Melote House South Africa

Perhaps it’s the first glimpse of a giraffe from the infinity pool. Maybe it’s the night sounds at the nearby watering hole, heard from the private deck under a starlit sky – but it’s hard not to have a wobbly-bottom-lip moment at Melote House. Set within the 48,000 hectares of South Africa’s Lapalala Wilderness Reserve (Limpopo Province), the exclusive, rental-only lodge looks out over miles of untouched wilderness. Built into a hillside, each of the six suites has panoramic views, with beds and bathtubs positioned to take in the majestic landscape – meanwhile, a living rooftop occasionally lures a grazing animal, creating a sense of full-immersion in the natural surroundings. There’s the opportunity for twice-daily private game drives, a boat cruise down the Palala river or guided bushwalks and, expeditions aside, the staff offer an experience tailored entirely to each group’s needs. Childminding is included, as are all meaGls and access to the extensive cellar.

With three pools, no one is going to feel overcrowded, although an adjacent cottage with two additional guest suites provides spillover accommodation in case it’s needed – maybe for grandparents to enjoy a break from the excited whoops of younger family members as they ride the high of their first spotting of lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant, buffalo or cheetah.

The sense of luxury sits easily alongside sustainability at this second property for the family-run Lepogo Lodges. Much like their first – Noka Camp – it’s 100 per cent non-profit – all financial gains go back into the reserve – and entirely off-grid (a self- generated electricity system adheres to the ‘leave it as we found it’ principle), meaning that the Lapalala Wilderness will remain as wild and untouched for generations to come.

Villa Saraceno Italy

After an alfresco dinner in the loggia, guests might move indoors for a coffee, where flickering candlelight catches the cornicing and illuminates frescoed friezes in this vast Palladian villa. Thanks to its temple-like proportions and museum-like aesthetics, Villa Saraceno swallows up a crowd – children can run wild in the grounds, while teens might sprawl in a deckchair on the lawn. There are plenty of vineyards nearby and Vincenza, ‘the pearl of the Renaissance’, is just half an hour away; although, thanks to the villa’s hand-painted frescos of Virgil’s Aeneid, you won’t even need to venture beyond these four walls to discover Italian art and architecture. Indeed, imposing and almost brutal in its hard-line symmetry and lofty portico, Villa Saraceno is a striking example – and one of only 20 or so remaining – of Andrea Palladio’s villas. Built in the mid 16th century, it fell into disrepair until The Landmark Trust rescued the country retreat and restored it in its signature, historically sensitive (if a little sparse) style, to accommodate 16 self-catering guests. Hand-painted Vietri tiles, exposed beams and a granary that runs the length of the upper floor nod to the original design, although the occasional en suite shower drags it into the 21st century. Housekeepers Fabio and Elisabetta breathe warmth into the property, organising dinners on request and tempering the grandeur with genial hospitality.

Nero Beach House Corfu

With little infrastructure nearby, early risers will often have Kalamaki Beach to themselves – but since the villa is a mere 100m away from the shore, late risers and lunchtime nappers can drift back and forth quite easily. Kalamaki may be a bit off the beaten track, but it’s a good example of why Corfu’s northern beaches remain such a lure: sand shelves gently into shallow, crystal-clear water. There are a couple of beachfront tavernas, the prospect of turtle sightings and views that stretch out across the Ionian Sea to Albanian mountain ridges on the horizon.

It’s easy to while away days on the beach, although there’s plenty to tempt guests back to the villa. Nero Beach House has been recently refurbished and commissioned to cater for all holidaying whims: an outdoor kitchen with built-in barbecue, 12m pool, plunge pool and games room next to two twin rooms – making it an obvious place to install younger family members who will gravitate towards the pool table. The decor is modern with a nod to the area’s agricultural traditions: high, wood-beamed ceilings create a sense of space. Nearby hilltop village Perithia is the oldest settlement on the island – think cobbled streets, ancient stone churches and olive groves. In the other direction is Kassiopi – once an old fishing town, now buzzy and boujee, it’s at the end of a stretch known as Millionaire’s Row.

It’s over 50 years since the husband-and-wife team behind CV Villas fell in love with the area and launched their first property. No surprise that they still have a stronghold along Corfu’s north-east coast, with Nero Beach House proving that they still know what makes family holidays a hit.

Grace Yacht Galapagos

‘Grace borrows its name from Grace Kelly, who sailed it on her honeymoon and the yacht remains fit for a princess, thanks to a recent refit. So while days can be spent exploring the Galapagos like Darwin, evenings can be all about luxuriating on board like Monaco royalty’

Imagine breakfast aboard 147ft yacht Grace: a bright sun is climbing in the sky, the smell of coffee catches the warm sea breeze – then, suddenly, a waved albatross, a humpback whale. If it’s a bucket-list safari you’re after, it doesn’t get much better than a small-ship wildlife cruise around this unique volcanic archipelago, adrift in the eastern Pacific. From tracking giant tortoises to snorkelling alongside sea lions, spotting Darwin’s finches, blue- footed boobies or Galapagos penguins, it’s an unforgettable experience for nature lovers of all ages. What’s more, the 16-bed yacht has agility and an element of spontaneity, which ensures guests make the most of time spent inside the national parks. Expert naturalist guides accompany each trip and two dinghies (Zodiacs) designed for disembarkation mean the islands can be viewed in the most intimate way, with the lightest of touches.

Back on board, it’s a right royal affair – Grace borrows its name from Grace Kelly, who sailed it on her honeymoon – and the yacht remains fit for a princess, thanks to a recent refit. Think wood-clad hot tub, coffee lounge and even a revamped menu. So while days may be spent exploring like Darwin, evenings can be all about luxuriating on board like Monaco royalty.

