Cap Estel, French Riviera
mrandmrssmith.com
On a private peninsula, this Riviera hotel
has classic Cote d'Azur charm: something that can be enjoyed from its private beach or infinity pool which morphs the Med into its vista. Cap Estel is 10 minutes from Monaco and half an hour from Nice
. Being in a gated garden amid lush, concealing, plants, it entices A-listers onto its guest-list. Doubles from €485.
Ayada, Maldives
ayadamaldives.com
This resort is surrounded by pale sandy beaches and shallow
sea. You can contemplate the blue lagoon from beach-front or
in-the-water villas, or those
that straddle both. Venturing into the ocean, there are lots of activities on offer including diving and snorkelling among 3,000 coral reefs
. The villas are designed for privacy
. From $1,053 (€810) a night.
Sofitel Grand Sopot, Poland
sofitel.com
This 1927 hotel, built when the town was enjoying a golden inter-war period, has bedded screen stars and leaders, from Marlene Dietrich to Charles de Gaulle, many of whom danced beneath the crystal chandeliers in the ballroom. Bang on the beach, beside Europe's oldest wooden pier, it benefits from Baltic breezes. It was recently revamped. Doubles from €115.
