In a world where remote working and social distancing are now the norm, it's understandable that many people are also looking for a vacation away from crowds.
If you want to go somewhere exclusive – and ultra luxurious – then you're in luck.
From buying islands to renting a whole castle, we handpick some of the most unique deals available. But remember, if you really want to get away from it all, expect to pay for that luxury…
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Chapel Barn Estate, Suffolk
Wilderness Reserve recently launched Chapel Barn Estate, set on 5,000 acres of countryside in Suffolk. The estate offers a number of accommodation options, but it's the chapel barn itself that really has the 'wow factor'. Ideal for weddings or staycations, the renovated 15th-century barn can accommodate up to 38 people in 17 double bedrooms and a bunk room, all with en suite bathrooms. In addition to its heritage and charm, Chapel Barn also has luxury offerings including an indoor swimming pool, cinema, gym and spa.
One night from £201 per room (based on a Monday in low season) or £3,625 for an exclusive one night booking. During the week no minimum stay, on weekends minimum three nights from Friday; wildreserve.com
Ellenborough Park, Cotswolds, England
Steeped in 500 years of history and set among 90 acres of sprawling countryside, this former stately home is a jewel in the crown of the Cotswolds. Ellenborough Park's exclusive use offering gives guests access to the 62 guest rooms, meeting and event rooms, gym and outdoor pool. Also included are the hotel's two dining options: The Restaurant which offers fine dining and The Horse Box, based on a typical country pub.
Exclusive use of Ellenborough Park starts from £18,000 per night; ellenboroughpark.com
(Image credit: ©Tuscany Now and More ltd)
Torre Palazzone, Tuscany
Most families could probably manage to squeeze into the 11-room Torre Palazzone, a gloriously atmospheric Tuscan villa in the hills outside Siena. Its secluded wooded setting (and private heated pool) make it ideal for a moment of optional self-isolation in a richly historic setting. The property's tower is 1,000 years old, while an Etruscan tomb in the garden dates to around 500 BC. The interior is also home to antique treasures, including a vintage Transylvanian daybed and antique panels from a Syrian home, curated by antiques dealer Kitty Walsh. A housekeeper and a cook will take care of the practical aspects for up to 22 people.
Palazzone Toweravailable through Tuscany Now & More, offers weekly stays from £10,945
Glenapp Castle, Scotland
Experience the height of opulence at Glenapp Castle, a luxurious 17-room Relais & Châteaux hotel nestled on the beautiful Ayrshire coast of Scotland. The full exclusive rental offers use of the castle, all 17 bedrooms, the four-bedroom castle apartment, 110 acres of gardens and the surrounding estate for private use and breakfast accommodation for up to 42 people.
From £9,950 per night (1 November 2020 to 31 March 2021); glenappcastle.com
Blackrock Beach House, Northern Ireland
Overlooking the Blue Flag West Strand Beach and offering stunning views of Donegal, Ramore Head and the Isle of Isla, Blackrock Beach House in Portrush provides the perfect setting for a luxury break. Accommodating up to 14 people, it is the ideal place for anyone looking to book a luxurious, self-catering stay with friends or family.
Available for exclusive rental from £840 per night with a seven-night minimum stay required; blackrockbeachhouseportrush.com
Singita Serengeti House and Singita Kataza House
With the brand new exclusive use retreat Singita Serengeti House in Tanzania, Singita launched a 12-night private jet package combining the villa with Singita Kataza House in Rwanda. Both villas are completely private, with minimal touch points, no interaction with other guests and fully staffed. This new route offers access to the best of East Africa, launched just in time to combine the mountain gorillas of Rwanda with the iconic wildebeest migration of the Serengeti.
Prices for the 12-night itinerary start from $209,339 (£166,736) for up to eight people and include all accommodation, meals, drinks and exclusive full-board safaris in Tanzania as well as private transport between Tanzania and Rwanda and activities. . E-mail enquiries@singita.com
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Félicité Island, Seychelles
Described as the “ultimate playground in paradise,” this unspoiled island offers a private, yet secluded, pampering destination. Twenty guests can stay in spectacular villas, set among spectacular granite boulders and untouched nature.
