A milestone birthday, a reunion bringing together family from the four corners of the globe, a rejuvenating retreat with friends; there are certain special events which require the most memorable and unique venues. From medieval Italian castles to Caribbean villa on a private beach and from grand noble homes in England to glamourous villas on French Riviera or New Zealand, our local experts not only have the perfect venue for each occasion, they can work closely with you to ensure that your special occasion goes above and beyond your greatest dreams.
Torre di Clavel – Positano, Italy
Clinging to a promontory at the edge of Positano’s Fornillo beach and featuring incredible vistas of the coastline and sea as far as Capri, this converted medieval tower by Homebase Abroad is a unique and historically rich celebration venue.
Dating back to at least to the 1200s, the fortress was saved from ruins by a Swiss man at the turn of the 20th century. The current owners have brought the home into the 21st century by modernizing the bathrooms, adding in new kitchens and re-tiling the floors, among other refurbishments. It extends over multiple levels connected by open-air paths, stairways and hallways and features accommodation for 13 guests in eight bedrooms. The sprawling layout is perfect for a larger group that is looking for both shared and private spaces.
The various terraces offer sunshine in both the morning and afternoon, and provide the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner aperitivo in the setting sun. Children can have some downtime watching a movie in the entertainment room. There is a private stone staircase leading down to a virtually private pebble beach, equipped with chairs and sunbeds.
The charm of the property is enhanced by exceptional staff, with long personal connections to the home, who are happy to share their love of this enchanting property. The in-house cook Nicola can prepare the perfect celebratory meal to crown your special trip.
Start planning your Amalfi Coast gathering with Homebase Abroad here.
Kōhatu – Wanaka, New Zealand
This outstanding, recently built villa by MajorDomo sits on a 15-acre property with three acres of beautifully manicured gardens and promises a relaxing and private stay. Sleeping up to 14 and with a self-contained apartment (with double bedroom, lounge & kitchenette) it’s the perfect villa for celebrating a special occasion in a spectacular location.
Just eight minutes from Wanaka, Kōhatu is built with materials of the highest quality featuring wooden doors and beams. Huge windows make the most of the surrounding mountain views. The use of Central Otago stone provides a rustic yet beautiful modern design. ‘Kōhatu’ aptly translates to precious stone or rock.
Numerous living areas, a cook’s dream kitchen, dining area and three fireplaces ensure comfort and ease in your home away from home. At the end of a long day of activities, you can sit cozily around the fire, succulent local pinot noir in hand, while the kids play in the pool or tennis court and your private chef prepares delicious canapés and dinner.
You don’t even have to leave the grounds at Kōhatu, as your group will be well entertained with a heated swimming pool, spa pool, an underground theatre, pentaque pit, surround sound music systems, in-ground trampoline and an outdoor pizza oven.
Create a memorable holiday that both kids and their parents will adore with the help of Majordomo here.
Villa Glamour – Saint-Tropez, France
Impress your guests with the amazing vistas of the Mediterranean, the gorgeous double infinity pool and the sleek design of the Villa Glamour, available through Villas Prestige & Services. Tucked away in a peaceful location near the lovely hilltop village of Ramatuelle, you’ll never guess your a short drive from the French Riviera hotspot Saint-Tropez.
The spacious villa can accommodate up to 16 guests in eight bedrooms. If you would like to invite other guests, a reception for up to 50 can be held on the vast terraces. The interior features chic contemporary design and furnishings. The main living space has comfortable seating, a large stone fireplace and satellite TV. It flows outdoors via large glass sliding doors leading to a covered terrace with a large sofa, a dining table that sits up to 16 and breathtaking views of the sea.
The well-equipped kitchen, with its classy 18th-century island unit, is suitable for both professional and casual cooking and also has wonderful views of the garden, pool and sparkling sea. Adjacent is a BBQ dining area shaded by a wisteria-covered pergola, where guests can enjoy al fresco dinners with the cool sea breeze. The large bedrooms all have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning.
With their vast rolodex of the best service providers on the Cote d’Azure, Anne-Claire Conraud and her team at Villas Prestige et Services can help you plan an unforgettable group holiday at the Villa Glamour. Contact them at this link.
