Famously the first rural hotel in Portugal’s southern Algarve region to be awarded five stars, the Vila de Valverde Design & Country Hotel can be found along Luz Beach near the small town of Lagos. The property boasts contemporary design on five acres of peaceful surroundings, including orange groves, a lake, a private wine cellar and both indoor and outdoor pools offering a sunny sanctuary.

The staff is able to arrange for a range of activities such as golf, horseback riding, sailing, diving, tennis, cycling tours, Jeep safaris and hiking in the Monchique hills — not that there’s any reason to leave.

At the spa, guests can choose from a comprehensive menu of therapies including acupressure massage, Rolfing, Craniosacral treatments, hot stone massages, Reflexology and lymphatic drainage. Facials, physiotherapy, light therapy, inhalation therapy, hydrotherapy and balneotherapy are also available.