Charming blue-shuttered Provençal villa in St. Tropez

Villa Pearl is a charming blue-shuttered Provençal villa that enjoys a privileged location right on the edge of St. Tropez, yet is privately tucked away in the countryside amidst surrounding vineyards. The two story villa offers five lovely guest bedrooms, three with en-suite bathrooms. Shaded by olive trees and sweet-scented Mediterranean pines and surrounded by vineyards, the garden makes a tranquil and calming escape from the world. A covered terrace runs the length of the house, shading outdoor living and dining areas.  The large pool is set in the private garden and provides lounging areas under over-sized umbrellas.

Indoors, the main floor hosts ample living areas as well as the open plan, fully equipped kitchen and dining area, elegantly furnished in a classic style.  Light and airy, the living areas open directly to the terrace and outdoor living spaces.  A cozy fireplace provides warmth on chillier evenings. The main floor also provides two of the bedrooms, a playroom, TV room, a convenient powder room and the laundry room. The roomy master bedroom is on the upper level, includes a sitting area, and opens to the balcony. The master bedroom hosts an en-suite bathroom.  Two further double bedrooms are on the upper level and share an ample bathroom.  A one bedroom staff quarter is also onsite.

An oasis of calm and tranquility, Villa Pearl is roomy, bright, and secluded, while remaining close to the culture, dining venues, nightlife and beaches of famed St. Tropez. Prices range from $4,668 – $6,785 per night or $29,567 per week, sleeping up to ten people, from here.

Beautiful Villa Anacapri with breathtaking sea views

Villa Anacapri is exposed to both the north and the south on Capri Island, Italy, designed by Fabrizia Frezza Architecture & Interiors. The house, despite its small size, has two units within which are distinct and separate from each other. The small size of the rooms compounded by the fact that the light could not come inside because of the fixtures in the English style, with little glazed area and the fact that outside there was a heavy arbor wood which threw a shadow on the terrace and windows.

The exterior, however, with coverage at times and white plaster walls, was typical of Mediterranean architecture. Two major objectives of the project: create continuity between inside and outside, thus creating a typical Mediterranean inside and try to redouble square meters through a rationalization of the environments and routes internal, use of appropriate materials and open as possible to those on the outside terrace.

The structure is developed along the North-South axis, and it is along this direction which have been distributed to key environments, such as kitchen, dining room, living room, which go to form that ‘unique’ with the external environment through the use large glass surfaces and the use of the floor inside and outside. Thus, the small size of the villa, only 75 square meters, it doubles and the outside, the terrace which overlooks the living area, is experienced as an integral part of the house. The same material used for the floors, a stone made up, with dark gray, designed and made by hand to achieve, is also used for the bathrooms and kitchen, where sinks and showers are made to measure as small pieces of design, it always continued to give color to the surroundings.

While maintaining the appearance typical “island” with the white of the times and the walls, the project is for the design included a more modern, elegant and minimal at the same time with the furniture designed by Italian personally. The furniture in natural oak wood, fabrics and dark gray color complements vermilion red, which characterizes and contrasts the environments, introducing vibrant color to the unity of housing.

Elegance and design is the core of the project, every single object, from the smallest to the largest reflecting research and innovation. Wood, stone, brick and glass blend with each other through form and function giving soul and warmth than the built and natural beauty that surrounds them. The long sessions of masonry terrace, covered with mattresses and pillows, sinuous move along the perimeter of the villa offering a joyful view of the sea and isolation of Ischia.

Luxury villa escape to the sultry island of Paros

 Sunny Side Villa is a brand new luxury vacation dwelling situated on a sandy beach with a swimming pool literally on the sand of Chrisi Akti in Paros, Greece designed by Studio 265 Architecture + Building. This 3,875 square foot (360 square meters) property has been built as a long flat unit and it has a guest house almost attached to it. All bedrooms have sea views and direct access to the pool area and all the comforts of a luxury construction. There is a main house with three bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, large living and dining area and a kitchen. An independent guesthouse has a bedroom with en-suite bathroom and a day bed, dressing room and small kitchenette as well as staff quarters. The land is comprised of 11,000 square meters and is planted with olive trees, fig and pomegranate trees and a vineyard. There is a small vegetable and aromatic plants garden. This unique beach house is ideal for families or a group of couples!

Photos: Courtesy of Studio 265 Architecture + Building

Romantic getaway to the exclusive Vamizi Island

The ultimate barefoot beach paradise destination, Vamizi’s Private Villa Collection has been designed by South African architects who have are renowned for their commitment to creative design, sustainable development and responsible tourism, creating a unique style of architecture that draws on the multi-cultural influences of Mozambique. The Vamizi Villas are two brand new private villas, each with five en-suite bedrooms, a sweeping private deck for utter relaxation, and direct beach access for those wishing to dip their toes – and more – in the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

As with Vamizi Island lodge the service is impeccable, the food is surf-fresh and delicious and your days are your own to choose what you wish to do. Each villa has its personal hospitality team, on hand to talk you through all your options – from exciting and adventurous scuba diving and big game fishing to the more relaxing beach picnics, dhow excursions and whale watching (at certain times of the year). Other activities on offer include snorkelling, salt-water fly-fishing, mountain bike trails and bird walks. The local guides are very happy to lead fascinating walks to explore the island and find monkeys or birds.

