Discovering a country’s culinary traditions can be one of the best – and certainly most delicious – ways to learn about its culture. Taste your way around the world with us at these top villas for food lovers as we sip on vintage Italian wines, learn how to make our own Pad Thai or plan an exquisite Caribbean dinner party with the help of an award-winning private chef.
Samujana – Koh Samui, Thailand
Enjoying Thailand’s fabulous cuisine is certainly a highlight of any trip to the country. Now you can savor it to the fullest in the comfort of your luxury private villa at Samujana on Koh Samui. The exclusive resort has recently launched a new range of in-villa dining experiences for their guests.
The four new culinary options include the following: “Bring Us Food” is a new in-villa food menu offering a wide variety of dishes from Thai curries and soups to roasts, burgers and Asian Street Food sharing platters which are perfect for poolside parties, family games nights or snacks with friends. “Grill For Us” is tasty personalized Backyard BBQ held at your private villa and could include the likes of prawn skewers, pork ribs and corn on the cob or other flavours of East meets West. “Cook For Us” brings in your own in-villa chef allowing guests to fully relax and have exquisite meals of fresh fish and local flavours prepared just for you. Lastly, “Cook With Us” gets guests involved in learning the art of Thai cooking with the help of an expert chef in your very own villa.
Samujana is ideally located just minutes from Koh Samui International Airport and lively Chaweng Beach. Perched on a hillside overlooking a coral cove, all of their villas feature large infinity edge pools and unobstructed sea views. The villas offer three to eight bedrooms and are ideal for families, friends, couples and also offer ample space for bespoke weddings and glamorous events. Samujana provides dedicated villa hosts, private cinemas, gyms, spa services, fitness retreats, tennis courts, beach access and all the hospitality of an upscale resort.
Work up an appetite for a tasty Thai holiday by contacting Samujana here.
Pont Aven Luxury Farm in Brittany, France
Our global expert Sylvia Delvaille Jones at Villas and Apartments Abroad has the most intriguing villa for true food lovers in the region of Brittany, in the northwest of France. It brings together the best of this unique, lesser visited part of the country and is ideal for anyone who wants an authentic and fresh taste of France. Sylvia tells us more here:
“The extraordinary waterfront estate near Pont-Aven in Brittany which was created by the owner using the material from seven abandoned army barracks that he purchased, harvested the wood, the ironworks, the bricks, massive beams, rocks, doors etc. and built a historic house. It is filled with artwork, some from the great masters as the owner was an art dealer and bloodline of French Royalty.
“There are 11 bedrooms (most are suites) divided among three houses with seven bedrooms in the main house, three in the “Blue house” and one in the “sailor house” by the river. Other buildings on the estate include the tennis house next to the courts and an A frame house with a screening room. There is also a wine cellar with many “important” bottles. There are two stables and 6 magnificent Brittany horses on the estate.
“The vegetable gardens is about one acre and they grow artichokes and loads of other vegetables like you find in the Caribbean or in Africa. There are also amazing herb gardens. The chicken are free range and fresh eggs and the fish comes in every day directly from the sea. Plus there is always meat from hunts.
It is perfectly located on the sea with beaches and several boats and other equipment for land, around the property and water.
“This house is fantastic for the fall as the pool is heated and you can enter from a hatch door into the water and just swim out. To add to its uniqueness, there is a secret place in the garden on a small private plateau where you find a crude stone slab on legs where apparently the Druids performed rituals.”
Learn more about this original villa by reaching out to Sylvia at Villas and Apartments Abroad here.
Chateau Julien – Near Honfleur, France
Normandy is another delicious gastronomic region of France where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood, rounds of camembert cheese and crisp apple cider. The refined Chateau Julien by In Villas Veritas is an excellent location to enjoy all of the culinary delights of the area. The estate is found in the heart of Normandy, near the quaint port town of Honfleur and the Victorian town of Deauville, famed for its casinos and nowadays, annual film festival and horse racing.
Originally constructed in 1641 as a “manor,” it was extended in 1724 and 1758. The current owners have renovated it with a stylish mix of modern furnishings with the castle’s classic features. In keeping with its history, the chateau has many gardens, all with different themes. Within the gardens you can find a chapel and a pavilion. There is also a renovated farmhouse on the estate that may be rented for an additional 10 guests.
