Le Domaine De Fontenay

There's no doubting the colonial "Frenchness" of the main lodge, which faces lush tropical gardens dotted with seating areas shaded by large trees. Indoors is a large dining room and bar area with an open fireplace topped by a striking stone chimney. The furnishings are in keeping with the property, and are very comfortable. Quiet lounges and the lovely grounds make Le Domaine de Fontenay perfect for relaxing and soaking up the beautiful views.

Eight spacious luxury rooms set in the gardens have comfortable twin or double beds, swathes of mosquito net and a pleasingly simple level of colonial grandeur. The en-suite bathrooms are huge, and all the rooms have a private lounge. There's also a wonderful suite in the main house, with a sheltered outdoor terrace overlooking the grounds and gorgeous views over the rolling hills and forests all the way to the sparkling Bay of Diego in the distance.

We stayed in a spacious character-filled suite that once housed the mansion's horses. This tranquil, mosquito-free retreat is wonderful – we loved the architecture, the wildlife and the cool air at sunrise and sunset.