This exclusive walled sanctuary is the only private property on the island of Saint-Marguerite, a Unesco-protected site and the biggest of the Lérins Islands off the French Mediterranean Coast. Le Grand Jardin is accessible only by a ten-minute speedboat ride from Cannes—or by helicopter, if you prefer to make an entrance.

Previously home to royals including Louis XIV, and protected by an impressive fort built by Cardinal Richelieu (of The Three Musketeers fame), Le Grand Jardin is a sprawling property featuring 12 luxurious guest rooms across six separate buildings, a naturally treated outdoor pool, an open-air cinema and a spa.

Dine al fresco on long tables adorned with freshly picked roses and irises, and sip on Provençal rosé at the outdoor bar, situated in the midst of a 150,000 sq ft botanical garden; the hotel grounds come alive with the scent of citrus trees, wild flora and the Mediterranean Sea.

With room for up to 30 guests—the minimum reservation is for six—the two-hectare grounds at Ani Sri Lanka are a mix of wild and manicured, including nearly five kilometres of pristine beachfront.

The 15 suites are scattered around the main living pavilions, some with ocean views, while others sit deep within the garden’s lush natural surroundings, where you might even spot a resident peacock or two. Feathered friends aside, there’s no shortage of other surprises, from telescopes perfectly positioned for stargazing to magical dinner settings arranged by the property’s dedicated team of 30 staff.

A stay here is inclusive of every dining experience and spa treatment, kids’ activity and even bespoke excursions like the chance to connect with local communities, and tuk-tuk tours of the picturesque neighbouring paddy fields. More premium experiences are also available, including a private catamaran to go whale- and dolphin-watching, or chartering a helicopter to explore the misty tea plantations upcountry. 

Ani Private Resorts also has properties in Thailand, Dominican Republic and Anguilla. 

See also: Why Sri Lanka is an isle of plenty for intrepid food lovers

Dion Rangé, originally from South Africa, moved to Western Australia, where he established Stonebarn in Pemberton, a charming wine region four hours’ drive from Perth, in 2004. At the time, it was a somewhat neglected site littered with blue gum tree stumps.

But with patience and green fingers, Rangé has gone on to grow a 2,000-tree truffière, or truffle orchard, with various species of European oak and hazelnut trees. At the heart of Rangé’s forest is a luxury lodge built from hand-cut stone and local timber. It houses six suites, each with a four-poster bed, claw-foot bathtub and balcony overlooking a lake—the sunrises here are spectacular, appearing in fiery shades of pink, purple and orange.

The highlight here is, of course, the truffles, which Rangé supplies to restaurants around the world—including seven three-Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City alone. Upon special request, guests can go on a truffle hunt, where Rangé’s trained pack of dogs sniff out fresh black truffles just steps away from the lodge. It’s quite something to be unearthing these delicacies, then returning moments later to enjoy them over lunch in the sun-drenched dining room.

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