Turquoise Holidays is offering an exclusive one-week buyout of Six Senses Zil Pasyon for up to 20 guests from £295,600 (£14,777 per person) for seven nights all-inclusive; holidaysturquoise.fr
Shakti 360° Leti, India
Situated 8,000 feet above sea level in the Indian Himalayas, Shakti 360° Leti is a breathtaking resort. With just four guest lodges and a main living and dining room, all built by combining ancient local building techniques with contemporary design, this is a stunning mountain sanctuary for eight people.
Available from October to April each year, seven nights' exclusive use for eight people costs $76,216 (£57,868) on an all-inclusive basis; shaktihimalaya.com
La Sultana Marrakech, Morocco
Immerse yourself in the Moroccan charm and glamor of La Sultana Marrakech, located within the ancient walls of the imperial city. Accommodating up to 56 people in 28 individually designed rooms and suites, La Sultana Marrakech is perfect for a hotel takeover. By reserving the hotel for exclusive use, guests can enjoy the cathedral-style spa with traditional Moroccan hammams, a heated swimming pool and savor the delicious dishes available in the hotel's two restaurants serving the best in cuisine Moroccan.
Exclusive bookings start at £13,060 per night and require a minimum stay of three nights; lasultanahotels.com
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort, Maldives
Set among 18 hectares of tropical vegetation, stunning beaches and landscaped gardens, and surrounding a natural lake, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is a heavenly setting and the first Pullman Resort to offer an all-inclusive concept. For those who really want to push the boat out, why not take over the island by staying in 122 of the resort's sumptuous villas. The resort has also launched a new three-night stay Underwater Villa Experience from $9,999 (£7,570).
Exclusive reservation rates on request; pullmanmaldivesmaamutaa.com
The Nautilus Maldives
Book an “island for you” with two new redemption packages at Nautilus Maldives. Packages include exclusive use of the entire island; accommodation; private butler service; unique VIP airside arrival service; round-trip transfers via the resort's liveried seaplane; breakfast; and a host of additional exclusive benefits. With a total of 26 homes and residences, each with its own large private pool, the packages offer a variety of options for families or groups of friends. For reservations of up to 62 adults, guests will have access to the entire island; More intimate groups of up to 30 adults can also enjoy exclusive use of the island, with accommodation in 14 of the Nautilus houses.
A minimum of four nights is required for exclusive island redemptions at Nautilus and pricing is available upon request; thenautilusmaldives.com
Lava Cove, the retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The Lava Cove is a secluded, exclusive, self-contained spa hidden within the Retreat Spa. Visitors to Iceland are currently required to take a Covid-19 test upon arrival and then quarantine in their accommodation until they get the results, and Lava Cove is the perfect place to do so. This extraordinary suite – which includes a private entrance, lagoon, fireplace and butler – is a place of abundant comfort and well-being. Guests can enhance and personalize their experience at Lava Cove with gourmet in-suite dining, in-water massages and guided yoga sessions. Lava Cove must be booked separately, each individual locker room is configured for one or two people and the maximum occupancy is six people.
Lava Cove with one private changing room costs £1,310, two private changing rooms £1,894, three private changing rooms £2,477; bluelagoon.com
Villa Octola, Finland
Take ownership of the brand new Octola Villa for a luxury nature retreat set in the heart of 300 hectares of Finnish Lapland. Described as the “most exclusive lodge in Lapland”, the villa features floor-to-ceiling glass walls and is the perfect place to view the Northern Lights. Seven nights in the brand new Octola Villa, sleeping four people, from €79,254 (£70,800) in winter.
For larger families or small group gatherings, Octola's ten rooms can be reserved; octola.com
One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
The world has moved to remote working and this ultra-luxurious all-villa resort in the Maldives has launched an extended stay package for guests looking to stay 28 days or more. All villas at the resort offer high-speed Wi-Fi and, with plenty of space, they are the perfect place to 'work from home'. When not glued to their laptops, guests can also enjoy a wide range of culinary experiences, outdoor activities and wellness options.
This 28-day package starts from $42,600 (£32,111) for two people, including transfers, daily breakfast and a half-board supplement per villa; oneandonlyresorts.com
