After decades of hard work, your retirement is the time to kick back. So, where better to see out your senior years than in the lap of luxury? These prestigious residences are more like high-end hotels than anything else – plus, they have some amazing added extras, from state-of-the-art fitness centres to fine dining restaurants.

Click or scroll on to discover the incredible homes for the over 55s that might encourage you to retire early...

*Prices are accurate as of February 2025.

This recently refurbished Victorian Gothic hall in Royal Leamington Spa, UK, forms the beating heart of the Audley Binswood offering and is as palatial as retirement communities get.

This kind of lavish living will cost you, though. Its 90 homes vary in price. A cosy one-bed cottage available in February 2025 costs £290,000 ($362k), while a spacious two-bed apartment was listed for £410,000 ($512k). A monthly management fee and an annual ground rent are charged on top of this.

Ideal for the more discerning retiree, the community has its very own exclusive private members' club on site that offers a bistro, bar, library and lounge, as well as a blissful spa in which to relax and unwind.

The well-appointed apartments – which are only available to people aged 55 or over – are spacious and light, boasting tasteful period features and high-end furnishings, along with state-of-the-art kitchens and sleek bathrooms.

The community at Binswood Hall isn't only about relaxation. The rather grand gym is packed with the latest exercise equipment and residents have the services of a personal trainer at their disposal.

There's also a heated indoor swimming pool in the complex that offers aqua aerobics classes.

Talk about living in the lap of luxury! The palatial property also has a well-appointed library for those who prefer their pastimes to be a little more cerebral.

Who wouldn't want to read under that amazing candelabra? ​

Located in London's Chelsea neighbourhood, this refined later-living community offers 56 private apartments for over-65s who want to enjoy an independent and active lifestyle through the 'third act' of their life, with help and support available should they come to need it.

As we'll see, Auriens Chelsea caters to style-conscious seniors who expect the very best when it comes to cuisine, services and design...

25 of Aureins' exclusive apartments are available to rent and 31 are available to buy. A one-bedroom residence starts from just under £2.8 million ($3.4m), while two-bedroom apartments start at a snip below £4 million ($5m), as of February 2025.

As this stylish living room shows, each apartment offers a chic interior, made from high-end materials like Italian marble and smoked oak floors. The residences are designed to be future-proof, with non-slip shower tiles, accessible dishwashers and motorised kitchen cabinets to make life that little bit easier.

Blending the luxury of a five-star hotel with the exclusive aura of a private members' club, Auriens Chelsea boasts a fine dining restaurant serving Michelin-level dishes, atmospheric lounge areas, a library, a swimming pool and spa, a luxurious salon and barber, and a fully-equipped gym.

On and off-site activities are available too, including live music and film showings in this plush private cinema.

Other bonuses include a courtesy chauffeur-driven house car, a full-time concierge team and valet parking. Pets are also welcome at Auriens, which means residents don't have to choose between their best friend and later life comforts. Together they can enjoy this serene garden, designed by Andy Sturgeon, a multiple Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner.

Healthcare is of high priority here, too. Auriens has a personal trainer and nutritionist, and it has partnered with Draycott Nursing & Care, a highly rated private provider of nursing care, to offer each well-heeled resident tailored care when necessary, for an additional charge.

Located in Arizona's sun-drenched San Tan Valley, Encanterra is an upscale all-ages community featuring neighbourhoods exclusively for the over 55s.

Its Spanish-style homes are priced from $388,300 ($485k). There's also a quarterly service charge, which residents must pay.

Homes tend to be on the large side, so there's plenty of space to entertain friends and family. All properties come with a state-of-the-art kitchen but if cooking is a chore, residents can dine in one of the community's four gourmet eateries.

For serious foodies, Encanterra's culinary studio has a full-scale showcase kitchen that hosts chef demos, cooking classes and private parties.

Love a few rounds of golf? The 18-hole private course is the focal point of the community, but there are also three huge swimming pools, tennis and fitness centres, pickleball and bocce ball courts, plus hiking and biking trails.

There's even an amphitheatre for plays and concerts, as well as volunteer opportunities and a myriad of homeowner-led groups from a pottery league to a yacht club.

Amenity-wise, residents pretty much want for nothing here. The award-winning Alvea Spa provides indulgent wellbeing treatments and the gym is top-notch, while an around-the-clock concierge service takes care of everything else. 

An action-packed events calendar includes live music nights, keynote speakers and games nights, as well as more unusual options like torch-lit walks and a floating sound bath experience. 

