An important element to choosing a luxury holiday rental can be its location, especially if this involves a breathtaking view. Some of the planet’s most breathtaking panoramas are of its dramatic coastlines and you will certainly be in absolute awe at the vistas you can gaze upon from these outstanding villas found in the four corners of the globe.
Residence on the Rocks – Mahé, The Seychelles
Of the 115 islands of The Seychelles, its main island, Mahé, is exceptionally beautiful and has one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world. This long, irregularly shaped island is bordered by large granite boulders and stunning pristine beaches and its interior features gorgeous lush tropical forests. Almost half of the total landmass of The Seychelles has been designated as natural parks to protect the archipelago’s 250+ indigenous plant species and native fauna. There are also a number of hiking trails along the coast of Mahé, a wonderful way to admire the island’s exceptionally beauty.
Crowning a high ridge of the southern part of Mahé, the Residence on the Rocks (visible in the foreground above) is a wonderful place to stay for anyone who would like to savor the island’s tremendous scenic coastline and Intendance Beach, voted one of the best beaches in the world. Tucked away in virgin forest in a completely private area of the estate of the Banyan Tree Resort, this beautiful four-bedroom villa was built in 2008. Decorated in a colonial, Creole style, the interiors feature antiques and artwork collected by the villa’s owners. It has a large comfortable lounge, including a sitting area and dining room which is next to a fully equipped kitchen. Two bedrooms are in the main building and the others in two separate guest houses which are accessible via a forest path.
Guests can enjoy relaxing on one of the villa’s covered verandas, sunny poolside terraces or lovely pavilion – all with stunning views of the forest or sea. Guests also have access to all of the facilities of the Banyan Tree Resort.
Enjoy the incredible coastline of Mahé, as well as its breathtaking beaches and lush forests while staying at the Residence on the Rocks at this link.
Bay of Many Coves – Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand
The Bay of Many Coves is a secret our experts at MajorDomo love to share, with its perfect seclusion right on the water’s edge, deep in the Marlborough Sounds of New Zealand’s South Island.
The Marlborough Sounds provides perfect conditions for sailing in one of the world’s most picturesque environments. You can cruise the Sounds in your private charter, taking in the handsome coastal islands and viewing historic sights such as Tory Channel, Ship’s Cove or Motuara Island, where you can go ashore to explore. Fishing charters can be arranged to suit both those who enjoy a leisurely cruise around the sounds to catch and release blue cod and those who prefer a more extreme excursion to outer Sounds for a full fishing expedition.
An ideal base for enjoying all the pleasures of this spectacular area of New Zealand is the Bay of Many Coves Resort available through MajorDomo. The exquisite lodge is a 30-minute water taxi from the township of Picton (at the top of the South Island) and also reachable by private boat. The accommodation suits couples or families with its one, two and three bedroom apartments – all with breathtaking bay views.
MajorDomo recommends staying at least three nights to thoroughly make the most of this gorgeous location. The resort also has a day spa, two restaurants, private guest sitting room, hot tub and heated swimming pool. During the day if you are not enjoying the lodge facilities or out on the sea, then escape into the 59 hectares of privately owned bush clad hills or walk in the Queen Charlotte Track. There is also kayaking and paddle boarding available. At the end of the day you can savor the lodge’s award-winning cuisine and the finest Marlborough and international wines.
Experience the magic and exceptional views of Bay of Many Coves with MajorDomo here.
Torre di Clavel – Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is what holiday dreams are made of. With colorful villages clinging to ravishing verdant cliffs plunging down to turquoise waters, it’s hard to top this dramatic Italian coastline which has been designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The area around Positano, an hour and a half south of Naples, is particularly spectacular. The south facing town also receives a lot of sunshine, sparkling the whole afternoon over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Enjoy this exquisite location while staying at one of the most unique homes in Positano: the Torre di Clavel. In the refined repertoire of Homebase Abroad, this medieval tower was built right into a promontory on the edge of Positano’s Fornillo Beach and is surrounded by water on three sides.
Dating back to at least the 1200s, the amazing fortress was saved from ruins by a Swiss man at the turn of the 20th century. The current owners have added 21st century amenities, all the while retaining the structure’s historic character. It extends over multiple levels connected by open-air pathways, stair cases and hallways and features accommodation for 13 guests in eight bedrooms. The unique layout is perfect for a larger group that is looking for both shared and private spaces.
There is a private stone staircase leading down to a virtually private pebble beach, where you can lounge on the villa’s sun beds and beach chairs. The tower’s numerous terraces offer sunshine in both the morning and afternoon, and are the ideal place to take in a pre-dinner aperitivo with the backdrop of the setting sun.
Admire the extraordinary views of the Amalfi Coast straight from your own private villa with Homebase Abroad here.
