In this edition of How We Started we find out how a love of the Spanish language and a gap in the market led Mary Vaira to create her business El Sol Villas, a collection of the finest luxury villas in Spain.
How We Started: El Sol Villas
Gastronomy is certainly a highlight of any trip to France, that said, navigating the French Riviera’s often touristy dining scene can be as difficult as navigating the area’s winding, congested roads. If you would like to stay clear of the packed, celebrated restaurants of la Cote d’Azur, such as Le Moulin de Mougins and La Chevre d’Or, but still have an excellent, authentic meal, grab a table at one of these insider suggestions from our France villa experts. (more…)
This year the month of May is a special one for our France experts at Just France as the company is celebrating 25 years in business. A pioneer in villa rentals in France, we hear from its director Annie Flogaus on how the company began.
“JUST FRANCE pre-dates the Internet. We mark the years by the stories from our property inspection trips to France, when we crisscross the countryside visiting new properties and reviewing existing ones. We were hustling down tiny chemins and making frantic calls at Cabine Telephoniques with Telecartes in the days when luxury meant that clients didn’t have to bring their own linens and wi-fi connections did not even exist. The Michelin maps were well creased, and we had adventures on back roads that will appear in a book one day.
Annie Flogaus joined Just France in 1996, fresh from Duke University with a French major and business minor in hand, and her devotion to France was evident from her first meeting with Founder Cecil Jones, an attorney and lifelong Francophile who started the company in 1991 in Philadelphia. As their collection and client base grew over the years, the notion of renting a villa in France went from unheard of, and certainly preposterous, to a reality discovered by thousands, many of whom come back year after year. Annie took over the company in 2005 and still gets the question from non-travelers – you mean there is a company that only rents vacation properties in France? The answer is a resounding yes. Annie and her colleagues treasure the opportunity of assisting people in finding a lovingly tended home amid visually stunning surroundings with the best of food, art and history at the doorstep. Just France was a pioneer in creating this niche, and we continue to figure out how to carve it the best way possible.
From the beginning, we have insisted on inspecting each property we offer for rent and strive to connect our clients with the property that will work best for their group. We provide detailed arrival information and professional client service. We have a small staff with decades of experience that share a deep understanding of and affection for the country of France. Our enthusiasm for sharing the wonders of the area with our clients is unbounded, and on each trip we discover a new historical site that we can’t wait to share with our clients. We have an excellent network of service providers in France and work closely with them to design activities that will enrich interested groups. We listen to what our prospective renters want and strive to deliver on and preferably exceed their expectations, from start to finish.”
As part of their 25th anniversary celebrations Just France is receiving the Grand Prize winners of their special anniversary contest which included a free stay at one of Just France’s best properties, La Tourelle, a beautifully renovated 18th-century 6-bedroom Provençal farmhouse. Their private chef is preparing a delicious menu of French specialities, they will spend a half-day on a custom wine tour of the area, in addition to having many other cultural discoveries of Provence.
Pascha, otherwise known as Easter, is the most important festival of the Orthodox Church and the Greeks take it very seriously. Their truly unique Easter celebrations are expressed through deeply rooted traditions, wonderful local rituals and festivities throughout the country. These, coupled with the glories of spring, make it the perfect time of year to visit Greece. How can you join in on the festivities? We head to the Greek Isles to find out.
Considered the shoulder season in many destinations around the world, the month of May can be a traveler’s delight. Fewer tourists and great deals, the cusp of the rainy season or the joys of spring, it’s still not too late to enjoy our favorite places to visit in May.
Scotland
May is an excellent time to holiday to Scotland, the days are almost at their longest, wildflowers and rhododendrons are popping out in the countryside, plus statistically you have the best chance of the whole year of getting dry weather.
“The Glenapp Castle is a great place to go in spring,” highlights Andrew Loyd, one of our UK experts of Loyd & Townsend Rose. “It’s truly ideal for garden lovers.”
The impressive 19th-century castle, built for the Earl of Inchcape, is located close to the coast in the southwest of the country. Opened to guests since 2000, its 17 rooms, sophisticated drawing room and library evoke the utmost of Victorian splendour. Outside, the elegance is carried over in its historic Italian gardens and 36 acre private grounds.
Garden aficionados should roam beyond the castle walls to several noteworthy gardens in the vicinity. Andrew recommends exploring the clifftop Culzean Castle and its gorgeous 600 acres of park and woods where you can seek out the spring blossoms along the marked paths through meadows, forests and around secluded ponds. There’s also Castle Kennedy Gardens, an important historic garden as well as the famous Logan Botanic Garden, considered the country’s most exotic garden.
