Foodie breaks: everything you need to know about an agriturismo stay

The Balearic Islands are home to 29 agriturismi, from the family-friendly Son Siurana in Majorca to the five-star Atzaro Hotel in Ibiza. Cugo Gran in Menorca is the island’s only five-star option, set on a 250-acre countryside estate.

Guests can collect eggs from the chickens, pet the donkeys and spot more than 2,000 turtles residing on the grounds. The hotel recently introduced a paella masterclass run by head chef Roberto Sarrio, and clients can also try local wines as part of wine-tasting sessions (the hotel has its own vineyard and produces its own wine).

General manager Samuel Santos says that agriturismi also appeal to guests with an environmental conscience. “Preservation of the environment, self-management and the use of local products are the main foundations of an agriturismo,” he says.

“These aspects are increasingly important to our guests and to a new generation that really cares about the environment and being immersed locally when on holiday.” Cugo Gran can also be hired as an exclusive-use villa in the summer months.

Book it: Red Savannah offers a week’s exclusive-use stay at the 11-bedroom Cugo Gran from £2,105pppn based on 22 people booking for a week in low seaon, including flights and transfers. redsavannah.com

Brazil

Fazenda Catucaba is located halfway between Sao Paulo and the Pousada Picinguaba, sitting on more than 1,000 acres of organic farmland dotted with rivers and lakes. The building dates back to the 1850s and incorporates a new lakehouse, constructed last year and popular with families in need of more space.

All food harvested is organic, with the farm producing coffee, cachaca, cheese, meat and plenty of seasonal fruit and veg. “Guests can ask to be involved in any task they want to around the farm. Alternatively, the concierge can arrange excursions around the property including hikes, horseback riding, picnics and yoga,” says Matt Nilsson, South America product executive at Audley Travel.

Book it: Audley Travel can include a stay at Fazenda Catucaba as part of an 11-day tailor-made Brazil trip. Prices start from £5,860pp based on two sharing including flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions. audleytravel.com

Gibbs Farm lies close to the slopes of the Ngorongoro crater. Originally a coffee farm in the 1920s, the peaceful guest-house now grows produce in its coffee and vegetable fields, and allows its guests to help feed the animals and milk the cows.

Daniel Heatley, Africa product executive at Kuoni, says: “People come here for the Ngorongoro crater but so many say their favourite part of their trip was the homely farmyard surrounds of Gibbs Farm. It’s an interactive experience with a variety of excursions both in the gardens and with the animals.”

Guests can immerse themselves in activities including bread-making, coffee-roasting and gathering around the campfire after meals to hear tales of Iraqw culture and tribal folklore.

Book it: Kuoni offers a three-night stay at Gibbs Farm as part of its five-day Unsurpassed Tanzania package, priced from £4,995pp and including flights and transfers. kuoni.co.uk

There’s been a real boom in agriturismi in recent years and there’s a huge variety of experiences on offer – from the humbler agriturismi offering simple, traditional accommodation with the chance to immerse yourself in the life of the farm and enjoy rustic home- cooked meals, to more luxurious properties with excellent facilities such as outdoor pools, high-speed Wi-Fi and flatscreen TVs, as well as a more refined gastronomic o ering. Staying at an agriturismo will appeal to people who enjoy good food and wine and are looking for an authentic, under- the-skin experience, as well as families who will appreciate the space and freedom of the countryside setting. Most agriturismi are family-run, and you can expect a warm welcome.