The 15 best private accommodation options for group travel

Offering the most exclusive accommodation in Finnish Lapland, Octola is one of a kind for discerning travellers. Founder Janne Honkanen spent his time restoring lodges and hotels in Lapland before deciding nothing quite matched up to his expectations, and so built his own. Its sublime location puts guests at one with nature, while being able to witness the Northern Lights 200+ days a year and enjoying a plethora of activities including husky sled rides and ice skating. 

The property itself can be booked in its entirety – accommodating up to 30 people - or guests can opt to hire a wing, villa or the exclusive glass igloo. Facilities include a private spa with gym and sauna, pool, hot tub and so much more. We recommend rounding up the entire family for a Christmas getaway like no other, and with 24-hour concierge service, a private butler and personal chefs you really won’t want for anything. To learn more about Finland's most exclusive lodge click here.

Welcoming up to 20 guests, ÀNI Thailand offers an unparalleled retreat on Koh Yao Noi, graced with a prime position overlooking the stunning Phang Nga Bay. This exclusive property comprises two Ocean Villas, two Family Villas, and four Pool Suites, each adorned with contemporary elegance infused with Thai charm.

Indulge in the ultimate all-inclusive experience, where every aspect, from bespoke meals and rejuvenating spa sessions to engaging children's activities and daily excursions, is seamlessly orchestrated by the dedicated team of 22 onsite professionals. Transitioning from strangers to cherished members of your extended family, the staff form genuine connections, ensuring you feel completely at ease and embraced within this tranquil sanctuary.

Located on the Andalusian coastline, Marbella Club is a Mediterranean beachfront paradise. The resort boasts a myriad of accommodation options including rooms, suites, bungalows and six coveted grand villas. These lavish retreats are ideal for groups of friends seeking a fun-filled luxury break, accommodating between six and 12 guests.

Inside, the interiors exude sophistication, blending stylish aesthetics with the utmost comfort to evoke a sense of home away from home. Guests can revel in the cozy ambience of woodburning fireplaces, entertain al fresco on spacious terraces, equipped with barbecue facilities and private pools, and unleash their culinary prowess in modern kitchens designed for foodie feasts. Our favourite bit? You get to experience the best of both worlds with an intimate escape while still making the most of the hotel’s facilities. 

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the North Sea, Fairmont St Andrews perches majestically atop a cliff, offering a breathtaking panorama for group travel adventures in the heart of Scotland. Boasting lavish accommodations and a plethora of outdoor activities, the resort promises an unforgettable escape.

Ideal for an exhilarating incentive travel trip, Fairmont St Andrews presents a wealth of opportunities for team bonding and exploration. Whether indulging in rounds of golf on the championship course, engaging in invigorating outdoor pursuits, or luxuriating in the tranquil ambience of the spa, guests are spoiled for choice. Additionally, the accommodation options, ranging from rooms and suites to stately manor homes, cater to groups of all sizes, ensuring a personalised and exclusive experience.

The incredible conservation project of Tswalu can be found on the southernmost edge of Kalahari and offers privileged access to the largest privately protected area in South Africa. Guests can choose from three luxury safari camps with a maximum guest capacity of 40 across the entire reserve. For groups seeking the utmost privacy, we recommend Tarkuni Homestead, an exclusive-use property that houses 10 guests in five luxury suites.

Ideal for families or groups of friends, enjoy secluded rooms while still being under one roof. Tarkuni will become your home with a dedicated host and private chef as well as a private safari vehicle, guide and tracker for a completely personalised experience. Outside of roaming the plains in search for wildlife, guests can make use of a fully stocked wine cellar, private pool, games room, sundowner fire pit and a spa treatment suite. 

The newest accommodations to grace the Madinat Jumeirah complex, Jumeirah Malakiya Villas are a prestigious collection of 38 private properties sleeping between five and seven people. Guests can choose from the two or three-bedroom villa or the Royal Malakiya Villa each boasting their own unique features. 

Despite their individuality, the accommodations guarantee the same exacting standards and amenities including: private check in; 24-hour butler service; personal plunge pool and balcony; your own beach cabana; in-villa kitchen and dining area for private dinners and more. The Madinat Jumeirah complex facilities are also available including over 50 dining experiences, Wild Wadi Waterpark and the KiDS Club. 

Converted from an old sheep farm, this incredible lodge blends into its surroundings with its famed turfed roof. Here you can get off-grid in the Fljót Valley on the mountainous Troll Peninsula in northern Iceland. Deplar Farm offers a remote yet luxurious retreat for group travellers seeking adventure and relaxation. 

The property is home to 13 rooms designed in a contemporary Nordic style, as well as farmhouse cuisine serving locally sourced meat, fish and vegetables. Guests can enjoy stargazing from the geothermally heated, outdoor pool complete with bar, as well as a plethora of bucket list activities including heli-skiing, whale watching, and hot spring baths. Experience the best of Iceland's natural beauty while enjoying the comforts of a five-star lodge.

