The world is a magical place – especially when enjoying an unforgettable getaway in an over-the-top vacation villa. When it comes time to choose your next vacation, you are free to explore different destinations while immersing yourself in your favorite interests — architecture, history, culture , gastronomy, art, literature, aviation, beach, fishing, yachting, stargazing, le sportif, or even romantic pleasures. In our continuous search to discover exceptional places for you to consider, LuxeGetaways offers some of the most inspiring and extraordinary properties around the world in our “Over The Top” category. As with our other Luxury Villa Rentals features; each is unique, each extraordinary, and each is yours to reserve.
Chateau Challain | Loire Valley, France
Chateau Challain is a fairytale French castle for modern couples. Restored to her former grandeur as a chateau, and once owned by the Rochefoucauld family, it includes a tiny chapel, stunning marble staircase, and beautifully manicured grounds. Chateau Challain is a world-class, yet intimately private place for your dream wedding. Owner and event planner Cynthia is highly gifted in interpreting her bride’s vision into an event of grandeur at the castle. Suites here are opulent; each decorated in a different historical style, and there is enough hand-painted silk wallpaper, carved furniture, balconies, and manicured gardens to make every Cinderella happy.
Nearby: Angers is 40 minutes away and was an intellectual center in 1400’s. Today, it is a university city with many pedestrian spaces and local cafes. The city has a medieval chateau where the 14th century tapestry Tenture de l’Apocalypse can be viewed. Nantes is an hour away, and offers the Jardin des Plantes de Nantes botanical garden. Les Machines De L’Ile de Nantes is a museum of sorts with a carousel park and also has performances of magical mechanical animals. Of course you should also make a day trip to the heart of wine country.
Amenities: Private chef and housekeeper. Optional services (wedding) and transfers can be arranged.
Availability: Year-round
Rates: Weekly rentals range from $30,000 (low season) to $50,000 (high season).
Website: www.chateauchallain.com
Domaine d’Ares | Provence, France
Without a doubt, Domaine d’Ares in the South of France has one of the most remarkable, landscaped gardens in the region. The “Jardins à la Française” with XVIIIth century fountains in the African Garden and the Portuguese Medicinal Herb Gardens create an outdoor sensual delight in which to commune with nature. The Estate is immaculately kept with luxurious furnishings, lovely antiques and refined interiors. But for those who love spectacular gardens, the real focus here are the incredible garden “rooms” and views of the garden from your suite.
Nearby: Explore the magical villages of Saint Rémy de Provence or the picturesque medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Attend a festival in Arles, Avignon, Nimes, or one of the major summer festivals in Aix en Provence (opera), Orange (opera), or La Roque d’Antheron (piano).
Amenities: Concierge service 24/7, housekeeper, estate manager, cook, gardeners, two heated pools, and tennis courts.
Availability: Year-round
Rates: Approximately $22,000 per week
Website: www.ultravilla.com/unique-properties-and-events
Villa Nevaeh | Lesser Antilles, Anguilla
In a clever twist of a name, Nevaeh is “heaven” spelled backward. This heaven on earth is a supremely relaxing masterpiece that raises luxury to new heights with an elegant oversized kitchen, theater, media room, tennis/basketball court, 8 bedrooms (including a master suite ideal for guests with impaired mobility), staff of 10, and a state-of-the-art golf simulator. First impressions are everything, and here guests are greeted by antique Balinese temple doors that open to a serene Japanese courtyard and traditional garden – creating a blissful welcome to a world of inspired refinement. Located in the island’s fashionable West End, the property is set on one acre of landscaped gardens that step down to a half-mile of pristine beach. To enhance the sense of seclusion, five of the bedrooms are in the main house, with three more in a guest pavilion among the flowers and foliage.
Amenities: Personalized “meet and greet service” upon arrival, media/entertainment room, gym, golf simulator with golf clubs, fresh-water infinity pool with waterfall and large hot tub, floodlit tennis court/basketball court, breakfast daily, beach volleyball, and a 9-seat home theater with Xbox.
Availability: Year-round
Rates: Approximately $8,000 per night, or $53,000 per week. (Low Season)
Website: www.leviticuslifestyle.com
Royal Residence at Jumeirah Vittaveli | Bolifushi Island
The Royal Residence at Jumeirah Vittaveli is a five-bedroom retreat with a main Sanctuary, two Guest Villas, and a two-story Guest House offering the perfect private hideaway to share with family and friends. The Royal Residence features a private spa pavilion, gym, two pools, outdoor and indoor living areas, stunning bathrooms, a dedicated Teppanyaki restaurant, as well as a fully stocked professional kitchen by nolte™ with a wine cellar. The Residence’s combined living and dining pavilion leads out onto an expansive deck, which wraps around a full-sized pool. Additionally, a fragrant lily pond surrounds a sunken lounge. Separate service quarters can accommodate up to four staff. Your luxury private beach holiday in the Maldives begins with a personal welcome on arrival at the airport, followed by a short transfer by private yacht.
