text: For most of us, the dream of a holiday home is one that will probably never be realised. But for the lucky minority with a few extra million in the bank, its seems the world is quite literally your oyster when looking for property around the world. From a Lake Garda mansion with a pool overlooking the water to an Italian villa that looks like a castle and an Antigua retreat with Giorgio Armani as a neighbour, these are some of the most spectacular holiday homes on the market at the moment. On the Lombardy side of Lake Garda, this Lionard property is a luxurious villa with one serious waterfront view . Lake Garda . On the Lombardy side of Lake Garda, in northern Italy, lies a luxury villa with a view - just several miles north of Brescia. And for €18 million (about £13 million or $20 million) it can all be yours. Not only is there a large swimming pool looking out on the water, but also a large deck with plenty of space for sun beds, gazebos and al fresco dining spots, overlooking a 4000 square metre garden. Inside, the house is just as breathtaking. For about 18 million Euros (or £13 million), the modern home, complete with pool, gazebo, and al fresco dining options, can be yours . Inside, all of the bedrooms and common spaces are decorated in a stylish colour scheme of white, ivory and gold . Crystal chandeliers dot the ceilings and other high-end touches, like valuable works of art, line the walls in the lounges . There is even a large wine cellar, complete with glass walls and plenty of storage, sure to satisfy the most discerning collectors . Open air spaces and bright rooms boast a contemporary feel and high-end touches add a little extra luxury. Crystal chandeliers dot the ceiling, valuable works of art line the walls and there is even a large wine cellar, which is sure to satisfy the most discerning collectors. A fitness area, spa and basement level garage with garden entrance all also help to put this holiday home over the top. Hameau du Temple, located near Uzes, in the South of France, is the perfect Provencal family summer home . Hameau du Temple . For those looking for a charming Provencal holiday home, this four-bedroom villa is the perfect property. Located near Uzes, in the South of France, the stone exterior, which is local to the region, is as charming as it is authentic. Outside, a large pool is great for families with children looking to keep cool in the hot summer days. The landscaped back garden is as charming as the home itself, with a large pool overlooking the local vineyards . The village of Garrigues Ste Eulalie is quintessentially quaint, boasting Provencal style houses and churches, as well as plenty of olive trees and vineyards. Take a stroll into town and you'll also find a boulangerie, restaurant and tennis courts. Although when your landscaped back garden overlooks the local vineyards, there's really no reason to leave. The home is currently listed for €775,000 or about £554,000 or $853,000. In Umbria, a stately Italian villa, which was built around a 15th century watch tower, is currently on the market for €12 million (£8.6 million) Umbria . The original construction of this stately Italian villa was built around a 15th century watch tower. Having been owned and taken care of by noble and prominent families throughout the years, the prestigious home has maintained its charm through the ages. The original stone tower still exists, and has been merged with the rest of the home, offering breathtaking views of the rolling hills of Umbria. There is also an impressive 11 hectare garden complete with fountains, a swan pond, a small amphitheatre, and gazebo. There is also an impressive 11 hectare garden complete with fountains, a swan pond, a small amphitheatre and a gazebo . Inside, the details are similarly as thoughtfully considered, with colourful frescoes, medieval accents and marble tiles . Stroll through the property's lush gardens and you'll come across an outdoor swimming pool and relaxation area. Inside, the details are equally as thought out, with plenty of colourful frescoes, medieval decorations and marble tiles. The massive home has 10 suites, each with its own private bathroom, as well as several lounges, a billiards room and library. On the property, which is currently for sale at €12 million (or about £8.6 million/$13 million) there is also a farm and several farm houses. For those looking for a more exotic locale, Villas Valriche in Domain del Bel Ombre, Mauritius, is just the ticket . Villas Valriche . For holiday home buyers looking for somewhere a bit more exotic, Villas Valriche in Domaine del Bel Ombre in Mauritius is just the ticket. Currently, in development, there will soon be 288 Mauritian plantation style villas set across 525 acres of lush, tropical grounds. And, of course, the development overlooks the crystal clear Indian Ocean waters. Currently in