Warm Weather Getaways and Winter Sun Escapes

When the cold air blows and grey clouds roll over the Northern Hemisphere, there’s nothing more revitalising than a warm weather injection and a dose of winter sun. Let us transport you to warmer climes, where you can bask in beautiful rays on a terrace overlooking the sparkling Caribbean sea; laze on a sun lounger or bake on the beach in Barbados; or wind down in your divine infinity pool in Saint Tropez. Vitamin D is guaranteed when you stay in one of these sensational villas. Just what the doctor ordered!

 

Nelson Gay – Barbados

Constructed in the 1950s, Nelson Gay is made entirely of coral stone and designed in the grand Palladian manner. This beautiful six-bedroom villa can be found just steps from the beach, though steeped in privacy, as it is hidden within two-acres of lush tropical gardens. Perfectly positioned on the fringe of Speightstown, on a lovely stretch of beach with a great reef for snorkelling, Nelson Gay is the ideal villa for those seeking the convenience of a beachfront location, yet set within its own exclusive paradise.

The unique home was originally commissioned as the residence of a United States Ambassador, and this elegance is apparent in its Palladian grandeur and 14-foot living room ceiling. And the fabulous 50 foot swimming pool, which lays between the house and beach, is most definitely one of the villa’s best features!

The fresh white walls are complemented by lush green accents that mimic the nature surrounding the house, and classic furniture, traditional antiques, and unique artwork add more intrigue. The bright and airy bedrooms feature super comfortable beds, top quality cotton sheets, and indulgent hypoallergenic pillows. There are a number of relaxing seating areas scattered throughout, including al fresco dining areas, two covered terraces and a gazebo with a wet bar overlooking the beach. Pretty dreamy!

Buried within the gardens is the charming chattel house cottage. This means the accommodation can sleep up to 18 guests on request, which makes Nelson Gay an excellent villa for a multigenerational family holiday.

Beat the winter blues and disappear to Barbados, with Blue Sky Luxury

 

Villa Utopic – Saint Barthlémey

Fortunately, the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Barth is making a strong recovery, following the devastating Hurricane Irma that swept through in September 2017.  And Villa Utopic, a gorgeous three-bedroom villa, is the perfect place to celebrate both the island’s progress and your special winter escape. Aptly named, this luxurious villa really is perfect, with dreamlike views of the Caribbean Sea, Corossol Beach, and Gustavia’s iconic harbour.

The villa has been designed for easy-breezy indoor-outdoor living, aided by glass walls between the large living room and spacious palm-tree studded terrace. You will inevitably find yourself spending most of your time outside, relaxing on the deck next to the long, heated infinity pool and soaking up the glorious Caribbean sunshine. There are a number of other sun-drenched sitting areas on the terrace, as well as plenty of shade when you need a little shelter in the heat of the day.

When you do feel like entertaining or cosying up indoors, the clean grey palette is calming, and touches of brighter colors accentuate the peaceful spaces. Gorgeous artwork adorns the walls by prominent Dutch photographer Désirée Dolron. Whip up fresh lunches or casual dinners in the well-equipped kitchen, best enjoyed alfresco. All of the bedrooms are impeccably decorated, with king beds, and sea views to die for.

Enjoy the revived St Barth, and let the Caribbean Sea wash your stresses away, with St Barth Properties

 

Grace Bay Villa – Turks & Caicos

At this super sleek villa on fashionable Grace Bay, an exceptionally stylish and sun-drenched Caribbean vacation awaits you. The uber-contemporary, five bedroom villa has floor to ceiling windows which allows light to flood the house. And the fabulous pool terrace, also a great sun trap, is just steps from the pristine sands of the gorgeous beach.

The bright and airy interiors feature locally crafted stonework, woodwork, and cabinetry as well as custom ceramics and marble elements; and unique wallpaper injects an additional modern flare. The open plan living and dining area lead onto the decking, pool, and aquamarine sea. The outside spaces take outdoor living to the next level; with sunken seating by the fireside, peaceful shaded areas on the terrace, and designer furniture to sink into. You will also find a hot tub, in-pool loungers, and a separate beachside deck with hammocks, all bordered by beautiful palm trees. For indoor entertainment, the villa has a great selection of board games, along with a well-endowed media room.

Three bedrooms are located on the upper level and feature ocean views, terraces, walk-in wardrobes, and ensuite bathrooms, and all come fully-equipped with cutting-edge amenities, including air conditioning, Apple TV and blackout blinds. The bunk bed room on the ground floor makes the perfect hideaway for kids. And the gorgeous master bedroom has a king-sized bed, pop up TV, walk-in wardrobe, blackout blinds, an ensuite with double vanities, indoor and outdoor shower, and a terrace and spectacular sea views.

There’s no greater place for the winter sun fix than Turks and Caicos, with Villas & Apartments Abroad

 

Villa Glamour – Saint Tropez

Experience the South of France at its most serene when you visit this time of year. The crowds have long gone by late autumn, yet those sunny daytime rays and balmy evenings remain. And where better to enjoy this warmth, peace, and tranquility than from the gorgeous Villa Glamour in Saint Tropez. One of the most luxurious villas on the Cote d-Azur, with two heated swimming pools outside, inviting living room fireplace inside, and exceptional views of the Mediterranean Sea surrounding, it’s the perfect place for a winter dose of Vitamin D.

The light and bright interiors echo the vast expanse of clear blue sea and sky outside. The spacious, sun-drenched terrace is extravagantly adorned with two pools and various chill out areas. The terrace makes a charming setting for a winter’s evening meal, bathed in candlelight, before retreating indoors and cosying up next to the open fire.

On occasional cooler days, you can keep Villa Glamour guests occupied with a snooker tournament, up the endorphins with a gym workout, or settle into a movie or box set. And those guests who like to stroll or hike can do so whilst breathing in the fresh sea air along one of the area’s comprehensive network of trails. Alternatively, spend a day cycling around to the region’s charming villages. Or venture into St. Tropez to sip coffee on a café patio facing the picturesque port and peruse its fashionable boutiques, empty of the summertime crowds.

