The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends
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The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends

30th June 2025
Image from Stillwaters at Avington Estate

If you’re looking for the perfect stay for your luxury weekend away with friends, then we’ve got you covered. Here at Coolstays we offer a vast array of deluxe stays up and down the UK for you to choose from. And, to help you plan your next luxury retreat, we thought we’d put together our ultimate checklist, outlining some of the most important things you need to consider when looking for your ultimate luxury Coolstay.

The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends
Image from Wolf Wood Spa Treehouse

Hot tubs

If you’re enjoying socialising with friends in your luxury pad, then there are few better ways to crank up the indulgence than by hopping in a hot tub for an evening drink. Fire up the bubble jets and let the warm water embrace you as you relax in style with your nearest and dearest. Hot tubs offer a wonderful way to unwind after a long day of fun, and are particularly special after the sun sets when the stars come out above.

Here at Coolstays we list a huge number of party houses with hot tubs, so be sure to have a browse and see if any of them tickle your fancy.
The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

Private chef

If you’re looking for true, 24-carat luxury, then you don’t want to spend any time working away in the kitchen preparing meals for your group. So, why not hire a private chef and make your stay extra special?

Private chefs can join you on your weekend away and create a bespoke menu based on your specific wants and needs. Let them handle the food prep, as you and your loved ones catch up over a drink. Then, get comfy around the dining table, and enjoy some seriously good food, that is sure to create lasting memories for everyone involved.
The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends
Photo by Fabrizio Magoni on Unsplash.

Amazing restaurants nearby

If you don’t fancy hiring a private chef, but food is important to you, then you may wish to book a luxury weekend away in a property that sits close to a number of amazing restaurants. That could mean taking a break in a city known for its culinary delights, finding an apartment that is close to a varied array of incredible places to eat.

However, many of the UK’s Michelin starred restaurants are situated in the countryside, so you could also look for a luxurious rural retreat that is close to one of the more coveted restaurants that rural Britain has to offer.
The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends
Image from Tregulland Cottage & Barn

Grand social spaces

Luxury holiday retreats often all have at least one thing in common, which is the abundance of social space. If you want to enjoy a large group getaway, with an opulent twist, you won’t want to be squeezing onto sofas to socialise with your nearest and dearest. The best luxury stays have epic, sprawling living spaces that are often interconnected, ensuring you can all hang out together no matter where you are. Think huge sofas sitting next to floor-to-ceiling windows, massive dining tables where you can enjoy giant feasts as a group and big kitchen islands where you can perch with a drink and keep your loved one company as they whip up dinner.

Luxury stays will also often have small snugs or cosy libraries, where you can escape from the noise if you fancy a secluded moment of peace. These smaller spaces are ideal for relaxing with a good book or simply sitting with a cuppa and planning the day’s activities.
The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends
Photo by Vaido on Unsplash

Modern entertainment systems

A top-tier entertainment system can significantly enhance a group getaway. Something like multi-room audio allows you to enjoy your favourite tunes throughout the property, whether cooking in the kitchen, lounging on the terrace or unwinding in the lounge. Top-of-the-line smart TVs also make movie nights a joy, and families traveling with children will love modern gaming consoles, which can keep little ones entertained whilst grownups enjoy an evening drink.
The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends
Image from The Lodge Cotswolds

Swimming pools

Now for a real big hitter. Swimming pools can really make a stay extra special. Here at Coolstays we love a pool, and we offer an array of luxurious party houses with indoor and outdoor swimming pools. While away sunny afternoons cooling off with a dip, or spend your days relaxing by the water’s edge on a lounger. A pool will make most trips better, whether you’re using it for a bit of early morning exercise before the rest of the group wake up, or as a place for kids and grown ups to play together.
The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends
Image from Barford Beach House

Ensuite bathrooms

Ensuite bathrooms may not sound overly glamorous, but it is something that’s easy to overlook. If you want your getaway to be luxurious, with everyone able to relax in style, then you won’t want people queueing for communal bathrooms or showers throughout the weekend. So, if you’re planning an opulent getaway with family and friends, you may want to consider properties that offer ensuite bathrooms, ensuring the utmost privacy and comfort during your stay.
The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends
Image from Durns

