When the grey skies start rolling over the Northern Hemisphere, there’s nothing more uplifting than a sunny winter vacation. Bask in the glorious rays on a stunning terrace overlooking the sparkling Andaman or Caribbean sea; step off your sun lounger and right onto the beautiful beaches of Barbados or Sri Lanka or cool down in your divine infinity pool in The Seychelles or St-Tropez, we’re guaranteed an exceptional and sunny holiday at one of these wonderful villas – all you’ll need to do is pack your swimsuit and UV 50 sunscreen!
Nelson Gay – Barbados
Constructed in the 1950s entirely of coral stone and designed in the grand Palladian manner, this beautiful six-bedroom villa by Blue Sky Luxury is steps from the beach, though hidden within two-acres of lush gardens. On the fringe of Speightstown on a lovely stretch of beach with a great reef for snorkeling, it’s the ideal villa for those seeking the convenience of a beachfront location and within your own private paradise.
The unique home was originally commission as the residence of a United States Ambassador and this elegance is apparent in its Palladian grandeur and 14-foot ceilings in the living room. Sitting between the house and the beach, the fabulous 50-foot pool is a definite high point.
The white walls are complemented by green accents, echoing the gorgeous natural surroundings and include classy furniture, antiques and artwork. The airy bedrooms feature comfortable beds, top quality cotton sheets and hypoallergenic pillows. There are a number of wonderful seating areas scattered throughout, including al fresco dining areas, two covered terraces and a gazebo with a wet bar overlooking the beach.
Within the gardens is the charming chattel house cottage. This is an excellent villa for a multigenerational family holiday and the villa can be transformed to accommodate 18 guests on request.
Start planning a fun and sunny holiday on beautiful Barbados with Blue Sky Luxury at this link.
Residence on the Rocks – The Seychelles
The Seychelles are a wonderful destination to stock up on your vitamin D in winter. Surround yourself in the island’s immense natural beauty at the outstanding Residence on the Rocks. Found in a very private location of the Banyan Tree Resort in southern Mahé and encircled by lush local vegetation, the four-bedroom villa’s position on a high ridge basks it in glorious sunshine, all the while providing you with lovely shady areas.
A labor of love, the colonial, Creole style villa was constructed in 2008. Its owners personally decorated the villa, traveling the world collecting unique antiques and artwork to adorn its rooms. It has a large lounge, including a sitting area and dining room which gives way to a fully equipped kitchen. Two of the property’s spacious bedrooms are situated in the main building whereas the other two are found in two separate guest houses, accessible via a forest path.
Visits will enjoy lounging in the sun next to the villa’s splendid infinity pool, reading a book on the covered verandas or having a refreshing drink in the charming pavilion – all with breathtaking views of the forest or sea.
A short walk away is Intendence Beach, voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Guests also have the benefit of the various facilities and restaurants of the Banyan Tree Resort. There is also an abundance of activities available in this part of the island from diving to hiking through stunning forests.
Treat yourself to a divine and sunny getaway to the Seychelles at the Residence on the Rocks at this link.
Villa Utopic – Saint Barthlémey
Following the hurricanes of September, we’re pleased to announce that St Barth will be quite operational by the end of October. This gorgeous three-bedroom villa, by St Barth Properties, is already ready and is an excellent choice for a winter escape to the island. As its name implies, this is a dream and luxurious villa with stunning views of the sea, Corossol Beach, and Gustavia’s iconic harbor.
The villa has been designed for seamless indoor and outdoor living, aided by glass walls between the large living room and spacious palm-tree studded terrace. Take in the glorious Caribbean sunshine lounging on the deck next to the long, heated infinity pool. There are also a variety of other both shady and sunny sitting and dining areas on the terrace.
The interior are decorated in a relaxing gray palette with touches of brighter colors as well as artwork including images by prominent Dutch photographer Désirée Dolron. Whip up fresh lunches or casual dinners in the well equipped kitchen which can be enjoyed alfresco on the terrace. All of the bedrooms are tastefully decorated, have king beds where you can wake up every morning to the spectacular sea views.
Enjoy revived St Barth and wash away your stress with the fabulous Caribbean sun at this exquisite villa by St Barth’s Properties here.
Villa Glamour – St-Tropez, France
Make the most of the South of France minus the summer crowds and take in some balmy rays by staying at the superb Villa Glamour through Villas Prestige et Services. One of the finest villas around St-Tropez, with its heated double swimming pool, living room fireplace and exceptional views of the sparkling sea, it’s an excellent villa in winter.
The interior’s light tones echo the bright and air expansion of the vast blue sea and sky. The spacious and sunny terrace is adorned with two pools and various seating areas. This is also a charming place for a winter evening meal lit by candles and torches before retreating next to the living room’s fireplace.