Have the South of France to yourself this winter. Villa Glamour is available through Villas Prestige & Services

 

Boca Overwater Villa, Panama

This seriously luxurious villa is constructed entirely out of Panamanian teak, built atop 135 cement stilts, and connected to a 15-acre private island by a 130 meter. The villa spans 20,000 square feet and has 7 beautiful bedrooms over three stories, from which guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor lounge areas and relax in utmost privacy and comfort. The spacious rooms have views of the ocean, and more incredible vistas of Bocas del Toro and the Caribbean Sea can be soaked up from the decks and the pool.

Guests of the Overwater Villa can experience exclusive access to the adjoining island, which boasts the regions second largest freshwater lake, gorgeous gardens, and unique art installations. Board the estate’s 30-foot yacht and set sail around the archipelago, exploring local villages, visiting exotic lands, swimming in the sea and soaking up that winter sun. Two glamping suites, made from bamboo and furnished to the same luxurious standards as the villa, allowing you to further connect with nature and sleep under the stars. There is something for everyone on the island, from activity and adventure to wellness and relaxation, and social impact and exploration.

The perfect time to enjoy the Overwater Villa and private island is during the dry ‘summer’ season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April. Bocas del Toro has been recognised by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world, and we have to agree.

Dive into the pristine waters of this Panama province with Villas and Apartments Abroad at this link.

 

Villa Amanzi – Phuket, Thailand

Experience the best of sunny Thailand within the privacy of this sublime six bedroom villa. Perched on Kata Noi hill the gorgeous villa overlooks Kata Noi beach and out to the sparkling Andaman Sea, which can be savoured from the spectacular pool terrace.

Comprised of two master suites, three guest bedrooms and a contained guest suite, this spacious villa makes an excellent option for large families or groups of friends chasing that warm weather getaway or dose of winter sun. Modern and luxurious, Villa Amanzi has fabulous lounge and dining areas featuring amazing vistas of the pool and bay, comfortable seating for up to 12, a professional bar for a lot of fun, and a stone waterfall for total relaxation. The picture-perfect pool terrace, indulgent infinity pool, seriously comfortable sun loungers, and Swedish sauna equate to a really special place. For a quiet moment, retreat to the intimate reading terrace, or soak up some rays on the peaceful upper-level sun deck.

Watch the most incredible sunsets from the terrace nightly, and follow with delicious Thai dinners in the sala surrounded by sea views. More formal meals can be prepared by the villa’s private chef upon request and served in the elegant indoor dining area with seating for 10 and more breathtaking views.

It won’t surprise you to hear that the bedrooms are all luxuriously appointed too. The main master bedroom is especially sumptuous, featuring a king bed, air conditioning, large wardrobe, and dressing area, flat screen TV, ensuite bathroom with hydro tub, double vanities, separate shower, its own private outdoor patio as well as panoramic sea views both indoors and out.

The villa comes fully staffed, and in-house beauty and wellness therapy treatments can be arranged. You will find it hard to tear yourself away from such a beautiful villa, but the beach is just a short distance away if you fancy a stroll, as are other outdoor active pursuits,  great restaurants and shopping too.

Jump on a private jet plane to Thailand this winter, with Villanovo

Finding the perfect luxury holiday home for the whole family or a group of friends can be mighty challenging, especially at the last minute. And even more so for the special festive season, when your time is short, villa demand is high, and holiday-makers’ expectation is higher. We’ve done some digging to uncover the super exclusive private rentals still available for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, to alleviate some of the load. Whether you’re looking for an alpine retreat with ultra-indulgent spa facilities, a blissful beachfront villa in the Caribbean, a super swanky base for your city break escape, or lavish country pile (and perfect party pad), we have the best of the rest available for you here.

 

Best for Coupled-Up Culture Vultures: Lindengasse, Vienna

Available for Thanksgiving through The Luxury Travel Book

Lindengasse is a stunning and elegant two bedroom apartment situated on the first floor of a magnificent historical building in the centre of Vienna. At the heart of the Neubau creative district, Lindengasse is just behind the main shopping street of Mariahilfer Strasse. The Museum Quarter is just ten minutes’ walk away, with the impressive Leopold Museum, and its huge collection of paintings, including works by Klimt and Egon Schiele. The area also has an abundance of restaurants and cafes to choose from.

Susie Marquis, UltraVilla’s city apartment specialist and the founder of The Luxury Travel Book, believes the luxurious Lindengasse makes a great base for two couples, friends, or a grown-up family keen to make the most of staying in such a central part of Vienna, and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the city.

 

Best for Après Ski in Sheer Luxury: Chalet Sapphire Gem, Morzine

Available for Christmas, 20^th – 27^th December, through Ultimate Luxury Chalets

Chalet Sapphire Gem is setting a new standard of luxury in Morzine. The perfect blend of contemporary and alpine tradition creates a cosy and comfortable yet stylish setting, where you feel immediately at home. This chic chalet can accommodate 12 people across 6 ensuite bedrooms in absolute comfort. For larger families or groups of friends holidaying together, the neighbouring Chalet Little Gem can host an extra 4, making this chalet perfect set up for a special Christmas.

Nestled in the hillside, you can enjoy breath-taking and uninterrupted views of the surrounding peaks from the outdoor hot tub, fire pit and barrel sauna. The wellness facilities in Chalet Sapphire Gem are some of the best in the Alps, featuring an indoor swimming pool with massage jets, a hammam, an ice chamber, hydrotherapy showers, and a treatment room.

Brand new for December 2018, you’ll be one of the first to experience this truly indulgent Christmas winter wonderland!

 

Best for Luxury-Loving Grown-ups: I Putti, Florence

Available for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, through excellence.villas (4-night minimum stay)

This sensational city apartment, rich in history, is perfectly positioned on the top floor of a Renaissance palazzo on the River Arno. An expansive floor plan – 3000 square feet to be precise – houses three luxurious bedrooms (each with en-suite and private terrace), living-dining room with splendid views over the river, and full kitchen.

