Esther Beadle relaxes Spanish style in a lavish shared villa

The weather is getting warmer and the smell of summer lingers on the air. The occasional bursts of sunshine beating down on Oxfordshire turn thoughts to holidays and the big getaway we all want to treat ourselves to.

Emerging, blinking, from the drab winter malaise, means we all could do with a little TLC. And a Scott Dunn holiday is just the ticket.

Normally the brand would be associated with swish ski chalets, but delve into the tantalising pages of their delicious brochure and there's a world of opportunity.

And before we go any further, the elephant in the room needs addressing. The hefty price tag has the potential to make even well-heeled eyes water.

But! (Bear with me here) Scott Dunn's five-star luxury doesn't have to be limited to those born with a bottomless bank account. Hiring a villa for a week, split between two families can end up surprisingly manageable and the restorative quality of such a divine getaway is priceless.

And everything is included. Anything you fancy to eat, there's wine for the grown-ups, we were greeted by beautiful, personalised monogram towels in our rooms, and even sun cream - all on hand to make your stay run smoothly.

And my stay in Las Palmeras, in Pollenca, Mallorca, has left me yearning for a similar sort of care and attention at home.

Pulling up to the five-star pad, barely five minutes' drive from Pollença, we were immediately taken with how spacious and airy it was, sprawling green grounds and nestled in the mountains.

Every whim you could have is catered for. Excellent service is people recognising want you want before you want it. Nowhere is this played out more than by the Scott Dunn staff.

Basking in the sunshine by our villa's turquoise pool, canapés and coolers would appear, by magic, from the deft and discreet hands of our two dedicated, attentive, almost telepathic staff, Sophie and Digby.

The wonderful upshot is that on a Scott Dunn holiday you really can get away from it all. They'll take care of everything: your flights, your transfers, day trips, and the food. Oh, the food!

Long, relaxing evenings were whiled away feasting on the most delicious local produce prepared by an in-villa chef. Anything you like can be rustled up, all you have to do is ask.

One of the real coups of a villa-stay is the chance to sample a delightfully playful and hearty menu put together by the adorable Masterchef winner Ping Coombes.

We were lucky enough for Ping to join us at meal times and, having downed some of the beautiful local wine with her, I can vouch that her food is as fun as she is. Curried popcorn, lemongrass gin, packed with flavour and very special indeed.

Over our two days we were able to laze by the pool being waited on hand and foot. If that doesn't sound like a holiday I don't know what does.

But there's still plenty to do and Scott Dunn can make anything happen - even an early morning, music-accompanied yoga session by the pool.

One exquisite morning was spent on the sea. Hiring out a boat is as easy as pie. You can just ask Scott Dunn to sort it and they will. It's the perfect way to take advantage of the the stunning scenery off the coast of Pollenca, most recently shown off on BBC drama The Night Manager. And who doesn't want to dive straight into sun-sparkling waters and then enjoy Prosecco on deck in the beating sun with nothing but calming blue as far as the eye can see?

Maybe the five-year-olds? Well never fear. Scott Dunn villas come with an enviably stocked playroom, ceiling-high with goodies, and their own expertly-trained nannies. You can let the little ones enjoy their own holiday as you enjoy yours. Like all of the Scott Dunn superhero staff they are incredibly flexible. Whether you're looking for your brood to be entertained so you can enjoy a few hours of shopping in the morning or wanting bedtime taken care of, they can be there to put your kind at rest.

My eyes have been opened to how the other half live and boy, do I want some more.

Go: Scott Dunn offers seven nights at Las Palmeras from £1,470 per person based on full occupancy and including full board on 5 and a half days, transfers or car hire and flights from the UK.

www.scottdunn.com / 020 8682 5040

DO: The temptation is to do nothing at all, but if you get restless, or want to see some of the island, ask Scott Dunn to arrange a boat trip.

For more on the property go here....