New Luxury Retreats for Summer 2013

From the mountains of Spain to the forests of Britain, wherever you’re hoping to go this summer, there are beautiful examples of lavish accommodation and exceptional tours, newly available or freshly restored and perfect for a self-indulgent, luxurious retreat.

Boasting a host of opulent offerings including infinity pools, hot tubs and private cooks, here's some top picks of 2013's newest villas, tours and self-catered accommodation; ideal for a family, group or couples getaway.

Panoramic views in Sicily

One of Think Sicily's newest villa additions for 2013, Rocca delle Tre Contrade occupies a stunningly panoramic position atop its own hill on Sicily’s east coast. Uninterrupted 360-degree views take in the sparkling Ionian Sea to one side and the peak of Mount Etna to the other. The villa’s own grounds also offer lush green gardens featuring lemon groves, fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. In these grounds sit the spectacular 25-metre, south-facing, L-shaped infinity pool, a panoramic terrace, many al fresco dining areas and a large lawned garden. The delightful interiors have been renovated and refurbished to exactingly high standards with an elegant blend of contemporary and antique designs, furniture and decorations. From the bathrooms with freestanding tubs to the elegant bedrooms and comfortable living areas, you can enjoy the wonderful views of the Sicilian countryside from every window.

Up to a total of 22 guests can enjoy the services of the daily maid, cook, caretaker and waiter, ensuring total relaxation for the duration of a stay.

RoccadelleTreContrade costs from £15,430 per week for up to 22 guests; for more information or to book, call Think Sicily on 020 7377 8518 or visit www.thinksicily.com.

Simple Luxury in Blackwood Forest

If you’re looking to escape from it all, Forest Holidays has a brand new luxury cabin site hidden deep in Blackwood Forest, easily accessed by train in just one hour direct from London Waterloo. Whether you’re a family, a couple or a group of friends, you can soak up the serenity of the forest around you from the comfort of your sumptuous cabin, most of which have private hot tubs. Stargazing from your hot tub under a starlit sky hidden deep in a 270 hectare beech forest is all part of the Forest Holidays experience, or maybe enjoy a soothing in-cabin spa treatment. The freedom, the fresh air and the forest are yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Forest Holidays at Blackwood Forest caters for groups of all sizes and, with a variety of cabin configurations sleeping between 2 and 10 people, you can plan the perfect stay. For example, the cosy one-bedroom Golden Oak Hideaway cabin is made for romance, with hot tub, wood burning stove, hammock and decadent sunken bath with panoramic forest views. Or if you’ve always dreamed about sleeping high up in the trees, the luxurious Golden Oak Treehouse can accommodate up to 10 people in an idyllic woodland setting.

To make a booking or for more information, call Forest Holidays on 0845 130 8223 or visit www.forestholidays.co.uk

Rustic yet contemporary in Tuscany

Set on a hillside just 2km from the charming town of Greve in Chianti, Villa Caprolo is the newest addition to Tuscany Now's luxury collection. This newly restored 17th century house offers rustic charm mixed with contemporary furnishings, creating a spacious, attractive, modern space with all the timelessness of a classical villa. Sleeping up to 16 and with a large, well equipped kitchen, Villa Caprolo is ideal for a family gathering or group of friends to soak up the serenity of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. The private infinity edge, salt water swimming pool is set on the edge of a walled park that is yours to enjoy and the sunlight dappled, outdoor dining area is ideal for feasting on Tuscan delicacies and sipping wine late into the evening.

With the beautiful city of Florence just 30 minutes away, you are free to explore the magic of the region and then return home for an evening meal. If you choose, the English speaking caretaker is also a professional cook and can prepare wonderful lunches, dinners or even offer cooking classes.

Villa Caprolo costs from £4702 per week; for more information or to book call Tuscany Now on 020 7684 8884 or visit www.tuscanynow.com.

Laid-back charm in Andalucía

The latest addition to CV Travel's award-winning collection of luxury villas is Casa Clara in the celebrated pueblo blanco, or white village, of Gaucin in Andalucía. Offering a perfect blend of neutral, clean décor and accented with tasteful artwork and colourful splashes, the villa is centered around a courtyard, typical of the area. Guests can enjoy the spectacular views from the relaxing infinity pool or the wonderful wisteria-shaded outdoor dining area, ideal for al fresco dining. Airy and spacious, this property offers cosy living areas and a charming, well-equipped kitchen, ideal for cooking for family and friends.

This Spanish region is renowned for its beautiful green hillsides, whitewashed houses and the azure Mediterranean Sea. The centre of Gaucin is a charming tangle of narrow streets and the village boasts views of a ruined Moorish castle, Gibraltar in the distance and even the mountains of Morocco on a clear day.

Casa Clara costs from £1,690 per week, including maid service and a welcome hamper, and sleeps up to 8 guests. For more information or to book, call 020 7401 1035 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk.

Palatial opulence in Puglia

18th century Palazzo Gorgoni, the newest addition to Think Puglia's exclusive villa collection, has been breathtakingly restored and revived with a luxurious contemporary style. The stunning lemon tree-shaded courtyard boasts a private pool with comfortable reclining areas and a hydromassage corner, whilst the panoramic rooftop terrace is ideal for sunbathing, starlit dinners or enjoying the views of the town's rooftops. Along with the eight beautifully decorated bedrooms is a succession of rooms, including lounge areas, study, TV room, dance room, an art gallery and a service kitchen (with access to a terrace).The furnishings, artworks and clever design touches are a constant source of charm, while the fittings and bathrooms leave you in no doubt that this is a top-notch, high quality property.

Located in the heart of baroque Galantina in the Italian region of Puglia, the surrounding historic centre has remained almost entirely as it was over 250 years ago. There is some delightful architecture to see and a good selection of bars, restaurants, trattorie and some excellent boutiques nearby.

Palazzo Gorgoni costs from £11,040 per week for up to 16 guests, including daily maid service and a member of staff to cook breakfast. For more information or to book, call Think Puglia on 020 7377 8518 or visit www.thinkpuglia.com

Animal adventures in Madagascar

New for 2013 is this fantastic 14 day wildlife and beach safari on the unique island of Madagascar. This tailor-made safari offers a thorough exploration of Madagascar taking in some of the true wildlife and cultural highlights. Start by seeing the fascinating cyanide-eating bamboo lemurs of Ranomafana before moving on to the spectacular sights of Isalo and the morning calls of the Indri through the mist shrouded forests of Andasibe.

Between July and September you can complete your trip with breathtaking whale watching and pristine beach relaxation at Princesse Bora Lodge, nestled in the palm groves with oceanic views from the refreshing pool lodge. A wonderful way to see Madagascar in all its glory!

This safari can be tailor-made to meet your specific requirements including your preferred dates of travel, number of days, standard of lodges and budget.

The lemurs, whales and beaches family safari costs from £3,225 per person sharing excluding international flights. For more information or to book, call Natural World Safaris on 01273 691642 or visit www.naturalworldsafaris.com.