You will begin each day truly spoilt with generous breakfasts of rich Italian coffee delicious homemade pastries before you set off on your sightseeing tours, and early evening Aperitivos will greet you upon your return home.

Not only is this private rental extra special, but Florence is simply enchanting over the holiday season. The picture-perfect city provides the ideal backdrop to Renaissance learning, Italian art appreciation, and Christmas traditions.

 

Best for an Extra Special Celebration: Thorpe Manor, Oxfordshire

Available for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, through Luxury Cotswold Rentals

Thorpe Manor is a Grade II* listed Georgian country house, which has been totally, immaculately and lovingly renovated. The whole manor is brand new, meeting contemporary expectations, yet remaining authentic and true to its period heritage. All 14 bedrooms come complete with en-suite bathrooms, pretty special for an English manor house! These aspects combined make Thorpe Manor really quite rare.

The house is self-catered, but staffed with housekeeper, butler and bar, and Luxury Cotswold Rentals can arrange for Thorpe Manor to come partially or fully catered. And we highly recommend you do so, as the catering staff are committed to making use of the abundant produce from the surrounding countryside. The delicious food is fresh and vibrant, seasonal, home-grown and locally sourced, and dishes are delivered with a modern flair.

Thorpe Manor is the place to celebrate an exceptional occasion; whether it’s an extra special family Christmas, birthday milestone, or winter wedding. Or, if you feel like treating yourself, to simply enjoy quintessential England at its finest!

 

Best Inner-City Sanctuary: Palazzo Santa Croce, Florence

Available for Thanksgiving and Christmas, through Carpe Diem Luxury Travel

Marina Gratsos, the founder of Carpe Diem Luxury Travel, agrees with excellence.villas: If you and your little group of guests want to experience the glory of Florence without the hordes, then winter is a magical time to visit. Over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, the legendary city reveals its treasures to the discerning few.

And the Santa Croce is another perfect – and totally private – palazzo from which to marvel at its splendour. This enchanting three bedroom apartment has belonged to the same family of nobles for over 500 years, so they sure know how to make you feel at home! Santa Croce is just a few steps away from the Duomo, and the rooftop terrace has some of the most sensational views of the city. It comes with housekeeping and a butler; cook available upon request.

Stay for space and privacy in the heart of the city.

 

Best for Seeing 2018 Off in Style: La Rive Cape Town, South Africa

Available for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year through Alexis Gillis

An ultramodern masterpiece, La Rive Penthouse is now open for exclusive-use bookings on Cape Town’s platinum mile in Mouille Point. An exceptional private home where luxury and space defy all expectations, the deluxe penthouse with rooftop swimming pool accommodates up to eight guests and is designed for glamorous, seaside and city living at its best.

The La Rive penthouse provides the utmost security and exclusivity. Ideally located in the buzz of Cape Town, with easy access to the city’s world-famous beaches, the V&A Waterfront, top class restaurants and other attractions, La Rive Penthouse boasts spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island, and the greenery of the Metropolitan Golf Course and the Green Point Urban Park on the other side. It’s a secure, private and glamorous home set in an ideal, central location from where one may enjoy the Cape Town lifestyle to its fullest.

 

Best Relaxing Beach Retreat: Camp David, St. Barth

Available for Christmas and New Year, through St.Barth Properties (14-night minimum stay during holiday period)

The very special Camp David is a sprawling 9 bedroom estate that sits directly on the quieter side of beautiful St. Jean Beach. Two acres of tropical landscaped gardens and a coconut grove of palm trees surround the villa compound, making it a super exclusive retreat.

Camp David can accommodate up to 18 guests, which makes it perfect for extended families or larger groups of friends gathering over the festive season. The gorgeous heated swimming pool, which sits in the midst of a lush green lawn, and tennis court keep all members of the party actively entertained. And two private points of access from the villa to beach ensure guests can plunge into in those warm cerulean Caribbean waters in a St. Barth minute.

A truly special and ultra-exclusive spot, Camp David offers the St. Barth villa lifestyle at its finest.

 

Best Luxurious Grown-up Getaway: Roaring Pavilion, Jamaica

Available for Christmas and New Year, through Villa Concierge

Set directly beachfront at St. Anns Bay, this stunningly unique property is one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated estate homes. Roaring Pavilion is the ultimate luxury hideaway, with sophisticated private spa, dedicated therapist and indulgent wellness facilities. Combined with impeccable decor and landscaping, world-class entertainment and water toys, and exceptional staff and service, the villa offers an experience that touches the body, mind, and soul in new and magical ways.

With more than 8,000 square feet of living space, Roaring Pavilion can accommodate up to ten guests very comfortably, in four king bedrooms and one additional bedroom with a twin bunk. Although the estate is ultra-elegant, it is totally unpretentious, and the exceptional staff make you feel at home from the get-go.

Holiday like movie stars who have stayed before you!

 

Best for Multigenerational Festive Fun: Ca di Pesa, Chianti

Available for Christmas and New Year, through Homebase Abroad

A private estate in the heart of Chianti, Ca di Pesa features breath-taking views over the owner’s award-winning vineyards and olive groves. The pool is situated atop one of the gently tumbling Tuscan hills, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape as you and your special group of friends or family sip house-made red wine.

An expansive property with 12 bedrooms and room for up to 20 guests, Ca di Pesa makes the perfect multigenerational retreat for the festive season. The plethora of activities and accommodations will appeal to all ages; from a private cinema to an on-site bocce court.

 

Best for Holiday Hosting: Eden in Sugar Hill, Barbados

Available for Christmas and New Year, through Blue Sky Luxury

Immersed within an acre of lush tropical gardens in the exclusive Sugar Hill community, this luxurious colonial-style five bedroom vacation rental is a true Barbados paradise.

The grand entrance, accessed from Eden’s own private driveway, features a sweeping marble staircase to the open plan living area. Doors open out onto a magnificent covered terrace, with stunning views of the gardens and the sparkling Caribbean Sea beyond. The interior is furnished with a conscious blend of modern and plantation-inspired styles, creating a chic yet authentic environment.

