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Thankfully the half-term, spring and Easter school vacations will soon be upon us. After several long months of having the family cooped up inside, perhaps you all need some rest and relaxation in a sunny beach destination. Or maybe it’s the ideal time for an adventurous or cultural break in an exciting new travel destination? From Scottish castles to sand castles, we’ve kept the whole family in mind when pulling together these fabulous family-friendly luxury villas and cruises by our UltraVilla experts across the globe.

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Samujana – Koh Samui, Thailand

Samujana is an excellent choice for families in search of a holiday that will keep the entire family entertained. Many of the villas are perfect for families and in addition, the team at Samujana can baby-proof the pools and villas to ensure that the little ones enjoy their holiday in a fun and safe environment.

To further attract families, Samujana has just introduced a new family package which boasts an array of fun and educational activities for children of all ages. The package is very flexible and the activities can take place on whichever day the family choose. It includes a family BBQ, a Muay Thai boxing lesson for the whole family, Thai cooking class, movie night with pizza making and popcorn, children’s swimming lesson and arts and craft such as painting the view. The package is priced at 5000 THB for adults and 6000 THB for children.

In addition to the package, a childcare service is available with fully qualified nannies trained at the Royal Thai Ministry of Education An hourly babysitting service, daily nanny service or weekly nanny service and live in or live out services are available. All the villas have private infinity edge pools and some feature private cinemas and games rooms that are perfect to keep the children entertained. Koh Samui’s beaches are safe for children. Other activities on the island include two water parks, modern cinemas, tenpin bowling and a jumping castle playzone.

Please the whole family and create memories to last a lifetime by holidaying at Samujana.

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Masseria Petriolo – Puglia, Italy

Combine charm and history with fantastic facilities and beach proximity for the ideal family break in Italy at the beautiful Masseria Petriolo, available through excellence.villas by Trust&Travel. Situated in Apulia, Puglia, this fortified eight-bedroom country house is only six kilometers from the beach, has two pools, endless gardens and gorgeous seas views.

Dating back to 1689, Masseria Petriolo was restored by renowned interior designers Alexander Waterworth (Soho House) who highlighted the home’s lovely historic features like stunning vaulted ceilings and the 17th-century chapel while incorporating fresh modernity.

The house is built around a large courtyard and has six bedrooms, as well as living, dining rooms, three kitchens, a hammam and a rooftop terrace with pool. It also includes an extra double bedroom and a fully separate concierge apartment. It is set on a 30-hectare (75 acre) organic farm filled with orange, mandarin and lemon groves, ancient olive groves, and organic fruit, vegetable and herb gardens.

The pool house, located about 25 meters from the main villa, consists of two interconnecting rooms, with wonderful uninterrupted views, covered terrace and outdoor kitchen, dining and lounging area. The pool features a shallower area for playing and a toddler circle for the little ones.

Onsite there is also a kids playground and an astro turf tennis court with viewing gazebo. An 1973 Airstream Overlander, found in the olive groves, can be used as a base for a picnic or al fresco dinner and is a fun additional place for the children to explore.

Enjoy the endless family pleasures of Masseria Petriolo and the nearby beach by reaching out to excellence.villas / Trust & Travel at this link.

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Villa Ganesh – Flamands Beach, Saint Barthélemy

With the perfect blend of relaxed luxury, family friendly amenities and an incredible location, the beachfront Villa Ganesh, by St Barth Properties, is an amazing family destination for this spring break.

Kids will adore being a mere few steps from the warm waters of fabulous Flamands Beach, the expansive decks cool pool, play area and the ping pong table is always a big hit. They are two kayaks and two paddleboards available for guests who want to hit the waves. The terrace features gorgeous panoramic views of the sea and neighboring islands, and a staircase leads directly down to the white sandy beach. Due to its great location you’ll be able to walk along the water for breakfast, lunch or dinner at a number of nearby restaurants or meals can be enjoyed al fresco on the villa’s covered dining portico.

