La Escondida Hotel & Restaurant, Penàguila, Costa Blanca , Spain
If anywhere embodies the rustic charm of Spanish country living, it's La Escondida. Originally planned as a La Manga-style mega-resort, owner Terry Venables (yes, that Terry!), did a full about-turn, restoring this former 19th-century hunting lodge into an intimate, cosy and unforgettable hillside boutique hideaway. And saying it delivers everything you need to escape everyday life is an understatement.
Beautifully presented, fresh, local cuisine, created by the Michelin-star trained chef, is exceptional, but add to that the warm, welcoming staff, pamper rooms, and heated pools inside and out, not to mention the area's outstanding natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor adventure, and you'll see why most guests never want to leave.