Dine on Normand culinary treasures while sitting on the terrace overlooking the formal garden with its central fountain or nibble away on a picnic in the Italian walled garden bordered by espaliered fruit trees.
Discover this delicious area of France by staying with In Villa Veritas, contact them for further details here.
Casale Belvedere – Near Lucca, Italy
Like France, Italy is a mecca for food lovers and In Villas Veritas has two perfect properties for food lovers, the first one is the Casale Belvedere, located in the Tuscan hills 10 minutes west of Lucca.
“Lucca is a less touristed town but the area of Versilia – the coastal area that Lucca is the gateway to – is a very foodie centric area which boasts the best olive oil in Italy,” explains Laura Blair, CEO of In Villa Veritas. “It also has some iconic restaurants such as Vipore, among others. It serves up some fabulous seafood and seafood pastas of course as well.
“Casale Belvedere’s chef is a typical fabulous Italian cook, who uses simple but delicious ingredients to make for lovely, mouthwatering meals. Cooking classes may be arranged, which can also include visits to the local market with the chef if one wishes.”
Besides its excellent chef, this beautifully restored, 18th-century farmhouse is on 40 acres of olive trees and vineyards with lovely views over rolling wooded hills. On a clear day you can even see the leaning tower of Pisa.
The house was recently restored and the interior designed by the finest Tuscan craftsmen respecting both Tuscan traditions and the highest standards of comfort. It has six large and modern bathrooms, five large bedrooms and four fireplaces. The house is filled with light and inviting spaces in addition to wonderful outdoor living and dining areas where you can thorough enjoy the culinary bounty of this exceptional food lovers’ region.
Create your ideal holiday menu with Laura at In Villas Veritas at this link.
Luxury Hunting Lodge – Tuscany, Italy
Sylvia Delvaille Jones of Villas and Apartments Abroad has tracked down a villa where you can enjoy good food in Italy by hunt it down on your own… Taken the bait? Read her tasty description here:
“Owned and operated by a former Italian top model now a licensed professional hunter, she has transformed one of her stunningly villas within her 1700-acre “reserve” in the hills of Tuscany into a five star lodge. She hosts hunters from different parts of Europe to go hunting with her and her team, relax and be pampered by the staff, enjoy fantastic food and imbibe good wine.
“The focus is on two days of hunt, one of Pheasants (driven – English style) and the other day for shooting wild boars. Pheasants are hunted from mid-september to January, whereas boars are from November to end of January.
“Wildlife roam from late September until January. Wild boars, rabbits, deer, pheasants are among the animals you will encounter. The setting at the villa offers total relaxation, fantastic food prepared from scratch and good wine from the local vineyards or the owner’s cellar.
“What a perfect escape for the busy banker or business person to take a short break with family or friends. Get on a flight into Rome or Florence for a long weekend away, ensconced in comfort surrounded by wilderness. You will feast on wild boar marinated in chocolate or red wine, white wine with olives, two of a hundred ways, roast over a pit, slow cooked in the oven or a robust stew simmered for hours. There is also cured ham at breakfast and different types of sausages all prepared on the estate. Just about every part of the boar is used for eating, sold to local butchers, the skin and other parts for make useful materials.
“In the late afternoon, the owner can arrange a wine tasting in the cellar of Baron Franchetti who makes a worldwide wine labelled “Trinoro.” The Lodge’s owner can also organize other wine trips to Montalcino to enjoy the amazing views en route and taste the famous Brunello wine. Other interesting tours can visit the nearby villages of Pienza, Cetona and Bagno Vignonican.
“Whether you’re playing soccer, hiking and cycling in summer or hunting in the midst of untouched nature, 2200 feet above sea level in the fall and winter, you’ll be immersed in the wild of the one of the most beautiful area of Italy: the Val d’Orcia.”
Hit your vacation target at this hunting paradise by contacting Sylvia at Villas and Apartments Abroad at this link.
Il Convento – Lake Trasimeno, Italy
In a stunning and very discreet location in Italy is a food lover’s paradise all in one place: the spectacular Il Convento. The exquisite villa overlooks lake Trasimeno near the Tuscany-Umbria border and is available through In Villas Veritas.