Inside, a spacious open floor plan includes a well-equipped kitchen and living and dining areas. The chic, island decor is comfortable and luxurious without a fuss. A private upper-level master suite with a king-size bed has its own private terrace with a spectacular view. Its bath has an elegant bathtub, perfect for soaking after a long day of family fun. A bunk room sleeps four, and there is also a third bedroom (with a king bed), all have en-suite baths, TVs and an iPod docking station for downtime.

Savor some amazing family time in the Caribbean with St Barth’s Properties here.

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ATHOS Barge – Canal du Midi, France

Family, festivity, and fun are the calling cards of the congenial experience aboard the Athos. This Barge Lady Cruise can accommodate up to 10 passengers, making it ideal for two and three generation families who will love cruising on their own vessel during spring break.

Owner-operated by Captain Julian and Barge Manager Dannielle Farrant, parents of small children themselves, they understand that happy children mean happy parents! With its charming yet informal ambiance, the Athos fits perfectly into canal cruising’s wonderfully relaxed lifestyle. The cabins are cozy and are decorated in a “country French” in style with nautical elements.

“Dining is a celebratory affair, with elaborate table settings and attentive service by the crew furthering the convivial atmosphere, especially because the chef makes sure even the pickiest eaters enjoy their meals,” says Stephanie Sack of Barge Lady Cruises. “The hospitable and convivial crew ensure that guests are comfortable and content at all times.”

Claiming the bragging rights for the barge with the largest deck on the Canal du Midi, guests of all ages enjoy this perfect spot to soak in the passing pastoral scenery, perhaps while enjoying a glass of wine, a cup of tea, or a sip of soda. Strolling and bicycling along the canal’s tree-lined towpath reveals the area’s abundant flora and fauna.

The team at Barge Lady Cruises will create a custom sightseeing program for your family to showcase the best of the region’s sights and scenes; family fun is offered every day and includes such activities as kayaking, swimming, picnicking,  bicycling, tennis, and horseback riding.

Contact Barge Lady Cruises here to start planning your fun and enriching family vacation aboard the Athos.

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Cloud 9 Villa – Bay of Islands, New Zealand

You don’t have to miss out on a warm spring break by travelling to the southern hemisphere. The very north of New Zealand’s North Island has a surprisingly tropical climate and is host to some amazing seaside villas, like the Cloud 9 villa by MajorDomo.

This exquisite villa offers sweeping views across both the Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Islands in which the town of Russell nestles. This Bay of Islands holiday house is on a securely gated private road and surrounded by beautiful natural bush. Crashing waves can be heard from 100 meters below, whilst at night, Kiwis can be heard foraging in the bush.

This self-contained villa sleeps six people in three double bedrooms (two with ensuites) and two people in one twin room. All rooms have sea views. It has large open plan living, dining and kitchen and is equipped and furnished to the highest standards. Both living areas have gas log fires for those cooler evenings. The villa is fully air-conditioned for the warmer months. It has state of the art entertainment systems, including flat screen televisions, Sky TV and complimentary wireless internet, all integrated into the house.

The villa is surrounded on three sides by decking and terracing so there is plenty of room for children to play, plus there’s a stunning infinity pool and a five-person spa pool, where you can unwind at the end of the day and soak up the gorgeous views. There is an outdoor BBQ to whip up casual meals that will appeal to the whole family.

Make the most of the balmy end of summer and beginning autumn in New Zealand with Majordomo at this link.

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Marchons Sur l’Eau – St-Tropez, France

A seamless horizon from the exquisite infinity pool to the shimmering Mediterranean has baptized this striking villa “Walk on Water,” by Villas Prestiges et Services. With its hidden location above the picturesque port of Ramatuelle, it offers complete seclusion within a short drive from glamorous St-Tropez is only a short drive away.

The spacious, newly built eight-bedroom villa is has a sleek modern juxtaposed with bright furniture and Miro inspired art. The open plan living room and kitchen is flanked with vast windows to highlight the phenomenal views of the sea and includes a one-of-a-kind dining room table which could be consider a work of art itself. Bedrooms are divided into two wings offering guests privacy and space. A highlight is definitely the spectacular terrace with an exquisite heated infinity pool, plenty of daybeds, comfortable seating and a bar and barbecue area.

