St Martin's on the Isle by Jamie Dunford Wood

Few such isolated spots can offer luxury on this scale, writes Philip Marsden. He's right. But it's the getting here that is the challenge - from London it can involve train, minibus, helicopter, landrover and boat. Remotely situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Britain, peace, tranquillity and no cars, right on a wind blown sea.

For such a remote location, the cooking is seriously indulgent, with a top chef producing gourmet cooking and kippers-and-all breakfasts. You rotate around the dining room to the romantic table for two overlooking the bay and one of the finest sunsets in Britain. Bedrooms are luxury functional but we'd have settled for a monk's cell.

Seals, whales, puffins and palm trees, uniquely watered by the Gulf Stream. Walks and talks, the botanical gardens of Tresco, fishing, sailing, swimming and beachcombing.