Owned by a very well known film director, this newly renovated, impressive 60-acre estate is found in a former convent. It includes ten suites, accommodating a total of 22 guests. The property encompasses a 16th-century walled garden with 13 acres of enclosed formal gardens, vegetable garden, orchard, grape arbor, lavender rows, olive groves and lawns in addition to the outdoor pool, reflecting fountain bordering a native oak forest and the Winter Garden.
The remainder of the estate is made up of 800 olive trees, vineyards and forest with stupendous views over the lake. No expense was spared in renovating the convent into a luxurious hideaway with every amenity one might expect of a lavish estate.
Other than the perfect setting, the villa is ideal for foodies due to its stunning dining areas from an amazing dining room which seats 40 guests to a smaller dining room for 12 and a large main kitchen with a chef’s tasting table to numerous outdoor dining and sitting areas. One mustn’t forget about the bar, the historic wine cellar and its adjoining tasting room.
When you’re not taking in the culinary splendors, relax in the games room, by the outdoor swimming pool, the private gym and spa with a sauna and steam room, the state-of-the-art cinema or in the galleried library featuring thousands of books in various languages.
Have the ultimate gastronomic holiday at this phenomenal villa through In Villas Veritas here.
Villa Barbara – Portofino
The Italian Riviera City of Portofino conjures up all kinds of romantic imagination and memories. Food – amazing food – remains the centerpiece of it all. Sylvia Delvaille Jones of Villas and Apartments Abroad enlivens the senses with her description of the magical hilltop Villa Barbara, with the port at its feet, and the incredible chef Angela behind the phenomenal dishes coming from its kitchen:
“Angela keeps guests from places around the world coming back to Villa Barbara year after year. One guest even tried to poach her way from the owner but it was not going to happen. Right on the property grow a variety of citrus fruits, pomegranate, herbs and sweet vine ripened tomatoes and other vegetables which Angela incorporates into her dishes. Her sauces are made from scratch and so is her fresh pasta.
“Guests enjoy dinners al fresco under the stars. Her palate pleasing dishes include grilled peppers with anchovies, homemade pasta with pesto, fresh basil and vine ripened sweet tomatoes; whole roasted branzino filleted or encased in sea-salt oven cooked, served with a lite lemon butter sauce, crunchy green beans, rice or pureed parsley potatoes, slow cooked stewed rabbit (a favorite local dish) served over basmati rice or whole boneless chicken with black olives and sweet plump tomatoes seasoned with garlic, sage, thyme rosemary topped with toasted pine nuts. Dessert could be the chef’s special homemade lemon cake lightly drizzled with confetteria and topped with strawberries.
“By day, dine poolside with a glass of crisp white or rose under the vine-draped gazebo and take in the breathtaking views of the sea and boats bobbing out at sea like little toys… It does not get any better as you take it all in from your mountaintop perch. Start with a green salad with tomatoes from the gardens, a seafood Risotto with porcini mushrooms and finish off with edges of oranges picked from the garden.”
Satisfy your craving for these mouth-watering dishes by contacting Sylvia quickly as the beautiful Villa Barbara is rented only for 8 weeks a year and repeat guests do get priority. Contact her at this link.
The Beach House – Meads Bay, Anguilla
Over in the Caribbean there are a number of fabulous foodie destinations. The Island of Anguilla is top of the list and staying at The Beach House, available through Ricketts Luxury Properties, will ensure you have a taste-bud tantalizing trip.
Situated on coveted Meads Bay, Sue Ricketts recommends this stunning villa firstly due to its excellent private chef, but also because it’s a short two-minute walk on the beach to Jacala, considered to be the best restaurant on the island apart from other fine restaurants on the one mile beach which is anchored by a Four Seasons hotel and Malliouhana hotel by Auberge on separate points.
Built on one acre of prime beachfront land on the pristine white sand of Meads Bay in the island’s west end, with just under 17,000 square feet total living space, the Beach House is a modern masterpiece. Set within impeccably landscaped gardens, the architecture is designed to capture the natural beauty of Anguilla, with its spectacular sunsets and ocean views. It features eight spacious master bedrooms, 10 master baths and two powder rooms. With more than a dozen dedicated outdoor deck and lounge areas, there is no shortage of spaces for entertaining or quiet solitude.
