By Jake Hamilton, i-escape Editor
The only problem with these 12 sought-after hideaways is they always sell by December. Get cracking and book now for summer 2020.
1 Maison La Minervetta, Italy
This place is a delight. In fact, it’s the most delightful place we visited in southern Italy, and one of the best small hotels we’ve seen anywhere in the Med. It has 13 truly stunning rooms with incredible views stretching over the Gulf of Naples.
What you get:
● Unbeatable views
● A stunning Jacuzzi pool
● Immaculate interiors
● An intimate, family-run feel
● Free access to Delfino Beach Club
Prices from £188 per night for a Junior Studio (sleeps 2)
2 Ammos Hotel, Crete
This family-focused Crete hideaway is one of our top-rated hotels in Greece. It’s ideal for young parents and has a heated kids’ pool, supervised playroom and free bicycles for guests. Just 15 minutes from Chania.
What you get:
● Superb service
● Truly delicious food
● Well-equipped kitchenettes
● Large bathrooms (rare for Greece)
● A sandy beach for the kids
Prices from £107 per night for a Garden-View Studio
3 My Little Place on the Hill, Kefalonia
For your money, this is Kefalonia’s best boutique hideaway. The stylish suites (sleeping 2-4) come with soaring views and a large pool with an alfresco bar. Vicky and Alex are the loveliest hosts imaginable.
What you get:
● Immaculate suites (most with terraces)
● A great pool with a separate kids’ area
● Truly wonderful owners
● Fantastic value
● Only 7km to the airport
Prices from £103 per night for a Standard Suite
4 Le Mas des Oules, France
Now this is how you do Provence. These super-chic houses and apartments are brilliantly equipped for kids and the surrounding countryside is just gorgeous. A big hit with i-escapers.
What you get:
● Brilliant value
● Well-equipped kitchens
● Authentic French setting
● Close to villages and vineyards
● A fenced pool for the kiddies
Prices from £76 per night for a two-bedroom small house
5 Languedoc Hideaways, France
You’ll fall in love with these four enchanting French cottages overlooking a valley of vineyards. They come with a large 20m swimming pool and sun-soaked terraced gardens. Definitely explore the Cathar countryside – medieval castles galore!
What you get:
● Great value for money
● A lovely, relaxed style
● Friendly owners who live on-site
● Trampolines, ping-pong (and chickens!)
● Only 30 mins from Carcassonne
Prices from £98 per night for a one-bedroom cottage
6 Monte da Vilarinha, Portugal
Talk about the perfect combo. This fabulous family haven combines a rural retreat with proximity to Algarve’s beaches. Its 13 rooms and apartments are nicely spread between five houses. Kids get a playground, a pool and a whopping 32 hectares to explore.
What you get:
● Unbeatable breakfasts
● Flexible self-catering set-up
● Brilliant family facilities
● Close to Algarve’s beaches
● Excellent eco-credentials
Prices from £69 per night for a double room with terrace
7 OceanBlue, Portugal
This seriously popular family retreat in the western Algarve offers a wealth of activities: surfing, biking, paddleboarding, poolside yoga. The hilltop villa is split into four apartments (sleeping 2-4) with bright rooms and Skandi-style kitchens.
What you get:
● A gorgeous hilltop setting
● 5 mins to the beach
● Wonderful outdoor activities
● A fun, sociable atmosphere
● Perfect for active kids
Prices from £57 per night for a studio apartment
8 Molino Rio Alajar, Spain
This dreamy rural retreat is close to one of Andalucia’s most glorious mountain villages. Privacy is key here: just six tranquil cottages and a heavenly garden. But they also have tennis courts, a shared pool, even guitar lessons!
What you get:
● Stunning scenery
● Superb set-up for families
● Donkeys, games and adventures for kids
● Aracena Natural Park on your doorstep
● Hugely popular with hikers
Prices from £107 per night for a studio-style cottage
9 Caserio del Mirador, Spain
This fabulous mini-hotel comes with pets, a pool and views of Costa Blanca. Geared towards younger children, there are five stylish apartments (sleeping 2-6), a casita, and an Airstream for glampers. The owners treat you like old friends.
What you get:
● A sensational setting
● Stylish apartments
● Excellent family facilities
● Delicious food (wine and beer included)
● A cute Shetland pony called ‘Snow White’
Prices from £167 per night for a one-bedroom apartment; £120 for The Airstream
10 Relais Villa Vittoria, Italy
One for you romantics. This seductive hideaway on the banks of Lake Como has fairytale-like rooms (with four-poster beds!) and a dreamy infinity pool, plus a bistro bar. Utterly magical.
What you get:
● Truly elegant rooms
● A glam infinity pool
● Fantastic food and local wine
● A small spa in the garden
● Children welcome (under 8s stay free)
Prices from £154 per night for a Lake View Suite
11 Fattoria Barbialla Nuova, Italy
This Tuscan retreat set on a vast private estate is pure escapism. Choose from seven apartments (sleeping 2-6), a lovely villa (for 8-10) or a chic house for two. Guests can roam the grounds as they please. And yes, there’s wine-tasting aplenty.
What you get:
● Fantastic value
● Your own pool
● Total rural bliss
● Only 1 hour from Florence
● Fruit picking and guided truffle hunts
Prices from £64 per night for a one-bedroom apartment
12 La Bandita, Italy
This stylish farmhouse feels more like a friendly house party. It has eight chic bedrooms and a stylish infinity pool (with outdoor Jacuzzi). Owner John is a former New York music exec, so expect great hospitality and laidback vibes.
What you get:
● A chilled atmosphere
● Lavish communal dinners
● Beautiful countryside
● Free non-alcoholic drinks
● Under 12s eat free (plus free extra beds)
Prices from £214 per night for a Standard room
*Please note, all prices may vary according to which month you book.