With fantastic facilities on your doorstep and a packed social calendar, today’s resort homes have so much to offer the young at heart searching for their last home. Whether you’re looking for a quiet country bolthole or a sunny villa by the beach, we've picked out some perfect vacation spots to invest in for a blissful retirement...

If your dream home has stunning sea views, on-site sporting facilities and a spa just around the corner, this is surely the place for you. Located on a gorgeous stretch of the Costa del Sol, this secure two-bed apartment is less half a kilometre from the beach and has several balconies overlooking the Med. Part of the luxury Reserva del Higuerón Resort complex, the building is conveniently situated just 20 minutes from Málaga International Airport.

Built with the utmost attention to detail and comfort, the contemporary apartment has real wood floors, a fully equipped kitchen and a flawless finish. There’s no need to worry about decorating or shopping for dishwashers as this residence has everything you need to start your new life in Spain. Simply pick out the floors and fittings to put your own stamp on the place, then sit back and relax.

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If you’re committed to staying active then fear not – the property comes with a year’s free membership to Reserva del Higuerón’s sports centre and spa. With everything from a pool and meditation room to an outdoor tennis court and gym, the resort caters to every interest and ability. At the end of a day of activities, retire to one of the on-site restaurants or bars and share a drink with friends as you soak up the sunset. Does life get any better than this?

Designed to maximise natural light, the apartment boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views over the nearby beach. With 215 square feet of outside terraces, you can enjoy the sunshine all year round. The building is designed to stay cool in the summer, but if the heat gets too much, simply retire to the stunning, open-plan kitchen diner with integrated air conditioning.

Want to spend your retirement taking your golfing skills to the next level? Then this property will suit you down to a tee! Located in the idyllic grounds of Mont Choisy Golf and Beach Estate, the one-bedroom penthouse is just a short walk from the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course. With a ready-built community of fellow golfing enthusiasts, the estate offers a unique opportunity to form lasting friendships with expats from around the world.

Boasting expanses of crystal-clear glass and wood panelling that merges seamlessly with the tropical landscape, the estate is a serene and comfortable retreat away from bustling Grande Baie. The 1,259-square-foot penthouse offers covered terraces with views over the immaculately landscaped resort and glittering communal pool.

While the Golf Clubhouse is very much the social hub of Mont Choisy, there’s plenty of other activities to enjoy in the nearby town of Grande Baie. Whether you want to kick back on the palm-fringed beach or try out an array of water sports, the busy port offers a wealth of options to keep you busy. Plus with restaurants and bars offering a range of different cuisines, the location is perfect for those who prefer to spend their time outdoors.

Just one hour from SSR International Airport, the property is conveniently located for keen travellers, making it easy for friends and family to come and visit. The apartment block has a lift for easy access and a parking bay just a few minutes’ walk away. Purchasing property over $500,000 (£398k) also gives you and your family access to a Mauritius residency permit. 

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Part of the exclusive Casa de Campo resort on the outskirts of the capital, this stunning property combines lush vegetation and ocean views with all the amenities you could possibly wish for. A traditional timber-framed home with a red-tile roof, it features a large, fully planted garden, an expansive terrace and a glittering pool. The bungalow comes fully furnished so you can move in and enjoy your retirement without any hassle.

The spacious property is divided into two large, open-plan spaces, creating a comfortable and airy feel that's perfectly suited to laidback living. Off the main living space, there's a fully equipped kitchen with a classic country vibe, three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The terrace at the back of the house comes fitted with cushioned benches, ideal for lounging with friends in the evening.

The property’s main attraction is undoubtedly its location within the Casa de Campo residential community. The 7,000-acre resort is located on the south-eastern coast of the Dominican Republic and hosts a whole range of activities from sailing to polo, as well as offering three championship golf courses. If you feel in need of some pampering, there is also a spa offering a range of holistic therapies and a physical therapy centre.

On the edge of the resort by the Chavón river, the village of Altos de Chavón is a perfect replica of a 16th-century town complete with a stone church, amphitheatre and tiled houses. The village is ideal for a Sunday stroll and often hosts live music events. Back in the heart of the resort, there are an array of different dining options as well as a beach club with an infinity pool.

Just up the coast from Gibraltar, the community of Ribera del Marlin boasts a modern housing complex complete with manicured lawns, extensive facilities and views over the lively marina. A short walk from the Port of Sotogrande, this 3,143-square-foot apartment is a rare find and a perfect retirement pad for those looking for a place in the sun.

