It’s always tempting to plot future escapes at the luxury end of the market. Get lucky on the lottery and what can you expect at that price point? You’ll get a killer pool for certain, all bedrooms are undoubtedly en suite and there’ll probably be a cinema room tucked away somewhere in the property — but this is a rarefied world where butlers and private chefs come as standard and a helicopter transfer is always an option if the traffic’s looking a little heavy. We take a spin round the planet in search of its ultimate luxury pads and find overwater villas in the Maldives, palatial residences on the shores of Lake Como and beautifully restored old fincas in Menorca. There’s nothing but a hefty deposit standing between you and a stay.
Main photo: Villa Kajuru, Olhuveli, Maldives
1. Praana Residence, Koh Samui, Thailand
When you’re checking the list of facilities at your villa rental, an outdoor Thai boxing ring may not be one that immediately springs to mind, but that’s just one of the many on offer at Praana in Thailand — as well as a tennis court, sauna and gym. You’ll likely be far too distracted by the rest of the property to think too much about exercise though; the six-bedroom, fully staffed property sits on a jungled hill top with views out over the sea — with two infinity pools to take full advantage. Once you’ve had your fill of the island’s natural attractions — Angthong Marine Park and Namuang Waterfall are particular highlights — there’s a nightclub, cinema room and karaoke to keep you entertained.
Pool Y
Family-friendly Y
Sleeps 12
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2. Annandale Seascape, South Island, New Zealand
You know you’re in for something special if the recommended transport to your accommodation is by private helicopter transfer. What awaits at the other end is a one big slice of romantic seclusion — a one-bedroom bolthole looking out over a bay, with no one to disturb you for miles. The house is a vision of glass, stone, concrete and wood, designed to slot seamlessly into the New Zealand landscape and to make the most of the views. These are best enjoyed indoors by the fire or in the outdoor spa tub. Don’t worry about stocking the fridge or cooking; a farm-to-table, three-course dinner comes with every booking.
Pool N
Family-friendly N
Sleeps 2
3. Villa Sola Cabiati, Lake Como, Italy
Make like Italian nobility circa 1750 and lay down your towel at Villa Sola Cabiati. The 16th-century pad was bought by the dukes of Serbelloni in the 18th-century and remodelled to be the most opulent on Lake Como — and, happily, remains that way today. Once welcomed in by the butler, guests are unlikely to leave the property; you could stay for a month and still be discovering new frescoes, sculptures, tapestries and antiques. Do make sure you take an evening passeggiata around the manicured gardens though and watch the sun set over the still waters of the lake. The presence of marble floors and priceless furniture and artefacts won’t suit families with very young children.
Pool Y
Family-friendly N
Sleeps 12
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4. Royal Island, Bahamas
Perhaps one luxury villa isn’t enough and you need five sitting on their own private island. In which case, book Royal Island in the Bahamas: a 430-acre paradise surrounded by the clearest Caribbean waters. Once deposited by speedboat, guests will divide themselves between the scattering beachfont villas and the main house, each decorated in classic tropical style with lots of wood and white fabrics. When you tire of the miles of white-sand beaches, have the staff take you out to the reefs on the catamaran or give you a treatment in the spa and end each day with a meal cooked by a private chef.
Pool Y
Family-friendly Y
Sleeps 14
5. Beyond Villa, Western Cape, South Africa
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The sort of property that regularly makes the front cover of Elle Decoration, Beyond Villa is a contemporary marvel overlooking the ocean a few miles from Cape Town. It’s a sociable space that encourages guests to congregate, glass of wine in hand, to soak in the views with a living and dining area that opens on both sides, multiple outdoor lounging spaces and an extraordinary infinity pool that seems to hang over the ocean. Spread over six floors, it’s easy to get lost — perhaps stumbling across the cinema while you look for the steam room. The bedroom suites are enormous and five come with their own balcony.
Pool Y
Family-friendly Y
Sleeps 12
6. Chalet Edelweiss, Savoie, France
The chalet to put all other chalets in the shade, Edelweiss is the ultimate ski-in, ski-out retreat in the high-end Alpine resort of Courchevel 1850. Spiral staircases and a lift connect the seven floors of the stone-and-timber building; head down for the nightclub, swimming pool and bar, go up for the eight bedroom suites. There’s a library, sauna, gym and cinema too, but the greatest treat at the end of a long day of luxuriating is to settle in front of the fire in the wood-beamed living room with a glass of brandy delivered by the butler. If you do manage to make it to the slopes, you’ll find a private ski instructor at your disposal.
Pool Y
Family-friendly Y
Sleeps 16
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7. Villa Venetia, Mykonos
Villa Venetia is a charming pad three miles from Mykonos Town. It’s all about rustic luxe: the white-washed rooms of the stone building are peppered with local arts and crafts and antique furniture. The uncontested highlight is the outdoor space, which is where you’ll do most of your socialising. It’s home to a sea-water pool, covered dining area, lounge, outdoor kitchen and bar — all beautifully flood-lit at night and with views out over the coast. Every bedroom is en suite, but you’ll want to draw straws over the one with the balcony with sea views. A concierge comes with your booking and they’ll happily arrange everything from a grocery delivery to a sunset sail.
