Jardi d'Arta

The main attraction of this charming town hotel in the lively town of Arta in the NE of the island, is the delightful, higgledy piggledy rooftop garden. Stone steps lead up and down through carved wooden doorways and verdant walkways covered in rambling roses and other scented climbers to various jungly areas - a grassy zone with sun loungers shaded by a fat palm tree, padded seating round two pools, an eyrie where you can relax in deckchairs under a parasol overlooking Arta or secluded patio perfect for uninterrupted sunbathing. Two buildings have been merged together, hence the quirky, labyrinthine layout. Most of the rooms have their own private access to the garden and are well designed with beamed ceilings, stone floors, textured rugs and plain linen curtains. Breakfast is served in the downstairs courtyard or indoor dining area with high-backed banquette seating. A bar, and piano make for cheery evenings and dinner is served up by the in-house chef.