With views over the Indian Ocean, the estate was named by GQ Magazine as "one of the 25 sexiest spots on the planet". The estate also consists of a championship golf course, hotel, restaurants and spa.

The main attractions of this property are a freefloating steel-and-glass staircase that twists down all three levels to a wine cellar, tasting room and gym with windows that look through an aquarium to the swimming pool.

The house takes inspiration from the Asian tradition and has a central courtyard and a doublevolume glazed core with a swimming pool, protected from the prevailing wind from the sea.

Further info: Quintessentially Estates 0044-84522 43658; www. quintessentiallyestates . com

SEYCHELLES
Address: Banyan Tree Residence
Price: from 1,177,662
Details: situated along the south-western coastline of Mahe amongst the beaches of Intendance Bay, Banyan Tree Seychelles has built 60 villas, which have either pool, beach or hillside views of the Indian Ocean.

With contemporary, colonial and plantation decor and Seychellois architecture, the villas are mainly for those looking for an investment property that they can also escape to for a few days a year.

Banyan Tree Residences investors buy their own signature beachfront villa, which becomes part of the inventory of the resort and they receive an annual guaranteed return of 6% per annum for six years, with an option to renew thereafter.

Buyers also are allowed 60 days complimentary stay and the membership to the Banyan Tree Residence Club facilities and services, which include a Banyan Tree Spa, butler service, private chef, limousine service, fitness centre, kitchen facilities, allday dining, villa dining, babysitting, laundry service and 24-hour reception, concierge and security.

Further info: Oakhall International 004420-7590 7790; www. oakhallpropertysource. com / www. banyantreeresidences. com

BRAZIL
Address: Angra dos Reis
Price: from 4,219,690 ($5,800,000)
Details: with seven bedrooms, six bathrooms and a lot size of 39.5 acres, this uber-luxurious home boasts its own private island in the Brazilian region of Angra dos Reis off the south eastern coast. One hundred and fifty km south of Rio and with 365 islands in total, the area is one of Brazil's most prominent boating and yachting areas with many yacht clubs, marinas and underwater wrecks to explore. Surrounded by tropical forests and a private beach, facilities at this paradise island include an open verandah facing over the swimming pool, a separate master suite, a dock, heliport, barbecue area, and three-bedroom staff quarters.
Further info: Judice & Araujo Imoveis Ltda 0055-21320 53302; www. judicearaujo. com. br

PANAMA
Address: Contadora Isle
Price: from 8,682,679 ($12,000,000)
Further info: Opus Property 00507-314 1192; www. opuspanama. com
Details: a four-bed, four bathroom 700sq m house built in 2006 and made of stone, wood, palm tree leaves and sand. Located on the Pacific Ocean, the house is situated on the Pearl Islands, which are in the Gulf of Panama and are two hours by boat or 20 minutes by plane from Panama City.

THAILAND
Address: Temptation Island, Phuket
Price: from 16,733,755 ($23m)
Details: if you are looking for a beachfront home and a new business, this could be an option for you. Located in the tourist area of Phuket, this is an 8.2 hectare island resort with accommodation for 132 beds. A private island, the resort has the only land title issued for this island and the remainder of the island is vacant land under the jurisdiction of the Thai Provincial Authority.

The land has one km of beach frontage with views out to the islands of Phang Nga Bay. The island was recently used as the main location for a 12-part TV series that will be screened on Dutch and Belgium TV.

Opened in 1990, all the beachfront villas have either a beachfront outlook or elevated ocean views. There are 75 free-standing villas, 58 of which are one-bed and the remaining being two-bed.

The resort facilities include a DOA licensed helicopter pad, water purification plant on site, sewage treatment plant, three swimming pools, one indoor for the diving centre and one infinity edge pool.

Renovated in 2001, the resort has been leased to an Italian tour operator for the past year but the owner is now finalising the lease termination and the entire resort will be sold free of any obligations or prior contractual commitments.

Further info: Quintessentially Estates 0044-845 2243 658; www. quintessentiallyestates . com.

ITALY
Address: Porto Cervo, Costa Smerelda, Sardinia
Price: from 20m
Details: located along the Emerald Coast, next to Sardinia's Marina of Porto Cervo, this private setting is where the Villa Alma 1,450 sq m site is situated. Beside the sheltered Cala Granu beach, the villa is developed on two levels, has a living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, four bathrooms and covered patios and verandas overlooking the gardens.

The first floor is divided into two independent suites.

Recently renovated features include air conditioning, underground water reserve, four private parking places and quarters for four additional guests or staff.

Further info: Immobilsarda SRL 0039-0789 754500; www. immobilsarda. com