After a rousing chorus of ‘Over the sea to Skye' on the ferry from the Scottish mainland, head to the tip of the island and you'll discover this remote hideaway. A former hunting lodge built in the 1860s, it lies on the coast in 35 acres of gorgeous grounds and is the sort of place you expect to bump into Prince Charles in a kilt or Kate and Wills on a babymoon. Cuddle by the open fire in the conservatory after a hearty game supper in the two AA rosettes fine dining restaurant and be sure to book a room with a four-poster if you're on a romantic mini. My top tip? Enjoy a day sailing around Skye on the hotels' private luxury yacht (available to hire from April to September).
Wales' wind-swept island is simply stunning. Years ago I ventured over the bridge in a campervan and spent my time surfing and having campfires on the expansive beaches. While a camper is still great fun, if I want mini break luxury, Tre-Ysgawen Hall Hotel is a far better option. I get to dress up to have dinner in its fine dining restaurant Noëlle's then sleep off the gourmet cuisine in a four-poster. And it's possible to lose a whole day in the huge spa, which has recently added a thermal suite with salt inhalation therapy room, herbal essences sauna and ice fountain – you're going to glow at the end of this mini break, even if you don't go on a bracing beach walk.
I hummed ‘Da, da, da, da, da, da, daaaaaaaaaaa' along the country roads as I sped to beautiful Chateau La Chaire and, pulling up at the swish entrance, it really did look like it might have starred in Bergerac (I could imagine Jim enjoying drinks with Charlie Hungerford on the sun-drenched terrace). But this isn't the 80s and le Chateau has much more to offer mini breakers in the OOs, such as its oak-panelled dining room, bedrooms with four-posters and a standalone tub at the foot of the bed and, best of all, five acres of terraced gardens with breathtaking views of Rozel Bay.
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