Best for: going inland

A Formentera classic, Casbah’s clutch of largely interconnected, whitewashed casitas are tucked discreetly among the pines just moments from the sugary sands of Playa Migjorn. Peppered around a central pool and clubhouse, Casbah attracts families and couples alike, who return year on year for the nostalgic spirit of the finca-style bar, the familiar staff and the lo-fi, laidback atmosphere. Kids love to play among the grassy lawns and the pretty pool (there’s a dedicated children’s pool, too), while adults – both residents and visitors alike – rave about the extraordinary signature fine-dining restaurant, where a contemporary twist on Balearic classics make it easily one of the best spots for a smart supper on the island. While not as glossy as Formentera’s newer neighbours, Casbah retains the romantic spirit of yesteryear, with a barefoot, bohemian and offbeat vibe that’s becoming harder to find as the island sharpens up its act. A two-minute stroll through a sandy, pine-fragranced path leads to the gently undulating sand dunes and Formentera’s mythical white sands, making it the ideal choice for parents with small children for whom nipping back and forth from the bedroom for naps, feeds and shady timeouts is helpful.

Address: Es Mal Pas, s/n, 07860 Sant Francesc de Formentera, Formentera, Spain

Price: From about £240 per night.

Can Tres

Best for: feeling like you've stumbled on a secret

Tucked inland, just beyond the dust-scratched caminos and sleepy fig groves, Can Tres is one of those rare places that feels found rather than booked. A collection of whitewashed villas tucked amid whispering pines and wild fennel; it’s more barefoot commune than hotel. At Can Tres, days stretch like warm toffee. Mornings begin with coffee steaming in terracotta mugs, taken barefoot on the terrace while cicadas start their endless song. Hammocks sway lazily between weather-worn sabina pines, and lizards flash emerald-green across the stones. Everything is sun-bleached, hand-built, frayed at the edges in the most beautiful way. The linen is soft from countless washes, the colourful straw hats on the walls are the perfect lo-fi décor and the kitchen tiles are just the right side of cracked.

There are bicycles with wicker baskets for market runs, a low-slung pool with a pink blush at dusk, and enough silence to hear your own breath. The kind of place where kids roam dusty-footed and feral, and nights are lit by stars and citronella candles, the air thick with lavender and the occasional burst of laughter.

Address: Camí de Can Simonet, 07860 Sant Francesc Xavier, Formentera, Spain​

Price: From about £220 per night.