Eden is the ideal vacation villa to host families and entertain during the holidays; with a fully equipped kitchen for cooking in, large terrace to dine on,  and charming pool-side gazebo for al fresco lunches and sunset cocktails. The pool terrace is surrounded by beautiful and extensive landscaped gardens, spacious enough for a small destination wedding, family milestones, or parties and celebrations of most sizes.

Eden has a core team of well-trained and friendly staff including a butler, cook and housekeeper and gardener. A dedicated villa manager will take care of your every need while you enjoy everything Eden has to offer.

 

Best for Fabulous Family Facilities: Villa Trevo, Algarve

Available for New Year through Vila Cita Collection

For families looking to enjoy the facilities of a fully-staffed five-star resort and a festive holiday ambience, all within the privacy of your own exclusive, free-standing property, Villa Trevo is an excellent option. Located in the VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa on Portugal’s Algarve coast, the stunning clifftop villa boasts the finest luxury amenities, incredible views of the Atlantic and can accommodate up to 12 guests.

Dramatic views of the coastline and the shimmering blue Atlantic can be admired from all of its five bedrooms, as well as from the main lounge, gardens, terraces and the pool. The villa has been tastefully decorated in a classic Mediterranean style of subdued tones, unique furnishings, artwork, and decorative pieces. Guests will savour the villa’s spacious suites, and enjoy cooking in the two well-equipped kitchens, both kitted out with top of the range appliances.

Outside, you can relax on the poolside patio, barbecue for al fresco entertaining, plunge into the fabulous infinity pool, and soak up panoramic views of the mesmerising sea and surroundings from the Jacuzzi and rooftop sun terrace.

Guests have full use of the amenities of the hotel, including the beach and various restaurants, and those visiting over the holiday season can make the most of the resort’s VVP Christmas & New Year Programme which includes delicious Portuguese Christmas specialities, the arrival of Santa with a bag full of presents, a daytime New Year’s Eve party for the kids and a chic ball in the evening, capped off with fireworks at midnight.

September: For most of us, this month means back to school, back to work, and back to daydreaming about our next adventures. There are few places in Great Britain more glorious at the end of summer than the Scottish Highlands, especially this year. Scotland boasts some of the last great wildernesses in western Europe, featuring huge tracts of open landscape, mountains and lochs, undeveloped and sparsely populated where you can really get away from it all. There is very little light pollution in the highlands so the night skies are amazing, especially in the far north where witnessing incredible meteor showers is not unusual. The roads are long, slow and windy. You can run into quite heavy traffic on some stretches in the middle of summer, but as the season turns you often have the roads to yourself, so you can chill out, go with the flow, absorb the stunning scenery that surrounds and embrace the pace. Put on your favourite music, sit back and decompress; you will get to where you need to be eventually.

For almost twenty years, Loyd & Townsend Rose has been guiding guests through the Scottish Highlands, enabling them to explore and experience its magic. Director Andrew Loyd recommends a weeklong stay in order to make the trip worthwhile, and base you either at a castle or sporting lodge for the duration of your stay – your Scottish highland home-from-home – or transfer you from one hotel to another depending on the nature of your trip and the activities you wish you take part in. The former style or stay suits large family groups who want to nest and could do without the upheaval of moving around. The hotel route works well for smaller mobile groups keen to maximise their time in Scotland and who want to see as much as possible.

Along with its sensational scenery, Scotland is fortunate to still have an incredible array of castles woven through its mountains, around its lochs, dotted along its beaches. These are another huge reason why guests love the highlands, as these historical homes add further drama to the already rich landscape. The clan chieftains and noble families who built these castles helped shape the landscape through their forestry plantings and careful preservation of the wonderful open spaces. Similarly to Ireland, you will see a lot of modern cottages being built, but the moors, farmland and forests remain remarkably unchanged. Many of the castles have been rescued from neglect, and English or overseas business families have pumped fortunes into restoring them to their former glory, meanwhile embarking on further projects to preserve the landscape. A fine example of this is the great Aldourie Castle – above – which sits on the banks of Loch Ness and offers extremely comfortable accommodation for large family groups in 13 bedrooms and further bedrooms in other estate cottages. This castle offers easy access to famous local golf courses like Nairn and Royal Dornoch, historical sites like Cawdor Castle and Culloden battlefield, and of course to the loch itself, where guests can take boat trips (fast and slow) and admire the astonishing scenery. Inverness is close by, but it is some of the smaller towns, like Beauly and Strathpeffer, that Andrew finds more charming.

A little further east of Aldourie is Dalcross Castle, a smaller but equally impressive fortified tower built in 1620. Find eight lovely bedrooms and a real castle atmosphere, the perfect place to celebrate a special birthday or family gathering, or to hole up in winter with a good book in front of a roaring log fire. Of course, not all Loyd & Townsend Rose’s guests are looking for a castle with winding stone staircases as their base from which to explore the Scottish Highlands. For these guests, we have a myriad of lodges like Old Milton near Kingussie that has 7 bedrooms and a one bedroom cottage, or bothy, as the Scots call them. The house is extremely comfortable, beautifully done up with excellent bathrooms and a very light, cosy feel. A lot of shooting lodges are rather stuffy with dull sporting prints and endless tartan, but not this one. There is also a private golf course, tennis court, hot tub and fishing. A fun alternative, which is a balance between a home and a castle, is Gordon Castle – below – in Morayshire. Built in the 1770s for the Duke of Gordon, it offers either spacious bedrooms, salmon fishing on the river Spey, a stunning walled garden with a restaurant, and even produces its own gin. Being on the doorstep of Speyside, whisky country, there are many famous distilleries within easy reach of the castle. The Aberdeenshire coastline is stunning, and there are some lovely fishing villages to explore, including Pennan, where the cult movie ‘Local Hero’ was filmed.

