STORIES

Five-star stays: yes, please. The next travel plans you make come complete with the best service, delectable food, amazing activities… and anything else your heart may desire, in fact. A holiday that ticks all the boxes.

To help you plan your perfect getaway, we’ve put together some of our finest five-star hotels for you to choose from. Head to the ever-astounding alps, enjoy luxury in Slovakia, revel in rural Ireland and more. Which of these magnificent hotels is for you?

Hotel Villa Cipriani, Italy

Spending time at Hotel Villa Cipriani? It’s simply heavenly. Encased by ambrosial views of rural Asolo and resplendent throughout with examples of the finest Italian craftsmanship – including eye-catching watercolours – it’s no wonder that this establishment was once owned by the beauty-loving poet, Robert Browning.

Indeed – even the shortest stay at this hotel is bound to inspire the poet in you! In the spring and summer, aromatic flowers burst into bloom on the villa’s walls and in its surrounding gardens, while its glittering pool – which sits like a sapphire among the surrounding flora and fauna – is a constant temptation under the hot Florentine sun.

There’s nothing better than snuggling up in one of the hotel’s cosy rooms during the colder months, either. Furnished with antiques and complete with big windows, which fill each space with the soft glow of natural light, you’ll feel truly at peace here. Filled with so many delights, it’s no wonder that Hotel Villa Cipriani is considered one of our most remarkable five-star stays.

Don’t miss: If you’ve got a soft spot for golfing, Asolo is the place to indulge it. Asolo Golf Club is a 27-hole course that neighbours Monte Grappa and sits within several acres of lush, green parkland, making it a jaw-droppingly scenic space to enjoy the sport. You’ll be enchanted.

Roch Castle, Wales

Five-star stays are made even more special when they’re spent in a castle, and Roch Castle is the perfect example of one at its very best. This historic venue, built in 1195, has housed conquerors and courtesans, served as a royal stronghold and survived wars before becoming the grand getaway it is today – and we really do mean “grand”. Roch Castle is decked out from tower to base with pockets of comfort and plush furnishings: its rooms boast everything from hypo-allergenic toppers to 300 thread count linens – promising a seamless night’s sleep – while elsewhere, a unique Sun Room will take your breath away. Fitted with glass walls and an alfresco viewing platform, you can enjoy the castle’s panoramic views of St Brides Bay and Preseli Hills from dawn until dusk.

Beyond the charming castle walls, you’ll find plenty of ways to amuse yourself. Wander 186 miles of National Park coastline, enjoy cosmopolitan quirks at the city of St Davids or dive into the wildlife rich islands of Ramsey, Skomer and Skokholm during your top-tier stay. Don’t be surprised if you end up coming here more than once…

Don’t miss: Ever fancied horseback riding on the beach? Check out Nolton Stables. Just a stone’s throw away from the castle, you can book beach rides, woodland rides and combined rides.

Hotel L’Helios & SPA, France

Snow capped mountains, cabin vibes and family-friendly rooms are the bread and butter of this ski escape: Hotel L’Helios & SPA, one of our most standout five-star stays. Kids and adults alike will love cosying up next to the bar’s grand fireplace, while skiing opportunities and luxurious spa areas – including an indoor pool and Hamman  – will give adult guests that extra chance to unwind.

The food here is exceptional, too – an especial advantage considering all the energy you’ll need for your daily adventures in the snow! Sample melt-in-the-mouth crepes at the onsite creperie, Le 2 du Doron, or enjoy elegant dining at L’Helios Restaurant. Serving up Savoie delicacies with a twist, just one bite of the restaurant’s sophisticated wares will make it obvious why they’ve won so many awards.

Don’t miss: Based in Méribel, this hotel is ideally situated to explore the 3 Valleys, where you can try hundreds of activities from biking and hiking in the Plan de la Tuéda nature reserve, to taking advantage of the mountain’s equally-split expert and easy ski runs. You’ll be constantly entertained.