For travelers looking to enjoy a private getaway, Luxury Travel Advisor suggests taking a look at some of the top villas to open up across the world in 2016 – from Europe to Mexico and the Caribbean.
Spa Sanctuary Villas, Banyan Tree, Acapulco
Banyan Tree Resorts opened two resorts in Mexico early this year – Mayakoba and Cabo Marques (near Acapulco). Both offer Spa Sanctuary Villas that come with its own outdoor area, private pool, and separated spa area with two treatment beds (outdoor space available).
Complete with the villas is a wellness program, which provides a “host” for guests to meet with upon arrival and plan a customized spa itinerary. Additional offerings include a Neck and Shoulder Massage or a Thai Yoga Massage in the morning, followed by an in-villa organic Wellness Breakfast.
Guests are privy to therapists who are on hand to provide unlimited massages from a menu of 10 selections, which range from Ayurvedic to Balinese and Lomi Lomi to targeted Sports Therapy, as well as Thai Classic massage, a Personal Hydro Experience, and Senses Reviver Foot Massage.
Luxury Travel Advisor suggests booking this experience as a couples’ – or even a small business – retreat. The spa villa concept is expected to expand to all Banyan Tree Resorts.
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| Villa One at One&Only Palmilla |
Villa One at One&Only Palmilla, Mexico
One&Only Palmilla in Mexico revealed their new Villa One back in April, offering travelers 14,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, which includes four bedrooms, a dedicated fitness trainer and spa therapist, a private screening room, a personally stocked pantry, a culinary and household staff, as well as a Butler Suite.
Guests will be able to enjoy their privacy as the villa comes with a private entrance, and for those who are looking for a view can enjoy the Great Room, whose doors open 30 feet for a look out and past the infinity pool, gardens, and sea. For meals and relaxation, guests can choose from the Breakfast Terrace, Dining Terrace, Upper Terrace with the pool, or the Lower Terrace with a fire pit.
Villa One is ideal for multigenerational families and other large groups, as room configurations include an 870-square-foot master suite, a second bedroom with a king size bed and a secluded sun deck, a third bedroom with two queen size beds and private patio, and a fourth guestroom with bunk beds.
The chef and culinary staff at the villa will prepare any meals requested, while complimentary margaritas and canapés are available throughout the door. And if guests wish to dine at the resort, they receive priority reservations.
Escorts to the airport and any activities (like deep sea fishing excursions, surfing lessons, and tee times) will be arranged by the house staff. Travelers staying a minimum of four nights will also get their choice of either a complimentary art walk to the Gallery District of San Jose del Cabo or yacht cruise through the Sea of Cortez.
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| Villa Garrovo at Hotel Villa d'Este |
Villa Garrovo at Hotel Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Italy
When Hotel Villa d’Este on Lake Como, Italy reopened this spring, Villa Garrovo opened with it. The villa was built in 1833 as a private hideaway, and has since served royalty, Hollywood stars, musicians, and writers.
Located close to the action, just steps from the Cardinal Building, one of the resort’s main “palaces,” the three-story villa was completely refurbished in 2015. As it’s situated now, it’s best suited for families or large groups due to its six bedrooms. In total, the villa comprises 7,535 square feet and has amenities such as a large living area, full kitchen, gym, relaxation room, veranda, and hidden garden.
Did we mention each of the bedrooms has marble bathrooms?
One must-do for guests at Hotel Villa d’Este is hire a self-drive boat to see the lake – no boat license required. Other experiences in the area that were suggested to Luxury Travel Advisor include: a pizza-making class with a local family in Lezzeno, the central lake area and spending some time with Marco Cassina of Peter Ci, known for his beautiful tailoring for both men and women.
And for guests who prefer to relax and enjoy their villa, they can enjoy drinks from the second-story terrace, which expands into a large patio.
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| Villa Vision at St. Barth Properties |
Villa Vision and Villa Monika, St. Barth Properties
St. Barth Properties is expanding its accommodations with Villa Vision in St. Jean and Villa Monika in Vitet, Saint Barthélemy in the Caribbean.
The three-bedroom Villa Vision is aptly named: it’s perfect for those looking for a view. Two of the three bedrooms have their own outdoor pavilions that overlook the sea. The location also provides guests with quick and easy access to the town and its local shops, restaurants, and one of the island’s most popular beaches.
Also available to guests of Villa Vision is its extra-long infinity-edge pool and even an air-conditioned library.
On the hillside of Vitet sits Villa Monika. This villa is perfect for couples and small friend or family getaways (although the master bedroom is located in a separate pavilion). Villa Monika has a very modern and clean design with a white-centric color palette. From the pool terrace and outdoor living and dining spaces, guests will get views of the Grand Cul de Sac’s lagoon.
Additional amenities include a full kitchen, sit-up bar, office area, and French king beds and Apple TVs in the bedrooms.