Readers Recommend

* Arizona: Joann Brock, Newport Beach: Little Thumb B&B;, P.O. 3947, Chino Valley 86323; telephone (928) 636-4413, fax (928) 636-4452, Internet https://www.littlethumb.net. “A getaway in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert for you and your horse, with wide-open spaces surrounded by canyons, hills and the Verde River.” Rates: $65 to $80 per night. Horse boarding $5 per night.

* Italy: Paul H. Christensen, Rancho Palos Verdes: Hotel Florida, Via Colombare 91, Sirmione 25010; tel. 011-39-030-919-018, fax 011-39-030-990-4254. “An excellent, moderately priced hotel on Lake Garda. The hospitality is outstanding, the food is good and the local wine is excellent. The location offers shops, restaurants and an attractive place to relax.” Rates: about $79 for two, with breakfast.

* South Africa: Jerome Sigler, Los Angeles: Babanango Valley Lodge, P.O. Box 10, Babanango 9850, Kwa-Zulu Natal; tel. 011-27-35-835-0062, fax 011-27-82-320-4134, https://www.babanangovalley.com. “Lodge with swimming pool, reliable hot water, laundry service, excellent meals, afternoon tea--but no TV, no phones in the guest rooms. The owner-operators are Dr. John and Meryn Turner. John is an expert in local history and a certified tour guide. The lodge is in the heart of a nature reserve.” Rate: $80 per person per day, with dinner and breakfast.