hellobeautifulcreatures

Nestled in the Mediterranean Sea , surrounded by jade- coloured water lapping against grey and white rocks and spilling onto golden sands, sits the island of Sardinia. Neighbouring Corsica, this delightful Italian island ’s 2, 000km coastline inhabits rocky hiking trails and views for days, though I’m here for a slightly more sedate holiday and, thanks to 5* Valle Dell’Erica, it consists largely of splashing around in clear seas, dipping into bubbling Thalasso pools and indulging in fine wines, fresh fish and butter-soft pasta. After a 90-minute drive from Olbia airport (and a 2.5 hour flight from Gatwick) we arrive at a vast, air-conditioned reception, leading onto a terrace where deep white armchairs overlook the dusky coast. A live cellist provides the classical soundtrack, a waiter appears boasting a silver tray of cocktails, nuts, olives and sun-dried tomatoes. If there is a more splendid welcome to a destination, I can’t think of one. Valle Dell’Erica is big – two hotels ( H...

By Jill Reilly Published: 10:03 BST, 14 February 2013 | Updated: 11:30 BST, 21 July 2014 e-mail View comments As the shops flood with red chocolate hearts and over-sized cards, trying to put a different twist on Valentine's Day can be tricky. Couples spa breaks are always a romantic option but because my boyfriend James had a preconception that they were for 'girls' I wasn't too sure if he would embrace the experience as much as me. But then I stumbled across the perfect present – a luxury spa stay in a treehouse. Retreat in the trees: The 12 treehouses - in the grounds of Chewton Glen - were completed in 2012 It's every boy's childhood fantasy to live in a treehouse – and this was just a five-star adult version, swapping creaky floorboards for underfloor heating. The 12 treehouses - in the grounds of hotel Chewton Glen - were completed in 2012 and are the only luxury suites of their kind in the UK. The 18th century house is just off the M27 in Hamps...