Palace of the Caribbean

There are some homes in our collection in which the instinctive reaction is an awestruck 'wow' and this is one of them. Sitting within an exclusive resort close to the eastern coastline of the Dominican Republic, this is a truly mesmerising piece of architecture and one in which it's refreshingly easy to pass an unforgettable holiday.

Given the island's enviable climate, guests will most likely want to spend as much time outside as possible and there's a range of ways to do just that here, whether you're paddling in the swimming pool, relaxing in the tropical garden or enjoying an alfresco feast cooked up by the villa's very own private chef. If you never need a bit of shade at any point, there are verandahs on both levels of the home with plenty of seating.

However, we don't want to neglect the interior, which benefits from palatially proportioned ceilings and windows, plus an equally stately taste in furnishings and finishes. If you're ever in the mood to cook, the contemporary kitchen is plenty big enough for multiple hands. We've also only got kind words for the bathrooms, which are dominated by glass and sleek surfaces.

Although you could very easily have an incredible time without leaving the address, there are a wealth of activities to do in the surrounding resort, from watersports and golf to tennis and spa treatments. There are also three miles of white sand beach to which only residents have access, so you never have to worry about big crowds or finding a peaceful spot.

Home truths:
*Although the villa is spread over two floors, there are four bedrooms on the ground level, including one in the guesthouse
*Housekeeping, waiter service, a private chef, airport transfers, a welcome basket and concierge service are all included in the price