Situated on a private island in the Maldives, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi offers an idyllic retreat for groups seeking luxury and seclusion. With overwater villas, private pools, and access to world-class dining and spa facilities, the resort promises a truly unforgettable experience amidst the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.

Groups that are looking for an island experience like no other should book Ithaafushi, The Private Island, accommodating up to 24 guests spread between two beautiful beach and overwater villas and a four-bedroom residence. The island has its own private culinary team, wellness concierge, round-the-clock service, five swimming pools, tennis courts and access to the main resort’s facilities. 

Spread across 700-acres within the breathtaking landscapes of Jasper National Park, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers a rustic yet luxurious retreat, and arguably the best five-star hotel in town. With cozy cabins, outdoor hot tubs, and access to a range of activities including hiking, canoeing, and wildlife safaris, the lodge provides the perfect escape for those looking to reconnect with nature.

For those travelling in a group, we recommend booking one of the Signature Cabins – as seen on The Bachelor. Catering to groups of two to twenty individuals, these lodgings exude lavish interiors, breathtaking vistas, and personalised amenities. The illustrious Milligan Cabin - the grandest offering - is aptly named, offering sweeping views of the first fairway of the golf course and its very own private putting green.

Explore the sun-soaked shores of Grand Cayman at this luxury resort. Located along Seven Mile Beach, The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman showcases its signature styling and service with a Caribbean twist. With spacious suites, beachfront access, and a range of water sports and leisure activities, it provides the perfect setting for group getaways filled with sun, sand, and sea. Plus, for families travelling with children, there is a comprehensive programme to keep little ones entertained including the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors Environment program and the Starfish Cay Waterpark. 

And if you have the whole gang tagging along, the Seven South experience is a must. Officially the largest luxury hotel suite configuration in the Caribbean, this beautiful, nine-bedroom accommodation encompasses the 8,000 square foot Grand Cayman Penthouse as well as four adjoining two-bedroom suites. It boasts an impressive outdoor terrace with sea views complete with kitchen, dining and living areas. 

Experience celestial luxury in the seventh continent at White Desert Echo Camp. Encircled by towering rock formations and powdery snow, this spectacularly unique place to stay is otherworldly. Offering just six heated ‘sky pods’ that sleep two people, guests can book individually, or to experience it with friends, family or colleagues, you can even hire the entire camp. 

Inspired by astronauts, the pods feature original photographs from the International Space Station’s former commander and retired astronaut Colonel Terry Virts. Guests of White Desert will also have access to a communal lounge pod, dine on fine South African cuisine and enjoy the adventurous activities Antarctica has to offer with a team of highly qualified UIAGM high mountain guides. 

Looking for an unforgettable incentive trip that combines team bonding with adventure? Look no further than The Resort at Paws Up Ranch. Nestled deep within Montana's wilderness, this five-star estate offers a harmonious blend of rustic charm and luxurious comfort. Choose from a variety of accommodations including lodges, charming homes, and safari tents, all thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

With a wide range of exciting outdoor activities including horse riding lessons, nature hikes, fly fishing, clay pigeon shooting and more, group travel has never been more fun - in fact, this type of active adventure is growing in popularity for company trips. Discover why ranching is the incentive travel trend sweeping the USA.

Set within a sprawling estate in the heart of Tuscany, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco exudes Italian charm with a backdrop of rolling hills, old-world buildings and its very own vineyard. With elegantly restored villas, private wine tasting, and onsite spa, the estate provides the perfect setting for group gatherings.

Spend quality time with friends or family by booking exclusive accommodation in the form of 11 one-of-a-kind Tuscan villas, each created from restored 17th and 18th century farmhouses. Sleeping up to 12 guests, the villas all showcase heated pools, terraces, pergolas and gardens as well as fully equipped kitchens and a seven-seater Land Rover Defender (or similar 4x4 vehicle) to use within guests' stay. 

Escape to ‘the world’s most remote hotel’. Perched atop a glacier in the heart of Denali National Park, Sheldon Chalet offers a truly unique experience for adventurers. With panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, gourmet dining experiences, and access to helicopter excursions and glacier trekking, guests can experience the rugged beauty of Alaska in unparalleled comfort and style.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple or as a group this exclusive-use property means you’ll never be sharing with strangers. With a maximum capacity of 10 guests at a time, this is a great group experience for those who feel they have seen and done it all. 

Break away from the bustling city of Abu Dhabi and take a 15-minute boat ride where you’ll arrive in paradise. Nurai Island is the only boutique private island resort off the coast of Abu Dhabi, showcasing an exceptional standard of accommodation, a world class spa, five fine and casual dining locations, luxury beach club and a wealth of leisure activities. 

Accommodation options vary from a Beach, Water or Sea View Villa, each immaculately decorated with sleek and modern interiors. For those looking for more privacy and space, the Estate Villas are the crowning jewel here. These five and six-bedroom complexes include a gourmet kitchen, patio and sundeck, personal infinity pool and a private beach. They are the ultimate residences for large families or groups of friends.