The property boasts an open-plan living space with gorgeous marble floors and a kitchen equipped with all the necessary appliances. Three ensuite double bedrooms provide ample space when friends and family come to stay, each with access to a terrace overlooking the garden or marina. The bathrooms are all fitted with underfloor heating and the apartment also has AC units with both heating and cooling systems. 

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If you’re looking for a secure, friendly and active community, then this condo was made for you! Ribera del Marlin enjoys a wide range of facilities including two pools, a gym, sauna and landscaped gardens, with plenty of opportunities to socialise and make new friends. The apartment comes with two underground parking bays with lift access up to the property, as well as a concierge service and 24/7 security office.

The vibrant marina is ideal for an evening stroll and is filled with shops and restaurants to suit any taste. The Ribera del Marlin complex is also close to one of the region’s most stunning beaches, so you can enjoy the sunny Spanish summers to the max. If you want to practice your swing, the Royal Sotogrande Golf Club with its expansive green lawns and verdant woods is just a short drive away.

Close to the Swiss and Italian borders, the charming town of Megève was the first purpose-built resort in the Alps. Overlooking the village from the Parc du Mont d’Arbois, this contemporary chalet apartment is slightly off the beaten track, ensuring peace and quiet over the busy winter holidays. With stunning mountain views and easy access to amenities, this gorgeous property is perfect for powder-loving retirees.

Finished to the most exacting standards, the apartment boasts three double bedrooms with ensuites, an open-plan kitchen and living room and two terraces with panoramic views. There's even a wine cellar to house your favourite vintages and a ski locker for all your mountain kit. The ski-in, ski-out location makes it easy to explore the resort’s 445 kilometres of pistes, but if you want to venture further afield, you can also purchase a garage or parking space.

A private spot away from any crowds, the apartment is housed within a complex with only 17 other properties. At 936 square feet, it’s big enough for friends and family to come and stay, but small enough to feel intimate and cosy. Its proximity to Megève’s golf course is a huge draw in the summer months, while the preserved area ensures you get your fill of the lush alpine landscapes.

The town itself is just over an hour from Geneva and even has its own little airport. With cobbled streets and medieval-style architecture, it retains a bijoux charm, whilst offering a range of fine-dining options (including several Michelin-starred restaurants), a casino and a sports centre complete with sauna and Turkish baths.

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If you're yearning for your own private tropical paradise with every amenity imaginable, this next property might be just the ticket. Located on Fiji's Denarau Island, the largest integrated resort in the South Pacific, this spacious three-bedroom home comes complete with tranquil pool and terrace which faces out onto the azure water.

Inside, the main open-plan living room is bright and airy, with herringbone wood flooring and contemporary furnishings. Bifolding doors draw the stunning ocean views indoors, for the ultimate indoor-outdoor space. Behind the dining zone, the kitchen offers top-of-the-range appliances and a wine fridge to keep your Sauvignon Blanc crisp.

There's no sharing here – each of the three bedrooms comes with its own opulent ensuite, with two of the bathrooms featuring private outdoor baths and showers so you can soak alfresco for the full island experience. Average temperatures in winterless Fiji come in at a toasty 26°c so we reckon they'll get plenty of use!

The master bedroom opens out onto the spacious terrace area, which features a covered raised deck where you can shelter from the strong midday sun. If you decide to up sticks to this exclusive gated resort, you'll have access to golf courses, the Port Marina shopping centre, a luxury spa, an array of international restaurants and even a pontoon to moor your boat.

If you’re looking for a retirement property where all the family can gather, this expansive four-bedroom villa has it all. Nestled in a valley below the snow-capped San Juan mountains, it's perfectly situated for lovers of nature and alpine sports. The resort may be named Purgatory, but this is one place where you won’t mind being stuck for all of eternity. With amenities galore and the mountains at your fingertips, this is one of the most exclusive retirement properties on the market.

Featuring vaulted ceilings, timber cladding and a huge stone fireplace, this house is half Alpine chalet and half luxury villa. The double-height living room is the hub of the home; a capacious yet cosy open-plan space where you can take in breathtaking views of Engineer Mountain. Leading on from the lounge, the kitchen is made for entertaining with an expansive granite island, wine sink and bar – just make sure it’s fully stocked for guests!

