Ideal destinations for a long weekend away

Now with all that Easter, Ascension, Pentecost and whatnot, we've had a lot of those awkward long weekends. Or well, awkward, delightful of course, but after one weekend of lounging you know it. Time for a weekend away then. Coming weekend for example and otherwise with Pentecost. Departing Thursday evening, returning Monday evening and then being completely rested. The destination shouldn't be too far to fly, but warmer than here. May I suggest some nice places and hotels?

France

In the south of France lies the region of Dordogne. Think of many castles, lots of greenery, lots of water – very much paradise-like, so to speak. You sleep in Le Moulin du Roc, a too cute and idyllic hotel in a 17th-century old mill and with a Michelin star. The hotel is located by a small stream with many little steps and terraces. Chef Alain Gardillou is behind the pans and on the menu the best of the best from foie gras and black truffles to duck and caviar. Oh and there is also a heated outdoor pool and a tennis court, for the sporty ones among us.

This small village is just over an hour's drive from Paris, so it's also ideal for those going to Paris and wanting to add a few extra days of relaxation. The village feels as if you've suddenly gone back to the 17th century, with large castles on gigantic estates. This hotel has an 18-hole golf course (people who love golf seem to find that important), there is also a chocolate shop (people who love chocolate seem to find this fantastic) and there are a total of 40 rooms, each equally princess-like.

Italy

Ah Venice, you must have been there at least once in your life. And then also have a cup of coffee for €30 (seriously) in St. Mark's Square, of course. You sleep in the far too romantic rooms of Hotel Savoia & Jolanda, where a bottle of prosecco is waiting for you in the room. Speaking of a good start.

This hotel, seriously, you want to go there RIGHT NOW immediately? It is perched on black rock formations at the foot of Etna, the largest volcano in Europe. Sea around the corner, pool at the door and with rooms where you actually never have to come out of, except for that sea and the pool then.

Spain

This hotel has an interior you can't get enough of. Those hotels you always see in those coffee table books? This is pretty much one of those. Design design design. The five-star boutique hotel is located in the Salamanca district. Those who are exhausted after a day of shopping and dining will be extra happy about the fact that the hotel also has a sauna and pool.

Yes god, it may be getting a bit monotonous, but this hotel also deserves nothing but superlatives. A huge pool with handsome white sunbeds located on top of a hill with endless views of the Mediterranean Sea. There is a huge wellness center with saunas, whirlpools, steam baths and of course various types of massages. Now that's what having a vacation is.