8 Dreamy Villas For a Totally Luxurious Trip 

By Esme Benjamin

A fancy hotel is always delightful, but nothing quite beats the seclusion and peace that a private villa provides. Nestled in the jungle or perched on the coast, these upscale villas blend unique aesthetics, five-star hospitality, and out-of-this-world amenities that take luxury to a whole new level. Assemble your favorite travel buddies and book your most luxurious vacation yet. 

Miavana by Time + Tide, Madagascar

Occupying the largest island within a secluded archipelago off mainland Madagascar, Miavana by Time + Tide offers travelers a luxury castaway experience via 14 elegant villas. Inside, minimalist decor made from local materials and an open-plan design create a feeling of spaciousness and tranquility. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private pool deck, and beyond that, an unspoiled beach with sugar-fine sand and lapping turquoise ocean. Each villa comes with a dedicated butler to take care of all your wants and needs, including arranging adventures, from trekking with lemurs to scuba diving with manta rays and dolphins in Miavana’s marine-protected waters.

Hawksbill Turks and Caicos

The Hawksbill Turks and Caicos is an idyllic Caribbean estate that’s perfectly designed to host the group getaway of your dreams. Firstly, there’s the location, right on the shores of Grace Bay, one of the Caribbean’s loveliest beaches. Secondly, there’s the amenities – a laundry list of out-of-this-world features including a dedicated staff (private chef, two butlers and two housekeepers), a hot tub, a fire pit, a pool big enough for swimming laps, a massage room, sports courts and a private dock for boat excursions. Originally created by its owners as a multi-generational family retreat, the Hawksbill can be rented as a six or eight-bedroom villa, or combined with the neighboring three-bedroom Hawksbill Beach House to accommodate a total of 22 guests. 

Sungai Jungle Villas, Bali

Situated on a riverbank in a sleepy Balinese village, 20 minutes from the surfer’s paradise of Canggu, Sungai Jungle Villas promises a private hideaway with the attentive service of a five-star hotel. Guests can pick from two eco-conscious villas, each with three bedrooms, a private pool, a spa room, and its own dedicated staff. For those who want to get out and explore the island, a concierge will arrange excursions that focus on authenticity – a market tour followed by a cooking class or a blessing ceremony at one of Bali’s ornate temples, for example. On days when you’d rather relax, a private chef will serve nutritious meals in the dining area and a massage therapist is on-hand to provide treatments.

North Island, The Seychelles

Destinations don’t get more paradisiacal than North Island, a jungle-clad private island in The Seychelles, encircled by diamond-dust sand and crystalline water. North Island is home to just one luxury hotel – a collection of 11 thoughtfully designed villas, plus a restaurant, beach bar, gym and spa that blend seamlessly into almost 500 acres of unspoiled nature. Hidden among quiet coconut groves, each 450 sqm villa has its own pool and direct access to the beach, creating an intimate retreat that’s perfect for romantic escapes (no wonder North Island is a favorite among honeymooning celebrities). When you’re ready to leave the privacy of your villa there are a myriad of ways to explore the surrounding nature, from hiking with conservationists and cycling through the jungle, to stand-up paddle boarding and scuba diving. 

Aldea Canzul, Mexico

Tucked away in a serene enclave steps from Tulum’s buzzy main strip, you’ll find Aldea Canzul, a collection of three elegant villas designed with guest’s relaxation in mind. Mexican architecture and neutral-hued interiors soothe the senses indoors, while lush gardens, private pools and beach views cultivate tranquility outdoors. When you want an adventure, Aldea Canzul’s concierge will help you book experiences like yoga, kitesurfing or a temazcal (a traditional sweat lodge ceremony). In a more low-key mood? Take advantage of the private chef for hire and enjoy an alfresco dinner just for you and your travel companions.

Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla

At this glamorous coastal resort, Moroccan-style domed villas nestle among shimmying palm trees on Maundays Bay – a picturesque beach known as one of the most beautiful in Anguilla, if not the entire Caribbean. Water sports, from sailing to scuba diving, feature heavily on Cap Juluca’s list of recommended activities, but you’ll be equally content taking full advantage of the resort’s impeccable beach service, including reserved loungers and sun umbrellas, food and drinks service, and complementary chilled towels. Alternatively, relax by your villa’s private pool with your dedicated host on call. 

Keemala, Thailand

At Keemala, a luxury hillside resort on the Thai island of Phuket, a local legend about four clans has inspired four unique villa types: Clay Pool Cottages, Tent Pool Villas, Tree Pool Houses, and Bird’s Nest Pool Villas. Distinctive in terms of design (we particularly love the woven exterior of the Bird’s Nest Pool Villas), each villa comes with its own dedicated host and private pool for secluded dips. The resort’s emphasis on wellness is evident everywhere, from its relaxing spa and holistic retreat offerings, to its schedule of fitness classes and gourmet healthy dining options. If you want a restorative break complete with nature immersion, Keemala is the place to come. 

Le Collectionist Villa Hillside, Costa Rica

Perched above Santa Teresa, Costa Rica’s trendy surf town, Le Collectionist’s Villa Hillside offers guests unobstructed coastal vistas all the way to the horizon. Sunlight-drenched rooms and an open-plan living space make this four-bed villa the ultimate retreat for a group seeking privacy while still being within a stone's throw of town and the beach, which are an easy 10 minute walk away. To elevate your vacation even more, Le Collectionist will help you customize it to your needs with a list of a la carte services (from airport transfers and grocery delivery to babysitters and personal chefs for hire), and bookable experiences specific to your destination.

* Featured image courtesy of Sungai Jungle Villas