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Concerned about the upkeep of such a colossal home? Fear not! The house comes fitted with all the essential amenities including a central vacuum system, dishwasher, three sets of washing machines and dryers, and even a caretaker’s annexe. There’s also underfloor heating to keep your toes toasty in the winter, and a Japanese tub to relax in after an afternoon’s hiking or skiing.

If the property itself wasn't enough, homeowners also benefit from being part of the Durango Mountain Master Association. Perks include a free on-call shuttle to the base of the resort and access to Purgatory Lodge’s facilities, which include a fitness room, pool and spa. The resort itself offers a whole host of restaurants, shops, events, activities and clubs. For the social butterfly, this really is a property made in heaven.

This next resort property is the perfect place for beach lovers in search of the easy life. A colourful high-rise, the Acqualina Resort and Spa in sunny Florida offers its residents a relaxing lifestyle in a breathtaking coastal location. Homeowners here have exclusive access to the luxury resort's spa, beach club, three swimming pools and numerous restaurants, plus a handy concierge service.

With three bedrooms and three bathrooms, this stunning 2,214-square-foot apartment in the complex is the perfect beach-chic base to soak up the rays in the Sunshine State. Decorated in a Hamptons-inspired palette, the open-plan living space features a gourmet kitchen, a curved flat-screen TV and a spacious balcony leading off from the lounge – ideal for alfresco dining with a view.

The formal dining space is sleek and stylish, with swathes of windows framing stunning views of the ocean and Sunny Isles Beach below. If you tire of lounging around on the dazzling white-sand beach and fancy taking up a more active hobby, this stunning spot is in easy reach of Oleta River State Park too, where you can paddle board, kayak and mountain bike.

Channelling a nautical theme with rope accessories and a blue and white colour scheme, the property's three bedrooms offer a relaxing space to unwind after a hard day of sun-worshipping or exploring the stunning natural landscapes. A veritable lap of luxury, the complex was recently named the best resort in the continental US by the US News and World Report.

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If slow living and sweeping ocean views are top of your retirement agenda, then this Mexican apartment in the private resort of Las Ventanas al Paraiso could be the perfect match. A favourite haunt of the rich and famous, the luxury complex offers a spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, a concierge and valet service, plus a 24-hour personal butler service, so you'll hardly have to lift a finger.

Brimming with rustic character, this three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment celebrates traditional Mexican design, from the exposed beams to Conchuela Stone flooring and intricate ironwork. The open-plan layout creates a seamless flow between living zones, with the kitchen fitted out with state-of-the-art appliances for cooking up a storm and entertaining friends.

In the decadent master bedroom, the attention to detail is clear. An oversized mosaic headboard creates a dramatic tropical focal point for the room, while antique metal gates lead through to a luxurious ensuite for the ultimate pamper. A wraparound balcony encircles the apartment, offering direct access outdoors from almost every room in the plush property.

However, the apartment's pièce de résistance has to be the large outdoor terrace. Built-in sofas provide the perfect vantage point to soak up those breathtaking views of the sea, preferably over a cocktail or two, and wrought iron fish artwork adds a quirky touch. Elsewhere, the resort also offers residents access to a number of infinity pools to cool off from the heat.

Do you dream of watching the sunset over the ocean as you relax on your private terrace, with a salt-tinged breeze whispering through the fronds of the palm trees? At Mauna Lani’s newest development, that dream could become a reality. Part of an exclusive and intimate community of just 17 villas, this opulent property enjoys sweeping vistas over the resort’s golf course, set against a backdrop of green mountains and turquoise sea.

The ultimate in luxury living, the bungalow boasts a large outdoor pool and spa, spacious rooms that open out onto the surrounding terraces and sleek, modern fittings. The kitchen has all the latest mod-cons and furnishing packages are also available to take all the hassle out of moving in. With four bedrooms and bathrooms, the house is tailor-made for entertaining, ensuring family and friends can make regular visits.

One of the property’s biggest draws is its location in the stunning Mauna Lani resort. With two championship golf courses and the WikiWiki short course, the complex is ideal for golf lovers and offers lessons, courses and a range of tournaments. Sports fans can enjoy everything from canoeing to snorkelling, while those seeking a more laidback lifestyle can sample a range of cultural activities organised by the resort.

Situated in the north of the Big Island, this stunning home is less than half an hour’s drive from Kona International Airport and close to the Pu’u O Umi Nature Reserve. If you’re looking to retire to an idyllic oasis with a range of social activities on your doorstep, this bungalow definitely ticks all the boxes. When can we move?

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