The Caves; Negril, Jamaica
In The Caves Greer-Ann and Bertram Saulter have created a hideaway overlooking the sea, on a limestone cliff-top just outside busy Negril. The colourful thatched roof, one- and two-bedroom cottages (plus a four-bedroom villa with a private pool), are hidden in the shrubbery like pretty treehouses, and many of the caves and nooks built into the cliffs below are furnished too, so you can carve out your own little space during the day.
Dar Said; Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Dar Said is a chic little 'residence de charme' of 24 rooms that overlooks the Gulf of Tunis from the pretty cliff-top village of Sidi Bou Said. Converted from an old townhouse, all the rooms are decorated in a different style – mostly a little on the chintzy side, but enlivened with Tunisian accents. In typical North African riad style, each room is reached via internal courtyards and stairways.
Be Tulum; Tulum, Mexico
Be Tulum is on an unspoilt stretch of the Mexican Caribbean coast lined with incredible white-sand beaches, Mayan ruins and nature reserves. While it's a stylish place to stay attracting a stylish crowd, it's also all very down-to-earth, with the owner, Sebastian Sas, often hanging out with his guests in the evening, adding to the friendly and laid-back feel.
Adrere Amellal; Siwa, Egypt
The approach to eco-resort Adrere Amellal looks like something out of the Old Testament with endless desert, dunes and waving palms set beside an enormous saltwater lake. The lodge is a mini-village of domed residences – in the middle of the world's largest desert, it feels like an ancient hidden city.
Arguibel; Guethary, France
The exterior of Arguibel is very much in keeping with Basque tradition, but inside, the décor is a beguiling blend of contemporary and vintage. Each room is painted a different bold colour (raspberry, turquoise), and is full of mismatched antique furniture and patterned textiles. It shouldn't work, but it does.
Looking for something a little bigger and more luxe-y than our pick of chic shacks? Check out ELLE escapes' selection of the best country house hotels in England.
