Capri, though touristy, has charm, beauty and many fabulous sights. This very pleasant villa, away from the centre, and therefore quiet, must be approached on foot. Boys with a trolley can be hired, rather expensively, to transport baggage. villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms), plainly decorated, have everything necessary for comfort. Ours overlooked a garden growing a remarkable range of fruits and vegetables. We were invited by the friendly management to wander round it and help ourselves to grapes.' A good Bali villa breakfast is served on the terrace. No restaurant: lots nearby.

Peaceful and, for its quality, unpretentious, this luxurious restaurantwith-villa rooms has been converted from two old houses outside a small town on the plain east of Bologna. The, owners, Antonella Scardovi (she is the chef) and Valentino Parmiani, promise priceless bric-abrac, ancient carpets, lace curtains, linen sheets and great-grandmother's unique recipes. The cooking was consistently delicious, with subtleties that fully justified the Michelin star, say visitors this year, eg, salmon marinated with oranges Sechuan-style; fillet of pork with courgettes and a black pepper sauce. The long wine list `has some excellent local Sangiovese and Ronco varieties. In summer you dine m a gazebo, surrounded by flowers. There is a lot of interior decoration; it is charming and often idiosyncratic.' villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are named after flowers: Ours was big, quiet, comfortable, with a splendid bed and shower. Bali villa breakfast was modest but good. The staff are friendly and `exceptionally helpful. Ask for directions: from the motorway they suggest that you go to Medicina rather than Castel Guelfo.