Whereas over at our other UK expert, Warren de Long of Blandings, recommends going to the coast of Fife, where they have some fabulous properties to base yourself for exploring the area.
“So much of the press for Scotland is about the Highlands and the Western Isles – but I think this part of Scotland is every bit as beautiful and full of charm.
“The obvious place to start, of course, is St Andrews, it’s historic university and the world-class golf should be enough to tempt anyone, but to my mind there is so much more. There is a glorious coastal path that is best between St Monans and Crail—beautiful coastline and great villages, as well as excellent fish & chips in the villages near Anstruther. If you are a bit more adventurous, there is the Elie Chain Walk (between Elie & Leven) where there is a bracing, otter-spotting trail over the cliffs where you can do a 2-to-3 hour scramble. It’s challenging but not as scary as it sounds!
“For those who would rather sit than walk, it is worth going to the nearby coastal village of Elie where The Ship Inn not only has great food, but also hosts beach cricket (only when it is low tide!) starting in May and going on throughout the Summer. Pittenweem is another great spot on the beautiful East Neuk coastline, and in August each year they host the Pittenweem Arts Festival—which is great fun for families, and growing in popularity each year. Nature-lovers have plenty to see too, as there are regular ferries from Anstruther to the Isle of May which is known for its puffins, seals, porpoise, dolphin and even the occasional whale!”
To experience some of this yourselves and make the most of springtime in Scotland, you can reach out to these UK experts at Loyd & Townsend Rose and Blandings at this link.
Bahamas
“May is one of my favorite months to be in the Bahamas, in particular Harbour Island,” says our our Bahamas expert Pamela Murdock. “The air temperature ranges from about 70 – 85 degrees and the water is about 80 degrees. It’s simply perfect. Though it’s the beginning of the rainy season, the weather is generally beautiful. While this idyllic small island remains a wildly popular destination year round, by May the sun worshippers have been joined by those who love fishing and diving.”
We are in luck because Pamela was just on Harbour Island a week ago scouting out some new luxury properties to add to her already extensive portfolio and gave us these insider tips:
“Of course I made time to do some of my favorite things like snorkeling with Jeff of Ocean Fox and shopping for chic clothes at the Blue Rooster and just around the corner at the island’s newest store, Drake. We also had an fantastic lunch at Ocean Talley. Once a best-kept secret, this little jewel is getting more and more popular so definitely make a reservation, especially on weekends,” advises Pamela wisely. “It’s located in a lighthouse on Whale Point, Eleuthera which is about a 10-minute boat trip from Harbour Island. Definitely try their Tequila Shrimp as a first course – It’s so good you may want to have it for your main as well! It really is the perfect way to spend a Bahamian afternoon.”
We couldn’t agree more! A big thank you to Pamela for sharing this valuable local insight. You can learn more about Pamela’s offerings on beautiful Harbour Island at here.
Costa Rica
One of our Costa Rica experts, Jane Moore of Papagayo, confirmed that May is a wonderful time to visit the country. Her luxury villas are located in the most upscale area of Costa Rica, home to the Four Seasons and an Arnold Palmer Golf Course. However, the area is still not overly developed so it feels very private.
“May is the beginning of the green season,” explains Jane. “We’re located in a tropical dry forest so when it rains, even just a little, everything becomes greener. Plus temperatures have started cooling down from April’s extreme heat. In addition, since it’s the fringe season, just after spring break and before summer school holidays, it’s a good time to visit for couples. It’s like you have the place all to yourself.”
It’s also perfect timing because Papagayo has a fantastic last minute deal of up to 50% savings on certain villas for stays through June 01, 2016. Jane has sweetened the deal even further by running a flash sale which extends this deal for rental up to Nov 1 for bookings made by April 30, 2016.
Find out more about Papagayo and scoop up this amazing deal here. Or peruse the equally exceptional properties of our other Costa Rica expert Mead Brown at this link.
Morocco
May is the most wonderful time of the year to travel to Morocco and Marrakech in particular,” says David Schneuwly one of our Morocco experts at Villanovo, who have some fabulous villas in Marrakech and Essaouira evoking the traditional spirit of Morocco coupled with modern luxury.
“During the day you can enjoy blossoming gardens under clear blue skies and in the evening al fresco dining in all our villas,” he tempts us further. “Golfing at its best, plus i’s also a wonderful time to trek in the Atlas mountains. We can organize superb lunch parties in the Agafay desert located one hour from Marrakech.”
To arrange your perfect stay in Morocco, you can contact Villanovo or our other Morocco experts, Kensington Finest Properties Marrakech, here.
Bali, Indonesia
May can be a great month to go to Bali, in part for similar reasons to Costa Rica above: it’s still relatively dry and slightly less humid then the rainy season, plus it’s just before the high season in summer making it less crowded and giving the island a more authentic, laid-back feel.