Guests can walk a few minutes along the sea path to nearby Cap Taillat beach. In addition to the wide beach, there is a sailing club, tennis courts, boat, kayak and paddle board and jetski rentals. Guests can also enjoy gentle hikes along coastal paths featuring beautiful wild nature much loved by children.

The pretty village of Ramatuelle is well worth a visit to explore its charming boutiques quaint restaurants and exceptional views of the surrounding countryside, mountains and aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean.

Enjoy the best of the French Riviera for families without the summer crowds this spring break with Villas Prestige et Services at this link.

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Kyambura Gorge Lodge – Uganda

This contemporary safari lodge by Volcanoes Safaris is the perfect place for a family or multi-generational group looking to enjoy the diversity of activities and the exceptional natural beauty of Uganda.

The lodge has been converted from an old coffee processing plant and has breathtaking views overlooking the Queen Elizabeth National Park, with the magical Mountains of the Moon in the distance. The original structure has been carefully restored to create a gorgeous and contemporary living space, maintaining its historic character with the addition of distinct luxurious spaces for guests to relax. The lovely individual bandas are tucked into the hillside and feature luxurious comforts like en-suite bathrooms and private views of the park.

Family activities include chimps treks in Kyambura Gorge and fun safari boat cruises on Kazinga Channel, to a tour of Omwani Cafè and Community Coffee Cooperative and exploration of bee-hives projects.

Introduce your children to Africa in this unique Ugandan mountain setting with Volcanoes Safaris.

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Petite Plage 5 – St Martin

On a small private road at the far end of Grand Case is Petite Plage 5, this 6-bedroom contemporary estate by Carimo sits in an oasis of tranquility and is the perfect Caribbean base for food and beach loving families.

The large horseshoe shaped heated pool sits at sea’s edge with views out to neighbouring island Anguilla. In the center of the horseshoe is a covered terrace for relaxing pool side and a hot tub sits near the private Bali style gazebo away from the main pool, providing a peaceful retreat for taking in the sunset Caribbean sun. Covered and open terraces also span the length of this estate villa.

The waters off Petite Plage beach are calm, perfect for snorkeling out to the famous Creole Rock or better yet Stand-Up Paddle boarding there. Plus, only a short distance from Petite Plage you’re in Grand Case: the “Food Capital of the Caribbean.” Chefs comment that “if it was in Paris or New York this morning, it is in St. Martin tonight.” Some of the island’s best restaurants are only steps from this amazing villa.

In addition, there are many events in the first quarter of the year such as the Heineken Regatta in March which draws the global boating crowd and every Tuesday night from mid-January through mid-April, Grand Case hosts the Mardi de Grand Case, a lively evening of culture, local arts and crafts, music and colorful entertainment for the whole family.

Savor a taste of the Caribbean and the peacefulness of your own private villa haven with Carimo at this link. Villa Amina 2

Villa Amina – Marrakech, Morocco

Only 20 minutes from the bustling Medina of Marrakech, the Villa Amina, by Kensington Luxury Properties, is the perfect family home to relax and enjoy some quiet and peaceful quality time.

The villa is located in the lush Ourika valley which spreads between the first foothills of the Atlas Mountains and the city. Built in 2004 in traditional style and named after Morocco’s most beautiful river, it is accessed through an archway over a canal bridge where you will find just ten villas in private and peaceful seclusion. The entrance to the villa itself is via a glorious Andalusian style courtyard filled with fragrant orange and lemon trees and a gurgling fountain.

The villa is set in a large garden, spectacularly planted with a thousand roses, bougainvillea, plumbago, olive, pomegranate and banana trees as well as cool, soft lawn for children to run and play on. The garden is home to Leila and Charlie, a tortoise couple, who boss around the exotic birds and butterflies drawn to this much-loved garden.