If guests are curious to experience what it is like to stay in a Scottish castle but aren’t travelling with a big enough group to fill one, Loyd & Townsend Rose sends the group further west to stay at the wonderful Inverlochy Castle Hotel, below. This romantic and magical hotel is a personal favourite, as Andrew proposed to his wife there! Fort William itself, just down the road, is not a great beauty of a town. However, the castle is located a few miles north and is sort of a gateway to the rugged west coast highlands and the Isle of Skye. Lovely big bedrooms with huge windows offer panoramic views of the picturesque surroundings and good hearty Scottish cuisine is served up in the restaurant, which is much needed after a long day climbing a Munro, or even Ben Nevis) for the ultra-ambitious. The castle was constructed in 1863 and is a classic Victorian home and built to impress. 10 years after its completion the owners hosted Queen Victoria for a week of painting!

Over on Skye is the great Macleod family stronghold, Dunvegan Castle. It isn’t possible to stay here, but it makes a great visit and is perfectly positioned with absolutely stunning views of Scotland in every direction. Spend a night at the Three Chimneys Inn, watch the dolphins play in the sea, and eat the most delicious langoustines in the world.

Back on the mainland, near Oban, is the dramatic castle of Inveraray, which has been the home of the Dukes of Argyll since 1746. Fortunate guests can stay in Ducal splendour and experience old-school grandeur in the private apartments that overlook Loch Fyne. During the daytime, there are a lot of visitors to the main part of the castle, but after 5pm you will have the place to yourselves.

Wherever you choose to adventure in the Scottish Highlands, from the windy roads of Applecross to the sweet village of Plocton, you will be overawed by the landscape. Never ceasing to amaze, the gulf stream enables a varied and surprising array of plants to grow and flora to flourish, including unexpected palm trees. Trust Andrew when he says that it is good for the mind, body and soul to immerse yourself in the remote countryside, and you will return home truly refreshed from the peace, quiet, and fresh air.

 

With winter winding down in the Northern Hemisphere, snow lovers are starting to look southward. In New Zealand’s Southern Alps, winter sports start up in June, kicked off by a big festival in Queenstown, a popular base for four main ski fields: Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, Cardrona, and Treble Cone. The Queenstown Winter Festival (June 24–July 3 2016), now in its 42nd year, attracts around 45,000 people with street parties, fireworks, concerts, and games.

New Zealand’s newest ski field, Soho Basin, opened last July on a limited basis, with very few bookings available; New Zealander Lucy Mehrtens, of Majordomo, sent us this report at the end of its first season: “Currently, you can only ski off-piste at Soho Basin via snowcat (but I believe certain runs can be groomed on request at additional cost). I’ve skied there with the owner and it’s absolutely incredible. There are plans to put a chairlift on the mountain, so we suggest that keen skiers take advantage of this special window where the mountain can pretty much be enjoyed privately. MajorDomo can organize for guests to ski on Soho, for portable spa pools to be helicoptered in at the end of the day, and for beautiful lunches to be waiting for guests at the bottom of the ski field.

“In terms of activities (aside from skiing Soho, of course), we would suggest dog-sledding with beautiful Alaskan huskies. It’s a great activity for families and couples. It’s also located very close to Soho Basin.

“We suggest that guests experiencing Soho Basin should stay at Lodge at the Hill or villa 123 Frankton Road, an incredible property located close to Queenstown town but very private and set on Lake Wakatipu.”

The Lodge at the Hill is an exclusive-use residence set amongst 500 acres of tranquil ambience at The Hills golf course and day spa. The property features six individual suites, fireplaces throughout, and a sophisticated heating and cooling system that ensures a temperate interior all year round. Other features: a music room, a bar/library, an extensive collection of early New Zealand European and Maori art and artifacts and contemporary Asian and New Zealand art and sculptures, and a spectacular underground wine cellar and dining room. All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon teas, canapés, snacks, picnics, etc.) are prepared by a dedicated chef.

123 Frankton Road is a stylish, modern and spacious lakeside villa located within walking distance to the hub of the Queenstown town center. The villa has well thought out, beautifully furnished living areas and outside boasts a generous deck, garden, spa and heated swimming pool. The upper level of the holiday house has a large open-plan living room with a kitchen and dining area, which opens onto the deck for alfresco dining. The state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen is perfect for entertaining whether you are the chef or have a private chef arranged. A private lounge space, the master bedroom and one guest bedroom are also located on the upper level. Another two bedrooms/ two bathrooms and an open plan area are located on the lower level, with two foldout beds for extra guests. The villa can comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests.

For more information, contact Majordomo Villas New Zealand.

 

We recently received some 50 photos of a striking 500-year-old Scottish mansion located six miles from St. Andrews, the world-famous golf course. The decor is a chic blend of old and new, mixing Japanese and Chinese antiquities, Dutch masters, and contemporary British artists, such as Grayson Perry and Emily Young (that’s the “Emily Young Room” below). The house is at the base of a woodland known for its waterfalls and rare native bluebells, and its grounds border the Eden River—the site, we are told, of several famous fossil finds, which perhaps explains why fossils are a recurring theme in the decor (one of the photos is labeled “Hadrosaur eggs” and another is captioned “Fossil palm”). Unfortunately, we can’t show you the complete photo gallery here—for that, you’ll have to contact Andrew Loyd, of Loyd & Townsend Rose. Here’s a peek, followed by details about the property.

The private medieval walled garden can be accessed directly from the house and provides a wonderful entertaining space in summer; an ideal spot for relaxing with a game of croquet or badminton.

The garden is rich in edibles throughout the warmer months, including berries, Italian lemons, apples, flowers, and vegetables. The estate harvests 350 bottles of special apple juice from 100-year-old trees, and offers homemade berry jams and fresh honeycombs directly from well-kept beehives, for the exclusive consumption of guests.

* Fully staffed accommodation for up to 12 guests in the main house, offering 6 king-size bedrooms with private bathrooms.

* Guest Lodge has 2 king-size bedrooms with 2 bathrooms for up to 5 guests.

* Private woodlands and landscaped parkland with rare botanicals and specimen trees.

* Proximity to world-famous golf courses, local water sports, and country pursuits.

