We can dream big for our holidays. For some, these visions might include the powdery sand of a pristine deserted beach, for others it might be the thrill of skiing off-piste on perfect virgin snow. Whether you’re yearning to curl up by a toasting fireplace, soak up some rays next to an exquisite infinity pool or sip succulent wines on a terrace overlooking rolling vineyards, your grandiose vacation fantasies can become a reality at these incredibly inspiring villas to add to your “Christmas Wish List.”
What could be more luxurious than a whole Tuscan village all to yourself? You can have that at Borgo Finocchieto, an exclusive and beautifully restored eight hundred-year-old village, or “borgo.” Located thirty minutes south of Siena and very close to Montalcino in the Brunello wine growing district, it’s unique among luxury villas in this picturesque part of Italy.
The borgo, which includes five lavish village houses atop six acres of perfectly manicured grounds, can accommodate a maximum of 44 guests in 22 suites, making it an amazing gathering place for friends and family… or for a fabulous luxurious splurge for smaller groups. Each suite has an en-suite bathroom with either bathtubs and rain showers, private sitting areas as well as lovely views of the borgo and the surrounding bucolic countryside. Some have larger living and dining areas, private outdoor terraces, fireplaces and full kitchens or kitchenettes. The main house features a vast dining room, piano studio, library, conference room, media room, professional kitchen, outdoor terrace, art gallery and wine cellar.
The grounds are adorned with aromatic and indigenous plants and trees, a 60-foot oval pool with chaises longues and sitting area as well as tennis, basketball and bocce courts. Inside, guests can relax in the spa with its Jacuzzi tub, cold splash, steam room and dry sauna or keep fit in the well-equipped gym.
Indulge in this sublime retreat by reaching out to the Borgo Finocchieto at this link.
Lodge at The Hills – Queenstown, New Zealand
You’ll be wishing upon your lucky stars that Santa’s elves have been keeping an eye on all your good doings this year! Why? Because you’ll now be adding a vacation at Lodge at The Hills to your Christmas wish list…
Not only surpassing all standards of luxury, but also offering a new interpretation, Lodge at The Hills, is an ultra-modern property in Queenstown. The exceptional lodge sleeps up to 12 and is available through Touch of Spice. Spread across 500 acres and surrounded by a spectacular glacial valley, the property includes a grass tennis court, heated pool, spa and sauna. What makes it even more special is the complementary use of its award-winning facilities; The Hills Clubhouse, its exquisite golf course as well as its substantial sculpture park.
It wouldn’t be exceptional without it being effortless, therefore a butler, private chef, night porter, chauffeur and tour guide are there for your every need.
Make your Christmas dreams come true with Touch of Spice here.
Black Pearl Chalet – Courchevel, France
The opulent Chalet Black Pearl is one of the best known luxury chalets in the posh Alpine resort of Courchevel 1850. Available through Ultimate Luxury Chalets, it’s decorated in modern contemporary tones and equipped with the best luxury amenities and facilities. The vast chalet extends over 1350 m2 and includes eight individual bedrooms the chalet, making it the perfect option for large groups.
An entire floor is dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing. It has a 14m-long indoor swimming pool offering a social environment where you can swim or relax on the adjoining lounging furniture. Sunaholics can top up on their tan using the UV cabine and you can prep yourself for another big day on the slopes in the hammam, sauna and massage room.
The chalet has a different floor dedicated to entertainment, featuring a bar with pool table, lounge with piano and a cinema room with large comfortable sofas and plush carpets. There’s also a playroom for children.
The main living room in the chalet has fantastic panoramic views over the Courchevel ski area. It gives way to the large outdoor terrace and has a large dining area where the full party can enjoy culinary delicacies cooked by the chalet’s personal chef.
Learn more about this amazing chalet by contacting Ultimate Luxury Chalets at this link.
Villa Glamour – St-Tropez, France
St-Tropez is certainly one of the most glamorous locations on the French Riviera and the Villa Glamour by Villas Prestige et Services is one of the area’s finest villas. The beautiful eight bedroom / eight bathroom villa is located a short 12-minute drive from the village. Its elevated position provides stunning views of the sea and the Alps on the horizon.
