There is no time like the present to book a family holiday and you can have it all!

Sole-use villas are popping up everywhere although the concept has been around for quite some time. Exclusive use has many perks but the main benefits are that you get complete privacy and flexibility, every day. We have listed some red-hot villas in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands to wet your appetite. Ask us today.

Villa Da Praia, Southern Mozambique
3 bedrooms - 6 people
Rates from £2200 per villa night
WOW factor – you pretty much have the beach to yourself
Is there a negative - access is only available via Johannesburg

A magnificently white-washed 3-bedroom villa near its sister-lodge Villa Santorini with spacious dining room and lounges, this is ideal for families or small groups in search of an exquisite beach location without the crowds. Looking out onto the Bazaruto Archipelago with ever changing hues of blue, it doesn’t matter what direction you turn, it’s simply mesmerizing. A private infinity pool (solar heated in winter!) and outdoor dining area with barbeque are situated on the wide ocean-facing patio. Your very own Mozambican host will be available for drinks and meal service throughout your stay. Mojito anyone?

Jaci’s Sabi House, Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa
3 bedrooms - 6 people
Rates from £1900 per villa per night
WOW factor – having a sole-use bush house in the top predator reserve
Is there a negative – children under 12 years aren’t allowed.

With access to prime game viewing area within the private Sabi Sand Reserve, you can be assured of an exclusive safari to be remembered. The Sabi Sand is world famous for its amazing big cat sightings, especially leopards. With a private chef, field guide and game viewing vehicle, you really are in safari heaven. Accommodating a maximum of 6 guests for private bookings only and featuring a locally designed main lodge and separate guest cottage with spacious interiors and quirky decor, this colourful home is the ideal destination for a grown-up safari in this wonderful part of South Africa.

26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
5 bedrooms - 10 people
Rates from £4200 per villa per night
WOW factor – those panoramic sea views!
Is there a negative – the ultra-modern style might not be everybody’s cup of tea

A privately owned and award-winning and architecturally stunning property nestling on the slopes of the Atlantic Seaboard in the enviable suburb of Llandudno near Cape Town. You will gawk at the impressive 180 degree views over the ocean, the sound of waves crashing metres away, and pinching yourself that you have made it almost right to the southern tip of Africa. Sit back and watch dolphins and whales in the surf, being served cocktails by the butler and culinary delights prepared by the private chef. Be wowed and absolutely spoiled on a private villa holiday of a lifetime!

Tangala House, Victoria Falls, Zambia
4 bedrooms - 8 people
Rates from £4500 per villa per night
WOW factor – the sheer number of activities on offer and most are included in the rate
Is there a negative – some might find the décor a bit outdated but we think it suits the setting.

Tangala House is a unique private house situated on the banks of the Zambezi River just upstream from Victoria Falls, in Zambia. The house offers total privacy and exclusivity, with panoramic views across a large bend in the river. It is elegantly furnished and extremely spacious with four double bedrooms with en-suite facilities and a large swimming pool. Walk next door to Tongabezi, the main lodge to enjoy meals and embark on all the adventure activities on offer in the area. You get pretty much everything included in the rate - a vehicle and boat, chef, waiters and private guide all courtesy of Tongabezi.

18 on Hillwood, Cape Town, South Africa
4 bedrooms - 8 people
Rates from £1900 per villa per night
WOW factor – you can rent the property’s private yacht for a day cruise!
Is there a negative – the location isn’t as well known

Nestled against the slopes of the famous Table Mountain, this villa is the ultimate base from which to explore the many scenic attractions of Cape Town. A Caribbean-style breakfast deck and dining area as well as lounge have stunning views and overlook luscious tranquil gardens. An infinity swimming pool overlooks the tennis courts under the magnificent Table Mountain backdrop. Enjoy a laid-back poolside afternoon on one of the sun loungers, or for the more energetic a game of tennis, followed by a picturesque dinner on the balcony.

Leobo House, Waterberg, South Africa
4 bedrooms - 8 people
Rates from £4200 per villa per night
WOW factor – all the toys with the telescope being a highlight
Is there a negative – the game viewing may not be quite as good as in other reserves

Set in a 12,000-acre reserve in the malaria-free Waterberg region is the rather remarkable Leobo Private Reserve. Choose from quad biking, an exhilarating cross country polaris drive, hippo camping or meet a crocodile called Stevie. Dining is a highlight, with a top chef organising classic surprise bush breakfasts and traditional braais (barbeque), accompanied by top South African wines. The star attraction must be The Observatory, an exclusive-use house for up to 9 guests (6 adults and 3 children). The pièce de la resistance is the library set in a tower with a domed roof which opens the sky to a 20-inch telescope - there are even space suits for the full effect.

Thanda Island, Mafia, Tanzania
4 bedrooms - 8 people
Rates from £7000 per villa night
WOW factor – did we mention it’s a private island!
Is there a negative – the price tag

Nestled within Tanzania’s Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve just off Mafia Island, Thanda Island is just 8 hectares in size, 1,1km in circumference and 350m wide, and surrounded by coral reefs, which protect it from stormy seas. It took ten years of planning, painstakingly built by a Swedish millionaire couple to take their family on holiday. Looking after your every need is a select team dedicated entirely to you, including a chef, a hostess, a housekeeper and a boatman. A boathouse full of equipment is yours to enjoy, and a boatman is dedicated to you as your personal guide on the Indian Ocean. The price is steep but includes virtually everything, even a dive instructor.