The pretty, colorful bedrooms are located on the ground floor of the villa and in the nearby Pavilion, which is ideal either for teenagers who want their own space.The impressive entrance hall is crowned with an oblong dome. Guests can gather in the media room with bar, which opens onto the upper terrace featuring Moroccan style seating and shady pergola. It overlooks the gardens and has awe-inspiring views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

Children can enjoy hours of fun in the large heated swimming pool (12 x 5 meters), the separate paddling pool, or over matches of badminton and other games like Scrabble, Backgammon and cards.

Experience a springtime family oasis in Morocco with Kensington Luxury Properties.

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Otaha Beachfront Lodge – Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Spring transforms into autumn down under at this stylish five bedroom villa in New Zealand’s spectacular Bay of Island, only a two-minute walk to a secluded beach and available through by Touch of Spice.

Built in 2013, Otaha Beachfront Lodge has been designed to make the most out of its exceptional location. The golden wooden floors are made from the timber of neighboring trees and the floor to ceiling windows maximize the breathtaking views throughout the property. It’s incredibly spacious, with a modern, crisp feel – it’s definitely beachside living with a luxurious twist. Entertaining is made easy with a large open plan living area and plenty of outdoor space, complete with decking, dining area, and barbecue.

With five bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, it’s the ideal family beach getaway. If you’re after a vacation where you can sit back, unwind and enjoy the uninterrupted oceans views in your own private paradise, then this is the villa for you!

Bring together the best of the beach and New Zealand’s amazing nature on a family vacation with Touch of Spice at this link.

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Forter Castle – Scotland

Take the family on a storybook holiday to the magical Forter Castle set in lovely Perthshire, Scotland and available through Loyd and Townsend Rose. An enchanting destination with an abundance of original activities for the whole family.

The castle was constructed by James Ogilvy, the fifth Lord of Airlie, in 1560 as a ‘Fortalice’, a fortified house to protect and fortify the area’s passes and a beautiful representation of its history is painted on its ceiling. In 1988 the castle underwent careful restorations overseen by a father and daughter team, Robert and Katharine Pooley, who brought it back to its former glory. Great care was taken to ensure that the authenticity of the castle’s history was retained while including all the modern comforts any visitor would expect. The successful result is a warm, welcoming, comfortable and intriguing Scottish castle.

The best of Scotland can be enjoyed at the castle and the surrounding countryside which is ideal for walks and a large variety of traditional Scottish outdoor activities such as archery, air rifle shooting, axe throwing and crossbow firing as well as horse riding, fishing and mountain biking.

Thrill your children with this fabulous Scottish castle holiday through Loyd and Townsend Rose here.

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Beach Rendezvous – Maui, Hawaii

Hawaii is a fantastic destination for families in spring with its beachfront access, heated pool, and huge lawn the five bedroom Beach Rendezvous villa by Hawaii Hideaways is the ideal family base in the archipelago.

The classic two-story beach home by Hawaii Hideaways enjoys a prime location right on a sandy beach of Maui’s South side. The airy interior decorated in neutral colors and natural fabrics has open plan living areas, high ceilings, hardwood floors, ceiling fans and air-conditioning to keep guests cool. Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors frame the stunning views of the tree-lined beach and the shimmering Pacific Ocean. The well-equipped kitchen contains everything you need to cook a great meal.

The downstairs master suite is furnished with a king-size bed, en-suite bath and outdoor shower. A queen guest suite with kitchenette and private bath is on the opposite end of the house off the kitchen, a second private entrance leads directly outdoors. The upstairs rooms include an en-suite master suite with a king-size bed and a queen guest suite that sharing a jack/jill bath with two twin bedroom.  An additional queen bedroom with private living space and small kitchen is located on the second floor with access via the upstairs living space or stairs directly to outside.

The covered patio is the perfect place to relax and watch the stunning sunsets over the ocean. A private solar heated swimming pool is set amidst island landscaping, surrounded by a small lawn. The beach is calm all year round and is shallow for a distance. Children will love spending their days shelling, shallow snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, taking beach walks or whale watching excursions. Nearby there is access to a mild surfing break, for teen beginners.

