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
