Tuscany, Italy

Fling some dough under the expert, private tutelage of chef Stefano Santo (formerly of two-Michelin-starred Square in London) at Borgo Santo Pietro in Italy. He’ll teach you classic Tuscan dishes for a lifetime of contented munching. And if you need more, consider a foodie-friendly tour of Italy, across Florence, Tuscany and the Amalfi coast. 

For many of us, travel is what we eat: new flavours, local delicacies and relaxing al fresco feasts. Grade-A gourmands tend to love things Gallic and, when it comes to getaways, Provence’s Alain Ducasse-owned Hostellerie de l’Abbaye is the cerise on France’s rich gâteau. Nearby Baumanière is a Michelin-star-spangled stay hugged by abundant vineyards. Cross the Med to Castiglion del Bosco and you can learn the secrets of the Tuscan cucina at its renowned cookery school. Thirsty? California’s cinematic wine country – valleys Napa and Sonoma – will sate you in style. 

Loaded up with luxury souvenirs, escape for your country retreat – specifically, the enchanting Borgo Santo Pietro, a lovingly restored 13th century villa with a sensuous spa. Honeymooners will love the lavish Santo Pietro Suite with antique furnishings, vast private balcony and a Roman steam bath and shower. Don’t let Tuscany’s popularity with tourists fool you into thinking you can’t get away from it all here. Sip your way through ‘Chiantishire,’ between Siena and Florence, on an exclusive tour to uncover your favourite bottles of Italy’s legendary wine. Or, saddle up and explore vineyards, olive groves and medieval villages with local guides on horseback. Unwind post ride at a family-owned farm with pecorino, prosciutto, salami, bruschetta, and, of course, some of the world’s finest Chiantis. Tuscany’s allure – mediaeval hilltop villages, ancient vineyard and sun-bathing in a poolside lounger for two – can be enjoyed at every pace.

Your own convertible, an ocean-side highway and some unironic blasting of The Beach Boys – a California road trip is driving as it's meant to be. Farmhouse Inn, a romantic ranch in wine country, is a great starting point for your adventure, once you've sampled the Michelin-starred food and some local blends (and slept it off, of course). Make a stop at Big Sur for some intimate isolation and dramatic Pacific views at Post Ranch Inn. Alternatively, follow in the tyreprints of Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon and take your own feast-fuelled trip around Tuscany (Michael Caine impressions optional). Or, hire a car in Naples, and put Monastero Santa Rosa's address into the sat nav – you'll follow the jaw-dropping Amalfi coastline before tackling a death-defying uphill road to the hotel.