* One hour from Edinburgh airport.

* Six miles from St. Andrews, the home of golf.

Contact: Loyd & Townsend Rose

Suva, Fiji, February 23, 2016. Cyclone Winston made landfall in Fiji on Saturday, February 20, after being declared a category 5 system. The winds experienced in the north of Fiji, including the Lau Group, Taveuni, Vanua Levu, and Koro Island, were in excess of 300 kmph. This is the first time a cyclone of this magnitude has come through Fiji; it has since been confirmed as the second strongest cyclone in the world in recorded history.

Vatuvara Private Islands is located in the Northern Lau Group. We were in the direct path of the cyclone.

We are thankful there was no loss of life on the resort, nor on our islands of Kanacea and Adavaci, where our secondary organic farm is situated. The resort villas did not sustain any structural damage, however our gardens and grounds bore the brunt of the cyclone’s ferocity.

The immediate focus is the clearing of the debris, mainly broken branches and fallen trees, and rejuvenating our gardens and grounds to full capacity.

Our neighboring island of Yacata, with whom we share a lagoon, is the village were the majority of our staff reside. Yacata Village was inundated with sea surges, in addition to the ferocious winds, and sustained severe damage to homes and property. Thankfully, there were no deaths and only minor injuries were sustained.

Vatuvara Private Islands evacuated over 30 people, mainly women, children, and the injured, on Monday, February 22, and have continued to provide supplies and transport on our plane and barge, for relief supplies, so that our staff and their families can begin rebuilding their homes and lives.

Vatuvara Private Islands is pleased to extend our Opening Special Rate to the end of December 2016. This rate was originally valid until March 31, 2016.

We are a resilient and extremely hospitable people and look forward to welcoming guests and sharing our Fiji with them. Your visit helps us rebuild communities.

AVAILABILITY

June 15–December 31, 2016. Enquiries can be directed to Krystel at Vatuvara.

RATES

Villa Delana: US $4,895 plus taxes

Villa Vatu: US $3,550 plus taxes

Villa Saku: US $3,480 plus taxes

Island Buyout: US $15,000 plus taxes

DETAILS

There are a total of four villas available during Island Buyout only.

Rates quoted are per villa, per night. Minimum stay of 3 nights.

Rates quoted are subject to 25% Fiji Government Taxes.

Vatuvara Private Islands comprises Kaibu and Vatuvara Islands and is located in the remote Northern Lau group of Fiji. Vatuvara Private Islands is only accessible by the resort’s private airplane.

Vatuvara Private Islands offers all-inclusive bespoke itineraries and is available for whole island occupancy or as one of the three villas.

Developed and managed by Rob and Lynda Miller, who each have over 30 years’ experience in the Fiji tourism industry, Vatuvara Private Islands offer clients authentic Fiji experiences delivered with impeccable discreet service.

 

Ever wondered what goes into planning a villa stay? “It’s a time-consuming process and the reason you may find me up at wee hours, fielding questions from three different time zones,” says Sylvia Delvaille Jones, one of UltraVilla’s general consultants. Recently, Sylvia and her “master curator” put together an itinerary for a family with children who will be staying at one of her villas in Provence this summer, and she offered to share it with us.

What follows is a goldmine of information about the towns, restaurants, and attractions in this popular region—created, says Sylvia, “by people I’ve worked with for many years. None of the daily programs is hurried; it’s important to us to immerse guests in the local environment—the flavors, the land, the people, the culture—with each day a different experience.” Note: Some of these activities can only be arranged through a guide with the right connections.

The program starts with a list of attractions that are situated within a 30-minute driving radius of the villa and a list of restaurant recommendations. The information below is all courtesy of Sylvia’s company, Villas and Apartments Abroad.

Local Attractions

St-Remy de Provence: Famed as the birthplace of Nostradamus, St-Remy was also where Vincent Van Gogh was interred, at his own request, in 1889. It offers good shopping and has many good local restaurants.

Les Baux de Provence: One of the jewels of the region, Les Baux de Provence is a must in your week’s stay. It is a bit further on from St-Remy de Provence and we have included it in the same day (below).

Avignon: Once the seat of the Papacy, the city has retained all of its walls and the imposing Palace of the Popes, a UNESCO World Heritage and the biggest Gothic construction in the world. There is great shopping to be had here and fantastic restaurants as well. Over the Rhone River is the town of Villeneuve les Avignon, and a visit to La Chartreuse, one of the biggest Carthusian settlements in Europe, is well worth it for anyone interested.

Wine tasting and olive-oil tasting: The region of Les Alpilles has some excellent vineyards well worth taking the time to discover. These vineyards often produce olive oil as well, and a tasting of both can easily be organized.

Honey tasting: Visit a producer that has been making honey for four generations. We can visit La Mielerie (where the honey is conditioned) and taste different kinds of honey, such as lavender, forest, rosemary, mountain plants.

Carrières de Lumières: A unique immersion into an artist’s work. The Carrières de Lumieres is a sound and light show in an old quarry near Les Baux de Provence. Every year the theme is changed, and for 2016 it is Chagall. You are literally surrounded by the works of the artist on the walls and the floor using the latest digital technology. It is a worthwhile visit after Les Baux de Provence or St-Remy de Provence. Another possibility is the privatization for your group after closing time, allowing the choice of theme to be shown. Past themes have been Klimt, Van Gogh, and Gauguin, Renaissance masters, and the artists inspired by the Mediterranean.

Le Jardin de l’Alchimiste: A private garden with the label “Jardin Remarquable,” which lists it as one of the most beautiful in the region. The garden is made up of five parts, starting with a maze, then the garden of magical plants, followed by the alchemist’s garden, which is presented in three separate parts represented by colors: black, white, and red. This could be a perfect visit to precede the essential oils workshop, perhaps in the morning.

Top Restaurant Recommendations

This list of Michelin-starred restaurants (all within a 35-minute drive of the villa) is not exhaustive but gives an idea of the possibilities the region offers. There are also many bistrots and more modest establishments in close proximity.

