Where To Go: November

Offerings on an altar to welcome back the ghosts of the dead for Día de Muertos, iStock.com/shinki_chen

It’s the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico, bonfire night across the UK, elephant round up time in Thailand, rice cake war day in Indonesia and the festival of the horned one in Italy – five fabulous reasons to take a week off and travel this November.

DÍA DE MUERTOS    

MEXICO, 1-2 NOVEMBER

Everyone’s invited to this party… even the dead, iStock.com/br-photo

Mexico’s Carnivalesque remembrance of departed souls is one of the world’s most universally recognized festivals. It’s a Latin rave up from beyond the grave, an in-your-face upbeat celebration of immortality that is at once grisly and exhilarating, and more than celebrating in situ. Across the nation there are parades, parties and celebrations. Shops and markets fill with miniature coffins, skulls and skeletons made of chocolate, marzipan, paper, cardboard and clay. These dead puppets are often involved in witty very non-dead activities like riding bicycles or playing music. The festival is celebrated with offerings at altars, a carnival atmosphere, street parties, cemetery visits and music. All because in a tradition inherited from the Aztecs, Mexicans believe their dead are lurking in Mictlan, a sort of purgatory or spiritual waiting room, and the Day of the Dead is the one single day they can return home each year. Arches made of bright yellow marigolds are put up symbolizing doors to the underworld, and altars are filled with flours, candles, water and pan de muertos to welcome the dead after their tiring journey. Toasts are said to the ghostly visitors, especially to any who have recently departed. Events finish with a visit to the graveyards, and often en route there’ll be funfairs and carts selling crucifix-shaped waffles. At the graves relatives will spend time cleaning tombstones and decorated them with candles and flowers, having picnics and dancing to mariachi bands. And the streets are filled with folks in full gruesome costume and papier-maché skeletons dressed up and adorned with jewellery and hats. You’ll find major carnivals, vigils and gatherings all across Mexico but particularly in the south – at Mixquic the ‘City of the Dead’ for example and in the ancient town of Oaxaca – and in the north – at the town of Guanajuato and on Janitzio Island. For a national cultural celebration on an immense scale there’s no better time to visit. FYI: the opening scene in the new James Bond film Spectre is filmed during the Day of the Dead!

Stay in Mexico with Carpe Diem Luxury Travel, Villas and Apartments Abroad and Villa Concierge in properties including Casa Buena Vista, La Expression De Arte and Casa Tres Soles. Click here to find out more.

BONFIRE NIGHT

UNITED KINGDOM, 5 NOVEMBER

Some good old effigy burning never hurt anyone, iStock.com/RubenLammerink 

Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night is a very English affair – effigies are burned, fireworks light the sky and the Brits remember the day back in 1605 when a group of Catholic dissidents attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament with the protestant King James and his sons inside. Dummies of Guy Fawkes, the man rumbled underneath Parliament as he was about to light up the barrels of gunpowder, are burned on a pyre and Catherine Wheels and Rockets spin and fizz. Everyone waves sparklers, drinks mulled wine and enjoys the festivities at celebrations in parks and gardens across the country. There are big events in London at Primrose Hill and a particularly grand celebration in Lewes on the south coast where up to 60,000 people flock to see effigies of the Pope get incinerated all because way back when Catholic Queen Mary I burned 17 Protestant rebels at the stake in the town. Today they burn other figures too from prime ministers to presidents and six bonfire societies parade through the streets in medieval costume. In Devon in the southwest of England in a little town called Ottery St Mary, you’ll even find families rolling flaming barrels of tar through the centre of town – we’re not sure why.

Stay in the UK with London Made Perfect, Blandings and Loyd & Townsend Rose in properties including Austen, the Bath Estate and Winchester Manor House. Click here to find out more.

