Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Resorts Collection

Refined, relaxed, and utterly remarkable, the 29-room Domaine des Etangs is French country living at its best. The 13th-century castle, located just a few hours outside Paris and Bordeaux, reigns over forests, gardens, and bucolic farmland, complete with grazing cows. In the living room, family portraits hang alongside Picassos and other artworks from the owner’s collection. Dine in the locally-sourced restaurant, or enjoy a picnic in some enchanting place: by a lily-pad-filled pond or in a rustic farmhouse. There are two pools, a floating tennis court, and an art exhibition.