The beautiful Promenade des Anglais in Nice is the perfect holiday spot

Italy
Situated on a cliff overlooking the crystal clear Mediterranean sea, and surrounded by picturesque terraces, citrus orchards, olive groves and gardens, the five star Hotel Santa Caterina is the most beautiful and lavish hotel on the Amalfi coast. The hotel, which is a 19th century villa owned by a local family, has attentive staff and superb facilities including a private beach, a seawater swimming pool with a sun deck, a gym, bar and two restaurants – one an open-air restaurant serving delicious Italian and classic recipes from the Amalfi coast with a twist. Indulge and be pampered in the hotel spa, where guests can enjoy face and body treatments using Mediterranean herbs and citrus fruits, or have a traditional Turkish steam bath. Rooms are spacious and luxurious, with gorgeous interiors and elegant furnishings, and all rooms have direct dial telephones and Internet. If you want to really splash out, the suites are huge bungalows immersed among the citrus groves with panoramic sun terraces, Jacuzzis, a private garden and pool.
Double bedrooms from £284pp
+39 089 871012

France
The Hotel la Pérouse occupies one of the best spots on the famous Promenade des Anglais and is just a ten-minute car journey from Nice airport. Tucked into the hillside beneath le Chateau it’s sheltered from traffic, boasts stunning views over the French Riviera and is just a few minutes walk from the private beaches and the old downtown area, with it’s galleries, museums, restaurants and beautiful flower market. The hotel has a fitness centre, pool, sauna and solarium. Dining is in the terrace restaurant, which is surrounded by ornamental lemon trees and serves delectable Provencal cuisine. All rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated with sun terraces, WIFI and bathrooms made from Boticino marble. The hotel has a number of celebrity guests among its well-heeled clientele, and boasts a polished yet welcoming atmosphere.
Double bedrooms from £220pp
+33 04 93 62 34 63, www.hotel-la-perouse.com

Morocco
Dar Beida (‘the white house’) is a haven for sun-worshippers, situated in Essaouira in the ancient corner of Medina, this four-bedroom 200-year old house has been renovated by English owners Emma and Graham Carter and furnished with an eclectic collection of Moroccan furniture and chic flea-market finds giving it a stylish, retro vibe. Just ten minutes walk from Essaouira’s long sandy beach and with food markets on your doorstep, the villa is the perfect base to explore the beauty and history of the area. The luxurious 4-storey house is built around a courtyard, has vast bedrooms, a library packed with books, music and DVD’s, a kitchen, a living room, two bathrooms, a chill-out room and sun terraces. The villa comes with a pair of Moroccan slippers for each guest, wireless internet and if you don’t want to venture far, for just £10 per head an off-premises chef will bring tasty traditional Moroccan meals to your door.
£300pp for a week’s stay.
+212 667 965 386, www.castlesinthesand.com

Croatia
The scenic island of Hvar has become one of the most popular destinations in the last year, full of natural history and picturesque scenery with its glorious beaches, olive trees and vineyards. Surrounded by a leafy pine grove and set within a peaceful bay, Amfora Hvar Grand Beach is a beautiful and tranquil resort. With its own private beach and a cascading freshwater swimming pool, climbing wall and beach volleyball facilities, it’s perfect for a family holiday. Rooms are filled with light, modern furnishings, and all rooms come with WIFI and flat screen televisions. Indulge in a massage in one of the seaside cabanas, or rent out a private stone cabana complete with a picnic lunch. The resort has 3 restaurants with Dalmatia specialities, including Windows restaurant, which offers a panoramic view of the bay and the Paklinski Islands.
Double bedrooms from £170pp
+385 021 750 300, www.suncanihvar.com

Sardinia
Sardinia is home to some of Europe’s best unspoilt beaches and scenery, with its long golden sands, thick forests, ancient heritage and mountain peaks. Hotel La Coluccia is based on a protected wildlife reserve on the North coast of Sardinia, opposite the small, isolated island of Spargi, which is seasonally inhabited by shepherds. The hotel has its own private sandy beach just a few metres from the hotel, where sunbeds, umbrellas and beach towels are provided free of charge, or if you prefer there are numerous beautiful white, sandy beaches within walking distance. Rooms are simple, with modern, sleek designs and balconies ¬– ensure you ask for a room with a sea-view, overlooking the sparkling, clear waters is well worth the extra €60. The hotel is set within spacious idyllic gardens and a range of wellness treatments are available in the Space Comfort Zone with its massage rooms, Turkish bath, gym and relaxation area. The restaurant has a balcony overlooking the swimming pool, and serves delicious seafood and local specialties.
Double bedrooms with half board from £185pp
+39 0789 758004, www.lacollucia.eu