The airy interior decorated in light tones accentuated by the exterior greenery of the estate, the double pool and the expansive blue sea and sky. The large terrace features two pools and various seating areas. In the evening it can be lit by candles and torches to further or guests can cozy up by the living room’s fireplace.
the terrace is the ideal location for a private yoga class or a soothing massage. The villa also has a snooker room, a gym and Sky TV. The area is abundant in active pursuits from hiking to cycling and there are many quaint villages and historic sites to explore in the region. Discover the gastronomy of the South of France through wine tasting or private cooking classes which can be organized at the villa.
Design your perfect Tropezian holiday at the Villa Glamour by contacting Villas Prestige et Services here.
Dacha – Wanaka, New Zealand
This exquisite luxury villa, available through MajorDomo, is located in New Zealand’s gorgeous resort village of Wanaka. It is spacious, beautifully decorated and offers seamless indoor and outdoor flow. Imagine large open fires, floor to ceiling glass, and a wall of bi-fold doors which open to the outside decking to unveil 180 degree views of Lake Wanaka and the mountains beyond.
The owners’ pursuit of perfection is evident throughout. They spent four years building and developing this very special retreat, situated with perfect privacy and striking natural surroundings.
Extensive entertaining areas both inside and out and numerous accommodation options make it the ideal ‘stay put’ location for a couple, family group or group of friends travelling together.
This unique property can accommodate from two to 16 guests. You may choose the impressive master suite only or add on the main house for larger groups. Then there is ‘The Banya’ – an architecturally designed, luxurious stand-alone bedroom suite with its own veranda and alpine outlook.
There is also a swimming pool, spa pool and stunning covered outdoor room which may be fully opened allowing guests to socialise al fresco around the fire and barbecue.
Have the ultimate luxury experience in New Zealand with MajorDomo here.
Hacienda Tixnuc – Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Experience the intimate world of a Sisal baron by staying at the historic Hacienda Tixnuc by Catherwood Travels. A meticulously restored private hacienda in Yucatan, the house is a contrast between new and old, between nature and civilization and between excitement and pure relaxation.
Ideally located near the main attractions of the Yucatan, the hacienda is a haven of tranquility where families and friends can reconnect in a unique setting. Holiday in supreme luxury and modern comforts thanks to its four bedrooms, full staff, exuberant jungle, stargazing platforms ideal for contemplating the cosmos and an outstanding pool.
Wake each morning to the symphony of birds, breakfast in one of the many secret nooks and prepare for a day that is tailored to your individual wishes – whether it be within the hacienda or discovering the unrivalled heritage of the region.
Discover the relaxed luxury of the Yucatan with Catherwood Travels here.
Villa La Grande Maison des Etoiles – Saint Barthélemy
Situated in the exclusive, gated domaine known as Les Étoiles, this gorgeous villa is one of the most exceptional properties on the island and is the repertoire of Saint Barth Properties. It’s been designed to take advantage of the spectacular views of the incoming yachts, Saba, Statia and the sunset.
This extremely private property cascades down the hillside and comprises of six bedrooms, six en-suite bathrooms plus a staff room spread between a four-bedroom villa and a two-bedroom villa. The main villa has a fully equipped gourmet chef’s kitchen, a spacious indoor dining area as well as a large outdoor dining terrace with barbecue. Each of the four en-suite bedrooms in the main villa has its own private terrace and is named after a famous designer. The Hermes and Christian French king bedrooms are in a separate pavilion and connect to each other through a hallway. The king Yves French bedroom is in yet another bungalow. The Louis en-suite French king master bedroom, located in a separate pavilion, has its own plunge pool on the terrace and a lovely office area.