SURIN ELEPHANT ROUND-UP

THAILAND, THIRD WEEKEND IN NOVEMBER

A gloriously bedecked elephant parades through Surin, iStock.com/DmitryChulov 

The provincial town of Surin hosts Thailand’s biggest elephant show in it’s Sri Narong Stadium and is absolutely packed to bursting with visitors keen to enjoy the spectacle. These huge mammals show off their skills playing football, running around and having tugs of war with up to 70 men against one elephant. There are log pulling demonstrations and renenactments of old hunting and war scenes where elephants played their part. Through the third week of November hundreds of elephants parade through the streets of Surin getting the royal treatment – the ‘elephant breakfast’ where the roads are lined with piles of food for the pachyderms to munch on is particularly popular. If you like elephants and want to up close and personal with them this is the place.

Stay in Thaliand with Global Nomad in properties including Yao Noi . Click here to find out more. 

PERANG TOPAT/ RICE CAKE WAR

INDONESIA, SIXTH FULL MOON IN THE SASAK CALENDAR (NOVEMBER/DECEMBER)

Rice from here gets used in a huge food fight to celebrate the harvest, iStock.com/AliceNerr

This super fun harvest festival, where both Hindu and Muslim Indonesians pelt each other with boiled rice, is absolutely mad to watch. In Lombok, east of Bali, a week of preparation culminates in the Sasak Wektu Telu community and the Hindu community meeting at the 18^th century Pura Lingsar Hindu/Muslim temple to battle it out. Each group stands on opposite sides of the temple courtyard and give thanks for the years harvest. Then they wait and watch for the wilting of the Waru flowers, which bloom and die in a day. At the moment the first flower falls, at around 4pm, the groups began to throw hundreds of ketupat parcels (sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaves) at each other – all in good nature of course. And when it’s over everyone eats the remaining rice and anything left over is buried in the rice fields to ensure good crops next season.

Stay in Indonesia with Luna 2, Carpe Diem Luxury Travel and Global Nomad in properties including Luna 2 Private Hotel, Lombok Beach House and Indonesia Private Island. Click here to find out more. 

FESTA DEL CORNUTO

ITALY, SECOND WEEK IN NOVEMBER

Horned masks worn by actors for the festivities, iStock.com/MrKornFlakes

You won’t believe the strange little Festival of the Horned One in the village of Rocca Canterano close to Rome which is exactly why you need to go see it for yourself. It’s a celebration of cuckolds, those men and women who have been betrayed by a fickle partner, in other words have been blessed with cuckolds horns! But there’s no moping and moaning here. Costumed actors travel down the main drag on allegorical floats reciting satirical compositions about betrayal, love and affairs. If you’ve had the misfortune to be cuckolded then this is the place for you – eat roast chestnuts, laugh at other cuckolds and celebrate being rid of the traitorous fiend instead. Then run off to Rome, the capital of romance and see if you can’t find a new lover for the vacation.

Stay in Italy with Homebase Abroad, Unique Properties and Events and The Best in Italy in properties including Via Dei Prefetti, Villa Appia and Poggio Alle Mandorle. Click here to find out more.

The magnificent country manor stands in acres and acres of private grounds

A warm, cozy, luxury mansion on a huge estate in Country Down is exactly what you want of a cold December Christmas. Enter Wednesday’s villa of the day from Elegant Ireland.

Northern Ireland doesn’t always get its due as one of Europe’s must-visit destinations. But neglect it at your peril. The scenery is perhaps its greatest attraction and one site in particular is its most astonishing.

The Giant’s Causeway is a honeycomb mass of more than 40,000 basalt columns (each a foot or two across) created by volcanic eruptions some sixty million years ago along the island’s northern coast. A visit to marvel at this wonder, and to stop off at the world’s oldest whiskey distillery (licensed back in 1608 with historical references dating back to the 13^th century) at Bushmills for a tipple of the sweet stuff, will have you in poetic mood and perhaps even quoting William Thackeray: “When the world was moulded and fashioned out of formless chaos, this must have been the bit left over – a remnant of chaos.”

Panoramic view at the rocky coastline of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, iStock.com/lucafabbian

Equally poetic and in UltraVilla’s view one of the most magnificent places to stay in Northern Ireland is the Montalto Private Estate not far away in County Down. This stunning privately-owned estate has been a family home for hundreds of years and lies in over 400 acres of breathtaking countryside all exclusively for guests’ use.

