Cas Gasi
What's so special
Hotels like Cas Gasi, which offer relaxing, indulgent breaks in the lush heart of Ibiza, have helped the island shake off its reputation as a hedonist's heaven. If you are looking for cheap cocktails and all-night clubbing, this isn't the place for you. But anyone hankering after a dose of luxury in the Balearic heat should book now.
How they rate it
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
"Tucked away in a lush valley and surrounded by orchards and olive groves, [Cas Gasi] is a nigh-on perfect spot for a romantic, indulgent, relaxing holiday," says Annie Bennett in The Daily Telegraph. "With beamed ceilings, thick walls and terracotta floors, this is boho chic at its best." The only downside is the distance from the beach it's seven and a half miles to the nearest stretch of sand but there is plenty to do, with bikes available and walking trails nearby.
The menu
The hotel restaurant is open to guests only and offers "authentic Mediterannean cooking" built around seasonal produce from the hotel's own organic vegetable garden and orchards.
The cost
A double room costs from £220 per night. For more, visit www.casgasi.com, or call 00 34 971 19 77 00.
Aguas de Ibiza
What's so special
As well as losing the party island' tag, Ibiza is also becoming well-known for eco luxury retreats of which Aguas de Ibiza is one of the finest examples. Located in the Santa Eulalia region, long seen as the island's cultural centre, the hotel boasts magnificent views across the sea. Expect high-end service and amenities, all provided with minimal environmental impact.
How they rateit
Achieving "the perfect balance of cool and comfort", Aguas de Ibiza "is one of the most exquisite hotels I have stayed in", says Samantha Lyster in The Times. "Ibiza sunsets are legendary, so where better to watch one than lying in a fragrant bath on the balcony of room 405?" The standard rooms are "a generous size, but if you were of a mind to treat yourself, I would recommend booking one of the cloud suites". Do note that only two rooms have balcony baths, so put in a special request if you want one.
The menu
The hotel restaurant certainly isn't cheap, with dishes such as duck with passion fruit costing €24, but it is worth a visit. There are also several good restaurants surrounding the hotel.
The cost
Doubles start from €264 per night. Find out more at www.aguasdeibiza.com, or call 00 34 971 319 991.
The best Cornish retreats
If you fancy a holiday closer to home this year, try one of these holiday rentals on the Cornish coast, selected by Laura Holt in The Independent.
The Limit in Holywell Bay (pictured) started life in the 1930s as a beach hut. It's "now a high-spec modern hideaway for two". It comes with surfboards and wetsuits for water babies, or "retro deck chairs and loungers for sun worshippers". The Limit's interior "mixes pretty pastels with white-washed walls for a breezy, nautical feel". Three nights rental costs from £696 (Uniquehomestays.com; 01637-881942).
Gull Rock is an "angular, ultra-modern confection of chrome, wood and glass within strolling distance of the centre of Rock". The "ultimate party house", it has "contemporary art on the walls, coffee-coloured couches and leatherarmchairs, sheepskin rugs and a plasma television". The "balcony has a dining table and heaters [and] sun loungers". It sleeps 11. From £1,400 for three nights (Perfectstays.co.uk; 01208-895570).
The Sea Room is a "remote retreat that sits on a rugged swathe of the south coast near St Austell". The "sitting room has well-stocked bookshelves and a log-burning fire for cosy evenings in". You can breakfast on the seafront patio, spend the afternoon fishing, then "return by night to barbecue the day's catch amid twinkling harbour lights". It sleeps two. From £717 for three nights (Boutique-retreats.co.uk; 01872-553491).
-
Buying a property is cheaper than renting again – how much could you save?News Zoopla research shows it is now 8% cheaper to buy than rent. We reveal the places where you can save more by getting on the property ladder.
-
Is now a good time to invest in India?Should you invest in India? Its market has stood out of the emerging market pack, helped by a growing pool of domestic investors.
