You know that saying, you get what you pay for? Well, it’s true. Nothing quite compares to a luxurious, and perhaps a little over-the-top, slice of paradise. Particularly one that has a price tag to match.
Whether you fancy renting a tropical island all to yourself or a lush eco-lodge frequented by giant tortoises, experts in high-end vacations, Craft Travel, has put together a list of the most lavish villas across the globe.
Enter a world of private butlers, chefs and helicopter rides as the luxury travel company unveils some of the most lavish places to stay across the globe, including lakefront havens beneath the Andes, majestic ruins of a medieval castle and water-top pavilions above the Indian Ocean.
1. A stunning villa by the watering hole of a South African wildlife reserve
Kubili House is a 26,900 square feet luxury private residence situated within the glorious landscape of South Africa’s Thornybush Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park.
The lavish home sleeps up to ten across five chic bedrooms and boasts three swimming pools, a spa, a steam room, a butler service and a private game viewer. The lodge is also stocked with an exquisite selection of single malts and cigars for you to enjoy during your stay.
One of the most remarkable highlights of Kubili House is its setting. Located directly on the banks of the main watering hole in the north of the private reserve, guests witness a constant flow of elephants, giraffes and hippos without even leaving the cushy comfort of the property. When it comes to the house itself, the interior is a mesmerising display of suspended ceilings giving way to low furniture. This unique design creates a feeling of being on the same level as the spectacular animal species outside the property’s doors.
Statement features such as a huge chimney dome inspired by the brass bells in the temples of Kyoto, gold-leafed African clay tiles and antique wooden beams endow the house with an enchanting ambience.
The concierge puts together a bespoke activity programme for guests, with options including private game drives anytime they wish, Segway safaris and personalised wellness packages.
Prices start from £27,180 per night for exclusive use. Alternatively, you can stay at Kubili House on a bespoke Best of South Africa itinerary during which you can tick off a luxury safari adventure, the Cape Winelands and the floral kingdom of the Whale Coast.
2. Your own private African island
Jet off to your own private paradise by renting an entire African island off the north-eastern coast of Madagascar. Accessible only by helicopter, a vacation to Miavana promises total peace and tranquillity amidst heavenly tropical surroundings and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
The fourteen ocean-front villas accommodate up to thirty-two guests and boast uninterrupted sea views, direct beach access, private pools and 24/7 butler service. Oozing castaway luxury, each property is crafted to perfection with hand-dyed textiles, eco-cooled sleeping spaces and the chic natural textures of Malagasy wood and local stone.
Enjoy having sole access to the landmass and being able to explore its 15,000-hectare marine protected area completely undisturbed. Dive straight into the azure waters from your accommodation, swimming amongst sea turtles and manta rays along the vibrant reefs. You can also go lemur trekking through a pristine forest and cruise the waves to see humpback whales and spinner dolphins. Alternatively, jump aboard a helicopter and soar above to see the landscape in all of its glory.
Despite having the entire island to yourselves, you can still expect exceptional service and care throughout your stay. One hundred team members will be entirely dedicated to you and your party and be on hand to cater to your every need. Experience blissful spa treatments from wellness therapists anywhere you wish on the island and exquisite meals freshly prepared by the island’s chefs.
Miavana is available to rent for exclusive use from £80,525 per night.
3. A riverfront sanctuary in a largely uninhabited region of Patagonia, famed for its wild brown and rainbow trout population
Escape to a lavish oasis in a largely uninhabited and largely unexplored region of Patagonia. Eleven Rio Palena Lodge is a stunning riverfront property nestled between the slopes of the Andes Mountains and the Palena River, an area famed for its flourishing wild brown and rainbow trout.
The gorgeous private home offers astounding views over the surrounding untamed landscape of rivers, forests and mountains. Wooden beams and native stone fireplaces endow the lodge with a cosy yet stylish environment while large windows run throughout, ensuring the marvellous waters and peaks are never far from sight. The seven double suites prioritise stylish comfort, with king-sized beds framed by tailor-made headboards fashioned from Chilean rugs and private balconies.
