How would you like to wake up
in your own luxury villa – in an exotic locale?
Basking in a sumptuous manor almost anywhere in the world
is becoming quite the thing. If you're talking
comfort and convenience, booking a villa can be a unique,
exceptional experience, with a level of service that's
comparable with or superior to that of a world-class,
five-star hotel or an exclusive club. Many private villas
on the high end of the spectrum have a dedicated staff – including
a personal concierge or house manager – and offer
a meet-and-greet at the airport, daily maid service,
a laundry, garden and pool maintenance, and a personal
driver or guide. Other features might include a welcome
dinner with wine on arrival, a light lunch on the first
full day of rental, daily breakfast and the services
of a cook, although the cost of food is generally
additional. There's a very practical side to reserving
a private villa, which is a cost-effective alternative
to a luxury resort or a destination club.
Properties vary in size, location, style and amenities.
The key word here is choice. You might be seeking a quiet
hideaway or, perhaps, prefer a chic hotspot. How about
a spectacular property for hosting large family gatherings
or glamorous parties?
Here are wonderful vacation options.
Caribbean Retreat
Situated directly on the beach, this spectacular
seven-bedroom villa offers the luxuries of a five-star
resort at your own exclusive manor – a modern
estate with extensive landscaped grounds, a free-form
pool overlooking the sea, a Jacuzzi, a gym, a tennis
court, and a staff of 14 catering to your every
need.
$33,000 to $46,000 per week, plus 20-percent tax
and service
Designed with luxury and comfort in mind, this
six-bedroom villa overlooking the Caribbean Sea
is furnished primarily with rattan furniture. The
living room houses a grand piano. Other amenities
include a spacious and well-equipped gym and a
game room. The 364-square-foot kitchen is outfitted
with hardwood cabinets, stainless-steel appliances
and a breakfast nook. The kitchen opens onto the
main terrace for outdoor dining and lounging. There
is a house manager, daily maid service, a laundry
room and a deep freezer. A secluded, reef-protected
beach for sunning, swimming or snorkeling is only
a stone's throw away.
Enveloped by formal gardens, this vast Mediterranean-style
villa has a main residence with three bedrooms,
five baths, living and dining rooms, an executive
office, a granite chef's kitchen and a state-of-the
art home theater. There is also a guest house.
The gated estate's entrance crosses a private
bridge over a running stream. The villa has roped
concrete inseams surrounding picture windows and
stately paired columns forming the front lanai.
Interiors are done in lush fabrics, and the finest
furniture and fixtures enhance three exquisite
master suites, each with marble-and-stone baths.
Additional features include custom wood ceilings
and marble columns.
In an exclusive location known for its ideal climate,
preserved natural landscape and innovative architecture,
this six-bedroom villa's Mexican-Mediterranean
style combines modern design with open-air palapa
living. Vanishing pools and bedroom suites looking
out onto the Pacific – along with the tropical
landscape – create an atmosphere of elegant
tranquility, while vegetation and positioning ensure
total privacy. Beautiful beaches, restaurants,
polo, boating, surfing and kayaking are yours to
enjoy. The staff includes a cook, a butler/driver,
maid service and a gardener/poolman.
This elegant, exclusive Tuscan retreat – immersed
in splendid parkland with ornamental ponds and
antique fountains, courtyards and lemon-scented
gardens – accommodates up to 24 guests. The
property, which dates back to the 1700s, has been
restored to its former glory. The villa is fully
heated and air-conditioned, with 12 spacious bedrooms,
all with a superb, modern en-suite bath and shower
room. The living room flows into the many reception
rooms, which include a wine library with a private
collection of Tuscan wines, a card and billiard
room, a sun lounge, a domed music room with a log
fireplace, a grand dining room, a drawing room/TV
lounge and a fully equipped Tuscan kitchen. The
staff includes three housekeepers, a chef and a
gardener/poolman.
With a history dating back to the late 16th century,
this classic property has always been a place of
glamour and elegance, and at the same time a warm,
welcoming home. A beautiful, untouched example
of Renaissance architectural balance, the villa
has a central main building flanked on both sides
by arcaded wings that frame an Italian-style garden
with a fountain, Greek mythical statues, flower
beds, lawns and bushes. The fenced, 17-acre park
is rich in plants and framed by long rows of hornbeams,
lime trees and oak trees, which meet in front of
a lovely dove cote, a chapel and a large fish pond
with running water. There are woods with century-old
trees and numerous statues. In a garden separated
from the main park and reserved for guests is a
swimming pool surrounded by oleanders, roses and
hydrangeas, and a patio and a barbeque. Other amenities
include a soccer field and three mountain bikes.
The staff includes a concierge, a chef, waiters,
a driver, a maid and laundry service.
