Take a luxury holiday break this year - with a difference

There are many luxurious hotels and resorts in this wide and wonderful world, with every opportunity to enjoy the best of everything while away on holiday. Whether you choose to travel locally, or venture abroad, the choices are endless.

For a little adventure, we have come up with some unusual luxury accommodations, in some of the most picturesque destinations in the world.

A luxury yacht in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is renowned for its incredible scenery, great dining and tourist destinations and right in the heart of the V&A Waterfront is the Kiara Luxury Yacht. Dubbed a “houseboat,” this luxurious yacht is much more than that. The yacht has been turned into a privately owned retreat, surrounded by the one of the best locations in the world. With spectacular views of Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront itself from the decks, a barbeque area and indoor cocktail bar and salon, comfort abounds. With air conditioning and five bedrooms to choose from, the yacht is the perfect luxury break, and while there are restaurants galore in the surrounding area, the galley is fully stocked and equipped.
	Photos courtesy Kiara Luxury Yacht

A night in a castle in Spain

The building is a castle/monastery, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, beautifully renovated to keep the original atmosphere, but with the best in comfort for guests. There is the possibility to sleep in an original four-poster bed with scenic views from the windows.
 

	Photos courtesy Paradores of Spain

The original keep, beltry and sacristy remain intact and one section that was converted into an Aragonese palace in the past, has been beautifully preserved today. With Gothic wall paintings and a baroque façade, guests feel as if they have gone back in time.

The town itself is full of history, with medieval underground passageways to explore, beautiful architecture and great local cuisine.
 

A private island in the Caribbean

Photos via Musha Cay

This is probably the most luxurious private resort island in the world, offering 150 acres of beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters and a totally unspoiled tropical environment. The island is located in the Exuma Chain of the Bahamas, around 85 miles from Nassau.  Staying on the island you can stroll on pathways through waving palm trees and gardens of tropical flowers to hidden sandy coves and private beaches. The island can accommodate up to 20 guests at a time, with a plantation house and several luxury guest villas with all the necessary mod cons.