Vatuvara Private Islands – Kaibu Island, Fiji
Described by Forbes as “one of the world’s most beautiful places,” the island of Kaibu is located in the Northern Lau Group of Fiji. An 800-acre island, Kaibu’s coastline is touched by tranquil aquamarine lagoon waters and deep ocean blue of the Pacific. This unspoilt island is abundant in coconut groves and tropical vegetation which are populated by several rare and endemic species, as well as a large variety of sea and shore birds. The Lau group as a whole features some of best preserved reef systems in the world and thus attracts those in search of pristine natural beauty, both above and below the waters.
Kaibu island is home to the exclusive Vatuvara Private Islands resort comprised of only three all-inclusive private villas. Each villa is perched on volcanic limestone cliffs above the pristine waters and white fringing beaches, providing extraordinary views of the fringing coral reef and the dramatic neighbouring islands beyond the crystal clear waters of the lagoon.
The three secluded seaside villas have been meticulously crafted with natural textures and materials creating spacious and comfortably elegant environments. Each with private beach access, the villas include an infinity edge pool and personal massage bure surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and an abundance of aromatic flowers.
Envelope yourself in the phenomenal natural paradise of Kaibu Island while vacationing at Vatuvara Private Islands here.
Chant De La Mer – Pointe Milou, Saint Barthélemy
The coast of beautiful Saint Barth is fringed with some of the loveliest, white sandy beaches of the Caribbean, however, its northwest coast stands out for its striking craggy coastline. This can be observed around Pointe Milou, situated on a sensational peninsula atop which is the exquisite Chant De La Mer villa by St Barth Properties.
Meaning “song of the sea” in French, you’ll be able to enjoy just that as you sit on one of the villa’s wonderful terraces, taking in the sound of the lapping waves and the backdrop of stupendous sunsets. You can also soak up the spectacular views over a game of a pétanque (bocce ball), at the villa’s private court overlooking the coastline.
The villa has five en-suite bedrooms, making it an excellent option for extended families. It has a refined yet comfortable living room with a bar separating it from a sleek galley kitchen. Other highlights are its quiet mezzanine-level office and Techno-gym-equipped fitness room. All of the bedrooms (four kings and one queen) have stunning views of the ocean and the fifth bedroom has deck with a Jacuzzi. Its other fantastic outdoor amenities include a huge swimming pool, multiple decks, two BBQs and a dining gazebo that seats sixteen.
Enjoy these incredible views yourself while holidaying with St Barth Properties at this link.
Villa Torre – Gozo, Malta
One of 21 islands that make up the Maltese archipelago, Gozo offers a beautiful, more offbeat option to busier Malta. The rural island is encircled by a jagged limestone coastline, pebble and sand beaches and the most alluring aquamarine waters. Experience these delights within the comfort and privacy at the most outstanding luxury rental on island of Gozo.
The newly refurbished six suite villa, available through Blandings, is set on a two-hectare seafront estate featuring gardens containing Mediterranean flora, olive and fruit trees, a tennis court, a large swimming pool, direct access to a semi-private rocky beach and superb views of the sea, the coast and the smaller neighbouring isle of Comino.
The interiors are rustic yet contemporary and the open plan ground floor opens onto a paved terrace, perfect for barbecues and al fresco dining. There is a fully equipped main kitchen and spacious indoor dining area with seating for up to 16. A large U-shaped living/sitting area is the perfect place to relax on hot days thanks to its air conditioning. There is also a smaller sitting area with a second kitchen where you can gaze at the exceptional sea views. The six suites are divided in two sections separated by a small courtyard, making it ideal for two families.
With its excellent amenities, guests mightn’t even need to leave the property, however, the picturesque village of Qala is less than two kilometers away (15-20 minutes on foot) and has small grocery shops, a bar and a few restaurants centred on the picturesque church square. The picturesque harbour town of Mgarr is also a short drive away and the port for the regular ferries to Malta.
Vacation in absolutely secluded and scenic bliss on Gozo with Blandings here.
Palazzo Salo – Lake Garda, Italy
While technically not a “coast,” the edges of Northern Italy’s lakes are truly ravishing. It’s no wonder why these legendary bodies of water have been popular with vacation goers for over a hundred years. The pre-alpine hills swoop gracefully down into the crystal clear waters, bordered by charming villages and the most divine villas, like the aristocratic Palazzo Salo by Carpe Diem Luxury Travel.
Considered the finest private property on Lake Garda, this gorgeous lakefront villa, a national classified monument, dates to the 1580’s and is still owned by the family who had it built. The palazzo has original floorings, six to nine meter high cedar ceilings, frescoes, vast luxurious reception rooms, six bedrooms and six bathrooms. The 3,000 square meter gardens feature beautiful Japanese magnolia trees and cypresses and is flanked by a vast park which includes a helicopter landing space. There are also three little beaches on the lake, a private dock, perfect for swim in summer, watersports and boat trips around the lake.
Savor the remarkable vistas of Lake Garda in the refined setting of the Palazzo Salo with Carpe Diem Luxury Travel at this link.