Originally a two story building the house has been enlarged and enhanced over the years

The meticulously restored main house has eight luxuriously appointed bedroom suites with a further two in the courtyard annex many all with picture perfect views over grounds including the boating lake. The interiors are filled with original European artworks and antiques, the eight main bathrooms are exquisite and the dining room a treat of aristocratic style.

The bedroom in the Rawdon Suite

Artworks and antique furnishings populate the property’s halls and drawing rooms

The atmosphere here is one of Georgian elegance and unique charm and the property comes fully staffed and renowned chefs will cook up feasts fit for royalty, and has some fascinating history too. The original house was built by Earl of Moira, Lord Rawdon in 1765 and the plasterwork that still remains in the Ladies Sittingroom is attributed to famed 18^th century architect Robert West. During WWII when the property was owned by Lord Clanwilliam, US soldiers were stationed in it, and in 1985 a huge fire gutted much of the property leading to the magnificent restoration that you see today.

The Ladies Sittingroom with its original Robert West plasterwork

This is a mansion for extravagant gatherings or intimate stays, days playing golf on the nearby Royal County Down and Royal Portrush courses or fishing but one thing is certain, you’ll be singing its praises and coming away rejuvenated by the time you leave.

Before we forget did we say how you’ll be getting to the Giant’s Causeway? By helicopter of course all arranged and taken care of by Elegant Ireland.

Take a soak in one of the luxuriously appointed bathrooms

Fine dining in fine style

To find out more about the Private Estate click here.

To find out more about Elegant Ireland click here.

The Eighth Wonder of the World, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, istock.com/Shahaira

Tuesday’s villa of the day is the truly compelling Whitsundays Estate from UV expert consultant Sylvia Delvaille Jones’s Villas and Apartments Abroad, a place we’d never come back from given the choice.

The Great Barrier Reef… is there anything or anywhere in the world more wondrous. Stretching for over 1,200 miles at between 10 and 50 miles off the coast of Queensland, Australia, this association of 2,900 smaller coral reefs interspersed with approximately 300 stepping-stone islands is the largest marine preserve in the world and home to a countless number incredible sea creatures, over 500 species of brightly coloured hard and soft coral, 1,500 varieties of fish and 4,000 types of mollusks.

And there’s no better place to base yourself to sail, snorkel, fly over and dive the Reef than this stunning estate in Woodwark Bay, arguably one of the most beautiful of the 74 Whitsunday Islands. The estate itself is made up of six south-sea-style thatched luxury cottages in full view of the aquamarine Pacific Ocean. It truly is a jewel offering exquisitely appointed accommodation for up to 16 guests with access to over 100km of roads to explore, a private lake for water skiing and fishing, waterfalls and picnic huts all surrounded by 50,000 acres of uninterrupted and untracked national parkland.

Hop from your bed straight to the white sand beach in seconds

Each of the six cottages – Dream Villa, Main House, Pebble Hut, Siamese Huts, Island Hut and Honeymoon Hut – with a total of seven suites, have a a king size bed, air-conditioning, refrigerator, chilled and filtered drinking water. And each has its own style and feel with artwork from around the world including an antique Russian chest, tiles from palaces in India, cool limestone floors, uniquely handcrafted African woodwork and details, and Balinese and Mexican art, wall hangings, lighting and carvings. In fact, the estate is the perfect blend of local tradition, global art and modern luxury.

Enjoy candlelit dreams in your bed in the Dream Hut

The front decking at the Siamese Huts

The Main House and its central pavilion with gabled roof is the focal point of the estate where everyone gathers, especially in the evenings to recap the day’s events. It boasts broad verandahs with day beds and lounges, a living room with special lighting effects, a Siesta bedroom, the chef’s kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, entertainment including DVD, VHS, Flat screen TV, the Bar and Internet access and other business services.

The main house takes in the full views of the lake, the sea, the incredible pool and gardens. And after a day of strenuous activities you can order a masseuse for an appointment on the wooden candle lit deck overlooking the purple lily pond, or a yoga instructor in the meditation tower, before finally relaxing with fabulous food prepared by a top chef.