Our Bali experts at Luna2 have a fantastic May Getaway package. Named one of “the world’s top 10 hottest hotels” by Tatler Asia, Luna2 is a private hotel located in Seminyak, Bali’s ultimate beachfront holiday destination. You have exclusive-use of 5 bedrooms (4 doubles, 1 twin) for up to 10 adults. Their additional services include VIP ‘fast-track’ with complimentary airport pick-up/drop-off, daily sunset canapés, 24-hour use of 1 “Lunamobile,” with driver, complimentary kids’ coordinator/babysitting services.
Their May Getaway package is available for any bookings made from now until May 31, 2016 for stays between May 1 and August 31. They are also providing a special exclusive offer for UltraVilla readers, who will also receive a 5-course degustation dinner at the Chef’s table, for up to 10 guests, with the uninterrupted sunset and ocean views.
Learn more about Luna2 here or the exclusive properties of our other Indonesia experts, Global Nomad, who are all booked by for May, but the autumn is also a nice time to go to Indonesia.
Happy travels and we hope to see you at some of these wonderful destinations!
Our UltraVilla experts are constantly innovating, discovering exceptional new properties and filling us in on exclusive special offers on the world’s best luxury villas and apartments. From enjoying springtime in Paris and London to escaping from big city buzz in the Maldives and Montana, here’s this month’s inside scoop.
The Perfect Luxury Experience with Paris Perfect
One of our France experts, Paris Perfect, has just added a fantastic new address in one of the city’s loveliest squares: Place Dauphine. Situated at the tip of Ile de la Cité, within minutes walking distance from Notre Dame, Saint Germain, the Louvre and other main attractions, it’s the ideal location for exploring the city.
Two years of extensive renovations were carried out on the building to create a five-star luxury experience. It features a ground level studio apartment, four one-bedroom apartments and two extraordinary one-bedroom apartments that are duplexes with balconies overlooking Place Dauphine.
For a limited time they are offering guests who stay between April 12 and May 30, 2016 a 20% discount! (minimum 5 night booking required). To find out more information about Paris Perfect and to request a booking click here.
Your Own Parisian Haven with Haven in Paris
We stay on in Paris with the fabulous May deals by our experts at Haven in Paris. Springtime is one of the most magical times to visit the city. Many of their apartments are situated near one of the city’s lovely parks, like their Monceau apartment in the photo above.
This elegant two bedroom/two bathroom, a short walk from the famous Parc Monceau is the perfect pied à terre. You can take advantage of great last minute deals on this and their other fabulous Paris apartments for any bookings for the month of May.
Mountain Magic with Montana Homes’s New Grizzly Creek
Across the world and far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Montana Homes has just added a wonderful new property: Grizzly Creek Ranch. Located in a breathtaking and ultra-private wilderness location at the edge of Yellowstone National Park, Grizzly Creek Ranch is a classy and comfortable retreat for up to 30 guests. This is the first time this exquisite property has been available and there is nothing else like it in the Rocky Mountain West.
Guests have exclusive use of six homes, a fabulous dining and event hall, a recreation barn, yoga and massage cabin, and the 2,000 acre ranch. Guided hiking on the ranch, campouts for the kids and meals prepared by a private chef are included. They can arrange a variety of add-on private activities such as Yellowstone Park tours, fly fishing instruction, river rafting, and on-site yoga and massage. It is also a unique venue for weddings and other events for groups of up to 100. For further information and booking, see Mountain Homes profile here.
The Ultimate Spa in the Maldives at Amilla Fushi
If the spectacular location of Amilla Fushi in the tropical Maldives was not already relaxing enough, the luxury resort is taking wellbeing to the next level. Its Javvu Spa, launched last October, has just announced a new partnership with the Clean and Lean Bodyism. Javvu Spa’s philosophy centers on a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on movement, spirituality and spa. As such, they have carefully chosen specialist spa brand partners such as PURE Massage, QMS and iLA. The partnership with Bodyism and its original concept furthers their respective commitments to combining physical and mental approach to wellness for a happier and healthier life.
In addition to the new program partnership, the resort has created Wellness Tree Houses to enhance these wellbeing goals. Safely installed 12 meters up amongst the treetops, the private one-bedroom spa ‘nests’ have their own dedicated treatment suites, providing the utmost paradisiacal retreat. Stay tuned to our May newsletter for an exclusive invitation to discover this new offering or start dreaming today by looking at Amilla Fushi’s UltraVilla profile.