Kuala Lumpur's Sunway Sanctuary is extraordinary in that it's nestled within its very own city. 25 minutes from the centre of Kuala Lumpur, Sunway City is filled with 25,000 trees and built around a lagoon. It contains hotels, spa resorts, clubs, private residences, a university and even a theme park – not to mention Sunway Pyramid, which houses 1,000 shops and restaurants.

The key locations are connected via a canopied walk, an electric bus and a free shuttle bus service.

The Sanctuary itself is attached to Sunway Medical Centre, an award-winning private hospital, so residents have round-the-clock health support. A Traditional complementary medicine centre is also accessible via a bridge. Meanwhile, the 24-hour concierge team will take care of life's little details, like restaurant reservations, deliveries, errands and events.

Aside from the practical support, there are numerous amenities to keep things interesting. There's plenty of work and event space, as well as a private cinema, karaoke lounge, mahjong room, art studio, library and billiards room.

The contemporary accommodation ranges from 372-square-foot (35sqm) superior studios with a super single bed, an ensuite bathroom and a kitchenette, to 1,028-square-foot (96sqm) sanctuary suites, which have two bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, a large open-plan living space and a separate study. All apartments have levelled floors to minimise trip hazards, non-slip tiles and handrails in the bathroom, and emergency buttons for assistance.

Independent living units start at RM8,800 (£1.6k/$2k) per month as of February 2025, while assisted living units will set you back RM10,800 (£1.9k/$2k) a month. Both options include some meals, housekeeping, laundry and vital signs monitoring among other perks.

This heated saltwater infinity pool is the jewel in Sunway's crown – swimming lengths certainly wouldn't be boring with that incredible city view to enjoy.

Residents can make the most of mindfulness sessions, a large gym, a personal trainer and massage therapy, as well as Tai Chi, yoga and Qigong classes to enhance their wellbeing. Counselling, personalised nutrition plans and health talks are also available.

Nestled away on a 27-acre (11ha) estate, among meadows and a bluebell wood, lies a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house once owned by King Charles I. Today, it's Grove Place Retirement Village, a high-end independent living community.

The medieval market town of Romsey is just five miles away. Stuffed with traditional pubs, restaurants and tea rooms, its historic streets contain more than enough to keep a retiree entertained – but you'd have to lure them away from the charms of Grove Place first...

Each of Grove Place's 115 modern residences is fully self-contained with concierge, housekeeping, laundry services and a 24-hour emergency call system. Prices start at £260,000 ($325k) for a one-bedroom apartment and £395,000 ($493k) for a two-bedroom residence, as of February 2025.

Residents desiring an active retirement can take a dip in the pool, relax in the spa or play a game of billiards in this historic room, before perusing the library or meeting friends at the coffee lounge, bar or oak-panelled restaurant.

In winter, residents enjoy a programme of talks, as well as activities and events that run throughout the year like fitness classes, a craft club, charity events, monthly themed buffets and musical performances.

Regular day trips are laid on to the museums and galleries of nearby Southampton and other local towns – and there's an onsite salon and beauty treatment room to ensure residents can look and feel their very best.

One of the main attractions of Grove Place is, of course, these beautiful grounds. There's a putting green, croquet lawn and pétanque court for those with a competitive spirit. A barbecue area is put to good use in the summer for family and friends events, with entertainment and music laid on as well as a bouncy castle for grandchildren.

Of course, family and friends are welcome any time. Guests can stay in a resident's home for up to 30 days at a time or they can make use of the on-site guest suite.

The Watermark lies in the heart of Bellevue, Washington, and prides itself on offering "extraordinary senior living" in a setting that fosters dignity, respect and joy. Watermark believes that people are happiest when they have the freedom to shape their own lives. So rather than be told what to do and where to be, residents are encouraged to explore as much or as little of their new home's facilities as they want to.

There are virtual experiences to discover, outings and gourmet cuisine to enjoy and even Watermark University classes and events to attend.

The contemporary space is bursting with services and facilities to make life that little bit easier and a lot more enjoyable. Bike storage, electric vehicle charging stations and valet parking encourage residents to get out and about. Meanwhile, mountain and lake views and an outdoor plaza and courtyard mean guests with limited mobility keep their connection to the outside world.

Healthy food is served in the on-site bistro, café and restaurants, which are the perfect place to catch up with friends after an action-packed day. Four-legged friends aren't forgotten either – there's even a dog washing station to clean dusty paws after a trot around the block.