The Great Pavilion in the Main House

 
We didn’t mention the dreamlike bath huts! In these open but roofed huts luxury indulge in sunken baths with the sounds of nature all around you.

With so many exceptional activities on offer – from a crocodile safari and helicopter lessons to barramundi fishing, Great Barrier Reef scuba diving and even parachuting onto the lawn – and over a kilometer of private white beach just for you, the Whitsunday Estate is so awe-inspiring you’ll honestly think you’re dreaming.

Plan a trip for December or January before wet season hits in February and you could be bathing in sapphire waters before you know it.

Champagne spa bubble bath anyone? 

Who needs the sea when you’ve got a pool like this…?

Idyllic, tranquil, endless… it can only be Australia’s Whitsunday Islands

To find out more about The Whitsundays Estate click here

To find out more about Villas and Apartments Abroad click here.

Known for their incomparable luxury villas, exceptional levels of service and complete dependability, Mead Brown Luxury Vacation Rentals is regularly garlanded the best high-end property rental and vacation company in Costa Rica. No less than you’d expect from owners Mark Mead and Michael Brown. Both are experienced and well-connected former Washington-based public affairs and communications consultants: Mark, a human rights champion and the principal partner at his firm Mead Partners LLC while Michael has served three U.S. presidents — twice on the White House staff — as a political appointee. And both have always been passionate about Costa Rica and luxury travel. Here’s how they started.

“After years of business travel and the not-frequent-enough vacation, we acquired a healthy appreciation for luxurious accommodations, personal service, and dependability – that last a particularly important trait when traveling in a foreign, developing country – and saw a real need in Costa Rica for a brand that could deliver all three.

“Over the course of several trips to the country where we conducted exhaustive research – if you know Michael you’ll know he is all about the details – we developed the brand and our vision and in 2007 Mead Brown Luxury Vacation Rentals was born.

“And it’s been a resounding success. Even with the near-collapse of the economy, the business has grown in leaps and bounds – the proof is in the accolades. Conde Nast Traveler magazine named Mark Mead their one (and only) “villa rental specialist” for Costa Rica in 2011, 2012, and 2013 (no list was published in 2014). In 2012, Travel + Leisure magazine named Mead Brown Costa Rica’s “Best Villa Rental Agency” and has continued to do so every year since including as recently as January 2015.

One man and his dog: Mark Mead on location in Costa Rica

“What’s our secret? Old-fashioned hard work, Mark’s gift with people, Michael’s impeccable business acumen and doing what we say we’re going to do. Offering and delivering the best professionally managed private villas and homes plus premium condominiums for rent in Costa Rica – with specific focus on Peninsula Papagayo (inside the gates of the famed Four Seasons Resort), Los Sueños Golf Resort and Marina, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Punta Leona, Nosara, Esparza, Santa Teresa and Mal Pais, Playa Junquillal, Playa Montezuma, Playa Flamingo, Guiones,Tamarindo and Playa Langosta, San Juanillo, Playa Marbella, and Herradura.

The pool and view from Mead Brown villa Sky Ranch overlooking Playa Hermosa from high up in the mountains

“All our rentals include daily housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and full concierge services and the genuine care and comfort of our guests results in a service and in experiences as memorable as Costa Rica itself. What Mead Brown excels at, and what has been the foundation of our success, is our full-service offering. We will arrange everything from round-trip airport transfers in a Mercedes Sprinter van with an English-speaking driver to stocking your pantry and refrigerator and booking your tours and adventures (world-class sport fishing for marlin and sailfish, a zipline canopy tour, ATV adventure, private yacht charter, private aircraft charter, helicopter tours and transfers, sea-kayaking, horseback riding, day trip with an expert guide to one or more of the national parks, including Manuel Antonio National Park, birding tour with an expert guide, crocodile tour, surfing lessons, etc.) We can plan massage and spa treatments, golf tee times on championship golf courses, arrange private chefs, tennis and even send an expert private cigar roller to your villa, where he will hand-roll cigars to your specifications – virtually anything you require. When we say full-service we mean it!

