2025 has been another wonderful year of travel, and we i-escapers have done a pretty good job of getting out and about ourselves. Between us, our team of 13 have managed to visit 85 i-escape places, and our travels have taken us as far as Indonesia. But which of these fantastic stays have been the standouts of the year?
The Directors
Nikki
Director of Research & Content
Ronda Luxury Villa, Andalucia, Spain
Ronda Luxury Villa: A stylish hideaway in the Ronda mountains and a perfect choice for a supremely cosseted Andalucian house party (sleeps 12).
“Arguably the loveliest villa I’ve ever stayed at during my 25 years with i-escape – spacious, soulful and perfect for celebrating my birthday with family and friends. With private chefs, plenty of places to dine and relax, far-reaching views, and blissful early-October sunshine, it was an unforgettable stay.“
Aidan
Director of Operations
La Darbia, Lake Orta, Italy
La Darbia is made up of chic, self-catering apartments (sleeping 2-4) amid hillside vineyards, with an excellent restaurant and unbeatable views of romantic and little-discovered Lake Orta.
“Lake Orta was a revelation, much less busy than Como and Garda, and we thought La Darbia hit all the right spots for dining, lounging by the pool with spectacular views, and exploring charming San Giulio nearby.“
Michael
Director of Hotel Partnerships
Chateau de Montcaud, Provence, France
Chateau de Montcaud is an elegant 19th-century chateau with pretty landscaped grounds and a celebrated gourmet restaurant; ideal for exploring western Provence.
“I think this 5* chateau-hotel strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and informality, at surprisingly fair prices. You get huge rooms with all conceivable comforts, plus a Michelin-listed restaurant if you want it; or you can flop about on the lawn, playing boules or tennis, then head to the bistro for an informal lunch, or borrow their e-bikes for a swim in the river Ceze.“
The Hotel Specialists
Kate
Head of Reservations
Bambu Indah, Bali, Indonesia
Bambu Indah is an extraordinary eco-chic retreat with unique houses set in an organic garden with natural pools and two restaurants.
“When I asked the family which place they liked the best, this was hands-down the winner with everyone for differing reasons. For starters, it is so cool – a high-end eco-hotel that seamlessly blends style with substance and real eco credentials. The bamboo lift, the food, the wildlife, the natural pools and the incredible accommodation are all so considered and unique. Plus, it’s managed by the most delightful army of staff who run the show with grace and warmth, and feel like a family.“
Leah
Bookings Consultant
Kapsaliana Village Hotel, Crete, Greece
Kapsaliana Village Hotel is a gorgeous rural hideaway created from a 17th-century Cretan hamlet, with a fab restaurant, a cocktail bar, and stunning sea views.
“This is a very unique concept with an amazing story behind it. Owner Myron first came here in the ’70s, and litle by little, over the course of 20 years, he’s transformed the ruins of a beautiful olive-oil producing village into a host of boutique rooms and suites. He added a restaurant too, and the food here was the best I had during my entire trip, incorporating fresh ingredients from the veggie patch. The Times slated Kapsaliana as the best hotel in Crete for 2025, and I couldn’t agree more.“
Ben
Bookings Consultant
Koh Jum Beach Villas, Southern Thailand
Koh Jum is a collection of stylish, breezy villas (for 2-10) on Thailand’s friendliest, undiscovered island in the Andaman Sea – barefoot luxury and adventure at its best.
“I loved Koh Jum – super chilled, friendly and relatively untouched. The beautifully unpretentious villas are nestled amidst lush tropical gardens overlooking an empty beach, making it ideal for people looking to slow down and connect with nature from the comfort of a very nice home. I cannot comprehend how anyone could not fall in love with it. If you’ve ever been tempted to chuck your phone in the bin and escape the world for a while – this is for you. I’ve mentally pencilled in a lost year here.“
The Creatives
Nadine
Kids Collection & New Hotels
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater, UK
Another Place, The Lake: Outdoor adventures and creature comforts combine at this stunning lakeside estate with contemporary rooms, an indoor pool, and fun for all ages.
“This wonderful retreat ticked all my boxes: fabulous setting on the lake; great activities; good food; an indoor swimming pool plus lake swimming; friendly staff; and my sweet little shepherds’ hut which was a delight. Only wish I’d brought the family!“
Lucy
Editor
Mousses Villas, Lefkas, Greece
Mousses Villas is an intimate, family-friendly resort where the kids come first: huge pool, creche & kids’ club, shady gardens and villas (for 2-6).
“This is a hidden gem for young families who want an easy summer escape. Set in leafy gardens near beaches and the island capital, it’s a quiet setting with everything nearby – including an airport 30 minutes away. All kids equipment is provided, and there’s a big pool and a laidback restaurant – plus the option to self-cater in the villas. Friendly, sociable staff get to know kids by name, and (best of all) there’s a creche on site!“
Ben
Head of Digital Marketing
Rosa et al Townhouse, Porto, Portugal
Rosa Et Al Townhouse is a great-value design hotel in a dynamic, arty quarter of Porto, with eclectic décor, inspired food and a serene feel.
“I loved this relaxed, chic B&B that’s tucked away in a great part of Porto. It’s trendy yet affordable, with a brunch-style breakfast menu, a small shaded garden, and tastefully styled rooms.“
Imogen
Digital Marketing Executive
The Brecon, Adelboden, Swiss Alps
The Brecon is an effortlessly cool all-inclusive Alpine retreat with luxurious meals, a spa, panoramic pool and easy access to the slopes.
“This was truly one of my favourite hotel stays of all time. The design of the hotel is so intricate, with no detail missed, and the whole concept made us feel right at home, instantly. Staff couldn’t do enough to help us, keeping us constantly fed and watered (and Champagned!). The setting is unbeatable, and we had one of our best days skiing on Adelboden’s quiet, scenic slopes. Later, unwinding in the steaming pool overlooking the snowy mountains was absolute bliss. The minute we got in the taxi to leave, my fiancé was already insisting we book for next year.“
Alice
Editorial & Marketing Assistant
Thursford Castle, Norfolk, UK
Thursford Castle is made up of two cabin retreats for peace-seeking couples in the heart of North Norfolk, with postcard-worthy beaches in easy reach.
“I really loved my long weekend here. It’s peaceful, comfortable, close to cute little villages and the unbelievably beautiful North Norfolk coast. Sally, the owner, is full of passion for the place and it’s infectious. I was sad to leave, which is always a good sign!“
The Rates Experts
Katya
Rates & Distribution Manager
Europa House, London, UK
Europa House Apartments are a rare find in leafy West London: spacious, family-friendly apartments with 1-3 bedrooms – ideal for short breaks or longer stays.
“There is something truly special about London, and showing my son around all of my favourite spots was an incredibly meaningful experience for us. Europa House made the perfect base for sightseeing, with everything in easy reach. The whole stay felt easy and seamless – which is no mean feat in London!“
Mariia
Rates & Distribution Executive
Vinte-Quinta da Boavista, Ponte de Lima, Portugal
Vinte-Quinta da Boavista is a collection of stylish cottages (for 2-6) with hotel perks in the grounds of a serene wine estate, only an hour from Porto.
“This is such a lovely retreat — I think that everyone who goes here will want to come back. It’s away from the crowds, the fresh and healthy food is tasty, and the cottages are well equipped with everything you might need when away from home. They’re very family-friendly too. We enjoyed yoga in the forest studio, and felt truly welcomed by the warm, friendly owners.“
Date published: 22 Dec 2025