Pool Y
Family-friendly Y
Sleeps 14
8. Palm Point, Jolly Harbour, Antigua
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If you’re going to book a villa in the Caribbean, choose one with its own private beach — you can step straight from your dining terrace onto your own white sands at Palm Point in Antigua. There are plenty of ways to explore the island with kayaks and pedal boats available, as well as a Sunseeker Predator if you prefer to exert less energy (naturally, a boat captain and fisherman are on call for such occasions). All the bedrooms are vast and en suite, decorated in crisp island style, but the real highlight is the master suite in a separate gazebo on the water’s edge, with a wraparound terrace. Guests rave about chef Ruthie’s cooking, best enjoyed with views of the pool and palm trees.
Pool Y
Family-friendly Y
Sleeps 14
9. Medra Gadara, Matara, Sri Lanka
You’ll already be convinced you’re staying in paradise when you step through the heavy wooden doors of Medra Gadara on the south coast of Sri Lanka — and that’s before you’ve strutted smugly through the tropical gardens to the infinity pool with views over the Indian Ocean. The interior is a mix of striking antiques, art and hand-crafted furniture, which manages to feel utterly comfortable and homely rather than stuffy. This is a great place for a family get-together too, with rooms specifically designed for children and a water slide down to the pool, as well as a wonderful outdoor dining table for long, celebratory meals and a private chef who can accommodate every taste and dietary requirement.
Pool Y
Family-friendly Y
Sleeps 16
10. Deia, Provence, France
Location is always a biggie — and this five-bedroom villa easily delivers, positioned between Nice and Monaco on the stirring bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. You’ll find Deia sitting at the end of a promontory, with 180-degree views of the Mediterranean from the grounds, pool and house. Stairs down from the gardens lead you straight to the water and your own small rocky beach. The decor is contemporary and grown-up, with the feel of a five-star hotel (the white sofas and high-end furniture may make those with young children nervous). Completing the picture are the staff that come with your booking, including a concierge, butler, housekeepers and chef.
Pool Y
Family-friendly Y
Sleeps 10
• Ten luxurious villas in the South of France
11. Es Bec d’Aguila, Menorca, Spain
You’ll spend your entire holiday not quite believing that you are staying somewhere quite so incredible as Es Bec d’Aguila (Eagle’s Beak). Every corner of the 19th-century finca in the Menorcan countryside is bound to induce a little gasp of joy, from the vaulted whitewashed ceilings and Cuban floor tiles to the green-marble drinks bar and extraordinary collection of art and antiques. Spend your days drifting around the intriguing rooms of the immaculately restored farmhouse, discovering new nooks every time you do so and happily gravitate to the terrace with its turquoise pool, day beds and outdoor kitchen. This is also the place to spend long, leisurely meal times enjoying the organic, Mediterranean menus produced by the in-house chef.
Pool Y
Family-friendly Y
Sleeps 28
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12. The Villa at Grace Santorini, Santorini, Greece
The island of Santorini is said to have the best sunsets in the world and The Villa at Grace Santorini may well be the very best place to enjoy them. Perched on the cliffs, the villa seems to float above the sea, with staggering views of the water and surrounding islands. You’ll be hard pressed to move away from the multiple terraces here, one with a swimming pool and another with an outdoor fire, but the white, cave-like interiors and indoor private spa with plunge pool might just tempt you inside. Call on your private chef to whip up a meal or pick out something special from the wine cellar and cigar bar, and enjoy access to all the facilities of the Grace Santorini hotel, including a restaurant and cocktail bar.
Pool Y
Family-friendly Y
Sleeps 4
13. Villa Kajuru, Olhuveli, Maldives
Live out your Indian Ocean fantasies at Villa Kajuru, which sits on stilts directly over aquamarine waters, a 45-minute speedboat journey and a world away from the arrivals gate of Malé airport in the Maldives. The wooden retreat is all about the ocean — you’ll spend an awful lot of time staring at it from the pool, or climbing straight down into it from the deck. Find new ways to experience it by arranging diving, boat trips, canoeing and kitesurfing. The two bedrooms each come with a dressing room, en suite and direct access to the sun deck. The villa is part of the Olhuveli resort, which is spread out over three islands, meaning you can take advantage of its many facilities, including seven restaurants and four bars.
Pool Y
Family-friendly Y
Sleeps 4
14. Villa Las Mimosas, Tenerife
It’ll take a while to unpack at Villa Las Mimosas in Tenerife — you’ll want to stride straight through the front door and out to the sun terrace to take in those views over the island from its outdoor dining and lounge areas and the infinity pool. If you’re reluctant to leave the pool at meal times, ask the in-house chef to deliver a floating brunch to you so you don’t have to. Pull yourself inside and you’ll discover elegant interiors inspired by Asia, with mosaic-tiled baths in the bedroom suites. The villas are part of the Bahia del Duque resort and guests can make use of its facilities (including a Michelin-starred restaurant) as well as accessing their own VIP bar and lounge.
Pool Y
Family-friendly Y
Sleeps 4
Take me there
Inspired to book a villa stay but yet to book your trip? Here are the best villas to stay from Olivers Travels and Mr&Mrs Smith. And if you’re still unsure of where you want to go or what type of holiday to book, get in touch with the Designer Travel experts here and one of the team will be in contact to help you arrange your perfect tailor-made break.
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