Oustau de Baumanière, Les Baux de Provence: This two-Michelin-starred restaurant is probably the local reference for fine dining. On the table, the present pays tribute to the past and the past allows the present to express its creativity. When the founding father, Raymond Thuilier, was chef, the cuisine was rich and creamy. His grandson, the present chef and owner Jean-André Charial, added his own touch, a purer, more subtle style concocting a colorful and lively cuisine.

La Maison de Bournissac, Noves. This one-Michelin-starred restaurant is the closest to the villa. The chef and owner, Christian Peyre, takes his inspiration from his native Provence often using produce from his own garden to complement the fresh local produce you will find in your plate.

Le Saule Pleureur, Monteux: Laurent Azoulay, a young chef who obtained his Michelin star in 2009, will delight your tastebuds in his restaurant where he remains faithful to traditional Provence cuisine, whilst stripping it of its heaviness and keeping the essential.

Christian Etienne, Avignon: Christian Etienne is a man of strong passions—a passion for cooking, of course, but also a passion for life and a passion for Provence. His menus echo this passion, and often you will find an entire special menu based on a single product if it is exceptional enough! He has one Michelin star.

Six-Day Itinerary

Your tour coordinator will be at the airport in Marseille to meet you with three Mercedes V Class vehicles. A separate baggage transfer can be put in place if you have a lot of luggage.

Sunday, July 17

Isle sur la Sorgue Sunday market

This morning you will discover L’Isle sur la Sorgue. The main market itself is a myriad of colors and smells as you wander through the market stalls, but here is the antique market as well as the antique dealers in what is the second biggest antique buyers’ platform in Europe. Your guide will also show you some of the 14 remaining water wheels (there where once over 70), witnesses of the city’s milling industry, as well as the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges, one of the finest Baroque churches in Provence. We will depart from Isle sur la Sorgue at noon and return to the villa for lunch.

Wine tasting at the villa

A comprehensive wine tasting of the finest offerings from the Rhone Valley with sommelier Kelly McAuliffe. We can base the tasting on the region’s finest or go further afield with wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace, and Champagne. The form of the tasting can be a predinner tasting of several local wines with delicious nibbles to accompany, followed by a tasting menu concocted by Kelly and our chef. (The choice of wines will need to be made as far in advance as possible especially if you wish to obtain rare vintages.) Kelly McAuliffe has been the only American sommelier working in France for the past 17 years. After doing an internship in Alain Ducasse’s three-star Michelin restaurant in Paris, Kelly was asked to run his new chic restaurant in Monaco, which was filled with international celebrities. Eventually he was asked by the chef to run his uber-successful restaurant back in Paris called Spoon. He left Chef Ducasse to be the head sommelier at Michelin-starred restaurant Christian Etienne in Avignon to be closer to his wife and family. This also allowed Kelly to meet and befriend the best wine makers in the Rhone. He is now a specialist of the Rhone and instructs professionals from around the world about its wonderful wines. After six years in Avignon, Chef Ducasse convinced Kelly to run his hugely successful restaurant in Las Vegas called Mix at the top of the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Kelly was then offered the French wine specialist position at Southern Wine & Spirits in Las Vegas. On a daily basis he would work with the best sommeliers and master sommeliers of Las Vegas. Now back in Provence, Kelly shares his knowledge and passion for wine as few others can.

Monday, July 18, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Canoeing on the Gardon and Pont du Gard

This morning we will drive to Collias, a small town on the banks of the River Gardon. Here you will meet at 10 a.m. with your canoe guides for the morning, who will lead you down the Gardon River by canoe, an easy activity for all levels. There will be two people per canoe and two guides for the group. On your journey you will pass underneath the stunning Pont du Gard (above), offering a beautiful perspective of this formidable monument. Built in the first century A.D., the Pont du Gard is the highest of all Roman aqueduct bridges and is, with the Aqueduct of Segovia, one of the best preserved. It was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1985 because of its historical importance. Once 44 million gallons of water flowed here every day, supplying the citizens of Nimes. At the end of your canoe ride, one of our “rustic chic” picnics will be waiting for you on the banks of the river with delicious local produce, pastries, cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruit, and of course a drop of local rosé wine. The picnic will be organized in a public area, so we will possibly not be alone. After lunch we have a rendezvous at the Pont du Gard with an exceptional VIP visit of the aqueduct. From 160 feet above the Gardon riverbed, you can admire the surrounding region and marvel at the quality of Roman construction, which still stands strong after 2,000 years.

Tuesday, July 19, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Camargue Private Manade Tour

For this tour we will drive into the heart of the Camargue (above) to meet with your hosts, who will take you on a private visit of their working manade, a traditional Camargue farm. Their manade has won more prizes than any other manade in Camargue, for its bull raising. Your hosts will explain their daily lives as we discover this wild wetland, which is also home to native pink flamingos, herons, storks, and many other beautiful birds. You’ll have lunch on site, then drive back toward the villa with an optional stop in Arles to visit the Roman Arena.

Wednesday, July 20, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

St-Remy de Provence Market

Today it is market day in nearby St-Remy de Provence, which offers some good shopping opportunities for souvenirs and local produce; the children could maybe have the task of buying some local fruit and vegetables for their cooking class later this afternoon. One of our favorite places to visit and taste are Joel Durand’s chocolate shop, where his famous chocolate alphabet proposes a different chocolate for every letter of the alphabet as well as six punctuation marks! Also there is Premiers Pression Provence (also in Les Baux de Provence), where you can taste olive oils and tapenades. (Premiers Pression Provence was founded by Olivier Baussan, the founder of L’Occitane en Provence, and his first shop outside of France is in Hong Kong.) Historically, St-Remy is the birth town of Nostradamus, but aside from a statue and a plaque on the door of the house where he was born there is not a lot to be seen. However Vincent Van Gogh spent a year in the asylum of St-Paul de Mausole, which can be visited. There is also the archaeological site of Glanum, where the ruins of the original Roman settlement in St-Remy de Provence can be found, as well as the triumphal arch and mausoleum.

