‘Comfortable, pretty and very English’, the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire’s smart hotel on the Chatsworth Estate delighted readers this year.

‘Bravo, I spent three marvellous days ’

Exceptional food, exceptional grounds and exceptional decor are all part of the luxurious experience at Hambleton Hall - a romantic Relais & Châteaux retreat in Rutland.

Lewtrenchard Manor is a beautiful country house where the elegant style is perfect for a romantic escape and the sense of luxury makes loved ones feel totally spoiled.

A five star country house hotel with a luxurious spa, Chewton Glen is perfect for romantic escapes, especially if you stay in the impeccable treehouses in a sky high world of your own.

With ‘epic’ views across to Tresco and Bryher, the Francis family’s ‘really good hotel’ combines ‘a great setting’ with ‘fabulous historic features’.

‘This hotel is amazingly charming.’ A reader was delighted this year by a stay at this 16th-century priory-turned-hotel, ‘in a beautiful location’ beside the church and the River Frome.

Handy for the racecourse, this William and Mary mansion, built for Sheffield cutler Thomas Barlow ‘in the Italian mode’, operates as a hotel and spa, ‘ideal for those seeking individual attention and pampering’.

‘An amazing mansion set in equally amazing gardens.’ Praise from Guide readers this year, for this former Victorian vicar’s house high above the River Usk.

Arrive by horse and carriage on this car free island, and take in the exquisite views and exemplary hospitality of La Sablonnerie - it's like escaping to your own romantic world.

A golden stone Carolean manor house-turned-rectory in an ‘idyllic setting’ is run as a ‘welcoming, comfortable and relaxing’ hotel, under highly experienced manager Dorian Charlton.

All hotels demand upkeep, though it is rare for owners to have to replace a fan wheel or fit new sails. But, then, there is nothing ordinary about Julian and Carolyn Goldee’s B&B.

‘Our third visit. Most of the other guests were also returners. It isn’t surprising.’ Readers are drawn back time and again to this stone rectory in ‘immaculate gardens’, overlooking the Welsh hills.

In an elevated position above this beautiful town (Asolo is considered to be “the pearl of the province of Treviso”), this charming pink-and-cream 16th-century villa has been skilfully restored.

‘The place abounds with creative uses of old, mainly farm, paraphernalia.’ Guide inspectors enjoyed Nick Dent’s diverting Georgian farmhouse turned dog-friendly hotel with most rooms in converted outbuildings.

Built in 1755, the grandeur and history of Glenfinnan House Hotel give it a beauty that's made for romantic escapes. Blessed with many original features, it's a peaceful haven of luxury and tranquility for time together.

‘One of the nicest locations we’ve stayed at.’ Trusted readers enjoyed a night’s stay at Andy and Gayle Shearer’s boutique hotel on the seafront.

A spectacular example of how to update a historic building, Seaham Hall is a historic country house turned contemporary hotel. It was the one time home of Lord Byron and continues his legacy of decadence and seduction.

‘A true gem in the Lake District.’ Readers this year had a ‘thoroughly enjoyable‘ stay at Caroline and Jonathan Kaye’s ‘fabulous‘ small hotel.

Right on the edge of the water with unrestricted sea views, Cary Arms and Spa combines the warmth of a British inn with the decadent details of a luxury hotel. Little wonder it's a favourite for romantic retreats and proposals.

‘Fabulous views’ over the cathedral and the Vale of Avalon to Glastonbury Tor await at Frances and Tim Meeres Young’s 18th-century coach house, run as a ‘faultless’ B&B.

In a grove, indeed, surrounded by flower gardens, kitchen garden and meadows, with views to the Preseli hills, Neil and Zoë Kedward’s hotel is ‘a real haven’.

‘The warm welcome, beautiful setting and delicious food’ are ‘truly exceptional’ at Charles Lowther’s battlemented ancestral pile.

A drive through ‘miles of very narrow roads’ led trusted readers to this restaurant-with-rooms, deep in the Shropshire countryside.