The estate includes three pools, the main one is heated, quite large and has both shallow and deep areas. It’s surrounded by covered and open terraces, a wet bar and a guest bath. Reflecting pools flank the steps that lead down to the two-bedroom “Manuel Canovas Cottage.” It’s ideal for guests seeking some independence as it has two queen en-suite bedrooms, indoor living and dining rooms, full kitchen, outdoor terrace, swimming pool, separate parking entrance and a nice side yard where children can play. Other amenities include flat screen satellite TV, DVD and iPod docks in each of the bedrooms and a well equipped fitness room.
La Grande Maison des Étoiles is the perfect choice for those looking for a very private, luxurious retreat. It is currently still available over the festive season, contact Saint Barth Properties for further details at this link.
Chalet Merveille – Verbier, Switzerland
The chic Swiss ski destination of Verbier is home to the extravagant Chalet Merveille, one of the resort’s largest and most luxurious residences. With eleven guest bedrooms it also has the largest number of bedrooms and some of the most spacious living areas of any private chalet in Verbier. For anyone still looking for an escape for this festive season, the chalet is currently available through Carpe Diem Luxury Travel.
Enjoy the stunning views of sprawling glaciers and snow-capped peaks from its expansive south-facing terraces and balconies. It has been tastefully decorated with art and antiques over its 1,000m² of living space spread across three floors. Its separate loft and mezzanine areas are perfect for children and its open hearth fireplaces are enjoyed by all. Every comfort has been considered from high-speed, high-capacity WiFi broadband throughout to under-floor heating throughout living, bathroom, hall and spa areas.
Live-in staff provide bespoke service to complete an unparalleled Alpine experience. Full breakfast and afternoon tea are served daily and a professional chef is also available to prepare gourmet dinners. The chalet’s private cellar stores over a thousand bottles of fine wines, premium champagnes and liqueurs. The helpful staff can also assist with activities outside the chalet like ice skating, tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and heli-skiing.
Have a last minute family getaway to this fabulous chalet or plan a ski break later in the season with the help of Carpe Diem Luxury Travel here.
Ranawara – Tangalle, Sri Lanka
One of the best private villas in the country, stylish Ranawara sits on a virtually uninhabited stretch of Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. The sophisticated yet unpretentious villa is hidden on 23 acres of tropical gardens next to a small fishing village, 15 kilometres south of Tangalle and only two hours from Galle.
Comprised of a total of 46,000 sq.ft. of open plan living, the main villa has five elegant suites. There are a further two single-suite chalets located on the grounds. All of the bedrooms with en-suites are air-conditioned and outfitted with four-poster king size beds, Indonesian rugs. The property also has a library, TV room, bar area, open plan kitchen & dining room, an outdoor dining pavilion, a spa and a 100 ft long swimming pool. There is a dedicated live-in team of staff who cater to guests needs during their stay.
Besides taking incredible walks or lounging on its secluded beach, you can spend hours ambling through the grounds dotted with hundreds of coconut trees and other tropical fruit trees like dragon fruit, green oranges, papaya, bananas, mango and wood apple.
There are a number of diverse excursions that can be organized including tours to nearby villages, visits to Rekawa to observe turtles laying their eggs, boat trips for whale and dolphin watching or tours to the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1588.
Discover this beautiful and culturally rich country all the while staying in complete luxury at Ranawara here.
Ca’Nova Palazzo – Venice, Italy
There’s nothing more romantic in Venice than staying in a palazzo on the Grand Canal. Our experts at Trust&Travel excellence.villas were personally involved in the refurbishment of the enchanting Ca’nova mansion, located across from the Santa Maria della Salute basilica and a short walk from the iconic Piazza San Marco.
Redecorated in a classic style with a contemporary twist and a colour palette inspired by 17th and 18th century paintings of Venice, the palazzo is steeped in centuries of history. It contains three separate apartments with two or three bedrooms each, all with their own living room, kitchen and perfectly equipped with contemporary luxurious amenities.
All guests have access to a welcoming shared rooftop terrace. There is also daily morning maid service and a private secretary is available to give you tips and assistance during your stay. There are plenty of excellent restaurants and shops in the vicinity, among which the famous Harry’s Bar.
Experience the best of Venice with Trust & Travel / excellence.villas at this link.