Crystal Springs – Barbados
Set on 1.7 acres of tropical gardens on its own private beach, the Crystal Springs estate, available through Blue Sky Luxury, is an exceptional beachfront villa spread across six spacious buildings. Its size as well as its excellent entertainment facilities and gathering spaces make it the ideal venue for an ultimate Caribbean holiday that will please all ages.
Situated in the Parish of St. James, this elegant retreat was originally built in the 1940s, re-designed designed by Oliver Messel in the 1960s and carefully renovated in 2014. The main building houses three air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms. On the other side of the garden, the Annex has two en-suite bedrooms, a wonderful furnished terrace and lovely views of the private cove beach. The Tea House Cottage is home to a one bedroom suite and two murphy beds; ideal for young families. Lastly, the Pool House and Pavilion both have two connecting en-suite bedrooms.
The estate also includes a 50 x 20ft infinity pool, set on the lawn with a furnished terrace, an in-house cinema, a modern gym and access to an 18’ speedboat and other water sports equipment. There are several ideal areas for bringing your group together for some special meals together, prepared and served by the superbly consummate staff.
Reach out to Blue Sky Luxury at this link to design your perfect celebratory vacation in Barbados.
Castello di Fighine – Tuscany, Italy
Sitting atop a hill between Florence and Rome and surrounded by vineyards, the Castello di Fighine estate, available through Excellence.villas by Trust+Travel, features five independent villas and two deluxe B&B rooms making it a fabulous destination for varying sized groups looking to spend time together while having private retreats. The medieval castle is also home to wonderful Michelin-starred restaurant, ensuring exquisite catering for a special event.
The medieval hamlet has been meticulously restored, highlighting its fascinating history while equipping it with contemporary luxury amenities. The bright interiors include historic elements such as terracotta tiles, wooden beams on the ceilings, antiques and historic paintings. Guests will enjoy the five-star en-suite bathrooms with vast soaking tubs and/or walk-in showers and marble-topped basins.
Gatherings can be held in the estates “Theatre,” a converted barn which designated for group functions. Alternatively, many memorable meals together can be enjoyed on the vine-laden terrace of the castello’s One-Michelin Star restaurant. Its head chef Gianluca Renzi prepares refined regional cuisine using mainly locally sourced ingredients and with a focus on home-made pasta.
Contact Trust+Travel here to prepare a delicious gastronomic get-together in Tuscany.
Althorp House – Northamptonshire, England
Dazzle your guests during an unforgettable gathering at one of the most exceptional stately homes in England. Former home of Lady Diana Spencer, the Princess of Wales, this grand mansion by Loyd & Townsend Rose is set within a 550-acre deer park, can sleep up to 42 guests and has a dining capacity for 200.
Home to the same distinguished family since 1508, its 500 years of history are illustrated through one of Europe’s finest private collections of furniture, paintings and ceramics. Even though the house is incredibly opulent, it retains a cosy atmosphere and has an extremely welcoming staff who are well experienced at entertaining large numbers of guests.
The accommodation consists of six luxuriously appointed state and 10 double bedrooms all with private en-suite bathrooms. There are a further 11 single bedrooms with shared bathrooms. The Picture Gallery is the ideal venue for large banquets, however, there are also other settings for more intimate meals. Guests can dance the night away in the ballroom. Your days can be filled with a range of onsite activities such as chocolate making workshops, cookery classes, spa treatments, billiards, game shooting, long bow archery, falconry or leisurely strolls and carriage rides around the sublime grounds.
Nearby attractions include the Silverstone Race Track, home to the British Grand Prix, the Northampton Golf Club, the Rockingham Castle Country Fair, the Salcey Forest tree top walk, the Predendal Manor and the Tithe Barn Museum. The estate is a 90 minute drive from London or 30 minutes by helicopter.
Organize the most elegant and extravegent event at this stunning residence via Loyd & Townsend Rose here.
Villa La Luna – Tuscany, Italy
Located twenty-five kilometers south of Siena, this superb, fully-staffed Tuscan villa and its gorgeous grounds are a dream venue for weddings, large groups of family and friends or business meetings.
