1. Deetjen's Big Sur Inn, Highway 1, United States
Opened in the 1930s by a Norwegian immigrant to shelter travellers making the journey along Highway 1, Deetjen's is a modest retreat among the giant redwoods of Big Sur and the Castro Canyon. Each of the rustic wood cabins and rooms has a distinct personality; the furniture, some hand-carved by Deetjen himself, is draped in an eclectic mix of florals, voile and velvet. But the real highlight is the solitude, interrupted only by the rolling Pacific Ocean below
Deetjen’'s Big Sur Inn, 48865 Highway 1, Big Sur, California, US (001 831 667 2377; www.deetjens.com). Doubles start at $106 (£54), room only
|
2. Moonlight Head, Great Ocean Road, Australia
Perched on a precipitous headland, Moonlight Head comprises two four-bedroom lodges offering sweeping views of the Bass Strait, with your own chef and guides.
Moonlight Head, Yuulong, Victoria, Australia (00 61 3 52 37 52 08; www.moonlighthead.com). Rental from A$3,500 (£1,661), all-inclusive
|
|
| |
|
3. Casa Privata, Amalfi Coast, Italy
A restored cliff-hugging fisherman’s house blends Mediterranean simplicity with Neapolitan class. All six rooms feature magnificent coastal views. A challenging walk down the cliff steps is rewarded with a dip in the sea.
Casa Privata, Ria Rezzola, Amalfi Coast, Italy (00 39 0 89 87 40 78; www.casaprivata.it). Doubles start at €170 (£142), including breakfast.
|
|
| |
|
4. Chateau Eza, Grande Corniche, France
Built more than 400 years ago, the stone castle of Château Eza clings to the ancient rock walls above the medieval village of Eze. Inside, arched doorways and stone walls are fused with 21st-century luxuries. Cars can only go as far as Eze, but the walk up to the glass dining- room of the Michelin-starred restaurant will give you an appetite.
Château Eza, Eze village, Côte d’Azur, France (00 33 4 93 41 12 24; www.chateaueza.com). Doubles start at €270 (£225), room only.
|
|
| |
|
5. Bay Lodge, Garden Route, South Africa
This boutique beach lodge, set above the sparkling Plettenberg Bay lagoon, is an ideal pit stop on the Garden Route. The six interior-designed luxury suites are decorated with calming natural hues, while the funky public areas include shaded day beds overlooking the Indian Ocean, a barbecue, Jacuzzi and pool. Breakfasts on the veranda enhance the sun-drenched location, with plenty of fresh fruit.
Bay Lodge, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (00 27 445 334 977; www.baylodge.net). Doubles start at R1,145 (£75), including breakfast.
|
|
| |
26 April 2008, Chosen by Rhianna Morton
