The Best Holiday Homes on the Market

By Martha Davies

4 months ago

From the Cotswolds to Connecticut...


First home feeling a little squeezed? Get another one. We’ve rounded up the very best holiday homes both in the UK and abroad. Unpack your bags at your home away from home.

The Best Holiday Homes On The Market Right Now

Tourrettes-sur-Loup, France

A villa in the South of France, part of August's Premium Collection

August’s Premium Collection

Searching for a sunny second home but don’t want the hassle of owning one? This is where August comes in, an exclusive lifestyle network offering families co-ownership of numerous incredible properties across Europe. Located on the outskirts of the charming village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup on the French Riviera – just a 45-minute drive from Nice Airport – this spectacular five-bedroom holiday home is the perfect example of an August Premium home. Interiors are reminiscent of Soho House, and yet they also pay homage to the local area, with elegant open-plan spaces and stunning views. There is a games room, gym and swimming pool to explore, plus a pergola for outdoor parties and a Pétanque court providing the perfect after-dinner entertainment. The best part? Every outpost in the collection is managed by August, removing the usual stress of holiday home ownership. €700,000 for a 1/21 share of five homes, including this villa, a chalet in Chamonix, a townhouse in Mallorca, a villa in Tuscany and a farmhouse in the Cotswolds. For more information, visit augustcollection.co.uk

Villa Dali, Mallorca

Large Mallorcan villa with a pool and a sunken seating area built into the lawn.

If one holiday home doesn’t cut it, how about three? Here’s your chance to purchase a jaw-dropping estate encompassing three adjoining villas, all occupying a spectacular position overlooking Port Andratx. Expect a total of 12 bedrooms plus a gym, sauna, cinema and games room – and those all-important sea views, of course. It’s the height of luxury. POA; for more information, visit imperial-properties.com

CostaTerra, Comporta, Portugal

Aerial view of wood-panelled residents' lounge on a hill in Portugal.

Just an hour south of Lisbon, this members-only residential community comprises 300 properties across 720 acres. From quaint cottages to opulent villas, there’s something for everyone, with turnkey options available alongside completely custom homes. You can also expect amenities including an equestrian centre, wellness centre, beach club and an exclusive golf course.  (There’s even a farm, too.) This is sun-drenched coastal luxury at its very best. costaterraclub.com

Discovery Dunes, Dubai

Exterior of round restaurant on the water in Dubai, with floor-to-ceiling windows and wooden decking.

This lush spot is the first members-only residential community of its kind in the golf district of Dubai South. It provides serene homes alongside fitness facilities, restaurants and (of course) a one-of-a-kind golf course designed by the legendary Tom Fazio, with exclusive club membership on offer for homeowners within the community. It’s a desert oasis, but it’s also only a short drive away from Dubai’s glittering city centre. If you’re dreaming of life in the dunes, this is the place for you. discoverylandco.com

Casa Castaña, Marbella

Aerial view of Spanish villa with landscaped gardens, outhouses and a pool.

Sovilla

This isn’t just a holiday home – it’s practically a palace. Inside, you’ll find seven bedrooms and six bathrooms alongside a dazzling array of amenities including a bespoke cinema room, gym, yoga hall and state-of-the-art spa encompassing a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, massage room and hair salon. There’s also an outdoor pool and a custom-built bodega on the grounds. Available through Solvilla for €13.95 million

La Gratitud, Marbella

Aerial view of Spanish villa with lawn, pool and covered terrace.

Sovilla

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea from this jaw-dropping nine-bedroom villa. Highlights include the sunken lounge area complete with a brass chandelier; the enormous chef’s kitchen; and the entertainment/wellness wing, which features a custom hammam spa, heated indoor pool and massage room alongside a gaming room, gym and bowling alley. Available through Sovilla for €35 million

Vereda Norte, Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs villa with swimming pool and jacuzzi

Patrick Ketchum

Step inside this gated compound in Palm Springs and you’ll spot a tennis court, swimming pool and spa, plus an outdoor kitchen and a firepit. Inside, meanwhile, there is an impressive kitchen, a media room and multiple living areas alongside seven bedrooms including a palatial principal suite with a fireplace and an enormous bathtub. What’s not to love? Available through Bennion Deville Homes/Luxury Portfolio International for $6,345,000

Benahavis, Malaga, Spain

Spanish villa with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor pool and a private terrace

This spectacular six-bedroom property is complete with a gym, sauna, steam room and swimming pool, not to mention a cinema room and even a Turkish bath. Enjoy glorious views of the sea and the surrounding hills from your very own slice of paradise. Available through Hamptons for €11,000,000

Villa Ambelia, Kamares Village, Paphos, Cyprus

Cyprus villa with coastal views and an infinity pool.

