Vacation planning has always been a particular favorite of ours here at LuxeGetaways, and the impressive collection of luxury villa rentals around the globe makes the planning process that much more exciting. We love the freedom of selecting the ultimate worldwide destination for your next getaway, coupled with the expectation of finding a captivating place to make your “home” while exploring this destination.
For your consideration we have compiled a list with some of the finest villa options. Each is unique, each is representative of the place it dwells, and each offers unparalleled hospitality.
Some of these properties are very private, and provide all of the communal space you could want, just like home. A few others with smaller, multiple villas are included because larger families or groups may want the option of staying in their own space. And finally, several even have docks so you can bring your yacht, or can arrange for a yacht to add another element of luxury to your getaway.
Regardless of what best suits you for your dream holiday, we believe that you will find it here, and be inspired to begin planning your villa getaway. We’ll cover the list over several articles, so check back with us each week. Let’s begin this series with these sumptuous stays in glorious Italy.
Villa Amagioia, Bologna
Within the manicured grounds, olive trees, and vineyards of the Palazzo di Varignana Resort & Spa, you will find the completely private 4,000 square-foot Villa Amagioia. Complete with private swimming pool and stunning views, the stylish and elegant villa offers a timeless appeal.
Nearby: In this area of Emilia Romagna, guests can book a tour at Parmesan cheese maker; or a tasting at a prosciutto maker; or even a visit to one of the oldest factories producing traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena. Visit the Pavarotti Museum, in the legendary tenor’s home in Modena; or take a tour through the Ferrari museum, Maserati collection, or see the Lamborghini factory
Amenities: All amenities of the resort and spa are included. Chef and waiter for hire. Private landing strip nearby. Transfers arranged
Availability: Year-round
Rates: Weekly from $8,000 and Monthly $25,000 for 10 people. Rates are approximate, and vary by season.
Website: www.palazzodivarignana.com
Villa Sola Cabiati, Lake Como
Separated by just a short ride in a traditional or water limousine from the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the Villa Sola Cabiati offers impeccable service, and an extraordinarily regal setting for your holiday. It can be offered as an event space: from the intimate to the elaborate, the grounds are perfectly suited for romantic dinners, milestone celebrations, spectacular soirées, or languid afternoons of alfresco luncheons, sun-dappled picnics and treasure hunts for little ones.
Nearby: Visit the charming towns of Lake Como, spend some time at The Grand Hotel Tremezzo and swim in their lake pool. Or just marvel this wonder of an 18th century, venerated villa that was created to provide respite for Milan nobility during summer escapes.
Amenities: Full staff, helicopter, butler, yacht and more.
Availability: April to October
Rates: Starts at $21,300 for 3 nights (event + 6 suites accommodation). Weekly rentals start at $37,290 (6 suites accommodation).
Website: www.grandhoteltremezzo.com
Villa Ercolano, Umbria
Villa Ercolano provides guests with breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the majestic Umbrian hillside. Once the summer home of a 12th century Roman lord (and later owned by an Italian movie producer), Villa Ercolano is also rich in beauty. Hand painted Italian frescos line the wisteria-encased pergola by the swimming pool. Landscaped gardens, fruit and olive trees, fragrant lavender and luscious grapes lead you inside to the villa’s century-old tile floors and restored luxury. The chef, Paola Rotini, uses all organic, freshly gathered ingredients. It is not uncommon for your berries to have been handpicked by Paola enroute to creating your meal. Experiencing “la dolce vita” of Tuscany can happen right at the villa via a pasta class, or learning about Italian olive oil, or just sipping a glass of Umbrian wine while listening to a live Opera concert.
Nearby: The location is perfect for day trips to Florence, Cortona, Arezzo, Perugia, Assisi, Siena, Gubbio, Orvieto, and Anghiari easy. Attractions include: • Piero della Franccesca’s museum and birthplace (Sansepolcro and Monterchi) • “Madonna” by Donatello (in Citerna, a small hilltop town) • Busatti, world famous 150-year-old working textile company • Lake Tasimeno, for fishing and water activities
Amenities: Daily maid service. Additional services include: chef, car, driver or rental, tours, cooking classes, wine visits, music presentations etc. are provided on request.
