed this year. But two things tie it all together. First, Manolis and his team, for whom “nothing is too much trouble and your every need is met, in a way which encourages a calm and relaxing environment for all.” Second, “the tranquillity… that makes it magical”, with “an adult-only pool (much appreciated!)” plus “amazing massages”. And that’s what our Kids Collection is all about: delighting children and parents alike.
“This is truly a special hotel – from the very friendly & helpful team to the amazing food (so tasty and healthy), the stylish interior, the exceptional views, and the varied range of daily activities and guided walks”. Thank you Val, we couldn’t have put it better. “Owner Evelyn takes the time to meet and chat to every guest” – it’s that kind of place. And for families it’s “hard to beat, with a packed schedule of kids club activities run by a wonderful team”; plus “loads to do on the doorstep – amazing swimming pools, lakes with beach clubs, high mountains accessible via cable cars”. All in all, “one of the best experiences we have ever had together.”
This impeccably styled hotel on the beach by Hoi An is “the most interesting and aesthetically pleasing hotel I have ever stayed in”, says one guest. “It’s like an art gallery and Zen retreat, coupled with delicious food and gorgeous pottery”. Others cite “the best lunch of our entire Vietnam trip” and “the sort of breakfast you’d easily pay £20 for in London”, while the delights of Hoi An are “easily accessed with a grab bike costing less than £1”. The ultimate endorsement comes from a guest who, having stayed 10 nights last year, booked again for 18 nights over Christmas. Lucky them!
Guests have been raving (again!) about this welcoming, affordable, off-grid guesthouse “set in the extraordinary landscape of Cabo de Gata National Park” in southern Spain. Highlights are the “lovely pool and outside lounge”, the “spacious rooms” with a “perfect aesthetic”, and the breakfasts: “a real treat, beautifully served in hampers delivered to your room”. “Ben and Neil are perfect hosts – nothing is too much trouble”, and “very helpful with recommendations for beaches and restaurants”, of which there are “too many to list”. Overall “it’s a “beautiful part of the world that we had not explored before” and the general advice seems to be: “Go go go!”
Here is proof that success is sealed by its people. To set the scene: “Caroline and Olivier have created a unique and welcoming hideaway in a stunning, unspoilt area of the Cevennes” which is “elegant and stylish with a rustic vibe” plus “beautiful, relaxing pool and gardens”. But rarely have I seen so much heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you for creating a bit of paradise, for your friendship and laughter, and all your generosity sharing favourites walks and places”. These are “phenomenal hosts, full of local knowledge, who clearly love the local community – from exquisite cheeses at breakfast to showcasing talented chefs. If only every hotel could be like this!”
Moving into Africa, this desert glamping near Marrakech, with its picturesque pools and restaurant, “was absolutely magical”, “100% recommended” and simply “WOW!”. “The whole aesthetic of the camp was 5 star”, while “staff were all so friendly and accommodating”. You loved the activities – “especially the sunrise camel ride”, the “tremendous buggy safari”, the “live music and bread making”. But also doing nothing, with “endless spots to sit in the shade and contemplate life”. I suspect we should all be doing more of that. “Internet is patchy” but “we loved switching off and watching the desert moods roll in.” Amen to that.
To become a Guest Favourite you need – to coin a phrase – location, vocation, vacation. These self-catering suites for 2-4 have “the most beautiful setting in the hills” with “incredible mountain views” from the “vast pool terrace”. As for vocation, “Vicky and Alex run a truly exceptional operation”, “quietly making everything happen seamlessly, from the delicious breakfast basket delivered to your room” to “lovely barbecue nights, beach umbrellas and bikes to borrow”, plus a “bar for lunchtime snacks and a fab cinema night”. You couldn’t ask for more. The result? “A truly relaxed family holiday” where “everything beat our expectations”.
This repeat winner – “a lovely guesthouse set a short walk away from Varkala beach” in Kerala – reminds us that “stylish simplicity and a warm welcome” are more important than luxury without soul. Guests love the “green oasis of a garden and cool pool”, and the four “very tastefully decorated” rooms (from £70). “Breakfast was incredible” – even “the chopped fruit in my breakfast bowl were a thing of beauty”. “Service from Ajay and his team was so attentive & friendly” and it’s a “great location near beach, yoga lessons and Ayurvedic centre”.
This couples’ bolthole “really is the most beautiful and relaxing place”, a “haven of peace and tranquillity right on Ullswater lake, and surrounded by glorious mountains”. “There’s no WiFi or phone reception” (does that count as a luxury these days?); but “if you need to relax and recharge you won’t want to leave”. On your doorstep, “Aira Force [waterfalls] are stunning and there are lots of great walks nearby”. And if it rains? You’ll find “thoughtful books, games” and a “huge number of DVDs” (remember those?). “This truly is the most wonderful and tranquil place I have ever stayed in! I just hope this doesn’t make it difficult to rebook”.
Runners-up
- The Rou Estate, Corfu, Greece
- Ljubljana Boutique Apartment, Slovenia
- Serinn House, Cappadocia, Turkey
- Trewornan Manor, Cornwall, England
- The Pyrenees Mountain Hideaway, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- Elies Hotel, Peloponnese, Greece
- Lake Garda Boutique Apartments, Italian Lakes, Italy
- Convento, Algarve, Portugal
- Agroturismo Son Ametler, Mallorca, Spain
- Riad L’Orangeraie, Marrakech, Morocco
How we chose our winners: scores are based on ratings from verified i-escape guests submitted during 2025. These may differ slightly from the scores shown on our hotel reviews’ feedback section, which draw from the previous two years, and are constantly updating.
Date published: 05 Dec 2025
Last updated: 08 Dec 2025