View from one of the stunning bedrooms at Casa Mono Loco in the Los Suenos Resort

“Some of our distinctive Costa Rica vacation estates and mansions include Villa Manzu on Peninsula Papagayo, which we believe is the finest home in Central America; Villa Paraiso in Montezuma; Zephyr Palace; Casa Mono Loco in Los Suenos Resort; Water Villa and Water Cottage (also known as Villa de Agua and Villa del Lago at Los Elementos) in Dominical; a hacienda with a private tennis court on Playa Grande between Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo; and the 24-acre, beachfront Sky Ranch — Rancho Cielo — on Playa Hermosa in Santa Teresa. And many of our estates are ideal for destination weddings dress, multigenerational travel, corporate retreats, milestone birthdays, television and movie productions, and other special events.

“In fact whatever your desire we will be happy to accommodate you. So what are you waiting for?”

Arriving by chopper at Villa Paraiso on Playa Montezuma

Find out more about Mead Brown and check out some of their truly magnificent properties here.

As told to Ramsay Short 

Tequila Sunrise in Lover’s Cove

This Monday’s villa of the day is the dreamy Tequila Sunrise on the equally dreamy Caribbean island of Anguilla in the Lesser Antilles.

What Anguilla lacks of in interior scenery it more than makes up for in its picture perfect 12-mile coastline with white-sand beaches you’ll find hard to beat anywhere in the world. Which is why it’s a favourite haunt for sun seekers looking for total relaxation on one of the least-developed islands in the British West Indies. Among its thirty or so beaches, Lover’s Cove in Dropsey Bay ranks as anyone’s dream, where some days you’ll your footprints the only ones left in the sand. Lounge in the sun and read or submerge yourself in the crystal-clear water to enter a new world where magnificent coral gardens and schools of iridescent fish await. The word paradise truly makes sense here. And the beach house Tequila Sunrise from Ricketts Luxury Properties takes that paradise to another level.

The contemporary three bedroom, three bathroom, 5,000 sq. ft villa overlooks the Caribbean Sea and the mountains of St Martin beyond but is totally secluded providing the perfect spot to interact with nature and even has its own private section of beach.

Set back overlooking the ocean with views to die for 

There are lots of large glass doors and windows in optimize light, ocean views and views of the miles and miles of natural landscape on all sides.

Every bedroom is master-sized, each with an oversized full en suite bathroom, king size bed, HD TV, AC, private patio and more.

To sleep perchance to dream

The kitchen is ultra-modern, and the dining room and 22ft ceilinged Great Room with its high tech stereo surround sound system and 45inch Plasma HD TV are designed for entertaining.

Hold your party in the Great Room

If you get tired of the sea – we don’t think you will – the large infinity pool enclosed by relaxation areas on three sides and the beach and ocean on the other is bound to entice you.

Laps in the pool before snorkelling in the sea

Go as a couple or with family and friends and let Ricketts plan some dream excursions for you – the time to visit it Anguilla is now from November onwards to next spring – or better yet simply stay and drink cocktails as the sun goes down. Tequila Sunrises at Tequila Sunrise never tasted so good.

To find out more about Tequila Sunrise and to book click here.

To check out more Anguilla villas from Ricketts Luxury Properties click here

Sunset in Costa Rica, iStock.com/GreenReynolds 

Safe, secure and simply stunning with so much to offer all types of traveller – from incredible ecotourism and water sports to simple relaxed beach holidays and gorgeous cuisine, Costa Rica has it all. Plan your trip now for the mid-December to end of April high season.

1. Manuel Antonio National Park

Untouched rainforest, iStock.com/MichaelWarrenPix

One of the smallest but arguably the jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks, Manuel Antonio is famed for its idyllic combination of exuberant forest, white-sand beaches, and rich coral reefs. It’s one of the last remaining habitats for the red-backed squirrel monkey, and is also popular for its howler monkeys (like deer, male howler monkeys are judged on the tenor and volume of their calls), two- and three-toed sloths and exotic birds. Its coastal location at Quepos, Puntarenas, means you can go snorkeling, skin diving, surfing and fishing and there’s simply nothing like jumping into the refreshing ocean after a hot and sweaty visit to the rain forest.