Availability: Saturday to Saturday from April through October. Holiday rentals are available on request from November through January.
Rates: Weekly rentals in-season range from $6,000 to $14,000. December to January Holiday rental rates start at $12,000 for the week. Monthly rates begin at $20,000. FALL EXPERIENCE packages are all-inclusive: airport transfers, lunch & dinner, daily transportation, music, daily tours and activities, cooking classes and maid service.
Website: www.VillaErcolanoUmbria.com
Monteverdi Tuscany, Tuscany
The Tuscany you have dreamed about is here in a living, working, medieval and hilltop village. The accommodations have been built into the bones of an ancient village with panoramic views of rolling fields and vineyards. On the property is the Castiglioncello del Trinoro, a centuries-old village in which Monteverdi is located, and is the site of the only privately sponsored archaeological dig in Tuscany. Monteverdi collaborates with the University of Siena, where scholars unlock secrets of the region’s Etruscan, Medieval and Sienese past by studying ancient fortifications and medieval castles. These archeologists have uncovered the original “fortress” of Castiglioncello adjacent to the hotel in a beautiful garden. Also visit the 14th Century Romanesque church, Chiesa di Sant’Andrea.
Nearby: The famous gardens of La Foce are only a few kilometers away. Castiglioncello is almost equal distances between Rome and Florence, and a short drive to the many hilltop towns of Tuscany – including Pienza, Montepulciano and Radicofani. Private day trips and excursions can be arranged via the concierge.
Amenities: 24-hour concierge, chef and staff to care for you. It provides the privacy of a villa, but with all of the amenities of a luxury hotel. The spa and restaurant are on-site.
Availability: April to November Rates: Daily rentals begin at $1,525 per night (low season). Weekly rentals begin at $8,715 per week (low season).
Website: www.monteverdituscany.com
Villa Padronale at Borgo Egnazia, Puglia
The stunning hotel Borgo Egnazia is reason enough to stay here. But for a truly exclusive experience, stay in the owner’s private villa, Villa Padronale. Situated between the sea and the countryside, Villa Padronale has a fantastic view of the Adriatic Sea, the hills of the Valle d’Itria and the adjacent San Domenico Golf course. Borgo Egnazia has two beautiful private beaches: the rocky beach club of Cala Masciola and the sandy beach, La Fonte.
Nearby: San Domenico Golf Club is located between the ancient city of Egnathia (5th Century B.C.) and the Savelletri marina – the course, flanked by Adriatic Sea was created following the USGA’s highest standards. Puglia is known for its culture and art, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites around the area. Visit Castel del Monte near Andria (believed to be a former hunting home of Frederick II). The region is rich in architectural beauty, from the idyllic towns of the Itria Valley (the breathtaking “trulli” of Alberobello and the “White Town” of Ostuni, to the small seafront villages of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli. Puglia is also home to the stunningly clear sea of the Salento; the Baroque buildings of Lecce; and is also known as “the Florence of Southern Italy.”
Amenities: Guests at the Owner’s Villa enjoy the exclusive service of three staff: a full time ‘massaia’, a butler and a personal ‘local adviser’. The Massaia: This literally translates to “housewife” or “housekeeper,” however, the word actually refers to woman is more than that; similar to an Italian “mama” the Villa’s massaia takes care of the house and family, prepares your daily breakfast and all the food with care, and is someone that you can immediately love. The Massaia will welcome guests and take care of them as if they were part of her own family. “Local Advisors” are always available for you during your stay to arrange bespoke experiences and excursions that only a true local would know about, whether it is visiting unique sites or exhibits, “off-map” tips, folk traditions or customized experiences.
Availability: Year-round for the hotel. Villa Padronale belongs to the hotel owner, so requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, due to availability and season.
Rates: Available upon request
Website: www.borgoegnazia.com
