Holidays are the times we take out to spoil ourselves: times to spend with our families, our friends, our nearest and dearest and even time for ourselves, so we want them to be as near perfect as possible.

We also need beautiful locations and glorious weather alongside privacy, our own space, a choice of restaurants, cafes, bars, spas, sporting facilities, gyms, and kids clubs.

In fact, we want the lot, we want our cake and we want to eat it too, which is why so many of us opt for a luxury resort villa, a residence or an apartment with access to a hotel.

We really do want the best of both worlds!

The good news is that we can have this and in some of the most luxurious resorts on the planet.

Pine Cliffs Resort

Head for one of the nation’s favourite hotspots, the Algarve and the magnificently re-furbished Pine Cliffs Resort which offers a huge choice of villas and suites on its vast 72-acre clifftop location.

Some have garden views, some overlook the golf course, and some have their own private pools – the ultimate in luxury.

And while self-catering is an option so is the choice of eleven restaurants! The kids club is the largest in the area and takes children from six months to eight-year, there is a 9-hole golf course and an Annabel Croft tennis academy…while the hedonists can simply relax or spend an indulgent few hours in the spa.

Domes of Elounda

Across the Mediterranean on the eastern coast of Crete the Domes of Elounda await. Elegant suites and villas each with an outside pool and Jacuzzi all looking across at the magical island of Spinalonga.  And while the resort is truly family friendly with a children’s club and an Xbox area, it also offers several adult only areas and pools.

There is nearby golf for the active, culture vultures can head for the archaeological glories of Knossos while the sybarites can head for the beach or the spa.

Marbella Club

This type of holiday all began with the Marbella Club, the most glamorous of all where the rich, famous and infamous have come to rest and play for over 50 years. Founded by a prince, this is the place where people come to see and be seen. As chic as ever…one ritzy hotel, one sexy bar, a great spa, a fun kid’s club and the best buffet lunch in the Med…while throughout its gardens are dotted the chicest cottages, hidden villas and private residences of amazing opulence.

Borgo Egnazia

The most sumptuous villas attached to any hotel are to be found at Borgo Egnazia in the heart of Puglia. Constructed as a typical Puglian village with the houses leading off the cobbled streets and elegant squares all constructed in local stone.

All are spacious with a patio or garden and a private pool and decorated in that pared-down style that can only be Italian – chic, contemporary yet classic. The beach is nearby, just a short walk through ancient olive groves, there is a choice of restaurants, a kid’s club, a teen’s club, a nearby golf course, and an award-winning spa.

Bahia del Duque

The villas at Bahia del Duque have the best of both worlds in another way…amazing views across the ocean and surrounded by sub-tropical landscape gardens. Guests not only enjoy the riches of the natural world but can fully partake in the riches of the five-star luxury world with a wide choice of restaurants, pampering spa treatments and a menu of activities.