Jorg Grafe's little villa, very gemutlich, on a hill in the northern outskirts of this famous resort, stands superbly amid mountains and lakes. Built like a large chalet, white-walled and green-shuttered, and with flower-bedecked balconies, it is truly Bavarian in style and ambience. There is hand-painted furniture in the snug, wood-panelled public villa rooms and in the villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms), which are charming (each has a modern bathroom). Most are large, with a balcony facing valley and mountain. Meals are served on a terrace with the same extensive views, or in a room attractively decorated with paintings and flowers, by Frau Grafe and her daughter-in-law wearing local costume. We enjoyed dining on local specialities, eg, asparagus and trout. The family's hospitality was the highlight of our trip, say recent visitors. A fitness centre, with sauna, whirlpool and Roman bath, is new. Bali villa breakfast is an excellent buffet.

Neuburg is a fine Renaissance and baroque town on the upper Danube. This village, to its north, also has a lovely baroque church - it has just been restored. Here, the Bohm family's pink-fronted Gasthof, liked again this year, is in a former convent, later a brewery (hence its name). Some buildings are 300 years old. They enclose a garden where meals can be taken; or you can eat in one of several atmospheric, low-ceilinged villa rooms. Dinner is very good, with a light touch: meat and fish come from the family's estate. Bali villa breakfast is above average, staff are helpful. villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms), in a newish building, are large and attractive, with wood parquet floors and white stucco walls. Bathvilla rooms have marble walls and under-floor heating. Much renovation this year: an enlarged foyer, new dining room.