Special offer: Springtime in Chelsea with London Perfect
Experience London in bloom this spring with a great special offer for bookings in May and June on London Perfect’s Christchurch apartment. Located in the heart of Chelsea, this apartment is the optimal London base, especially for flower lovers as it’s just across the road from the famous Chelsea Flower Show.
The refined apartment is set on two levels, with beautiful decor and fine furnishings throughout. It has an elegant living room, modern eat-in kitchen, stylish separate dining room and two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. A true highlight is its Italian-style garden. A rarity in London, it’s the perfect place to take in the longer spring days and milder weather of the season. Learn more about this elegant rental and the last minute special for May and June here.
We travel to Bella Italia to hear the fairytale come true story of Simonetta Brandolini d’Adda. The Countess tells us how overcame early challenges and used her finesse to build one of the finest villa rental companies in the country: The Best in Italy.
“With an American father and an Italian mother I had lived between Europe and the United States until the third year into my studies at Tufts University when I decided to study with Smith College… in Florence.
“It was wonderful to be back in Italy, taking courses at the Italian university as well as with our Italian professors got me even more involved with the Florentine lifestyle. Part of the fascination was also meeting Count Momi Brandolini d’Adda. We were married just after receiving my degree in art history.
“My husband’s family had several homes both in the Veneto and in Tuscany. Since we certainly could not live in all of these villas, the question that continuously arose at the beginning of 1980 was what to do with these properties, complete with staff, beautiful furnishings, gardens and attractive locations.
“In 1982 we created The Best in Tuscany at a time when no one offered luxurious homes for rent in Italy or in much of the rest of Europe. Those traveling abroad stayed for extended periods in the various five star hotels and the wealthy did not open their homes to strangers or for earning money from their stately villas. Nevertheless, this outlook quickly changed when they learned how we had managed to entice various friends from abroad to stay in our homes for a month or longer… at that time everyone took longer vacations. One year later, in 1983, we started receiving invitations from friends and relatives to come and see their estates. In the process of staying in them and meeting their staff and were able to give them advice on how to make their properties enticing to future guests.
“In 1984 The Best in Tuscany became The Best in Italy as we then had estates not only in Tuscany, but also on the Amalfi Coast, the Veneto and Venice, Umbria and in the nearby Rome. However, at that time Federal Express did not yet exist nor did the fax machine. Thus having an office in Florence did not allow for quick response by Italian mail but only by telephone. For more than 12 years I would travel around the United States and in Europe to meet future clients during cocktail parties or dinners that were given by former guests of ours who loved to speak about their stay in Italy to their friends and families.
“By the year 2000 we had homes in all of Italy, accepting only the most luxurious staffed villas….many still owned by friends and relatives. Now that the internet allows for instantaneous communication we no longer are in need of presenting our homes through extensive brochures or by personally meeting all of our clients by traveling to the US or around Europe. We always have a faithful following of clients who have been returning to our properties for more than 15 years, often to the same villa, and have now enjoyed hosting the second generation of certain families to our homes. And they delight in meeting our second generation of The Best in Italy with my daughter Polissena.
“In the past 33 years we have had many interesting actors, musicians, heads of state, wonderful extended families and fascinating guests stay in our homes….from Sting to Anish Kapoor, from Tom Cruise to Robin Williams, Mel Gibson and Bette Midler. Many of them bought homes with us and then rent them through us to our clients.
“Our world renown chefs are often demonstrating cooking in our homes, we have organised extraordinary special events and celebrations, our many famous interior designers and historians frequently give lectures as part of the educational experience clients enjoy during their stay in Italy.
“Many of our guests have attended private parties and concerts with us, the Palio in Siena, or special programs with private dinners beneath Michelangelo’s David and private visits to the Uffizi Gallery, the Sistine Chapel or other museums and collections in Italy though the non profit Friends of Florence foundation that I founded in 1998 to preserve and safeguard the artistic treasures and cultural heritage of Florence and Tuscany for future generations. I shall always be grateful to Florence and to Italy for enhancing my life and this foundation is my way of giving back for all I have received. It is also a superb example of sustainable tourism for our many clients who visit the country and contribute towards restorations and conservation projects here.
“The Best in Italy continues to flourish and to provide the utmost personalised assistance to all guests who then become returning friends who we enjoy seeing every year to Italy to enjoy all the best aspects of life in our unique country.”
You can view some of the exceptional villas and learn more about The Best in Italy here.
Fireworks lit up the skies across the globe on January 1st, red envelopes filled with crisp banknotes were handed out in many Asian countries on February 8th, the 2016 new year’s celebrations are not yet over and this next one goes off with a splash: Thailand’s Songkran Festival. Little known outside the country, we’ve been granted local insight into this unique water festival, held April 13th to 15th, as well as tips on how to celebrate it thanks to our Thailand luxury villa experts.