2. Horseback Ride Across the Nation

What better way to see this diverse country than by horseback. Yep, you can travel sea-to-ocean on a gorgeous criollo steed, tackling different terrain daily from silky soft Caribbean sand at the outset to the lush rainforest as you continue inland before entering the tougher highlands. The latter might be the hardest challenge but passing through them over the back of Central America and reaching journey’s end down at the Pacific coast will be the thrill of a lifetime.

3. Surf Paradise

Jungle surfing, iStock.com/Daniel_Goldin

You’re not a pro but you want to learn and you want to do it somewhere in the tropics with stunning beaches and palm trees where the jungle canopy creeps up to the sand from behind. Costa Rica is that chilled out destination and the crescent-shaped bay at Playa Guiones in Nosara one of the best options, with relaxed surf schools and lots fellow wave lovers to commune with.

4. Montezuma

This chic, Bohemian town is one of Costa Rica’s best kept secrets. Located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula it’s small but lively and easily accessed from the two international airports by water taxi, helicopter transfer or small plane. Montezuma has plenty of secluded coves for incredible swimming and surfing too.

5. Corcovado National Park

A soaring scarlet macaw, iStock.com/Sam Camp

We’ve mentioned Manuel Antonio but we can’t leave out Corcovado National Park. Covering one third of the remote Osa Peninsula jutting into the Pacific Ocean, an area National Geographic called ‘the most biologically intense place on earth’, Corcovado is hard to reach but nothing less than stunning when you get there. There are no roads in the park’s 100,000 acres, the rainforest is virgin, beaches deserted and rivers snake through the jungle. Over 140 species of mammals live in the broad range of habitats including tapirs, ocelots and cougars and it has the largest remaining population of scarlet macaws. A must-visit.

6. Lizano Sauce

It’s the salsa sauce to beat all salsa sauces and it’s made in Costa Rica. A combination of herbs and spices blended to perfection and deliciously hot we can guarantee you’ll be purchasing bottles and bottles to take home with you so make sure you’ve got space in your luggage.

7. The Best Private Villas in the World

Mead Brown Costa Rica’s thrilling Water Villa at the Elements in Hatillo, Dominical

The stunning Villa Magayon in Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste from Papagayo Luxury Villas Costa Rica

To say that there are some of the most beautiful and exquisite private villas in the world available to stay in here would be an understatement. And there really is no better way to experience Costa Rica than basing yourself in one. Spend days relaxing in luxury by the pool while a professional chef prepares a gourmet evening meal for you or wonder down to your own private beach of a morning before returning for a relaxing massage in the privacy of your villa.

For the best places to stay and the best experiences to be had in Costa Rica check out Mead Brown Costa Rica’s selection of beautiful properties here and Papagayo Luxury Villas Costa Rica’s selection here.

The incredible Luna 2 Private Hotel

In the second of our daily in depth looks at some of UltraVilla’s most spectacular properties we head to Bali where the Luna 2 Private Hotel truly sets the pace, a luxury modernist hipster dream.

Bali is beautiful and the Balinese some of the most gracious people on earth, the chosen guardians of the Palau Dewata, the Island of the Gods.

Visit the vibrant countryside and you’ll find a theatre of dance, prayer and mystery. Here, you might be drawn to the haunting rhythms of village gamelan orchestras or wander past lithe woman carrying baskets of fruit offerings upon their heads to temples, and even join in a local celebration filled with laughter and joy.

At the sophisticated beach resorts of Kuta and, in the case Luna 2’s location, Seminyak, you’ll find a stunning coastal paradise that will surround you in beauty and leave you asking the question, “Why don’t I live in Bali all year round?”

Reflection at Seminyak beach, iStock.com/Camille_Massida

The Luna 2 Private Hotel – named after the first spacecraft to land on the moon – is something special. In contrast to the majority of properties on the prime beachfront at Seminyak, architect David Wahl’s design and owner Melanie Hall’s retro-modernist interiors of this five-bedroom property are spectacular and unique.