Pasha Costa Rica

Diverse groups tend to start their days differently – perhaps with a morning surf, a nature walk or strong Costa Rican coffee by the pool. Either way, there’s something for everyone at this 23-person villa on the Pacific coast, where jungle meets the sea. It’s the largest beachfront home in star-studded Santa Teresa. Even the neighbours (Mark Zuckerberg, Gisele Bündchen) might feel a pang of envy at the 3.6ha estate (a four-bed main house and three villas, each with two bedrooms) as well as the private path to the pristine beach at Playa Hermosa, whose shallow water and shade from palms and figs make it ideal for young families. There’s surfing to be had (borrow boards from the villa) or snorkel for a glimpse of rainbow wrasse and Cortez angelfish. Inland, guests may be tempted by hiking in the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, horse riding, mangrove kayaking or a canopy tour of Montezuma waterfalls and treks to spot butterflies, birds or even bioluminescence.

There’s no shortage of restaurants in Santa Teresa, but note that the villa takes inspiration from the Nicoya Peninsula’s status as a Blue Zone, known for longevity. With the prospect of top local ingredients and regional dishes promoting long-life, the decision to employ the villa chef’s services might be one you live to cherish.

Smith Fork Ranch USA

Whether your vision of holidaying in the ‘Wild West’ is more to do with survival skills or spa treatment, Smith Fork Ranch makes it happen. Nestled within the West Elk range of the Rocky Mountains, this 100ha ranch is epic in every sense. Not just the surroundings – from National Forest to Gunnison River – but also the accommodation (sleeping up to 38 guests in 18 bedrooms in six cabins) and the attention to detail bestowed on each group’s visit. Described as ‘bespoke all-inclusive’, suggested itineraries range from white water rafting to wine tasting, clay pigeons to campfire s’mores. Secret passion for line dancing? No problem. Fascination with the stars? A local astronomer can host a dark-sky tour. There’s a roughstock programme for children, even overnight equestrian camps for the rangier members of the group. Individual cabins lend themselves to house visits as they’re all unique – with views over Needle Rock or set on the bank of Gunnison River, say – and exposed wood, checks and stone fireplaces are all very heirloom, very handicraft. Families can meet in the compound for dinner to feast on the best of North Fork Valley’s cuisine – after, porch swings beckon for an all-American experience.

Eleven Deplar Farm Iceland

Every mouthful, every view at Eleven Deplar Farm is a carefully considered celebration of the north Icelandic surroundings. Rightly so: the great outdoors doesn’t get much greater than the Fljót Valley. In winter, the sky dances with the Northern Lights, while summer days yawn into each other with 20 hours of light. Look closely amid the moss-green palette of Iceland’s pastures and you’ll spot turf-roofed Eleven Deplar Farm embedded within the landscape. In spite of humble beginnings as a sheep farm, it’s a case of abject luxury – we’re talking geothermal pool with swim-up bar and floatation tanks in the 465sq m spa. Yet it’s not a hotel to coddle guests – ‘experience managers’ simply check everyone is fully fuelled and inspired to head back out into the wild. There’s heli-skiing in winter, fishing (Arctic salmon, char) in summer and year-round trekking and kayaking, with the chance to ride wild horses or spot humpback whale, giving everyone plenty to discuss over the chef’s dinner, before retiring to rooms in various, family-friendly configurations.

Stafford Bungalow Sri Lanka

There are some hints as to the old-world atmosphere as you arrive: the white picket fence and rose-covered trellises; the afternoon tea stands; and chef Sanjeewa who appears in his toque-style white chef’s hat to discuss dinner. To stay in Stafford Bungalow is to be engulfed in the charm of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Once the residence of pioneering Scottish tea planters, the main house has been converted into guest accommodation that sits within a 20ha working tea plantation half an hour outside Nuwara Eliya. There’s an Edwardian rhythm to days: a tea estate walk departs early with binoculars for keen ornithologists – babblers, parrots, barbets and flycatchers often put on a show before breakfast. There’s a putting green and croquet lawn, and gin and tonic sundowners, flavoured with kitchen-garden herbs, are something of a ritual. The gentle pace leaves plenty of time to swim in the infinity pool, dip into the library and play board games before dinner in the open-sided dining room – with tea-pairing, naturally. Discreet butlers leave guests to treat the hotel as a true Edwardian-summer house party.

Happy Days Gulet Türkiye

Setting sail into the blue waters of the Mediterranean aboard a Turkish wooden gulet is an experience too perfect not to be shared with your nearest and dearest. And to ensure you get to spend as much time with each other as possible, opt for a private charter such as the 30m Happy Days gulet, where every need is catered for. The boat brings together the timeless look of the graceful, traditional sailing vessels and the luxury touches needed for a special break. There’s a crew of five not only to ensure you experience a smooth sail, but also see to it that you are watered and fed with the best of Turkish hospitality – most often enjoyed alfresco on deck. Five decadent cabins – two master suites with queen-size beds, one double and two twins – come with satellite tv, and there’s wi-fi plus a good stock of board games for lazy days. But while sunbathing is an essential part of the trip, Happy Days comes equipped with a tender, single canoes, paddleboards, water skis, wakeboards and snorkelling and fishing equipment, so there’s something to keep everyone in the party busy. Your charter will take you to the best of the Turkish riviera: from cosmopolitan Bodrum with its unbeatable meze, to the atmospheric, cobbled streets of Antalya, the Turquoise Coast is your oyster.