Whether you want to play a hand of cards or simply read by the fire, there are stylish spaces for everyone to enjoy. If residents feel a little more energetic, they can hit the fitness centre and enjoy a yoga or pilates class, aerobics or physical therapy or they can indulge in a spot of pampering at the salon.

From art workshops and culinary demonstrations to tea parties and movie nights, The Watermark's activity calendar is packed full of interesting diversions to keep busy minds engaged.

Options for independent living range from The Smith, a stylish studio, to The Kelsey, a chic two-bedroom Sky Suite with its own balcony. Prices range from £3,800 ($4.8k) to £13,200 ($16.5k) per month as of February 2025. Assisted living starts at $3,700 ($4.6k) for a studio, while memory care residents can expect to pay around £6,800 ($8.5k) a month for a studio home.

Bellvue's Sky Suites are customisable and residents benefit from weekly housekeeping, smart lighting and voice-activated tech. Secure, off-site storage and handy decluttering and organising consultations are thoughtful perks provided to ease the daunting task of downsizing. 

Arcare Birtinya stands on the shores of Lake Kawana, surrounded by the beauty of the Sunshine Coast. Shops, restaurants and Sunshine Coast Hospital are all nearby and the Wurtulla Foreshore Bushland Reserve and Beach is just a six-minute drive or 30-minute walk away.

Built in 2023, the residence houses 90 suites surrounded by courtyards and manicured gardens to enjoy. Let's take a look around...

As we can see from the showstopping entrance foyer, Arcare Birtinya has been designed in a 'coastal-glam' style, with large windows at every turn so residents can enjoy the lake views and lots of natural light.

The residence has an alfresco café and multiple dining rooms and lounge areas to meet up with friends, as well as a private dining room for special events. There's a choice of freshly prepared meals each day and once a week, residents enjoy a hot cooked breakfast, high tea and pre-dinner drinks.

Residents can take part in engaging pursuits in the activity rooms, visit the salon, work out in the gym or take a fitness class.

There's also a movie theatre that doubles as a worship room, a meeting room, a physio space and bus outings laid on for small groups to enjoy tailor-made excursions.

Each private suite has an ensuite bathroom with a shower, a flat-screen TV, courtyard access, lots of storage space, wifi and an individual heating and cooling system. As of February 2025, prices range from AUD$600,000 (£301k/$375k) for a Grande suite to AUD$750,000 (£377k/$469k) for a Deluxe Plus suite, although other payment options are available. 

Ken and Shirley – who moved into the home shortly after it opened in July 2023 – say the carers are "absolutely brilliant" and make you feel like they're part of your family. Their daughter says her parents have thrived and that Shirley's health has improved "immensely" since moving to Arcare Birtinya.

As you might imagine for a community perched on the shores of Switzerland's Lake Lugano, Residenza Du Lac offers first-class living in a pretty spectacular location.  

The exclusive residence is spread between two buildings connected via an underground tunnel – one has mountain and lake views while the other hovers right above the water – and it stands just a few minutes from the town's historic heart. Boat trips, mountain hikes and dips in the lake are all encouraged – and hard to resist!

There's direct access to the lake, but on chiller days residents might prefer this heated therapy pool or a trip to the gym.

Chef's cooking classes, shopping experiences at regional markets, art previews, readings, exhibitions and other cultural activities are available, as is a shuttle service into Lugano.

The apartments at Residenza Du Lac range from 603 square feet (56sqm) to 1,680 square feet (156sqm) penthouses and offer the same quality as a five-star hotel.

Residents choose between Gold and Platinum service packages. Both include an emergency 24-hour call system and nursing staff on hand, a daily main meal, a regular cleaning service, as well as an annual deep clean, and access to the wellness and fitness facilities and in-house cultural activities. 

The Platinum package goes one step further and provides daily apartment cleaning, three meals a day, room service, weekly laundry and a shuttle service.

Residents must find this luxurious lakeside terrace hard to tear themselves away from, but the lounge, lobby and Ariva – the gourmet restaurant – are all so chic that retirees are spoilt for choice.

As of February 2025, a 2.5-room apartment in Residenza Du Lac's Casa Montagna building costs from CHF6,000 (£5.3k/$6.6k) per month. If lake views are a must, a 3.5-room home in Casa Lago starts from CHF10,485 (£9.3k/$11.6k).

Residencia es Castellot stands on the craggy coastline of Santa Ponça on the island of Mallorca. The site has beautiful sea views and is home to several blocks of modern apartments surrounding a traditional Mallorcan-style house. 