Available through Papavero Villa Rentals, the villa sits atop a hill encircled by a forest of oak, cork and chestnut trees. It consists of a main house, that can accommodate up to 21 guests, a guest house that sleeps eight, a guest suite sleeping two and a guest cottage accommodating one guest. All bedrooms, except the guest cottage, have twin beds that can be combined into king beds, the guest cottage has a full size bed. The buildings are connected by small courtyards and large terraces offering guests both supreme privacy and wonderful gathering places.
There is a large terrace that provides a magnificent outdoor living and dining area and a glass conservatory with a small bar where guests can share pre-dinner aperitifs or simply relax with the views of the gardens and valley. A path leads through the well maintained lawns to an expansive 30 x 15 m infinity pool and another path leads to a campfire area and the observatory. A little further is the spa complex, with outdoor plunging pools, indoor pool and steam rooms where you can arrange to have a variety of spa treatments and massages. Keep going and you’ll reach the forest and the organic vegetable garden. The garden provides fresh produce for the villa’s meals and also features an outdoor kitchen where the chef conducts cooking classes.
The villa has a full time staff, including a manager who can create a customized single day or your entire week. The area has a virtually unlimited array of activities from Take a guided tours to horseback riding and from fish to cheese making.
Design your bespoke event and holiday at the Villa La Luna with the help of Papavero Villas Rentals at this link.
Cedar Ridge, Queenstown, New Zealand
This expansive lodge style home is located on stunning grounds and is an ideal all season retreat, whether it’s a family reunion on the ski slopes at the iconic Coronet Peak or a relaxed summer affair with backyard BBQ’s.
This home is a tapestry of stone, cedar, natural light and rich fabrics, and easily sleeps 13 guests. The lounge features double height windows, a large open fireplace, sumptuous furniture and French doors that open out onto beautifully manicured lawns with plenty of space for lawn games and outdoor dining.
The contemporary kitchen ensures plenty of space to eat in (or let the Touch of Spice team organise a fantastic catered affair). If people want to get out and about, Cedar Ridge is only 10 minutes from the Queenstown town centre and within walking distance from Onsen Hot Pools, Queenstown’s Strike Bowl and the award winning Gantley’s restaurant.
Savor a special moment with friends and family in New Zealand with Touch of Spice here.
Borgo Finochietto – Tuscany, Italy
The Borgo Finocchieto is a beautifully and elegantly restored eight-hundred year old village (or “borgo”), with stunning views of surrounding hills, valleys and towns of Tuscany. The privacy of your own village, accommodation for up to 44 guests, a gorgeous setting, and the incomparable services and amenities afford you everything you need to accomplish that memorable event.
It’s the perfect setting for group gatherings of all kinds — whether anniversary celebrations, family or school reunions, milestone birthdays, weddings (a wedding planner on demand), retreats, business meetings or conferences. As past guests can attest, such events take on new meaning at the Borgo. Designed as a gathering place for family, friends or business associates, the layout of village houses and the Manor House provide privacy for singles and couples while at the same time encouraging endless opportunities to gather, exchange ideas and share a Tuscan adventure.
As a guest of the Borgo, your group will be surrounded by its secluded beauty and also by Tuscany’s rich cultural heritage that awaits you just beyond the Borgo’s front gate. The Borgo’s enviable location means that there are many activities to explore during your stay at the Borgo such as walks and bike rides in the surrounding hills, day-trips to nearby Montalcino, Pienza, Siena and Florence, tasting the finest of wines, and visiting museums and churches to contemplate the cornerstones of Renaissance art and architecture.
You will also be tempted to “stay home” at the Borgo and avail yourself of the many opportunities for relaxation or activities: swimming in our 60-foot pool, basketball and tennis, our modern, fully-equipped gym with sauna, steam room and cold splash, bocce, golf at nearby courses, and hot air balloon rides.
Lastly, the food and wine at the Borgo are exceptional. Its sensational chef, Daniel Chiofi, has a deep foundation in traditional Tuscan cuisine that he combines with creative and modern variations. The wine cellar is stocked with the best that Tuscany can offer: Brunello, Rosso di Montalcino, Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, as well as hand-crafted Sangiovese vintages, Super Tuscans, and other fine wines from local producers.
Organize an exquisite gathering in Tuscany by contacting the Borgo Finocchieto team here.
