Take me there: Purobeach, Montenegro
It's hard to believe that this sleepy Balkan state was once a playground for royalty and Hollywood stars, but next month Montenegro moves another step closer to recapturing its 60s heyday. Purobeach (purobeach.com) will bring its signature blend of poolside posing, guest DJs, full moon parties and sunset yoga sessions to the Bay of Kotor with the opening of its fourth outpost on 6 June. This follows hot on the heels of the reopening of the five-star Sveti Stefan (amanresorts.com), the former haunt of Sophia Loren, Princess Margaret, Liz Taylor and Richard Burton. Montenegro as the new Monaco? Stranger things have happened.
Travel clinic: active holidays for teenagers
The dilemma My husband and I want to take our three teenage grandchildren on a four-day break in the summer. They are very active. We like good food and would consider self-catering or a B&B in an area with lots to do. Margaret, by email
Base yourself close to one of the excellent multi-activity centres in the Brecon Beacons National Park and your grandchildren will never be short of things to do (see breconbeaconstourism.co.uk/activity_providers/index.html for a list). Black Mountain Activities (blackmountain.co.uk) is running taster days in the summer holidays giving families the chance to try canoeing, climbing, archery, raft building and gorge walking (half- days from £25 per child). Stay at the attractive Black Mountain Lodge (blackmountainlodge.co.uk; from £89 per night) in the village of Glasbury and you'll find good pub food at the Harp Inn a short walk away.
Brecon Cottages (breconcottages.com) has a great choice of self-catering lets, including the charming Myrtle House in Llanfrynach which sleeps five and is close to the Cantref Riding Centre (cantref.com), Brecon Canal Basin for boat trips and Bikes and Hikes (bikesandhikes.co.uk).
Three of the best: railway-themed retreats
You don't have to be a railway buff to enjoy staying at one of these quirky properties. Elegant interiors, great views and unusual locations all add up to a memorable getaway
Old Railway Station, Petworth Relive the golden age of rail travel at this B&B. Stay in the old station or a Pullman carriage. From £100 per night (old-station.co.uk)
Aberporth Express, Cardigan Bay Elegant conversion of an Edwardian carriage perched on a Welsh clifftop. Sleeps five. From £232 for two nights (underthethatch.co.uk)
Signal Box, Newtonmore On the platform of a working Highland station is this bright, modern cottage. From £430 per week (holidaylettings.co.uk/77864)
