LORD OF THE MANOR

These palatial piles have it all, from rambling grounds to opulent boudoirs

Cashel Palace Hotel, Ireland

This former archbishop’s home in Cashel, set among the green hills of County Tipperary, has had a multi-million-euro revamp. Step past the log fires and period features of the reception rooms and you’ll emerge into a walled garden, where views stretch over fields to the Rock of Cashel, the medieval castle that once served as the seat of the Kings of Munster. Glimpses of this grand heritage lie behind the hotel’s transformation — regally decorated spaces with plush upholstery and lavish artwork. There’s a slick pool and spa, too, a new bedroom wing and The Bishop’s Buttery restaurant reboot, which already has gourmets whispering of Michelin stars. From €289 (£245), B&B. cashelpalacehotel.ie

RUNNERS-UP

THE RETREAT AT ELCOT PARK, BERKSHIRE

Just outside Hungerford, The

Signet Collection’s second property has all the urbane charms you’d expect from an 18th-century country pile: croquet on the lawn, landscaped gardens and a wellstocked whisky library. But it’s full of judicious modern additions, too, with pan-Asian fine dining at Yu and a cabana-flanked pool. From £180, B&B. retreatelcotpark.com

RAFFLES UDAIPUR, INDIA

Set on a 21-acre private island on

Udai Sagar lake, India’s first Raffles property is an idyllic base for travellers looking to decompress after a day exploring. Check out the Raffles Spa, where the pool offers prime sunset views, and guests can toast their stay with the Long Bar’s signature Udaipur Sling — gin, guava and frangipani soda. From INR 45,000 (£465), B&B. raffles.com