Our Dorset retreats cover a range of places suited to different styles of getaway. Coastal boutique hotels offer direct access to long beach walks, while countryside cottages provide a quiet setting tucked among rolling farmland. Some properties include hot tubs and outdoor spaces designed for relaxed evenings after days exploring the coast. Others are set up for longer stays, with practical kitchens, comfortable living areas and private gardens that work well for families.
For guests travelling with dogs, several retreats provide enclosed grounds or easy access to open countryside. For those looking for a special stay, you’ll find cottages in beautiful Dorset countryside, near walking routes and villages known for their food and independent shops.
Each retreat has been selected for its setting, level of comfort and suitability for guests wanting a calm base close to the county’s best-known landscapes. This makes the Dorset collection a practical starting point for coastal breaks, walking weekends or simple downtime in this part of the South West with other lovely curated collections of retreats to choose from in Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.
Dorset’s coastline and countryside create an appealing setting for couples. Quiet beaches, cliff-top paths and sheltered coves offer plenty of places for chilled, unhurried days, while small market towns provide good options for local food and relaxed evenings out. Our Dorset retreats for two vary from coastal boutique hotels to rural cabins, with easy access to places like West Bay, Lulworth and Shaftesbury.
If you’re exploring alternative destinations for couples’ breaks, you may also like our romantic and adult only collections.
Much of Dorset is recognised for its varied natural landscapes, including the Dorset AONB which covers coastline, chalk ridges, heathland and hidden valleys. Staying within or near these protected areas offers access to walking routes, wildlife and wonderful views. Explore well-known landmarks such as the Jurassic Coast, the Isle of Purbeck and Golden Cap.
Guests who enjoy time in recognised landscapes may also like browsing other AONB-set destination collections within the Boutique Luxury Retreats directory, including the Cotswolds, Lake District and the Peak District
Dorset is well suited to dog-friendly breaks, offering beaches with seasonal access, open countryside and miles of coastal footpaths. Many retreats within our Dorset collection are dog friendly, providing practical indoor layouts, outdoor space and easy access to walking routes so you can enjoy the area at your own pace.
For group stays, Dorset offers large luxury country holiday houses and boutique hotels in fabulous parts of the coast and countryside. Some are close to places like Bridport, Wareham or Studland, giving you a convenient base for beach days, walking routes and local food. These retreats provide stunning shared spaces and practical layouts for family gatherings and group breaks for those milestone celebrations.
How do I book a Dorset retreat?
Browse our Dorset collection and choose a property that suits your stay. You can send an enquiry directly to the owner via the retreat page, or select “to book on owners website” to visit their booking page and secure your dates.
Are your Dorset retreats selected to any criteria?
Each retreat in the Dorset collection is hand picked for its uniqueness, quality and the experience offered by the owner. If you book a retreat from the Boutique Luxury Retreats collection, it won’t disappoint.
What are the best independent places to shop in Dorset?
We particularly love Dorset for its many small market towns and villages with their eclectic mix of artisan makers, galleries, food producers and one-off boutiques. Try Wareham, Bridport, Sherborne, Beaminster, Lyme Regis, Wimborne Minster and Shaftesbury for starters.
Is Dorset suitable for dog-friendly breaks?
Yes. As with most of the UK now, Dorset offers miles of dog-friendly walking routes, countryside trails and beaches with seasonal access, making it an appealing destination to visit with dogs.
