Be it family or friends, being separated from our loved ones has been one of the hardest parts of the coronavirus pandemic. We’ve all missed out on marking milestone moments and celebrating with our nearest and dearest but, with a glimmer of light now at the end of the tunnel, we think it’s high time we all gave ourselves something to look forward to. And nothing sounds better right now than gathering together your family or closest friends at one of the world’s most luxurious villas.

With that in mind we’ve teamed up with luxury vacation rental company Edge Retreats to spotlight the most spectacular luxury villas for your dream 2021 gathering – and the beautiful villas big enough for large groups to spend them in. Book now, they’re going fast.

Best long-haul destination: Turks & Caicos

An archipelago of 40 islands that lies to the Southeast of the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos is the perfect tropical escape for those looking for family-friendly holiday options that offer a great balance between vibrant culture and entertainment combined with privacy and luxury. Famed for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and excellent snorkelling, English is the mother tongue of this British Overseas Territory and, with 350 days of sunshine per year, there’s never a bad time to visit.

Hawksbill Estate, Grace Bay

Sleeps: 16Best for: Active multi-generational familiesWhy we love it: Located just 15 minutes from Providenciales International Airport, this sprawling five-acre estate has been designed as a sanctuary for large families, with plenty to entertain children and adults alike. Standing on the waterfront of the idyllic Grace Bay, the villa is built around an impressive light-filled Great Room, with dining and living spaces, and finished with huge doors to make the most of the property’s incredible sea views. The villa’s eight bedrooms are also scattered across numerous individual buildings offering great flexibility for big groups.

Elsewhere, a games room, fully equipped gym, hot tub, large outdoor pool and tennis courts, as well as the restaurants, bars and shops of Grace Bay, offer plenty of entertainment options while thoughtful use of outdoor areas provide nooks for al fresco dining and a whole host of spaces for those looking to relax and catch some rays. Looking to really sit back and unwind? Hawksbill Estate even comes with its own private chef so you needn’t lift a finger.

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Pearl West, Long Bay

Sleeps: 16Best for: Sophisticated travellers looking for barefoot luxuryWhy we love it: Travelling with a group who expects only the best? Pearl West, one of three elegant villas on the Long Bay Estate, is guaranteed to impress. Sleeping 16 across eight chic bedroom suites, this elegant villa blends traditional beach house style with contemporary architecture and state-of-the-art technology.

Floor-to-ceiling windows maximise on the home’s unbeatable views over Long Bay (a sought after spot for water sports) while a home cinema, Jacuzzi, 1,100 square foot gym, swimming pool, tennis courts and outdoor spa provide more than enough options for entertainment and relaxation. A range of terraces, decks, day beds and dining spots have also been designed to make the most of the villa’s large outdoor spaces. Your only task? Decide where you’d like your private chef to serve your meals.

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Best short-haul destination: Cote d’Azur

Nice, Cannes, St Tropez – the beauty and glamour of the Cote d’Azur needs no introduction. For British travellers looking for a luxurious getaway that doesn’t require taking a plane or train (and aren’t adverse to a long drive), the Cote d’Azur can also be reached by car in 14 hours from London, meaning your plans are far less likely to be disrupted by travel restrictions. And, once you’re there, you’re going to be glad you have your car. From pretty beachside towns filled with fine dining restaurants and al fresco bars to quaint hillside villages and vineyards, the South of France is bursting with history and culture waiting to be explored. If, of course, you can bring yourself to leave your villa…

Villa Freya, Cannes

Sleeps: 14Best for: Catering to your every whimWhy we love it: Set across five hectares nestled among olive groves in the hills above Cannes, this vast, modern villa is divided into a five bedroom main house and two bedroom annex, making it a brilliant option for multiple families travelling together. Its huge range of amenities, which include a private pool, gym, spa, cinema and wine cellar, mean that, no matter how varied the tastes of your guests, there’s going to be something everyone will enjoy.

The house is also fully staffed, with a private chef, housekeeper, two maids and a villa manager ready and waiting to make sure your every need is catered for. All the conveniences of a luxury hotel with the exclusivity of a private villa? We’re sold.

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Beach Maison, St Tropez

Sleeps: 14Best for: Getting the best of both worldsWhy we love it: St Tropez is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, not just on the Cote d’Azur, but in all of Europe, which makes Beach Maison – a waterfront villa with private beach access located just minutes from St Topez – a rare find. Situated in the conservation area of Salins, guests are guaranteed utter tranquility, with no beach bars or motorised boats allowed within the vicinity of the villa; ideal if you’ve spent the previous night sampling the best of St Tropez’s buzzing nightlife.

Each of the villa’s seven bedrooms is en suite while large living spaces offer plenty of options for communal dining and relaxing. There’s also a private tennis court and swimming pool, complete with large decks for sunbathing, while four staff bedrooms allow for a live-in maid as well as quarters for your own chef, nanny or assistants.

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Best staycation: Cotswolds

Don’t yet feel confident enough to book a holiday abroad? While we like to remain optimistic (and Edge Retreats offers a flexible amendment policy), it’s understandable. If there’s anything that the past year has taught us, however, it’s that there are plenty of brilliant holiday destinations to be found in our own fair isles. Lying just a few hours by car from London, the rolling hills and picturesque villages of the Cotswolds make it one of the UK’s most popular staycation spots. Upgrade your usual accomodation to a truly magnificent home and you’ll have a holiday to rival any far flung adventure on your hands.

The Estate, Temple Guiting

Sleeps: 37Best for: Extended families who enjoy quintessential British luxuryWhy we love it: When the UK is home to properties as incredible at The Estate, it’s hard to argue with opting for a staycation. Accommodating up to 37 people across two buildings, this Grade One-listed home is situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, making it the perfect base from which to experience the charms of this classic English holiday spot.

Privately owned since it was built in the 15th century, The Estate has been lovingly cared for and updated while retaining its traditional charm. Thick oak beams and stone window frames are complemented by art and antiques while mod cons include a hot tub, cinema, table tennis, an all-weather tennis court and heated outdoor pool. Looking for simpler pleasures? Lose yourself among The Estate’s acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.

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