The Lugger Hotel, Portloe, United Kingdom

The Lugger is more laid-back than the Tresanton or the Driftwood, and attracts a younger crowd, mainly couples intent on peace and privacy. No need to pack your Armani.

• Tiny, charming Portloe, a classic Cornwall fishing village
• Peace and quiet: no children under 12

• Family holidays
• Lots of amenities (though massages and Reiki can be arranged)

Sunday Times 'best seaside hotel of the world'

Only children over 12 years old are permitted to stay at the hotel. They can provide extra beds in the larger rooms, but recomment that families stay in the suite.

The restaurant-bar is small and contemporary; eat over-looking the sea or on the terrace on sunny afternoons. Watch the early close-time - last orders 9 p.m. Breakfast can be brought to your room (again, be early; last orders at 10 p.m.)