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Five-star getaways come with five-star price tags.

But there is a way for holidaymakers who have always dreamed of living the high life to take luxury holidays without breaking the bank.

Whilst the concept of timeshare might raise the odd eyebrow, gone are the days of rogue deals and dodgy contracts – with running costs clear from the start.

Half a million UK households already own a timeshare property, and 80,000 households in Europe are expected to buy one in 2015.

Here, we round up some of the most luxurious properties from http://ift.tt/1raNxZT.

The stunning resort of Crane Beach in Barbados, boasts views of golden sands and turquoise ocean

Mahogany magic: Suites at the resort feature stunning solid wood furniture inside

The Crane, Barbados

Price: One week in March in a one-bedroom apartment with private infinity pool: £9,900

Agreement expires: December 31, 2081

Annual management fee: £950 per week owned

Rental comparison: $4,022 (£2,500) for 7 nights

Incredible vistas, turquoise waters and idyllic pink sands – who could ask for more? This stunning holiday resort offers guests the ultimate Caribbean escape.

The price secures guests a stunning one-bedroom apartment boasting two bathrooms, a handcrafted four-poster mahogany bed, a Jacuzzi and a lush terrace with an infinity pool.

The Crane, which dates back to 1887, is perched on a cliff-top, with access to Crane Beach - voted in the top 10 in the world, thanks to its cake-mix-soft pink sands, and gentle lapping water.

Secluded view: Private plunge pools at The Crane add to the sense of luxury

In the pink: The legendary pale rose sands of Crane Bay, Barbados are one of the property's USPs

The Village at St James's Club, Mamora Bay, Antigua

Price: Two weeks over Christmas and New Year in two-bedroom accommodation: £16,950

Agreement expires: December 31, 2040

Annual management fee: £500 per week owned

Rental comparison: $15,000 (£9,360) for 14 nights

Jet off to this secluded five-star hideaway and escape the harsh British winter in style.

Instead of battling rain and snow, soak up the rays on one of two idyllic white-sand beaches, take a dip in the six swimming pools, enjoy a massage in the spa and dine in first-class restaurants.

With a modern decor, beach access, ample space, and tucked away on a 100-acre peninsula, this five-star timeshare resale offers guests the ultimate luxury holiday – at a cut price. 

Tropical paradise: The beach at the Village at St James's Club, Mamora Bay, Antigua

The Village Holiday Club, Koutouloufari, Crete

Price: Two weeks in September, one bedroom accommodation: £5,000

Agreement expires: December 1, 2043

Annual management fee: £360 per week owned

Rental comparison: £1,106 for 14 nights

At just a four-hour flight away, this stunning apartment offers the perfect Greek getaway that's close to home.

Resembling a traditional village set in olive groves, Koutouloufari boasts stunning gardens, an outdoor pool and incredibly friendly staff.

As well as a marble bathroom and a private balcony, this traditional-style accommodation is in an ideal location for bustling tavernas, historic sites and the sun-soaked beaches.

Greek chic: The individual houses are designed to perfectly combine traditional decor with modern flair

The stunning resort offers the perfect Greek getaway that's close to home

Marriott Club Son Antem, Mallorca

Price: Three-bedroom townhouse, one week during any half-term period: £9,950

Agreement expires: December 31, 2082

Annual management fee: £900 per week owned

Rental comparison: £2,100 for 7 nights

Whether it's perfecting your putting or stretching on a sunlounger, this high-end hotel ticks all the boxes for luxury on a budget.

Surrounded by rugged mountains off the east coast of Spain, it's the ideal place to get away from it all, switch off and relax.

Holidaymakers will be able to relax in a spacious three-bedroom townhouse, enjoy scenic views as well as have access to golf courses, swimming pools, dine in first-class restaurants and get to take a dip in the azure Mediterranean Sea. 

Dive in: Visitors to Club Son Antem can relax by the pool - or head to one of the nearby beaches 

Starry, starry night: The resort features an indoor, an outdoor and a children's pool

Sheraton Vistana, Orlando, Florida

Price: Two-bedroom, two weeks in July: £3,500

Agreement expires: On-going

Annual management fee: £525 per week owned

Rental comparison: £2,021 for 14 nights

Parents will be a hit with their children with this high-end holiday home.