Buddha watches over you in the Yellow Bedroom

Inside is all funky 1960s-inspired custom-designed furnishings couple with modern art prints and nostalgic design classics matched with a luxury 21^st century touch. A broad spectrum of materials, textures, and prints, including walnut veneers, solid acrylics, and vintage European wallpapers as well as Bisazza mosaics throughout, combine to make a magical space. There’s even a mosaic of Marilyn Monroe in her iconic white dress on the bottom of the 20-meter pool.

Dive into Marilyn

Washington-based architect David Wahl’s design of Luna 2 is futuristic and filled with light and staying here you always get the feeling you at the forefront of modern architecture. All the bedrooms are ensuite and any stay at Luna 2 – it sleeps 10 people give or take so is perfect for families, groups of friends and couples – comes with full 24-hour service from up to 20 attentive staff. And that includes top cooks, barmen, waiters, housekeepers, spa therapists, a kids’ coordinator, drivers and security guards. In fact the Luna 2 drivers are available round the clock to take you anywhere across Bali in the Luna Mobile at your whim.

One of the best aspects is the private access to the Indian Ocean on Seminyak beach, and you’ll be tempted to spend every night of your stay enjoying outdoor dinners cooked up by the exceptional culinary team and then wondering down to the sea cocktail in hand for a midnight swim.

Surfboards on Seminyak beach, iStock.com/ChrisHowey

The staff at Luna 2 can meet any request – be that private yoga sessions on your balcony or personal training sessions on the beach or something more adventurous from elephant rides in the national forest or sunrise treks up Mount Batur. And when you know you’ll be returning to this incredible villa after a day of dune buggy racing or cliff jumping to have a private massage and dip in the pool Seminyak becomes an even more attractive destination.

What was that question again… “Why don’t I live in Bali all year round?”

The Chef’s Table at Luna 2 Private Hotel 

The Orange Bathroom with it’s stunning mosaic tiled walls

A view of the Indian Ocean form the Green Bedroom

To find out more about Luna 2 Private Hotel and to book click here.

The pool and walled garden of Paraty Villa 1

In the first of a daily series of in depth looks at some of UltraVilla’s finest properties we visit Brazil and the port town of Paraty located midway between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, home to one of Matueté Villas most attractive properties.

Back in the 18^th century Paraty was the flourishing port for galleons carrying precious cargo from inland Brazil to the royal court of Portugal across the sea. Today it’s a seafront town adored by cariocas (Rio dwellers) and paulistas (Sao Paulo residents) alike, its cobblestone streets by the water filled with walkers and cyclists – no cars allowed – and edged with picturesque family-run shops. Paraty is quiet and easygoing, a charming town of fine houses and elaborate churches built by wealthy merchants years ago, and a relaxed and truly beautiful place to stay as a jumping-off spot for boat trips to any of the 365 outlying islands and deserted beaches, located as it is on the lush, jungle-fringed Costa Verde.

The Paraty riverfront, iStock.com/doromonic 

To visit is pure joy and your stay will prove all the more relaxing at Matueté’s Paraty Villa 1, a truly exceptional colonial property. A former merchant’s home, the spacious four-bedroom/five-bathroom townhouse transports you to a time beyond a time, perfect for total relaxation suiting groups of friends or families.

The villa as seen from a Paraty street 

Immaculately restored, totally private and enclosed from the street by the high, original walls you’ll find a wrap-around garden with a stunning circular swimming pool and outdoor dining area while upstairs modern air-conditioned bedrooms with state-of-the-art bathrooms await.

Master bedroom

The beautifully restored lounge

High season starts now in November and runs till March and Matueté provide a full 24-hour concierge service and can arrange a tailored itinerary to meet all desires – from horse-riding and surfing excursions to cooking classes and incredible hikes across forest-covered mountain trails populated with waterfalls, and of course unique island boat trips.

There’s only one question left to ask – what are you waiting for?

 A picturesque cobbled street in Paraty, iStock.com/sergioboccardo

The region around Paraty is known for its lush rainforest and mountain trails, iStock.com/edsongrandisoli

To find out more about Paraty 1 and to book click here.

To find out more about Matueté Villas, the only Brazilian luxury travel company to feature in Travel and Leisure Magazine’s A list and Conde Nast Magazine’s List of Top Travel Specialists click here.