Enjoy slow mornings spent fly fishing in the Palena River just outside the property’s front door, backdropped by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. In the afternoon, embark on a sensational adventure heli-skiing down a recently discovered glacier before returning home to a roaring fire and an exquisite meal prepared by the on-hand chef. Then, stargaze into the evening from the comfort of the wood-fired hot tub.
When it comes to activities, Eleven Rio Palena Lodge goes above and beyond. Options include granite ridge heli-hiking, white-water river rafting, skiing, rope-assisted glacier mountaineering and riverside trekking with 360° views of the Andes.
The rate for exclusive private lodge buyout based on 14 guests is £15,115 per night. Add an extra layer of adventure to your stay by combining it with The Best of Patagonia Argentina itinerary.
4. A lush eco lodge surrounded by giant tortoises
For a truly unique naturalist experience, stay at the most luxurious villas on the Galapagos Islands. Montemar Lodge comprises two eco villas, each of which serves up rustic chic in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
The properties lie along the natural migration path of the Galapagos Giant Tortoises. In fact, you are likely to see large numbers of these spectacular creatures from your sprawling front lawn. The tortoises are often seen chomping on the vegetation or taking a dip in the ponds outside Montemar Lodge. The property is also home to an organic coffee plantation, wild horses and native and endemic plant life.
Rent out both of the lodge’s villas for complete privacy. Each showcases a modern, minimalist design that perfectly befits the archipelago’s reputation as one of the world’s top wildlife destinations. Marble and stainless-steel furnishings and high-tech bamboo ceilings create a rustic-chic setting, while unique touches such as an Indian wood oven, yoga room and a private chef ensure you stay in complete comfort and luxury.
Montemar Lodge is owned by local conservationists who are on hand throughout your stay to ensure your experience is both meaningful and unforgettable.
With their profound knowledge of the Galapagos Islands, they can organise activities such as scuba diving with sharks and sunset yacht trips. Montemar handpicks naturalist guides to lead guests through the archipelago’s remarkable landscape, according to personal interests and preferences. They can also arrange coffee workshops at the on-site organic plantation, culinary courses in the kitchen and spa treatments and mindfulness exercises in the meditation room or al fresco at the outdoor bamboo studio.
As one of the most sustainable and luxurious accommodations in the Galapagos Islands, Montemar lodges offer the perfect places to stay while exploring the magnificent landscapes first made by the father of modern evolutionary biology, Charles Darwin.
Rates at Montemar begin at £10,305 for four guests with a four-night minimum stay. Pricing includes accommodations, a private chef, private transfers and excursions. To make the most of being in this extraordinary corner of the world, incorporate Montemar into a personally curated Best of Ecuador and the Galapagos itinerary.
5. A soon-to-open paradise in Seychelles
La Cigale is a brand-new private estate on the palm-fringed Seychelles island of Praslin, opening its doors to discerning travellers in Spring 2023. The 4.5-acre beachfront escape is a newly built, colonial-style paradise on one of the Indian Ocean’s most breath-taking beaches.
The first of its kind on the island, La Cigale features nine ensuite bedrooms available for exclusive-use holiday rental. The world-class estate is a picture of extravagance with colonnaded terraces hugging both levels, hand-selected traditional furniture and oil-soaked teakwood floors from Indonesia. Its remarkable interior showcases a relaxed yet elegant design with shades of emerald green and gold that make guests both feel at home and pampered at the same time.
Local artworks fill the walls, adorning them with depictions of the archipelago’s rich array of wildlife and representing one of the largest private art collections in Seychelles. All rooms overlook the immaculately landscaped grounds and open onto the wrap-around veranda. The gorgeous garden suites also boast private plunge pools for an inconspicuous dip.
While La Cigale will satisfy those looking for those seeking idyllic relaxation, the estate equally wows with its remarkable offering of activities. Set off on adventures hitting the seas with a local fisherman, sail away on private sunset cruises or paddle board and snorkel along the azure waters.
For guests wishing to delve into local culture, the team can organise Creole language classes, a Praslin art tour, traditional cooking classes and introductions to local producers.
