Why Countryside Hotels Are the New City Break
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For years, city breaks defined how we travelled — fast-paced, culture-packed, and tightly scheduled. But in the wake of a post-pandemic shift that continues to shape how and why we travel, something quieter has taken centre stage. Today, the most sought-after escapes are no longer found in bustling capitals, but among rolling hills, vineyards, coastlines and countryside stillness.
Rural boutique hotels have emerged as the new city break — offering immersion, character and restoration without the noise. These countryside escapes aren’t about ticking off landmarks; they’re about slowing down, reconnecting and staying put. From design-led farmhouses to former pubs turned refined retreats, these are places where the landscape does the talking and the hotel becomes the destination. Here are some of our favourite countryside hotels redefining the modern escape…
Hyll Hotel
Chipping Campden, United Kingdom
At Hyll, the countryside isn’t a backdrop — it’s the heartbeat of the experience. Set within the rolling landscapes of the Cotswolds, this quietly confident retreat champions simplicity, calm and connection to nature. Days unfold gently, shaped by seasonal food, soft interiors and an atmosphere that encourages guests to exhale fully. There’s no pressure to explore beyond the grounds; the beauty lies in staying close, embracing stillness and letting time stretch. Hyll captures why countryside escapes now rival city breaks — offering depth, not distraction.
Locanda al Colle
Set high in the Tuscan hills, Locanda al Colle captures the true appeal of countryside travel — space, stillness and a slower rhythm shaped by nature. Owned by Riccardo Barsottelli, the hotel feels more like a private hilltop home than a retreat, filled with vintage and art deco finds collected from around the world. Evenings are a highlight: dinner unfolds like a gathering of friends, with generous food and conversations that linger long after sunset. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and open skies, Locanda offers a rural escape where connection — to people, place and pace — comes naturally.
Cowley Manor Experimental
Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Cowley Manor Experimental reimagines the English countryside with a bold, contemporary spirit. Built in 1855, this design-led hotel was once the home of Sir James Horlick, and now brings the energy of the Experimental Group into a rural setting — without losing its sense of escape. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and historic grounds, guests can move between spa sessions, lakeside walks and vibrant dining experiences, all without ever needing to leave the estate. It’s a perfect example of how countryside boutique hotels are evolving: creative, social when desired, and restorative by design.
Villa La Madonna
Surrounded by vineyards and rolling Piedmontese hills, Villa La Madonna blends Italian elegance with the ease of a true countryside escape. With just seventeen individually styled rooms, the atmosphere remains intimate and unhurried. Guests linger over long lunches beneath vine-covered pergolas or dine inside the charming stone-walled dining room, where food and setting feel equally considered. Evenings often unfold over glasses of rare Barbera vintages, with opportunities to sip, swirl and savour wines produced right on the estate. It’s a refined reminder that countryside hotels can offer the same sophistication as the city — with far more space to breathe.
Another Place, The Lake
Where Ullswater meets the fells, Another Place, The Lake offers lakeside living in effortless style. Guests can glide across the water by paddleboard, explore hidden trails, or simply relax with ease. Balancing adventure and ease, the hotel offers lakeside suites, cosy shepherd huts, and a spectacular treehouse—all designed for connection with nature and each other. Rampsbeck Restaurant and The Glasshouse serve thoughtful, locally inspired meals, while the Swim Club and Fellside Sauna blend activity and reflection. Every detail is designed with sustainability and comfort in mind, creating a Lake District retreat where nature, adventure, and calm coexist perfectly.
Casale Sterpeti
Casale Sterpeti offers a deeply personal countryside experience rooted in authenticity and warmth. This restored farmhouse feels more like a private home than a hotel, where the rhythm of rural life shapes each day. Surrounded by fields and forests, guests are encouraged to slow down, disconnect and settle into a simpler pace. It’s places like this that explain the enduring appeal of rural boutique hotels — intimate, grounded and rich in atmosphere, without the need for excess.
Hurley House Hotel
Once a quaint countryside pub, Hurley House has been transformed into an award-winning boutique retreat brimming with charm and character. Step inside to discover roll-top baths, cosy lounges, and intimate nooks perfect for lingering with a book or a glass of wine. Surrounded by meadows and woodland, the hotel invites guests to stroll along hidden paths, unwind in the tranquillity of nature, and savour seasonal menus crafted with care. Every corner of Hurley House exudes playful sophistication and rural magic — a countryside escape where comfort, whimsy, and indulgence meet effortlessly.
Al Piglio Maison de Charme
Nestled amidst the rolling hills on the outskirts of Rome, Al Piglio is a celebration of understated rural charm. With just a handful of rooms, the experience feels intentionally intimate, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape. Life here revolves around honest food, open views and a sense of belonging that comes from thoughtful hospitality. As city breaks become more exhausting than energising, hotels like Al Piglio show why countryside escapes continue to resonate — offering presence over pace.
Instants d'Absolu Ecolodge & Spa
Tucked beside the serene Lac du Pêcher in the volcanic landscapes of Auvergne, Instants d’Absolu offers a countryside escape like no other. This 17th-century Templar house has been transformed into an eco-chic retreat where nature takes centre stage. Guests can wander forest trails, watch wildlife, or simply in the spa, while the rustic-chic rooms provide a tranquil sanctuary. Here, every day is a gentle invitation to slow down, breathe, and savour the quiet beauty of the French countryside.
Relais San Giuliano
Steeped in history and embraced by the lush landscapes of Sicily, Relais San Giuliano is a hidden countryside sanctuary where past and present intertwine. Nestled in the charming town of Viagrande, this boutique retreat occupies a meticulously restored 16th-century manor, once the noble residence of the Asmundo family. With just 15 elegantly designed rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and an indulgent spa, guests can savour authentic Sicilian charm, exquisite cuisine, and total relaxation. Surrounded by nature, this intimate haven invites visitors to linger, reconnect, and experience the serene rhythm of rural Sicily.
The New Way We Escape
The rise of countryside hotels as the new city break isn’t a passing trend — it’s a reflection of how travel priorities have shifted. Today’s travellers are seeking meaning, rest and immersion, not just movement. Rural boutique hotels offer exactly that: destinations where less happens, yet more is felt.
As we continue to redefine what it means to escape, one thing is clear — the countryside isn’t replacing the city. It’s simply offering something we need more of.
And that’s why we keep going back.