In the vicinity, there are many good restaurants and excellent shopping. The pretty town of Wailea, with further restaurants and shopping, is just a five-minute drive away and the airport is less than a 20-minute drive.

Enjoy the beauty of Hawaii on a relaxing family vacation with Hawaii Hideaways at this link.

There’s nothing like taking in the peacefulness of the mist over the mountains of Myanmar and Uganda, the quiet of the graceful plains of Kenya and New Zealand or the lapping of the waves on some of the world’s most stunning beaches. These are precious moments for travelers looking to escape the masses found at many popular destinations. If you would like to retreat from the buzz of your world, these exquisite luxury escapes are for you.

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Residence on the Rocks – Seychelles

The beautiful Residence on the Rocks is a private estate on the property of the Banyan Tree Resort, situated in the very south of Mahe on the main island of the Seychelles. This part of Mahe still has some virgin areas of indigenous forest and the Residence, is surrounded by this lush greenery and situated on a high ridge, offering absolute and total privacy facing one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The luxurious four-bedroom complex has a refined yet relaxed colonial, Creole style. This elegance is evoked in a collection of antiques and art objects from around the world collected by the villa’s owners. Two bedrooms are found in two separate guest houses, giving great privacy and making it a good fit for multi-generational families or groups of friends. One of the guest cottages has a separate access path through the gardens that allows a party to come and go without having to interact with the guests in the main house.

There are several large covered verandas where guests meet and relax. The gorgeous infinity pool is a favorite and the nearby plunge pool with some water jet action is generally enjoyed by the children. The Banyan Tree resort hosts one of their famous spas and massage experts are available at the spa or are willing to come to the Residence when booked in advance.

Guests of the Residence can make use of all the resort’s facilities, including a range of restaurants including a Thai and a Creole restaurant. In addition, the caretakers are pleased to take guests food shopping to local markets for acquire fresh fruit, vegetables and a range of seafood items. They can also assist with casual meals at the Residence.

The surrounding area has many lovely beaches, local Creole restaurants and other facilities in the South of Mahe or sailing, fishing or boating excursions to outer islands of the Seychelles can be arranged. Superb snorkeling and diving can be enjoyed on many of the beaches and occasionally killer whales and dolphins can be seen from The Residence’s pool deck.

The owners of Residence on the Rocks work closely with guests to plan the perfect trip to this unique, secluded part of the Seychelles, they can be reached here.

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Amara Mountain Resort – Myanmar

Lost in the mountains of Myanmar, the former British guest house Amara Mountain Resort is the ideal setting for getting away from the world. Located near Kalaw at an altitude of 1250 meters, some guest start switching off by arriving via a two-day hike from Lake Inle, though fear not, it can also accessed by bus, car or train or plane into Heho airport, a 45-minute drive away.

Built in 1909, the lodge has been restored and converted into a luxury hotel with a sophisticated colonial ambiance. The various lounges and separate dining room are decorated lovely turn-of-the-century antiques. With just ten rooms, each with an open fireplace, it is a comfortable and tranquil oasis.

You will absorb the peace and privacy while meandering the graceful English gardens, relaxing in the sauna or admiring the spectacular views from the terrace of the Kalaw and Shan Mountains.

Guests can partake in trekking through the Kalaw National Park, teeing off at the nearby 9-hole golf course, touring the colorful Kalaw market or the traditional villages of the Palaung, Danu and Pao people, where you can learn about the local customs and cultures.

Meals at the resort are all healthy, with a variety of traditional Myanmar and Western dishes made with organic fruit and vegetables from the estate’s garden.

Revel in the tranquility of Myanmar by staying with Amara Mountain Resort. 

Oualidia2ndEdits_-18 Villa SirineOualidia, Morocco

This stunning villa by Kensington Luxury Properties is in an elevated position above a winding tidal estuary, with panoramic views towards the sea and pastoral farmland. Designed to blend with the landscape, it sits in 2.5 hectares of grounds with lawns, a swimming pool, an extensive kitchen garden, an olive grove and natural farmland.