Cooking Workshop at the Villa

Celebrity chef Yvan Cadiou will come to the villa this afternoon for a pastry cooking workshop with the children (but the adults can join in!), which the entire group will be able to taste at dinnertime. Yvan will also be preparing tonight’s dinner, and so an impromptu cooking session with him in the kitchen will be possible whilst he prepares. Yvan was born in Brittany and has received classic French training in the kitchens of the Ritz Hotel and the Crillon Hotel. He then began life as a chef-traveler, cooking with celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs from England to the Algarve, to Barbados, Spain, luxury homes on the Côte d’Azur—all the while learning cooking traditions and combining his passions for fresh, local ingredients with creative cuisine. He did several shows on French national TV which have appeared worldwide and even created a theatrical cooking show which met with critical acclaim in Marseille. His flamboyant style and creativity will make this an unforgettable treat for the participants as well as the rest of the group, who will taste his food at dinner.

Thursday, July 21, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Lavender and Luberon Tour

Today we will leave the villa and set off for the lavender fields of Provence. We will start with the drive to the Plateau de Sault, a 70-minute drive. Here you will discover the amazing fields of lavender that are picture-postcard perfect! We will visit a traditional distillery, its owner a “nose” keen to the subtle variations of the scents of lavender. You will have an opportunity to buy essential oils and other lavender products there, perfect as gifts.(We cannot guarantee that the distillery will be working as this depends on the dates of the lavender harvest.) We will then drive the very short distance to the town of Sault where you can discover the delights of André Boyer’s nougat shop (and delicious homemade ice creams), as well as Yves and Virginie, a fantastic charcuterie shop where you can find an unbelievable selection of hams, patés, and saussicons to take home for the evening’s aperitif. Lunch today can be either in Monieux at Les Lavandes, a local restaurant serving excellent meals at very reasonable prices, or Le Bistro de Lagarde, a 20-minute drive and one of the best-kept secrets in the region. This restaurant is off the beaten track, but today is perfectly positioned for us. Its chef, Lloyd Tropeano, had an incredible local following, and those in the know kept quiet. However, he was awarded a Michelin star in 2013 and the word got out. After lunch we will continue on to Roussillon (35 minutes) and maybe take a stroll in the ochre deposits before arriving at Gordes (14 minutes) to admire the view of probably the most iconic village in the region before heading back to the villa (35 minutes).

Friday, July 22, 9 a.m.–12:35 p.m.

Les Baux de Provence

Les Baux de Provence (above) is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the village is crowned by the ruins of the medieval castle, which the children will love. We will take the scenic route along the interestingly named Val d’Enfer (Valley of Hell), which comes out above the village, offering a stunning panorama of the village on arrival. In summer there are demonstrations of the catapults and knights sword fighting, as well as a blacksmith. The village itself is extremely picturesque and historically fascinating, but being very beautiful it is also very popular with tourists, hence the morning visit. Olive-oil and wine tasting can also be planned today.

Sylvia’s company, Villas & Apartments Abroad, has properties all over the world, including luxury villas, smart city apartments and yachts. The above itinerary was designed for a family stay at a large private estate in Provence. For more information or to book a stay, contact Sylvia through Ultravilla.com.

 

One of UltraVilla’s newest members, Pamela Murdock, is a huge foodie, judging from the communiqué she recently sent us. In it, she describes one of her all-time favorite islands in the Bahamas by itemizing the many places where you can get a great meal! Tiny Harbour Island, barely three miles long and a quarter mile wide, lies two miles off the north coast of Eleuthera and 170 miles east of Fort Lauderdale. Small as it is, it has a lot to offer—Travel + Leisure crowned it “Best Island” in 2015. In her message, Pamela mentioned, somewhat in passing, “charming shops, liquor and grocery stores, delis, art galleries, bakeries (we love Arthur’s for breakfast) and several very colorful bars with music and dancing. Island activities include diving, snorkeling, bone and deep sea fishing, picnic cruises, biking, riding on the beach, and kitesurfing (depending on time of year).”

“Surprisingly,” she wrote (here’s where her fondness for good eating emerged), “for such a small island there are quite a few restaurants, ranging from the delicious and upscale Rock House and The Dunmore to more funky ones like Brian’s BBQ, where you eat in his front yard. There’s no sign out front. You just follow the smell of barbecue to the house with Christmas lights on Dunmore Street.

“For lunch, our favorite things, besides a picnic on a deserted island, are the lobster quesadillas at Sip Sip and the best fresh conch salad at Queen Conch, which is in a tiny shack on Bay Street. It’s also great fun to take the short boat trip across the southern inlet to Ocean Talley, a restaurant in a lighthouse on Eleuthera. For drinks and beautiful sunsets, we go to Acquapazza, located near the ruins of an allegedly haunted plantation house.”

Dunmore Town, Harbour Island.

Harbour Island was settled in the 1700s by British Loyalists, and its architecture has a New England-y feel. “On its harbor side is Dunmore Town, which was founded in the eighteenth century. This adorable village has pastel-colored clapboard cottages with picket fences and gardens full of colorful bougainvillea, oleander, and hibiscus. On the Atlantic side is one of the loveliest beaches ever, which runs the entire length of the island. Its pale pink sand against the turquoise ocean is a sublime visual. Life here is unhurried and peaceful—which stands to reason, as there are no cars for rent—only golf carts.”

House on a Dune.

Pamela’s portfolio includes a range of properties, from Allamanda House, a six-bedroom custom-built house in Dunmore Town, to 2,500-square-foot House on a Dune, above, designed by Oppenheim Architecture. As a villa specialist, she likes to give her customers “nothing to think about except what amusing thing to do next”—meaning she’ll make the arrangements for such things as:

Golf-cart rental

Advance grocery shopping

Extra maid service

Hiring a cook

In-house massage

Personal training

Special events

Boat charters

Airport taxi service

Roundtrip water-taxi service

And, of course, those all-important restaurant reservations.

Contact Pamela for more information about Harbour Island, Eleuthera, and her properties in the Bahamas.