Rates start from £13,688 per night. Make La Cigale the last stop of your unforgettable East African experience with a bespoke Bush and Beach itinerary across Kenya and Seychelles.
6. A luxurious villa in the South African bush complete with sommelier and fireside dining
Cheetah Plains serves up what Craft Travel believes to be just about as close to the perfect luxury safari experience available in the South African wildlife haven of Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. The three exclusive-use villas, each with its own dedicated staff, are 100 per cent solar powered and can cater to up to eight guests.
The homes have an award-winning architectural design featuring indoor and outdoor communal spaces and four-bedroom suites that also function as mini stand-alone lodges. Each is complete with an entertainment lounge, living and dining room areas, expansive swimming pool, outdoor boma for fireside dining, expansive bar, fine wine gallery and fully equipped chef’s kitchen.
The interiors exhibit a modern design that blends natural materials with the pieces of local artists. Called Mapogo, Karula and Mvula, the three chic properties have been named in honor of the wild cats prowling their surrounding landscape.
Let your worries float away as your personal hospitality team, including an accomplished host, culinary team, lodge sommelier, bartender, spa therapist and babysitter, are there to ensure you don’t lift a finger during your stay. A dedicated guide and tracker will take you out on daily adventures deep into the South African bush to see its spectacular animal residents including rhinos, lions and leopards.
Upon returning, tend to some personal pampering with a massage therapy or beauty treatment, all included in your rate, from the comfort of your villa’s bedroom or private terrace. Alternatively, you can squeeze in a workout at the fully-equipped, climate-controlled gym.
Spend the evening tasting the delights of the 300-bottle wine cellar and sitting out to enjoy carefully-prepared evening meals under the stars.
Prices start from £6,080 per night. A stay at Cheetah Plains is the perfect addition to a Best of South Africa itinerary, allowing you to fully explore all that the extraordinary country has to offer.
7. A private island paradise in Fiji
Stay at one of the most exclusive private resorts in the world, Kokomo Island. You can make the iconic property yours by booking all 21 of its breath-taking villas on an exclusive basis.
Each villa is complete with a private pool, tropical walled garden, ocean views and direct beach access. The interiors boast airy, modern designs that combine large open spaces with Fijian nuances, one-of-a-kind stonework and artwork by renowned artist, Chris Kenyon. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide phenomenal panoramic views over the turquoise ocean from sunrise to sunset. Retreat down a private staircase to access the beach and enjoy its stunning waters for yourself.
Experience the sea in a whole new light with a night dive in the world’s fourth-largest reef which surrounds the island. Watch the waters come to life in a completely different way, discovering crustaceans and reef sharks under the gleam of luminescent plankton.
Kokomo offers a particularly exclusive diving experience as it remains underexplored and visited. During the day, hike to waterfalls, take a guided tour of the local farms or enjoy a private yoga class at the shala. You may also wish to attend a private tasting in the island cellar to sample wines hand-selected and carefully paired with locally-caught seafood by the on-site chef and sommelier.
Even getting to the glittering landmass is a luxurious experience. Those departing from Kokomo get access to the resort’s dedicated aviation hangar and luxury transfer lounge at Nadi Airport.
Renting the entire island will set you back £96,620 per night.
8. A lavish sanctuary on the ruins of a medieval castle
Villa Castello is a breath-taking traditional Tuscan stone home, built upon medieval castle ruins just south of the Italian town of Montalcino. The timeless terracotta-roofed farmhouse has glorious 360° views over the surrounding UNESCO-protected vineyards and Seinese landscape.
With a rich history, the 800-year-old estate lies along the ancient Via Francigena, a route once traveled by merchants and pilgrims. Villa Castello itself was once home to the estate’s olive press.
Despite undergoing a meticulous restoration in 2020, the design of the property remains an immaculate display of its fascinating past. Features such as the authentic Tuscan fireplace, traditional brick floors and four-poster beds hark to the villa’s past while offering grand surroundings. The onsite chef prepares daily meals including a morning pastry delivery. Dig into delectable pastries and treats al fresco on the terrace dining area as the pergola trees shade you from the spectacular morning Mediterranean sun.