The villa is a wonderfully peaceful and relaxing place to bask in Oualidia’s ethereal light and space, whilst the sea breezes keep the temperature bearable even on the hottest days (there is air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter). With no neighbors for miles, all you’ll hear is the wind in the trees, birdsong by day, the frog chorus at night and the occasional hee-haw of a donkey. Its friendly, welcoming staff are there to take care of your every need, so all you have to do is relax, unwind and enjoy the view.

Built into the side of a gentle slope, the house is on two levels. On the ground floor, built around a large courtyard lush with palm, olive and orange trees, there are 4 double bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms, a TV room, a large sitting room, a dining room and a kitchen. Two fold-out single beds are available on request. A large roof terrace with extraordinary 360 degree views is reached via a staircase from the inner courtyard.

The sitting room opens onto an 80 ft veranda (25 m) with a wonderful view over the estuary to the sea, and plenty of comfortable seating from which to enjoy it. Try sitting here and watching the sun set over the Atlantic whilst sipping a delicately chilled Moroccan wine accompanied by olives from our own trees, flavoured with fresh rosemary from our herb garden. Bliss.

The dining room leads out onto a charming pergola with a large, green mosaic-tiled communal table and cushioned seating, wonderful for outdoor meals. Under the veranda on the lower level are two further double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and a ping pong room. All the rooms on this level overlook the estuary, fragrant eucalyptus trees and the swimming pool beyond.

The bedrooms are all spacious, with double beds, attractive rugs and original artworks. All beds have electric blankets in case evenings are chilly. All bathrooms have two sinks and a shower.

As water is very scarce in Morocco there are no bathtubs at Lagoon Lodge. Water comes from our own well, and we’re sure you’ll understand how valuable this resource is. We run an eco-friendly lodge. We heat all the water in the house using solar panels and recycle all our grey water through various filtration tanks. It is then used to water the garden.

Surround yourself in the beauty, tranquility, and luxury of Morocco with Kensington Luxury Properties.

majordomo_mahuwhenua_landscape47hero4-lake-wanaka-2Mahu Whenua – New Zealand

As a Mahu Whenua guest you will enjoy a full hosted, exclusive experience in total privacy on over 55,000 hectares (550sq km or 200sq miles) of majestic beauty – towering mountains, lush green valleys, native bush, forests and meandering rivers. In fact, this land is so private it was completely closed off until now, except for an annual endurance event that runs through this iconic piece of New Zealand landscape.

Located in New Zealand’s South Island just 20 minutes’ drive from central Wanaka, or a 15-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown airport, the Ridgeline Homestead & Eco Sanctuary at Mahu Whenua, available through MajorDomo, is easily accessible while giving you the feeling of seclusion and privacy on what is virtually your own private national park.

Mahu Whenua consists of four adjoining high country sheep stations – Motatapu, Mt Soho, Glencoe and Coronet Peak – which combined, stretch from Glendhu Bay in Wanaka all the way through to Arrowtown in Queenstown.

More than 90% of the land has been protected by covenants to ensure that sustainable farming practices and a plant regeneration and native bird breeding programme continue in perpetuity, making it the largest conservation undertaking on private land in New Zealand’s history.

You can discover more about this unique property here and can start planning your supremely secluded getaway with Majordomo at this link.

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Ranawara – Sri Lanka

Hidden behind the palms on a practically uninhabited stretch of coastline of southern Sri Lanka, Ranawara is exquisitely private. The stylish villa sits on 23 acres of tropical gardens next to a small coastal fishing village, 15 kilometres south of city of Tangalle.

The main villa extends over 46,000 sq.ft. of open plan living and five suites within. Two single-suite cottages are located on the grounds. The air-conditioned bedrooms have four-poster king size beds, Indonesian rugs and spacious en-suite bathrooms. The property also has a library, TV room, bar area, open plan kitchen and dining room, al-fresco dining pavilion, a spa and a 100 ft long swimming pool. The professional and discrete resident staff take care of all the needs of guests during their stay.