Just minutes away from Walt Disney World, this large two-bedroom villa couldn't be better located for families looking to take in all Florida has to offer.

As well as a host of nearby attractions, including SeaWorld and Universal Studios, guests can also enjoy lazing by the swimming pool, playing on the basketball courts or relaxing in the outdoor whirlpool. 

And relax ... the stunning swimming pool at the Sheraton Vistana in Florida 

Room for the family: The two-bedroom villas are large enough to accommodate up to eight people

Marriott's Phuket Beach Club, Thailand

Price: Two 'platinum' weeks (can be used as separate weeks) any time of year, except Christmas and New Year: £12,000

Agreement expires: December 31, 2081

Annual management fee: £600 per week owned

Rental comparison: £3,200 for 14 nights

You'll feel like you're living the lifestyle of the rich and famous at this incredible Thai resort.

Boasting modern chic décor, six miles of immaculate beaches and the sparkling Andaman Sea, guests are spoilt for choice on how they while away the days.

If plunging into elegant swimming pools and dining in any of the resorts 10 restaurants are not enough, there is also a spa, bars, cookery lessons, fitness … and a course that will teach you how to fly through the air on a trapeze!

After that adrenaline-fix, retreat to your luxury, two-bedroom villa featuring beautiful designs and breath-taking views and relax. 

Fancy a dip? Palm trees surround the crystal-clear pools in the Beach Club

Foodie paradise:  Marriott's Phuket Beach Club boasts 10 restaurants and cookery courses are on offer

Marriott Marbella Beach Resort, Spain

Price: One week, two-bedroom apartment: £6,995

Agreement expires: December 31, 2076

Annual management fee: £750 per week owned

Rental comparison: £1,582 for 7 nights

If you like your nightlife on tap but enjoy staying away from the action, this is the resort for you.

At just a stone's throw from Nikki Beach – made famous thanks to TOWIE – this chic, ocean-front apartment is in a sought-after area, with incredible views of the glistening Mediterranean Sea.

Whether you're into golf, spas, fine dining, fitness or nightclubbing - or whether you simply want to laze on the beach by day and wander Marbella's cobbled streets in the evening - there's something here for every holidaymaker. 

Take advantage of the two outdoor pools and whirlpools at Marriott Marbella Beach Resort

Long lunches: Eat beside the Mediterranean Sea at the resort's Beachside Bar & Grille

Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Price: Three-bedroom apartment, two weeks including school holidays and Christmas: £41,000

Agreement expires: Ongoing

Annual management fee: £1,100 per week owned

Rental comparison: £9,562 for 7 nights

Find out what it means to holiday like an A-lister at this picturesque resort located on a paradise-style island.

As the most cosmopolitan of the Virgin Islands, lush St Thomas – which is only 32sq miles - offers shopping, snorkelling, golf, watersports, night kayaking, sailing and sightseeing in the 700ft-high Skyride.

And when you tire of splashing around in too-blue waters of Pacquereau Bay and lying on the island's unspoiled sands, head back to your modern-designed, three-bedroom hillside villa for a glass or two of bubbly. 

Visitors can retreat to their hillside apartment overlooking the sparkling waters of Pacquereau Bay

Tropical design: The Marriott's architecture reflects British and Danish influences

Royal Savoy Resort, Funchal, Madeira

Price: One week in a one-bedroom apartment: £5,450

Agreement expires: 2032

Annual management fee: £480 per week owned

Rental comparison: £1,400 for 7 nights

Boasting rave travel reviews, this five-star harbour-side resort is highly sought-after, attracting loyal guests who return year after year.

As well as offering incredible views of the Atlantic, being within walking distance of historic Funchal, featuring three swimming pools, a high-end spa, and top-notch restaurants, the resort offers guests the chance to arrange expeditions such as whale-watching sailing trips and fishing trips.

Living the high life, here, you'll be able to relax in your elegant one-bedroom villa - which comes complete with its own kitchen and dining area – with a drink in hand, enjoying the picturesque view from your balcony. 

Drinks at dusk: The Savoy has two outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool as well as health club and spa