If travel trends are any indication, today’s traveler is in search of all things that define the new luxury – privacy, exclusivity and access to beautiful natural surroundings. With the growing demand of villa accommodations, resorts around the world have enhanced the luxury elements of the vacation experience for travelers across all segments – from honeymooners and group getaways, to multi-gen families looking for opportunities to reconnect while being away from the distractions of crowded resorts.
With all the comforts, services and amenities of a resort within reach — from private chef-cooked meals to in-villa fitness classes and even direct ocean access (without having to travel around the world for it), these luxury villas from the Caribbean to Mexico, Central America and beyond, are perfecting the art of villa vacationing in today’s travel environment.
Explore 6 Favorite Villa Options
Wymara Resort & Villas | Turks & Caicos
Villa Views and Bright Ocean Blues | This Turks & Caicos resort offers guests more than just access to some of the world’s brightest blue waters, as luxury travelers can now book one of its seven four- and five-bedroom oceanfront villas that overlook the protected waters of Turtle Tail.
Just a short drive from Wymara Resort’s main grounds, the swanky villas draw inspiration from the island’s powdery sands, exuding an airy, breezy aesthetic complemented by designer furniture including Tucci umbrellas, Gloster Bay lounge chairs and Design Within Reach Adirondak chairs. The lofty kitchens feature Cuisinart appliances, Wolf cooktops and Sub Zero refrigerators, which come fully stocked to guests’ preferences while the adjacent living room’s high ceilings, plush couches and retractable televisions make it a great space for lounging and gathering.
The focus is clearly the private oceanfront infinity pools that are flanked by an over-the-water swim platform with direct ocean access. Hard to distinguish where the pool stops and the ocean begins, the deck peers out over reef-protected waters, offering guests a Maldives-style experience just a quick flight away from most cities along the east coast of the United States.
For added luxury, guests can request a VIP meet & greet upon arrival in a personal SUV, take advantage of the personalized concierge service, or reach out to the attentive on-site villa manager who can arrange everything from snorkeling excursions to a private yacht charter.
Casa Palopó | Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Colorful, Cultural Guatemala | Casa Palopó is perched above spectacular Lake Atitlán — famous for its natural beauty, three mesmerizing volcanoes and 12 colorful Mayan villages that dot its shores, each with its own personality. The private home turned boutique hotel offers just 15 uniquely decorated guest rooms, adorned with colorful walls, Latin American artwork and handwoven textiles made in Guatemala — all perfectly complemented by breathtaking views of the lake and the three volcanoes directly across. It is the first and only Relais & Chateaux property in Guatemala, guaranteeing an escape as exclusive as it is unique.
If privacy is more your thing, retreat to Villa Palopo, located 150 steps above the main hotel, which is complete with two helipads, three suites, a full kitchen, and the most incredible infinity pool you have ever seen. It is adjacent to an outdoor fireplace where a glass of wine is best enjoyed with views of the sparkling lights from the indigenous Mayan towns that line the shore of the lake. With villa accommodations also available in the charming and colorful city of Antigua, Casa Palopó is a culture-seeker’s dream.
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club | Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Elegance on the Cape | Nestled among the coast of Massachusetts, Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club has rightfully earned its spot as one of Cape Cod’s crown jewels. While the property offers two distinct types of accommodations between The Mansion and The Villages, multi-bedroom villas on both sides offer tranquil and secluded solutions to enjoy a Cape Cod escape.
Two- and three-bedroom villas are available on The Mansion side, as well as the Endicott and Edinborough collections at The Villages. These exclusive villas accommodate up to six and eight guests, each offering fully equipped kitchens, dining areas and living rooms. The Villages is also home to one-bedroom Arbor and Britterige villas. The collections of one-bedroom Britterige villas are fresh off a $5.5 million renovation – ideal for couples in search of some peace and quiet.
When not lounging within the villa, guests are able to take advantage of the plethora of activities available across the resort’s 429 acres, including five pools, 700-foot private beach, nine tennis courts, oyster bed tours, six restaurants, spa, golf, kayaking, biking, and more.
ACOYA Curaçao Resort, Villas & Spa | Willemstad, Curaçao
Island Vibes and City Life | For an under-the-radar destination that provides the perfect balance of bustling city-life and laid-back island vibes, look no further than the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao. Thanks to its colorful pastel buildings, cobblestone streets and unique architecture, the capital city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Willemstad feels like a slice of Europe in the Caribbean.
Surrounded by tropical gardens and built around a lake, travelers get both upscale seclusion and the modern city setting with a stay at ACOYA Curaçao Resort, Villas & Spa, centrally located in Willemstad. The beautiful, zen-like resort is just 10 minutes from the Queen Emma Bridge and island’s best restaurants – an Insta-friendly paradise reveled for its gorgeous multi-bedroom villas.
ACOYA offers one, two and three-bedroom spacious villas with private plunge pools, patios, full kitchens and an option to book an all-inclusive package that comes with three meals a day and snacks throughout. These expansive standalone villas offer unparalleled seclusion that travelers seek, and combine comfort and luxury to create a sense of peace and serenity.
Couples Tower Isle Oasis Spa Villas | Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Unlimited Relaxation | The all-inclusive oceanfront paradise that is Couples Tower Isle gives lovebirds access to endless luxury, romance and relaxation. The adults-only resort elevates the wellness experience with the Oasis Spa Villas that feature personal plunge pools, outdoor showers, private sun terraces and unlimited spa treatments. Facials, massages, scrubs and everything in between can be arranged through your spa concierge who is there to create your relaxed itinerary. Couples will reach a new level of bliss with a treatment in the comfort of their own villa or can take a short stroll to the award-winning zen spa.
When you are at peak relaxation, set sail with your love to Couples’ private island, savor island flavors at one of six on property restaurants or take on an aquatic adventure on a paddleboard, kayak or jet ski. Everything is included and the options are endless at Couples Tower Isle.
Caerula Mar | South Andros, Bahamas
Villa Living in an Eco Paradise | Caerula Mar is a brand new boutique luxury resort spread across a gorgeous stretch of powder-white sand without a single footprint. The property’s six private villas are steps from the shoreline, with an airy design accented with white and neutral tones, lofted ceilings, and touches like ocean-facing reading nooks and hanging prints of vintage black and white portraits of island locals.
The property’s minimalistic design lets nature be the star of the show, and the best performance happens when the stars come out at night. Aptly nicknamed ‘The Sleeping Giant,’ Andros is The Bahamas’ largest island, but least inhabited, with the world’s third largest barrier reef and greatest number of Blue Hole ocean caves – a true eco paradise for sun-worshippers and nature-lovers.