On cooler days keep yourself occupied in the villa’s snooker room, its gym or watching Sky TV. Those who like to hike or stroll while taking in the crisp sea air will love the area’s comprehensive network of trails or spend a day cycling around to the region’s charming villages or into St-Tropez to peruse its fashionable boutiques or sip a coffee on a café patio facing the picturesque port, empty of the summertime crowds.
Enjoy the South of France all to yourself this winter with Villas Prestige et Services here.
Villa Amanzi – Phuket, Thailand
Experience the best of sunny Thailand within the privacy of this sublime six bedroom villa. Perched on Kata Noi hill and available through Villanovo, the gorgeous villa overlooks Kata Noi beach and out to the sparkling Andaman Sea, which can be savored from the spectacular pool terrace.
Comprised of two master suites, three guest bedrooms and a contained guest suite makes this spacious villa an excellent option for large families or groups of friends. The modern and luxurious villa has fabulous lounge and dining areas featuring amazing vistas of the pool and bay, comfortable seating for up to 12, a professional bar and a stone waterfall.
It will be hard to tear yourself from the amazing pool terrace home to an exquisite infinity pool, comfy sun loungers and a Swedish sauna. For a quiet moment, retreat to the small reading terrace or take in more rays on the upper level sun deck. There is also an outdoor shower and wash area.
After taking in the sunset from the terrace, you can have a casual meal in the sala with a Viking barbecue, bar area and sea views. Or more formal meals can be prepared by the villa’s private chef and be served in the elegant indoor dining area with seating for 10 and more breathtaking views.
The bedrooms are all luxuriously appointed, the main master bedroom is particularly sumptuous featuring a king bed, A/C, large closet 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 also has a massage table if you would like to arrange for some in-house treatments. There’s no need to leave such a splendid villa, however, the beach is a short distance away as are other outdoor active pursuits and great restaurants and shopping.
Contact Villanovo here to secure your supremely sunny stay in Thailand this winter.
New Grace Bay Villa – Turks & Caicos
Enjoy a sunny and stylish Caribbean vacation at this sleek newly built villa on fashionable Grace Bay. The five-bedroom ultra contemporary villa, by Villas and Apartments Abroad, has floor to ceiling windows and a fabulous pool terrace steps from the pristine sands of this gorgeous beach.
The bright and airy interiors feature locally crafted stonework, woodwork and cabinetry as well as custom ceramics, marble elements and unique wallpaper bring in additional modern flare. The open plan living and dining area opens right onto the pool area and the the aquamarine sea. The outdoor spaces bring outdoor living to a completely new level with a sunken fireside seating area and unique shaded areas on the terrace designer outdoor furniture. There is also a hot tub, in-pool loungers, a separate beach side deck with hammocks — all bordered by palm trees. For indoor entertainment, there’s a comfortable media room with a large flatscreen TV equipped with Apple TV, Netflix etc., a DVD player and board games.
Three bedrooms are located on the upper level and feature ocean views, terraces, walk-in closets, ensuite bathrooms as well as cutting edge amenities like central A/C with individual controls, Apple TV and blackout blinds. There is also a bunk room on the ground floor, perfect for kids, and the gorgeous master bedroom with a king-sized bed, pop up TV, walk-in closet, blackout blinds, an ensuite with a double vanities and an indoor and outdoor shower and a terrace and spectacular sea views.
Dive into the pristine waters of the Turks and Caicos with Villas and Apartments Abroad at this link.
Ranawara – Sri Lanka
If you’re looking for a secluded sunny getaway for January or February than consider this sublime villa nestled within a palm grove next to a virtually deserted beach of southern Sri Lanka. Situated 15 kilometres south of city of Tangalle, the gorgeous private villa sits on 23 acres of lush tropical gardens next to a tiny coastal fishing village.
The main villa is spacious at 46,000 sq. ft. of open plan living and five comfortable and stylish suites. Two single-suite cottages are tucked away on the grounds. The air-conditioned bedrooms are air-conditioned, have four-poster king size beds, lovely dark wood furnishings, Indonesian rugs and large en-suite bathrooms. There’s also a TV room, library bar area, open plan kitchen and dining room, outdoor dining pavilion, a private spa and a 100 ft long pool. The professional resident staff can arrange anything you may wish during your stay.
Soak up the Sri Lanka sunshine next to the fabulous pool or on the quiet and pristine beach. Afterwards withdraw to the shade by exploring the grounds filled with hundreds of coconut trees and tropical fruit trees including oranges, papaya, dragon fruit, bananas, mango and wood apple.
The villa is also a great base for discovering southern Sri Lanka’s points of interest such as authentic villages, turtles sanctuaries, the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort or whale and dolphin watching boat trips.
Have a sunny secret holiday in Sri Lanka at Ranawara here.