Villa Update: The New Places to Stay

One&Only Palmilla, Villa One
One&Only Palmilla's Villa One offers ocean views from its infinity-edge pool.

The summer season isn’t too far off, and with the arrival of warmer weather comes a surge of travelers looking to enjoy the sun, sand and sea before it’s too late. For discerning travelers on the lookout for opulent accommodations this season, there are a number of new and notable villas that have recently opened around the world.

The New Villa One at One&Only Palmilla

As recently reported by Luxury Travel Advisor’s Natalie Maneval, One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico has debuted its latest accommodation option, Villa One. 

Complete with four bedrooms and an additional Butler Suite, guests have access to 14,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor space, including an infinity-edge pool and fire pit. Accommodations are ideal for multigenerational families and larger groups, as the space offers a great room and each bedroom comes in several different configurations. There is an 870-square-foot master suite, a second bedroom with a king size bed and a sun deck, a third room with two queen size beds and private patio and a fourth guestroom furnished with bunk beds. Doors in Villa One’s great room open 30 feet wide and offer views of the infinity-edge pool, gardens and the ocean, and views continue throughout the guesthouse. 

For guests looking to keep up with their wellness routine or fitness regimen, the villa has a dedicated fitness trainer and spa therapist, while Villa One’s culinary staff creates custom meals based on individual preferences. Additionally, the Villa Team can also design customized experiences including deep sea fishing excursions, full-day surf lessons and cruises on One&Only Palmilla’s Catari Yacht. 

Tip: Guests who book a stay of four nights or more in Villa One can choose between a complimentary art walk tour through San Jose del Cabo, or a private yacht cruise, which travels through the Sea of Cortez and offers views of Medano Bay. 

To book a stay, contact [email protected]

Villa Garrovo on Lake Como
The gardens at Villa Garrovo at Hotel Villa d'Este

Hotel Villa d’Este on Lake Como

Travelers looking for opulent accommodations while in Italy can book a stay at the new Villa Garrovo at Hotel Villa d’Este on Lake Como, situated in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region.

The three-story villa, originally built in 1833, has hosted royalty, Hollywood stars, musicians and writers alike. It was completely refurbished in 2015 and offers privacy as well as views of the property’s garden and lake. Set just steps from the Cardinal Building, one of the resort’s main “palaces”, the villa comprises 7,535 square feet of space, including six bedrooms, a large living area, a full kitchen, a gym and a relaxation room.

Guests staying here can soak up some sun on the veranda, which opens to a hidden garden, or enjoy drinks on the second-story terrace which extends to a large patio. 

As reported by Luxury Travel Advisor’s Natalie Maneval, VIPs staying at the property should hire a self-drive boat to see the lake through Andrea Grisdale, CEO of IC Bellagio, a travel agency that creates bespoke experiences in Italy. Grisdale advises that because these self-drive boats zoom around with less than 40 horsepower, there’s no need for a boat license. 

To book a stay, luxury travel advisors should contact Tamara Forlini ([email protected])

Villa Vision and Villa Monika

St. Barth Properties expanded its accommodations recently to include the new Villa Vision and Villa Monika

For travelers looking for a villa with a view, Villa Vision is ideal. The three-bedroom hideaway affords ocean views, and, as an added perk, two of the bedrooms include outdoor pavilions that overlook the ocean. During their stay, guests can also enjoy a dip in the villa’s extra-long infinity pool, or take a trip to nearby St. Jean to browse local shops, restaurants and one of the island’s most popular beaches.

Ideal for couples or smaller group getaways, Villa Monika is situated on the hillside of Vitet. The villa is also a nice option for families, as the master bedroom is in a separate pavilion. The design is modern with a crisp white color-scheme, and outside the pool terrace and outdoor living and dining spaces offer views of the Grand Cul de Sac’s lagoon.

Six Senses Seychelles Villa
Villas at Six Senses Zil Pasyon have private infity pools and sundecks.

Six Senses and the Seychelles

As recently reported by Natalie Maneval, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, located in the Seychelles, is slated to open this coming October on Felicite Island. 

Situated about 30 nautical miles northeast of Mahe, the resort will comprise 30 villas and 17 private residences and offer both mountainous terrain and swimming and snorkeling spots.  The residences are located on the top of the island and have 360-degree views, two swimming pools and a fully equipped kitchen. 

There are also 15 villas set on the east side of the island, facing Marianne Island, Petite Soeur and Grande Soeur Island, perfect for guests who want a great view of the sunrise. On the west side of the island, the other 15 villas include vistas of La Digue and Praslin Island and views of the sunsets.

Good to know: Because Zil Pasyon will be the only resort on the island, guests will have plenty of space at all the area’s prime beaches.

To plan a VIP stay, contact Jennifer Delord ([email protected])

Thanda Island

For the ultimate exclusive villa experience, why not book a stay in one that comes with its own private island?

As recently reported by Luxury Travel Advisor’s Mary Winston Nicklin, a new private island is accepting reservations in a private marine reserve off the coast of Tanzania, located in the Indian Ocean. 

Thanda Island is accessible only by boat or helicopter and is home to a luxury villa designed by Swedish owners Christin and Dan Olofsson. The villa has five suites that open directly onto the beach, as well as two traditional “'Bandas” offering additional accommodation.

Bespoke offerings include a Steinway piano, indoor aquarium, wine collection, cigar humidor, pool and wrap-around dining area affording views of the ocean. Outdoors, there is also a BBQ, cocktail bar, and pizza oven. For recreation, guests can enjoy sailing, fishing, beach volleyball, tennis and snorkeling, among other activities. 

Thanda Island is available exclusively for privatization at a rate of $10,000 per night, with a seven-night minimum stay in high season, including all meals and drinks, recreational activities, and return boat transfers from Mafia Island. There is also a dedicated staff for the duration of your stay, including a personal chef, housekeeper, hostess and boatman.