About an-hour's drive from Palermo, up beautiful mountain roads, the Panvini family's agriturismo stands amid olive and cherry trees outside a small hill village: signs of horses announce your arrival - the property includes a small Arab stud farm. `Very relaxed, says the 2002 nominator. The owner is voluble, his charming wife, followed by a gaggle of friendly dogs, is always on hand to make sure your glass is never empty. The best villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are lovely, with local antiques. The pool, in a beautiful setting, is a peaceful place to sit; our lazy reads were interrupted by the pet donkey, who wandered by to take a look. The owners promise cooking based on natural products, but it has been thought fairly basic.

Very comfortable. Friendly and professional, spotlessly clean well decorated. Praise again for the Karadar family's chalet-villaa German-speaking skiing and summer resort in the Dolomites. F its patio, there are `the most wonderful views'. Its many fans love friendly style and amazing value' offered by Peter Karadar. Karadar was particularly helpful when our luggage was lost by airline. Our children enjoyed the swimming pool and the food. decor is in local style, and waitresses wear local dress. This year is a new lounge, and-all villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms), recently refurbished, have as modern bathroom. Many have a balcony. In the `lovely dining and the cooking is excellent, with good service, a salad/antipasto where you can eat as much as you like, and a comprehensive voi list, mostly local or from north Italian wine-growing area. In `cosy' Tyrolean-style bar, `everyone gathers after dinner. Entertaiments are offered most nights: a spaghetti evening, candlelit di aperitifs in the foyer, a local band. All kinds of outdoor activities rock climbing, fly-fishing, skiing lessons, wild flower excursions-al be arranged. Children are warmly welcomed; toys and games provided.