When not dining on Anguilla’s finest cuisine or lounging on the beach, guests can make the most of the villa’s luxurious entertainment suite, a large home theatre with surround sound, a tennis court, fitness room, a 44 foot infinity edge pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi and a games room.
Discover this exquisite Caribbean holiday home through Ricketts Luxury Properties at this link.
Danse des Etoiles – Pointe Milou, St. Barthélemy
Start your days sipping coffee watching the sunrise and end your day dining on succulent local seafood on the two-level terrace as the sun is setting at the spectacular five bedroom Danse des Etoiles villa offered by In Villas Veritas.
Everywhere you turn and at any hour, you will have an awe-inspiring view at this luxurious villa, exemplified at the main view which is directed outward toward the ocean. The airy interior features a crisp, contemporary decor with lovely stone walls. The garden, connected to the villa via stairs and pathways, is a true extension of the villa. The crowing jewel of the terrace is the 70-foot solar heated infinity pool overlooking the highest peak of Pointe Milou.
St. Barth is another culinary mecca of the Caribbean, you easily eat out at the wide variety of restaurants in Pointe Milou or eat in thanks to the villa’s gourmet kitchen complete with an array of appliances and features.
Let your taste-buds waltz at the Danse des Etoiles villa by contacting In Villas Veritas here.
Ranchos Estate – Punta Mita, Mexico
When one thinks of food in the Americas, Mexico is likely to come quickly to mind. What better way to enjoy this country’s finest food than right on site, especially at the fabulous Ranchos Estate in Punta Mita by Villas and Apartments Abroad. Sylvia Delvaille Jones tells us more about it below:
“This is an amazing villa with the most amazing chef, Angelica. She was trained and was working in a top restaurant in San Francisco where the villa owner frequented and who eventually convinced her to come to Mexico to work at his villa located in one of the most exclusive resorts 45 mins. drive from Puerto Vallarta. She has been pleasing the palates of many of my clients since 2010 and continues to this day, here is what some recent clients had to say:
I cannot say enough about how much we have loved our week with you! Every single thing about it was just perfect.
Angelica, it will take me weeks to shed the pounds, but every single bite was worth it. Honestly, we have never been any place where we liked the food better! Even my pickiest eaters gorged themselves at every meal! If I could eat your food every day, I would be one happy (enormously fat) woman!
Romero and David, you made about a thousand smoothies and pina coladas and margaritas! The girls ate more fruit this week than they have in the past year! And the best part was seeing you both next door at The Temptations last night.
When we saw pictures of the house and the beach before we came here, we thought that was the magical part. But now we know- the house is beautiful, the beach is glorious, but you all are the magical part of the Ranchos Estate. We had THE BEST vacation and we cannot thank you enough. As sad as it is to leave Mexico and Punta Mita, it is sadder to leave you all.
Get ready to have your own best vacation and the most fantastic food at the Rachos Estate, write to Villas and Apartments Abroad at this link.
Tres Soles – Punta Mita, Mexico
What Mexican food lover doesn’t love perfectly prepared guacamole and chips? You can have some of the country’s best as well as an amazing array of fresh seafood in sophisticated presentations from ceviche’s to freshly grilled by your private chef at th exceptional Tres Soles villa in Punta Mita, another sensational villa by In Villas Veritas.
Crowning a breath-taking oceanfront plateau overlooking the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, this enchanting villa conveys the inviting comforts and opulence of the North American lifestyle while recreating the hacienda ambiance and poetic excitement found in traditional Mexico.
Tres Soles is an inspiring 18,000 sq. ft. residence with more than 20,000 sq. ft. of terraces, paths and patios. The exquisite craftsmanship shine through in the hand chiseled cement floors, tropical wood mill work and profusely decorated pebble carpets and honed marble floors.
What makes this particular villa so perfect for food lovers is that it is fully equipped for fine gourmet entertainment, graceful dinner parties can be held at the palapas commanding tropical wood table which can host 16 people comfortably. The immense oval infinity pool embraces the palapa and provides a natural cooling system for a magical dawn-to-dusk routine.
Start planning your luxurious Mexican holiday dinner party with In Villas Veritas here.