Perched on a hillside within the exclusive Kamares resort on the Paphos coastline, this handsome villa offers three bedrooms, three bathrooms, landscaped gardens and breathtaking views. You can admire this incredible location from the sprawling outdoor swimming pool. Bliss. Available through Leptos Estates for €1.995 million

Chablé Yucatán, Mexico

Exterior of thatched villa in Mexico, with steps leading up to it.

Dreaming of somewhere drenched in sun? These three- and five-bedroom villas are situated on the outskirts of the historic city of Mérida, right in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Forming part of a luxury branded real estate development from Chablé Hotels, the properties are brimming with dazzling features: expect vast dining and living areas alongside private swimming pools, jacuzzis and terraces. Plus, every resident enjoys access to the facilities at the five-star Chablé Yucatán, including renowned wellness facilities and a spectacular restaurant. You’ll never want to leave. yucatan.chablehotels.com

The Lakes by YOO, Lechlade, Cotswolds

A modern wood cabin with trees

Whether you’re looking for a bespoke private home, a charming lakeside cabin or a luxury apartment, you’ll find it at The Lakes by YOO. With spectacular views, sprawling grounds and incredible amenities including a restaurant, Kids’ Club and Wellness Centre, this gorgeous estate offers everything you need and more. thelakesbyyoo.com

Cotswolds Waters, Lechlade, Cotswolds

Contemporary Cotswolds villa with glass balconies.

Looking for a customisable Cotswolds home? Purchase one of 77 lakeside plots at this brand new estate and bring your dream home to life, working hand-in-hand with Cotswolds Waters’ designers – or simply choose one of 63 luxury apartments, which will be available as fully-furnished holiday homes. A brand new addition to The Lakes by Yoo’s residential offering, the estate boasts four lakes, 110 acres of woodland and an enviable location, with London only 90 minutes away. It’s the perfect place for a second property. cotswoldswatersbyyoo.co.uk

Can Calo, Valldemossa, Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca holiday home with pool

This historic estate was originally built around an ancient chapel by Archduke Luis Salvador in the 1880s, and it commands incredible sea views along the North-West Coast. Inside the gorgeous property you’ll find study, library and music areas alongside a custom-made Italian kitchen and six ensuite bedrooms (with two further ensuite bedrooms in a separate guest house.) You can take in the magnificent location from multiple outdoor terraces and garden spots, or make the most of leisure facilities including a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, sauna and cinema room. Available through Charles Marlow for €13,750,000

Villatura, Quinta do Lago, Portugal

Large villa with infinity pool in front of modern kitchen with sliding doors.

Arranged across four floors and over 1,300 square metres of living space, this is a holiday home of truly palatial proportions, boasting a jaw-dropping contemporary design which offers unbeatable luxury. You’ll find seven bedrooms and ten bathrooms as well as a cinema room, bar, gym and private spa. With an array of terrace areas and balconies to explore, you can sunbathe, entertain or simply enjoy the views of this spectacular location. Available through Quinta do Lago Real Estate. quintadolago.com

Finca Cortesin, Spain

Rural Spanish villa with terrace and pool in front and wide glass windows.

Designed by esteemed Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, these villas at Finca Cortesin are truly one-of-a-kind. A colour palette of soft neutral tones works perfectly alongside wooden panels and floor-to-ceiling windows to create a feeling of unblemished tranquility, reinforced by glorious views of the Spanish hills. Searching for a piece of paradise? Look no further. From €4.6 million. mcollectionproperty.com

Algarve, Portugal

Holiday home in Portugal

Enjoy over 300 days of Mediterranean sunshine each year in these Horizon villas. The collection of residences all host either five or six bedrooms and are kitted out with private home cinemas, spas and gyms. The wine cellars and private chefs’ kitchen are just an added bonus. From £3.9 million. onegreenway.pt