The weather here is a big draw, particularly to Europeans flocking from colder climates – even in the depths of winter, the average temperature is a pleasant 15ºC (59ºF), although the record temperature for January is an incredible 22ºC (72ºF)!

Single or double apartments are available furnished or unfurnished. Both options have a living room with a flat-screen TV, a bathroom, a kitchenette, air conditioning, WiFi and a private balcony.

Prices range from €87 (£72/$90) per night for one person living in a single apartment and up to €183 (£152/$190) a night for two people sharing a double apartment. Meals are charged individually or residents can opt to pay full-board from €543 (£452/$564) a month.

The two pools, multiple terraces and alfresco seating areas make this a wonderful option for those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. There are spaces for playing pétanque and table games, as well as a library, shop and caféteria. Entertaining activities are laid on to boost well-being, and gym classes and physiotherapy are also available.

A nearby taxi rank and bus stop are ideal for exploring the coast and discovering local restaurants.

Es Castellot is surrounded by almost 2.5 acres (1ha) of natural and landscaped gardens to enjoy and each room has a clear view of the grounds or sea.

Temporary stays are available by the day or week so potential residents can get a feel for the place before they commit to a longer stay. Es Castellot offers tailored levels of support, from fully independent living to occasional or constant assistance from a 24/7 in-house nursing team.

People can also come to convalesce after an operation, for rehabilitation, for palliative care or if they're suffering from cognitive deterioration.  

Villa Sibilla stands in the spa town of Bad Neuenahr, which nestles among hills on the left bank of the Rhine between Frankfurt and Bonn. It aims to "give more space to life" and the building's position next to the spa gardens, which have sports areas as well as secluded spots to relax in, reflects that perfectly. 

By providing a positive atmosphere and respectful assistance, Sibilla staff aim to help residents keep a strong hold on their identity and interests as they enter the next phase of their lives. 

Light regional meals are served in the bistro, as room service or in Billas Novelle, the à la carte restaurant. With dishes like roasted saddle of venison and chocolate parfait with a coffee crumble, it's easy to see why the general public chooses to dine here alongside Villa Sibilla guests.

Afterwards, residents can retire to their new lounge, to chat the night away beside a roaring fire.

There are 131 one- to four-room apartments to choose from. The one-room flat covers around 463 square feet (43sqm), has a kitchenette, studio bedroom/living area, a storeroom and loggia and costs from €3,500 (£2.9k/$3.6k) a month for one person. The 1,350-square-foot (125sqm) four-room apartments have two double bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, a large kitchen-diner, a separate living room and a loggia or balcony. They cost from €7,545 (£6.4k/$7.8k) for one person. 

The monthly rental price covers an emergency call system, 24-hour reception, pharmacy service, weekly housekeeping, home care and more.

Naturally, there's a swish indoor pool to enjoy, as well as a salon and beauty parlour. A private medical practice and a specialist foot care service are also on hand to ensure residents feel their very best. 

There's also plenty to do outside the complex. Exploring the famous hiking trails that crisscross the Ahr Valley is a must, as is a visit to the Museum Roemervilla, which contains the ruins of a Roman manor house from the second and third centuries.

The luxurious Sarasota Bay Club in Florida provides its occupants with an impressively high staff-to-resident ratio, superior care and – in the words of one resident – "wonderful intellectual programmes, concerts and lectures", as well as writing courses and exercise classes. There is something for everyone. 

Each apartment is kitted out with the finest furnishings and equipment, so residents can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle while soaking up unobstructed coastal views and making the most of five-star amenities.

You'll need deep pockets if you decide to spend your retirement years here, though.

Apartments in this ultra-exclusive senior community are named after famous artists. In January 2025, they ranged from £539,200 ($673k) for a 983-square-foot (91sqm) one-bedroom Botticelli abode right up to £3.6 million ($4.5m) for the lavish 4,095-square-foot (sqm), three-bedroom Renoir II pad.

Residents can whip up meals in their own modern kitchens, but there are plenty of great options for those days when cooking feels like too much of a chore. 

The elegant dining room specialises in Mediterranean-style dishes, serving organic meat, vegetables and wild fish, to help diners stay in peak health. The club's renowned chefs can also cook to order, so residents can request whatever they fancy, wherever they want to eat it.

Residents can stay in shape by hitting the in-house gym and working out with a personal trainer. The club also boasts an indoor pool, a beauty salon, a spa and a home theatre, as well as 24-hour valet and concierge services.

But who needs to stay indoors when you have the beaches and sights of Sarasota on your doorstep? Now, that's what we call the good life!

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