Free-standing baths

Whilst the hot tub is often seen as the star of the show you should also keep your eyes peeled for deluxe free-standing bathtubs. Whether sitting in a beautiful ensuite bathroom or at the foot of a bed in a master suite, a free-standing bath offers you an opulent way to unwind in peace away from the rest of your group. Many Coolstays offer free-standing baths that sit next to picture windows, ensuring you can take in sweeping views as you sink into the bubbles. Some Coolstays even offer outdoor baths, which means you can enjoy an evening drink in the hot water as the stars come out above
The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends
Image from Post Knott Lodge

Sauna or steam room

When booking a luxury retreat for your group, book one with a private sauna or steam room and turn up the chill factor. Whether it’s a cosy post-hike sweat session or a steamy wind-down under the stars, nothing says indulgence like your own private spa. Soothe tired muscles, clear your head and let the day melt away – all without leaving your front door. It’s the kind of luxe touch that turns a great getaway into something truly unforgettable. Think boutique hotel vibes with all the privacy of home.
The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends
Photo by Jerry Linsen on Unsplash sh

Home cinema

If you're booking a luxury group getaway, a home cinema is a seriously cool addition. After a day of exploring or lounging by the pool, what’s better than piling onto plush sofas with popcorn and a great film? It's perfect for movie nights, rainy days or keeping the kids entertained while the grown-ups sip cocktails. Whether you're into blockbusters or binge-worthy series, having a private cinema makes the stay feel extra special. It’s those little luxuries that turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.
The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends
Photo by Alex Tyson on Unsplash

Private gym

If you want to enjoy a luxury break, whilst maintaining your workout regime, then you should opt for a holiday home that comes with its own private gym. Many luxury stays offer up gym equipment, from weights and strength training gear to rowing machines, treadmills and cardio equipment. Wake up before the rest of your group and sweat it out in your own private gym, whilst listening to your favourite tunes. Then, have a shower and enjoy your first coffee of the day in style, knowing you’ve already completed your workout for the day.

Some of our favourite deluxe group retreats

Below are some of our favourite deluxe group retreats. Take a look and see if any of these work for your next big group getaway.
The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends

Barford Beach House

nr. Bude - Cornwall

12 (+4)

Head to the North Cornwall coast at Barford, a stunning holiday home for up to 16 people that offers sea views and luxurious living.

The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends

The Lodge Cotswolds

Cirencester - Gloucestershire

Sleeps 10

Idyllic country retreat in the Cotswolds with stunning swimming pool, large hot tub, and luxurious interiors including a games and cinema room.

The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends

The Water Shed

Bosham - West Sussex

Sleeps 10

Spectacular eco home by the coast in West Sussex, as featured on Grand Designs, with wild swimming pond, hot tub, sauna, tennis court and huge social spaces.

The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends

Deco Beach

Christchurch - Dorset

Sleeps 10

This superb, striking beach house in Dorset offers super-stylish interiors, a stunning outdoor pool and a private hot tub.

The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends

Stillwaters at Avington Estate

Avington - Hampshire

Sleeps 14

Relax by tranquil waters in an ultra-modern, luxury group escape in Hampshire, in the rolling hills of the South Downs.

The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends

Woolbrook Reservoir

Sidmouth - Devon

Sleeps 16

Stunning modern holiday home in the peaceful Devon countryside that's perfect for your next large group celebration.

The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends

Rafters

West Lulworth - Wareham

Sleeps 20

Luxury Dorset home with gorgeous sea views, ten super king ensuite bedrooms, elegant open-plan living and a stunning indoor swimming pool.

The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends

Tregulland Cottage & Barn

Launceston - Cornwall

Sleeps 22

The perfect, super-luxury spot for large groups looking to escape to Cornwall with Britain’s first heated indoor freshwater pool.

The Ultimate Checklist for a Luxury Weekend Away with Friends

Durns

Boldre - Hampshire

18 (max. 12 adults)

Gorgeously restored Georgian farmstead with heated outdoor pool in the New Forest. The perfect luxury group getaway.

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