How To Choose The Perfect Private Villa For Your Vacation, According To The Experts
When it comes to planning a group getaway, it is hard to rival a magnificent private house for exclusivity, space and unique experiences. KATIE BERRINGTON asks insiders from leading villa rental brands to share recommendations for selecting the ideal property for your vacation
Why choose a private villa
“A vacation in one of our villas is a win-win situation,” says Rossella Beaugie, co-founder of The Thinking Traveller. “The service, the amenities and the support of a hotel, but also the privacy, the seclusion, the homeliness and the freedom to do your own thing.”
“Private residencies allow guests to enjoy the amenities they would have access to in a hotel, with the freedom to enjoy greater space,” adds Barbara Ball, co-founder of Tuscany Now & More. “Similarly, they can tailor the experience, using the expertise and skills of the dedicated staff, to create a truly unique trip.”
“You can live in total freedom with your friends or family, and the privacy of being surrounded only by your loved ones,” concurs Max Aniort, co-founder of Le Collectionist. “Also, by choosing a private house, you enter a unique space where you can breathe the soul of the owner.”
Destination first
“Some guests wish to be perfectly secluded, away from it all, surrounded by nature and with stunning views,” says Beaugie. “Others wish to be closer to the heart of the action, with the possibility of being able to stroll out to cafés and restaurants. And for many of our guests, having garden-gate access to a beach is key.”
Group pursuits
“[Think about] the desires of the group – there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, as it depends on the guests’ preferences,” says Aniort. “A group that wants to spend their holiday without ever leaving the villa will have a spacious kitchen and a brilliant pool as key elements, ideally with a great view.”
“Choose a villa based on the needs of the group: for example, having a gym, tennis court, heated pool,” adds Ball. “The level of service available is another factor to consider and this extends to the personalization and insider knowledge on offer to achieve one-of-a-kind experiences.”
Character and design
“We look for properties with soul and character. We find homes that have lots of history are becoming increasingly popular and a rise in travelers who are keen to connect to key historical moments,” says Ball. “For instance, our property Villa Sigurtà has a roster of notable guest history including the likes of HM King Charles III and Napoleon III. [And] we like to offer the option to have staff present in each of our residencies, as over recent years we have seen the travel industry becoming increasingly service-oriented.”
Great outdoors
“Personally, I love when there are different options to change the environment,” says Aniort. “For example, an outdoor kitchen and a space to dine outside are elements I always look for.”
“What attracts me to a particular villa are the views,” says Beaugié. “I love open views, especially of the sea. And if the views also include gorgeous countryside too – majestic mountains, rolling hills, vast expanses of olive groves, citrus orchards and vineyards – then that’s even better. I find an amazing view very restful and relaxing, and I love finding a spot where I can do yoga and salute the sun as it sets into the sea.”
Beaugié’s The Thinking Traveller highlights:
Don Arcangelo all’Olmo
“Situated at the foot of Mount Etna and gazing out from the surrounding lemon orchards at the Ionian Sea, Don Arcangelo all’Olmo (Olmo for short) is an oasis of timeless, informal, aristocratic elegance. There are numerous terracotta terraces for socializing and dining, a magnificent 18m-long pool, and generously proportioned interiors with 12 en-suite bedrooms. We once had a last-minute request for a grand piano from a guest staying at Olmo. We managed to procure one and were astonished to find out that it was for a surprise visit from the virtuoso pianist Lang Lang.”
Antika
“After staying at our villas for several years, a couple of clients fell in love with the Aeolian archipelago off Sicily’s north coast and bought a seafront property, Antika, on the island of Panarea. They carried out a full refurbishment of the villa – originally designed by the renowned architect Paolo Tilche, who, along with his partner Miriam Beltrami, had created the legendary boutique Hotel Raya in the 1950s. The result is an ode to Aeolian living.”
Casino Doxi Stracca
“Casino Doxi Stracca is an aristocratic home dating back to the 18th century. Alluringly restored, it comprises a palazzo, a casino – once the hub of the agricultural estate – and an ornate private baroque chapel. Between them is a splendid pool, while all around are classically landscaped gardens, olive groves and vineyards.”
Koralli
“Port Heli, on the eastern side of the Peloponnese, is a hush-hush destination for those in the know. Koralli is screened by mature trees, its immaculate gardens wrap around a pool with a curvaceous infinity edge, and airy, light-filled interiors spill out onto panoramic terraces. At the end of the grounds, steps lead down to an idyllic little beach and, best of all – considering the intriguing island of Spetses is 10 minutes across the water – a private dock.”
Michaela
“Michaela occupies a privileged seafront position on the east coast of Lefkada in the Ionian Islands. It oozes class, character and style, not to mention discreet luxury touches, such as the lift that takes guests down from the house to their own seafront solarium, direct access to the water, and a private jetty. There’s also a dreamy, 22m-long infinity pool, full service including a cook, and views to die for.”
Ball’s highlight villas:
The Estate of Petroio
“We’ve been working with the owners of Petroio for 25 years. It is a fully staffed estate with two pools, tennis court and a spa, and it has the capacity to host up to 30 guests. The most special aspect is the owner Edoardo, who strives to ensure that clients are offered a service that surpasses five stars.”
Ca’ di Lista
“Still owned by the original family, Ca’ di Lista offers guests the chance to live like a real Venetian noble in a breathtaking 16th-century villa with frescoed ceilings. To complete the grandeur of the property, it is home to classical gardens and a team of exceptional staff. It featured in The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons, and is located on an award-winning wine estate.”
Sartomare
“Built by renowned architect Piero Sartogo on the Tuscan coast, Sartomare is solar-powered and designed in a way that it harmonizes with its natural surroundings. With this focus on sustainability, the use of natural materials and simple, natural forms, it is one of a kind. It comes fully staffed, boasts a gorgeous infinity pool, farm-to-table catering, gym and spa facilities.”
Aniort’s Le Collectionist highlights:
“Mas des Glycines, a beautiful Provençal house with a kitchen by the pool and a pizza oven, perfect for dining al fresco under the arbour facing the Luberon.
“Castello Romano, in Tuscany, which has an amazing swimming pool overlooking the countryside all the way to the sea around Monte Argentario. There, you can really feel the touch of the owner who curated everything, from the pieces of art to the design of each space.
“Finally, Villa Koundos in Kea. It has a wonderful sea view and is big enough to accommodate anyone who wants to visit.”