National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Love Shack
These chic retreats are all about the romance, from Burton-and-Taylor-worthy honeymoon hotels to weekend escapes beyond your wildest dreams
PARAGON 700, OSTUNI, ITALY
When the setting is this spectacular, the love story almost writes itself. Set within the only red palazzo in the ‘white city’ of Ostuni (so named for its dazzling whitewashed buildings), Paragon 700 has all the intimacy of an 11-room hotel, but with the unabashed grandeur of a Renaissance palace. The lavish swirl of frescoed ceilings, cathedral-height doors and monumental, custom-made headboards are enough to sweep any hopeless romantic off their feet. Each room is individually designed and, in a wonderfully fitting renovation, the palazzo’s old water cistern is now a plum spa, replete with a hammam and a relaxation lounge clad in Himalayan salt walls. Most importantly, however, given its setting in the sun-baked south, it’s (supposedly) the only hotel in town with an outdoor pool. Doubles from €300 (£272), B&B. paragon700.com
RUNNERS- UP
CAMISSA HOUSE, CAPE TOWN
Meaning ‘place of sweet water’, a name given to the area by the Khoi people, this secluded Cape Town hotel has Table Mountain as its back garden and harbour views from its roof terrace. The eight rooms have egg-shaped bathtubs, bespoke wallpaper and thick rugs, making this the perfect place to be barefoot and blissed-out. Doubles from ZAR 8,610 (£376). camissahouse.com
PARILIO, PAROS, GREECE
This spot on sleepy Paros has all the whitewashed charm you could want from a Greek island hotel, but with seriously ramped-up luxury. Private terraces for all 33 suites, a striking pool and a plush restaurant mean you’ll rarely need to step foot off-property. Doubles from €152 (£137), B&B. pariliohotelparos.com