Hotlists

Planning a last-minute staycation? We’re checking in to one of these chic cottages – and soon. At the time of writing, each of these design-forward homestays has at least some availability for August and September. Make the most of the UK’s late summer sun with our round-up of the 15 best cottages to book now.

We’re remedying summertime temperatures with a chilled rosé from Provence’s best vineyards, including estates with serious eco-credentials and domaines dotted with contemporary art worthy of a gallery. Forget the lavender fields; this French wine is something oenophiles can really raise a toast to.

Done Tuscany? Escaping Campania’s crowds? Head to Puglia, where olive groves and vineyards are interspersed with clusters of trulli. We’ve ventured beyond Alberobello, Lecce and Castel del Monte to find some of the region’s most charming villages, secluded beaches and the best caves for wild swimming.

Everyone loves (or pretends to love) On the Road. Yet there’s a library’s worth of great, off-the-beaten-track road-trip literature to be discovered. We’ve picked out the lesser-read tales of pioneering women travellers and stereotype-busting stories that take you on journeys far beyond the “great American road trip”. Join us for the ride.

Now that massage beds have been scrubbed down and saunas made COVID-secure, we’re unwinding and indulging in a little self-care at some of the world’s best, under-radar spa hotels. Expect design-forward sanctuaries, perfect for those who need a break.

With summer sun and a heatwave on the horizon, we’re spotlighting the city-centre townhouses with rooftop infinity pools and elegant country piles where you can swim in the open air and sunbathe like socialites of yesteryear. These are the best hotels with outdoor pools in the UK.

We’ve teamed up with Porter & Sail to pick out some of our all-time favourite hotels across the world – from tropical eco-reserves to less-is-more African safari camps and an art-deco bolthole at the heart of Nashville. These are the getaways we’ll be booking ahead for when lockdown restrictions lift.

Stretch out your lockdown legs among some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery. Hike across the Seven Sisters cliffs, wander along the Thames Path or escape the crowds on the routes less trodden – all of these trails are within a short train (or underground) journey from London, perfect for a day trip.

From classical Pécs (the new Budapest?) to the verdant village of Noszvaj and the bright and folksy Hollókő, we’re spotlighting our five favourite, underrated Hungarian destinations – as well as the things to do and places to stay when you visit.

We’ve scoured the bookshelves to find these slim reads perfect for stashing in your hand luggage (or reading on a lazy afternoon at home). Expect French novellas, short stories by Booker-winning authors and essays on postcolonial travel.

Lisbon is gloriously hot in summer. We’ve picked out the best beaches nearby, from the famous coasts of Cascais and Estoril to lesser-trodden shores and the sands that locals would rather keep secret. They’re easily accessible from Portugal’s capital, and we’ve thrown in directions to make life simple. Find your favourite and dive in.

Whitewashed houses, unspoiled cerulean-blue sea and fresh seafood worthy of Poseidon: if you’re in search of a secluded summer escape, sidestep Mykonos and Santorini in favour of these 12 lesser-known Greek islands. We’re pretty sure you won’t have heard about them, but the ouzo is on us if you have.

Fancy taking a dip in Hampstead Heath Ponds or brunching at the art-deco Brockwell Lido? We’ve found London’s best outdoor swimming pools and for you to make a splash in the capital this summer.

This province of northern Spain home to a handful of sleepy, sun-baked villages laced with streams and world-renowned vineyards, all hemmed in by medieval walls crumblier than over-baked croquetas. Planning a summer trip to La Rioja? Make the most of the area with these five great villages and hotel recommendations.