Concierge service, daily housekeeping and turndown service ensure your stay treats you to utmost comfort from the beginning right to the end. In the afternoon, attend a tasting at one of the wineries nestled amongst the vineyards surrounding the property before returning home to enjoy a pizza fresh from the villa’s wood-fired oven.
During your stay, you can take part in the endless list of activities provided by the estate’s highly exclusive ‘borgo’ (village). It has served as the hub of the area for hundreds of years. Simply wander along cypress-lined roads to get to its centre where one of the best golf courses in the world, tennis courts, a sauna, a steam room and restaurants lie at your fingertips. You can even master authentic Italian dishes at the cooking school.
Prices start from £4,790 per night.
9. Roll straight out of bed and into the Indian Ocean
Niyama Resort in the Maldives features a dazzling quintet of extraordinary villas suspended over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Known as The Crescent, they accommodate up to fourteen adults and eight children. Book them all out to enjoy utmost peace and tranquillity, falling asleep amongst the fishes without a stranger in sight.
Catch a seaplane from Malé to this breath-taking paradise where you can roll out of bed in your lush water top pavilion and straight into the Indian Ocean, with direct lagoon access from the sleeping quarters.
After a day of surfing, spotting dolphins and diving with turtles, take a sunset cruise across the water before sitting out to watch a movie under the stars complete with freshly-prepared popcorn. At night, drift into sleep to the sounds of the waves gently breaking outside the door. A dedicated team of private butlers and housekeepers will attend to your every request, leaving you able to completely unwind in the heavenly scenery.
A cooled bottle of champagne awaits your arrival to help you get straight into the holiday mood at this outstanding oasis.
Each thatched roof haven features two-bedroom balances of natural textures such as deep wooden floors and oak furnishings with crisp-white furnishings and vibrant blue accents to match the wonderful ocean to be seen around its every corner.
Prices start from £7,220 per night.
10. A brand new safari home in the Savannah grasslands of South Africa
Loapi Tented Camp is the newest addition to Tswalu Kalahari, one of South Africa’s most impressive and fabled private game reserves. Opening its doors in July 2023, Loapi’s six independent safari villas look out on the vast Kalahari Desert, promising unparalleled views of both landscape and wildlife.
The fortunate few staying at the camp will be treated to complete privacy as each tent functions as an independently-owned minicamp lying tucked into the contours of a valley and backed by the Konnanberg mountains.
A 50-metre distance separates the homes, promising guests total tranquillity during their stay. Additionally, each has been strategically positioned to provide sensational views over the Tswalu terrain. The bedroom areas have been carefully designed to promote sleep. They operate as cocoon-like sanctuaries, keeping guests cosy and protected against the landscape’s harsh night temperatures, all the while immersing them in the sounds of the landscape.
A dedicated private chef will prepare every meal for you, while an on-site butler will take care of your every need. And while it will be difficult to leave the comforts of your tented villa, an evening at Tswalu’s world-renowned Klein JAN restaurant will be more than worth the short drive.
Tswalu is known for its fully private guiding experiences and Loapi will be no different. Along with your dedicated vehicle, ranger and tracker, set off on night game drives, field trips with scientific researchers, a dune picnic and guided walks on a cushy adventure in one of nature’s most glorious sites.
The tents showcase an environmentally-sensitive and minimalist design with contemporary glass and steel pavilions which recreate the nomadic spirit of camping and its connection to nature while offering complete luxury and comfort.
When it comes to relaxing, take a dip in the environmentally friendly plunge pool, pamper yourself with an in-room spa treatment or sip at a cocktail by the firepit as the sun sets in the distance.
Prices start from £1,775 per person (based on two people sharing). You can also combine your stay with a Best of South Africa itinerary. Alternatively, travellers can charter a private flight and venture on to Botswana for a luxury wildlife adventure.
Craft Travel curates bespoke itineraries for clients to provide them with incredible adventures everywhere from Latin America to the Polar regions.
