After a cold winter, many of us are looking for the perfect way to relax and unwind beneath the hot sun. ‘Isolation vacations’ are already becoming increasingly popular this year, with many travellers prioritising space and seclusion.
With privacy being the top priority for 2021, the trend of a luxury villa holiday is on the rise. Here are our top picks of the world’s best private villas offering everything from helicopter entrances, private yacht charters, in-villa spa suites and 24-hour butler service, all in sun-soaked locations.
For world-class indulgence – the private residence at Velaa Private Island, Maldives
A veritable playground for the rich and famous, Velaa Private Island, Maldives offers the perfect getaway for a holiday in utter luxury, and their private residences are no exception. Palatial in size, the residences offer a vast array of facilities, fit for the most discerning billionaire.
The Nirolhu Private Residence is also proud to unveil its very own, brand new hammam spa, including a steam room, cold pool and marble treatment bed. Residents of this beautiful property are able to have a full Turkish Bath ritual, using pure cold pressed black soap from the exclusive Dr Burgener range, and a foam body massage performed on the heated hammam marble bed, all from within their quarters.
At 1,324m² in size, the private residences have four enormous, sea-facing bedrooms providing ample space for up to 10 guests, making them the perfect home away from home for a larger family or group looking for a memorable Maldivian moment. Other facilities include a private gym and dedicated butler, whilst the rest of the island is home to three world-class restaurants curated by the award-winning chef Gaushan, and an extensive wine cellar – the largest in the Maldives.
Rates at Velaa Private Island for a private residence start at $21,600 (Approx. £15,800) per night in June 2021. Arrive via a 40-minute private seaplane transfer from Malé Airport in Velaa’s branded seaplane. For more information, visit velaaprivateisland.com.
For stylish ambience – The Villa at D-Maris Bay, Turkey
Undoubtedly the most stylish spot on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, the ultra-luxurious D-Maris Bay is perched above a picturesque cove offering breath-taking views of the Datça Peninsula, where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean. Boasting a sophisticated design blending the contemporary minimalism of the West with the exoticism of the East, D-Maris Bay is home to sprawling suites and an exclusive villa which can accommodate up to five people. Arrive from Dalaman airport via private helicopter transfer and soak up the striking view before landing at D-Maris Bay’s own helipad.
The 310-sqm villa at D-Maris Bay is home to a private Hamman and sauna and a 450-sqm garden and patio complete with a swimming pool, outdoor relaxation and al fresco dining area overlooking the cove’s turquoise waters, towering mountain ranges and verdant forests. Inside, the villa boasts a fully equipped Gaggenau kitchen, wine cooler and large living and dining area, and the two en-suite guest bedrooms are decorated in chic white Calacatta marble with walk-in closets and floor-to-ceiling windows.
As well as 24-hour butler service, villa guests will receive priority access to D-Maris Bay’s à la carte restaurants; including the award-winning Japanese restaurant Zuma for fresh sushi and miso-marinated cod, and steak restaurant Nusr-Et owned by Nusret Gökçe (also known as ‘Salt bae’). As well as an infinity pool overlooking Green Hill panoramic point, access to five private beaches and a tranquil Mytha Spa, D-Maris Bay’s own motor yacht invites exploration of beautiful surrounding islands and hidden beaches; including Iztuzu or ‘turtle beach’, where endangered loggerhead turtles nest all year round.
Villa rate at D-Maris Bay in high season is £9,143 per night (maximum five people). For further information, visit dmarisbay.com.
For barefoot elegance – The Sanctuary at COMO Parrot Cay, Caribbean
Famed amongst the rich and famous for its luxurious private villas and residences – Bruce Willis and wife, Emma Heming Willis owned a residence there, and Donna Karen, Keith Richards and Justin Bieber are known to frequent its beaches – COMO Parrot Cay is the pinnacle of Caribbean luxury. The award-winning Turks and Caicos resort is set on its own private island with 1,000 unspoilt acres and mile-long beach, hidden coves and vibrant reefs.
Those seeking ultimate seclusion should look to The Sanctuary, one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive villa rentals. Comprised of a three-bed, 9,000sqft main house and two, 4,000sqft guest villas, The Sanctuary sleeps up to 21 guests and is set on 10.5 acres, bordered by a verdant jungle and with private access to the island’s fringe of sugar-white sand. Exuding peace and quiet, warm woods and white linens blend with cool limestone interiors and one-of-a-kind antiques collected by Donna Karen, the creative mind behind the signature interiors. This luxurious hideaway could be yours for a cool €38,500 per night.
Each villa within The Sanctuary has its own infinity pool, sun-soaked deck and access to dedicated COMO butler service; arrange private dining experiences on the beach, in-villa COMO Shambhala spa treatments or kayaking the dense mangroves in search of wildlife.
For more information, visit comohotels.com/parrotcay.