development, the complex will soon boast 288 plantation style villas set among a protected nature reserve . The villa plots vary in size - anywhere from 700 to 2,000 square metres - but all are situated among a protected nature reserve. The properties are fully customisable and buyers will be able to choose number of bedrooms, sea or golf course views and to hand-pick their fixtures and fittings. All homes, which start at at $659,000 (or about £427,000) will also come with a large terrace and infinity pool. For truly unbelievable Mediterranean sea views, this luxury villa in Sardinia is the a dream purchase for the ultra-rich property buyer . Sardinia . For breathtaking Mediterranean sea views that cannot be beat, Lionard's luxury villa in Sardinia is the ultimate indulgence. The magnificent home overlooks one of the most beautiful bays on the island and was a former summer residence for European royalty until the 1940s. Today, despite having been updated with all the latest technologies and comforts, the prestigious property has managed to retain its aristocratic charm of yesteryear. With a pool overlooking the rocky ocean cliffs below, the magnificent home also boasts a helipad for direct arrivals and departures . Now decorated in airy white and cream colours, the house was a former summer residence for European royalty until the 1940s . There are both indoor and outdoor seawater swimming pools on site, as well as spa facilities and a Turkish bath - for a cool £24 million . There are both indoor and outdoor seawater swimming pools on site, as well as spa facilities with sauna, Turkish bath and jacuzzi. With 21 bedrooms and 3 suites, decorated in breezy white and cream colours, each room is every bit as elegant as its former residents. Offering total privacy and security, the home is surrounded on three sides by the sea and also has a helipad for direct arrivals and departures. The home is currently listed for €30 million, just less than $39 million or about £24 million. In Antigua, the picturesque Villa Nicobar, with its open floor plan and stunning Caribbean Sea views, is on the market for £2.5 million . Villa Nicobar . In Antigua, the picturesque Villa Nicobar, with its bright, airy interiors overlooking the Caribbean Sea, is currently on the market for $3.9 million (or about £2.5 million/$3.8 million). The exceptional Savills property is located in the exclusive Galley Bay Heights and boasts an underground rock wine cellar, open plan seating area and four en suite bedrooms. And, of course, they all have their own rainfall showers and terraces. Located in the exclusive Gallery Bay Heights, the neighbours, which include Giorgio Armani, are just as stylish as the property itself . Sprawling over 7,500 square feet, there is as much outdoor living space as there is indoor space, including a large table for al fresco dining, a terrace, jacuzzi and infinity pool. There is also an exotic garden to enjoy, which has mango, lime and banana trees for the buyer's use. With its stylish European accents and stunning views, it's no surprise that the neighbours, which include Giorgio Armani, are as stylish as the home itself. Just a few kilometres from Florence sits an historic villa on a hilltop overlooking the river Arno . Florence . Just a few kilometres from Florence sits an historic villa on one of the hilltops overlooking the river Arno. The complex, which dates back to the 16th century, constitutes a manor house and other buildings, such as the keepers lodgings and a lemon conservatory. A large wooded area surrounds and shelters this property, which looks almost too good to be true, and plenty of parks and gardens, as well as tree-lined alleys, vineyards and olive groves. The complex dates back to the 16th century and constitutes a manor house, as well as keepers lodgings and a lemon conservatory . There is also an impressive manicured garden to explore boasting tree-lined alleys, vineyards and even olive groves . The large lounge spaces are complete with stunning fixtures, like this fireplace, and the entire home retails for €38 million ($42 million) The main villa, which sprawls over three levels and 2,800 square metres, features a grand entrance, large lounge library and fitness room. But it's the house's 'dell-orologio' or 'clock's terrace,' which overlooks the city of Florence, which is truly the property's focal point. The home's clock facade, another defining feature, was added upon request in the early 1990s and has seen great lengths taken to restore and maintain such a unique exterior accent.
target: In Italy, one oceanfront property was used as a summer home by European royalty until the 1940s .
  Meanwhile, in Mauritius, a new 288-villa development is underway situated in a protected nature reserve .
  Antigua's Villa Nicobar has neighbours, such as Giorgio Armani, who are as stylish as its airy interiors .