Your peaceful days can be spent relaxing by the pool, walking or lounging on the virtually abandoned beach or ambling through the estate’s gardens amidst the hundreds of coconut trees and tropical fruit trees including dragon fruit, green oranges, papaya, bananas, mango and wood apple.

If you choose to leave the haven of the villa, various excursions can be organized to nearby villages, turtles sanctuaries, the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort or boating excursions to go whale and dolphin watching.

Enjoy the secret beach paradise at Ranawara by contacting them here.

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Villa Ixfalia – Saint Barthlémey

The location of the Villa Ixfalia provides the “best of both worlds” as it combines extreme privacy with proximity to St. Jean Village’s vibrant scene of restaurants and shops as well as one of the island’s most popular beaches. Plus, the four bedroom villa, available through Saint Barth Properties, has stellar panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding lush green hills.

The open plan interior of the contemporary villa includes a living room, dining area and a sleek well-equipped kitchen that opens to a covered terrace, perfect for relaxing on the comfortable furnishings or savoring a delicious meal alfresco. The lovely beachy-rustic décor blends crisp whites with warm wood and accent pieces. The stunning vista can be enjoyed from almost every vantage point. All the four equally sized en-suite bedrooms have king beds (one has a king/twin option) and glass sliding doors to showcase the phenomenal ocean views.

An L-shaped heated infinity pool surrounded by plush day beds is the focal point of a vast deck. There is also an intimate lower deck for a quiet moment away from your group. Guests can workout in the air-conditioned mini-gym located in a separate bungalow and a challenge each other to a game or two on the bocce court.

Enjoy a quiet oasis with the benefits bustling St Jean by contacting Saint Barth Properties at this link.

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Cottar’s Bush Villa – Kenya

For those that want absolute privacy in the Maasai Mara, combined with dedicated and discrete staff, award-winning guides, and an abundance of wildlife, Cottar’s Bush Villa offers the only real private luxury home in the Maasai Mara.

Cottar’s Bush Villa has a breathtaking view onto the savannah plains that carry the great annual wildebeest migration, and is set amidst a backdrop of the Olderikesi Hills. Guests can enjoy privately guided game drives, night game drives, bush walks, swimming in the Villas exclusive 25m pool to name but a few activities. Cottar’s Bush Villa is rented only on an exclusive basis, so privacy is guaranteed.

For the discerning client, Cottar’s Bush Villa offers complete privacy and is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature.

The Villa has its own 6,000 acre private conservancy and is situated one kilometre from the Masai Mara game reserve. This location provides easy access for day and night game drives to the Masai Mara game reserve and the conservancy, meaning you will rarely come across other vehicles. It’s the Masai Mara minus the crowds!

Envelop yourself in the calm and spectacular nature of the Masai Mara at Cottar’s Bush Villa by reaching out to them at this link. You can discover more about their excellent community engagement work here.

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L’Ilot Villa – Mauritius

Have your own private island getaway in Mauritius at the exquisite L’Ilot Villa by Villanovo. Located on a rock platform of 3100 m² approximately 100 m from the coastline in the lagoon of Roches Noires, the rustic chic villa offers complete privacy and comfort.

Accessed via a bridged causeway, the 300 m² villa is on a sand bed and surrounded by filaos trees. It faces northwest, offering  its lovely breezes, spectacular sunsets and awe-inspiring views of the turquoise lagoon, seen from any room of the house.

The villa sleeps six adults and two children in four bedrooms. The building and its interiors blend contemporary style with natural building materials such as stone, white or weathered wood, raw concrete along with natural fabrics, linen, comfortable and adaptable furniture.

The large open veranda with a view of the lagoon brings guests together, there is also a dining table under the trees and a 35m² deck overlooking the aquamarine sea, the perfect place for your evening sundowners or lunch with a view lunch with a view. An outdoor shower allows guests to cool down after swimming and a standby generator to start automatically ensures a continuous supply of electricity.

Savor the tranquility and superb sunsets at L’Ilot with Villanovo by reaching out to them here.

