A family-run restaurant and hotel set in green parkland just outside Bergamo, with ten rooms, all different and full of character and comfort, in an elegant villa. Many guests visit the Relais & Chateaux property for its famous Lombardy cuisine at the Da Vittorio restaurant, but we insist you stay the night to experience the breakfast, a six-course gourmet affair with sweet and savoury courses. Vittorio’s five children now work across the kitchen and front of house, making La Dimora a family affair full of heart & soul.

The first Pig Hotel, there are now nine and counting, brought something new to the British hotel landscape. The contemporary but casual hotel in a heritage building has the faultless service and attention to detail you’d expect of founder Robin Hutson, an important champion of the UK hospitality industry, with outstanding food and wine and locally-sourced produce, much of it from the hotel’s own garden and piggies, everything else from within 25 miles. This means that each Pig can celebrate its location, from Dorset to Cornwall to Kent, and every effort is made to look after guests, whether that means a deep tissue massage or borrowing a pair of wellies.

This country inn is synonymous with DC conviviality and hospitality. Chef patron Patrick O’Connell opened The Inn at Little Washington in 1978 and is now one of the Relais & Chateaux ‘Grands Chefs’. It soon became known as the best place to eat in the region, but it also stands out for its 100% commitment to every detail that will give guests a great time, from the trad country inn decor, sumptuous suites, and kitsch touches, such as Faira the cow cum cheese trolley, to the exceedingly warm welcome. According to one review, staff are so determined to show guests a good time, that they assess the mood of each diner on arrival and make sure to get everyone up to at least a nine out of 10 before they leave.