Nearby: Private beach at The Royal Residence, five shipwrecks for diving within 5-10 minutes by boat, Manta Ray Point 2 hours by boat, Whale Shark Point 4 hours by yacht, and Male City with Mosque, fish market 20 minutes by boat.
Amenities: CIP Lounge service at the airport upon arrival, private luxury return transfer, daily breakfast served in the Residence or restaurant, daily early evening champagne and canapés, three hours of spa treatments per stay at the private spa located in the Sanctuary, 24-hour Resident Butler service, personal fitness trainer services, daily laundry service for up to 15 pieces, private chef, wellness consultant, dedicated Buggy with Chauffeur, and resort security (private island resort).
Availability: Year-round
Rates: Weekly rentals begin at $245,000. Monthly rates begin at $1,050,000.
Website: www.jumeirah.com/jvroyalresidence
Villa Amarapura | Phuket, Thailand
The name Amarapura means “paradise” in Sanskrit. And that is an apt description for one of the largest beachfront properties in Phuket. Designed by Philippe Starck with an easy-elegance and welcoming style with high ceilings and expansive indoor-outdoor spaces, it opens beautifully to views of the ocean. The stunning view of Phang Nga Bay can be seen from almost every room. Facilities include 2 swimming pools, Jacuzzi, basketball court, golf green, golf simulator, fully-equipped gym, spacious lawn, cinema room, games & entertainment room, kayak and paddle boarding.
Nearby: Beaches, island hopping, scuba diving, snorkeling, golf and yachting.
Amenities: It is fully staffed, including a dedicated manager, chef, housekeeper, concierge, 24-hour security from the estate, and airport transfers.
Availability: Year-round
Rates: Weekly rentals range from $23,000 to $54,000.
Website: www.theluxurysignature.com/property/villa-amarapura-phuket
GeeJam Cocosan Villa | Greater Antilles, Jamaica
Cocosan Villa sits 600 feet above sea level with stunning views over Portland’s coastline. The design combines local materials to create a tropical, yet contemporary atmosphere. The villa’s large windows and doors allow for views, connection to the outdoors, and natural cross ventilation. The design ethos keeps with Geejam’s signature contemporary style and clean line aesthetic – along with a nod to pop culture, as the founders are two music producers.
Nearby: There are several great beaches, including Frenchman’s Cove, Winnifred Beach (locals “Rasta” beach), legendary Blue Lagoon, and Long Bay Beach (surfing). You can also visit the town of Port Antonio, Musgrave Market, and Errol Flynn Marina. Additional activities include Reach Falls, Sommerset Falls, a visit to Boston Bay Jerk Center (birthplace of jerk cooking), and rafting down the Rio Grande River.
Amenities: Guests have access to Geejam Hotel & Recording Studio, private gym, 24- hour concierge. Private chef, security, helicopter, and car or air transfers can be arranged upon request. A very unique amenity is that guests have access to classic sports cars, including a 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider, a 1967 Mercedes SL Sports Pagoda, and a 1978 Rally Fiat 124. Guests will be able to drive certain cars themselves, or ride with one of Geejam’s experienced drivers.
Availability: Year-round
Rates: Nightly rates range from $4,500 to $6,000 (high season w/ minimum stays).
Website: www.geejamcollection.com
Villa Rockstar, Eden Rock | Saint Barthélemy, French West Indies
Villa Rockstar is just that, a stupendous private villa to relax in like a rock star. Part of the luxurious Eden Rock retreat in St Barths, it is built on a rocky promontory, surrounded by white sandy beaches, and turquoise sea. There is no match for the impeccable attention to detail and luxurious relaxation here.
Nearby: Gustavia, a busy port home to sailing yachts and stylish shops. The town has hints of 18th century Swedish history. The stunning location in the heart of the island allows guests to easily stroll to vibrant shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants in the village of St Jean.
Amenities: Personalized “meet & greet” with VIP Transfers, 24-hour butler and personal staff, stocked Glen Affric whiskey bar, private gym, security services on request, world-class dining (by Chef Jean-George Vongerichten) is featured at On the Rocks, Sand Bar and Rock Bar, and The Eden Rock Spa offers a holistic paradise in partnership with Linge St Barth.
Availability: Year-round
Rates: Rates begin at approximately $20,000, per night.
Website: www.edenrockhotel.com
