Kinsterna Hotel, Monemvasia, Peloponnese, Greece
Rolling hills, idyllic vineyards, thriving olive and fruit groves, and a romantic 13th-century manor house: you'd be forgiven for thinking you've arrived in Tuscany rather than the south-east Peloponnese. Overlooking the Aegean and the legendary castle rock of Monemvasia, within easy reach of the hidden port of Gerakas and the white-sand beaches of Elafonisos, the entire experience is super-serene and oh-so scenic.
Set around a natural freshwater spring (which feeds both the adult and family pools), there's a lovely choice of unique rooms and suites in the original mansion house, or a handful of apartment-style residences and two villas amidst the gardens; a multitude of brilliant locally themed seasonal and year-round activities for all ages; and spa and gastronomy experiences that take full advantage of the region's plentiful produce.