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Gahinga Lodge – Uganda

Located in the foothills of the majestic Virunga Volcanoes and bordering a lush and beautiful forest, Gahinga Lodge is the perfect place to unwind and experience a real away-from-the-crowds stay.

This exclusive Uganda adventure lodge, by Volcanoes Safaris, was built using local techniques, material, and design features. The main building has a rustic and inviting living room with a central fire, the ideal setting for relaxing after a long day exploring the surrounding forests. Guests can also spend some quiet time on the terrace and spacious sunroom adjoining the living area.

There six private, traditional bandas which have been renovated to offer unrivaled luxury in the region. Each one has a fireplace and an en-suite bathroom with showers and flush toilets. The bandas are accessed by traversing the lodge’s large, lush gardens.

Gahinga Lodge works very closely with the local Batwa Tribe. One of Africa’s oldest tribes, interactive tours through the community, dance performances and other cultural connections with the Batwa can be arranged as well as a range of other activities like Rwanda gorilla safaris.

Learn more about the history and mission of Volcanoes Safaris or contact them to enquire about booking.

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Villa Nektaria – Greece

With its ideal position at the tip of a peninsula in Amvrakikos bay, where three rivers merge into the Ionian Sea, the Villa Nektaria by White Key Villas is the ultimate luxury hideaway. The best of the mainland and the best of the sea unite at this unique villa which is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and families,

Well situated off the picturesque town of Vonitsa, home to a historic Venetian castle perched above one of Greece’s hidden gems, amazing Amvrakikos bay with its lagoons, reeds and endemic wildlife. The villa boasts its very own grove in addition to a citrus orchard and a small pond. Guests can enjoy these lovely grounds on long strolls and they provide children with hours of hide and seek or treasure hunts. The property’s in complete isolation allowing guests to enjoy moments of tranquility by the water on one of its three private or in the the large swimming pool.

The estate consists of a main eight-bedroom residence decorated in a classic yet homely feel and a newly-built guest house that has two additional rooms. The main residence has a well-equipped professional kitchen, where your professional chef and host serve delicious meals made with produce from the estate’s vegetable garden and fresh eggs right out of the chicken coup.

Have a well-rounded and tranquil experience of Greece with White Key Villas here.

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Schloss Kogl – Austria

With some of the most beautiful forests and mountains of Europe, Austria is an ideal place to retreat to nature. You can have an elegant escape at Schloss Kogl, an exceptional baroque castle in the heart of the the Salzkammergut lake district.

This gorgeous region, north of charming Salzburg was formerly the posh playground of Austria’s aristocracy, including the Emperor and the country’s intellectual and artistic elite. The area boasts pristine lakes, pre-alpine mountains covered in forests, quaint villages and elegant lakeside villas.

Built in 1750, Schloss Kogl has been in the family of the Barons of Mayr-Melnhof since 1872 (more on its history in this article). Extensive renovations where undertaken in the early 2000s to carefully restore the castle to its previous splendor. It is decorated and furnished in a refined fin-du-siècle style. In winter guests enjoy reading by the fireplace in the library and in summer the pool in the garden is a favorite gathering point. Anytime of year you can explore the bucolic grounds or test out their historic bowling lane. The grounds are also idyllic and are encircled by Austria’s largest privately owned forest, owned by the Mayr-Melnhofs.

It’s an excellent base for discovering the many natural and cultural sites of the area from boat trips around the lake to trekking in the national parks.

Experience the elegance of Austria’s heritage in the tranquil setting Schloss Kogl here.

 

 

 

For almost twenty years our experts at Volcanoes Safaris have been at the forefront of reviving tourism in Uganda and Rwanda. Described as a ‘visionary conservationist’ by the Financial Times, its co-founder Praveen Moman has fostered the evolution of these unique eco-luxury lodges, distinguished not only for their design, but also for their strong commitment to community engagement, advocacy for gorillas and environmental conservation. We travel to the lush mountains of Rwanda and Uganda to learn more about this exceptional tourism project.

Volcanoes Safaris’ Virunga Lodge, Rwanda

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