Exclusive to the Vamizi Private Villa Collection is the Vamizi Retreats. On selected dates through the year, a four night retreat is offered, led by yoga instructor Claire Finlay. These are the ultimate in get-away-from-it-all relaxation, and are designed to rejuvenate both body and soul. In addition to morning and afternoon yoga sessions guests will enjoy a diving trip, a fishing trip and a luxurious massage during their stay. The perfect option for those wishing to retreat from everyday life, and spend a luxurious few days – guests are guaranteed to leave reinvigorated!

Book your luxury vacation getaway from here.

Luxury fantasy getaway to the Dusit Thani Maldives

Dusit Thani Maldives blends graceful Thai hospitality with the unparalleled luxury setting of the beautiful Maldives. Encircled by white sandy beaches, a rich house reef and turquoise lagoon, the resort on Mudhdhoo Island hosts 100 villas and residences. The resort features Beach Villas, Beach Villas with Pool, Lagoon Villas with Pool, Ocean Villas with Pool, and the exclusive Ocean Pavilions and Beach Residences, all offering a haven of modern sophistication with luxurious amenities and technology.

Dusit Thani Maldives fuses a fine selection of restaurants with uncompromising service and spectacular views. Retreat from the midday heat to enjoy poolside snacks. The Sala Bar is perfect for watching the sunset or star gazing. Elevated in a grove of coconut palm trees, Dusit’s signature Devarana Spa is one of a kind in the Maldives. Devarana Spa features six tree-top treatment pods nestled in to enhance the spa journey.

Located near Hanifaru Huraa, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve renowned as a feeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks, Dusit Thani Maldives offers guests diving and snorkeling; a 750 square meter swimming pool – the largest in the Maldives; fully-equipped fitness studio with personal trainer and yoga instructor; resident marine biologist; children’s play area and club facility; library with internet stations; and island boutiques.

The Fortress fantasy villa overlooking the Hollywood Hills

This striking, one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece is one of the most unique villas in Los Angeles, California. Designed by David Lawrence Gray Architects, Sunset Plaza Mansion sits on a privately gated half-acre plus promontory overlooking the Hollywood Hills. Part contemporary palace, part concrete fortress, this 10,369 square foot fantasy villa is unlike anything else in the neighborhood. The home belongs to DJ and producer Val Kolton, and has been coined the “King of the Hill” and has also been referred to as “The Fortress”. Inside the elements of steel, glass and concrete have been masterfully incorporated throughout the mansion.

The home boasts floor-to-ceiling walls of glass that captures 270-degree jet liner city views from downtown to the Pacific Ocean. A glass staircase escorts you over the voluminous, 60′ grand entry and into the lavish master bedroom suite, richly appointed with burl wood details and an opulent dual master bathroom. Additional features include a professional stainless steel kitchen designed by the Porsche Design Group, five bedrooms in the main villa, and two more in the detached gate house (which also has its own living room), a large screening room with a full-sized bar, billiards table, motor court, gym, Koi pond, motor court and a private outdoor swimming pool with a 12-person spa. Stunning any time of the day or night, The Fortress is truly an unparalleled architectural trophy.

This incredible mansion can be rented with prices starting at $3,500/per night, from here.

51 Degrees luxury thermal retreat in Switzerland

This stunning luxury resort property called 51 Degrees is nestled high in the mountains of Leukerbad, Switzerland has been interior designed by Marc-Michaels Interior Design Inc. This world-class exclusive getaway retreat hotel, spa and private residences features stunning snow-capped valley views of the mountains and trees. Leukerbad, a quaint resort town of only 1,400 is located in Wallis, Switzerland. It has been known since the Roman times for its thermal waters that pour out at 51° Celsius, or 124° Fahrenheit. The concept of the project is to celebrate the famous water both inside and out, starting with the project architect, Michael Graves, building the envelope in harmony with the site and surrounding village.

The interior design embraces a water theme throughout. Private residences enjoy their own personal spa features in each suite. This getaway retreat showcases stylish and contemporary interiors, with an elegant color palette against natural materials such as reclaimed oak, translucent white quartz, charcoal green slate and smoke grey granite. Expansive and airy floor plans reflect modern living tastes, a spirit which is reflected in the oversized proportions of the rooms as well as in the expansive windows in every room opening onto the magnificent Alps.

The residences are generous in size and limited to just 30. Fabulous for entertaining and serene living, the mountain homes offer 137-225m² of opulence. The elite residences are available in one, three and four bedrooms, kitchens with state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances and high-tech quartz composite worktops, bar with wine refrigerator and generous terraces or balconies. Blending seamlessly into the alpine environment, the elegant homes boast panoramic views of the mountains and valley.

This is the world’s first development featuring indoor and outdoor thermal spas, with water from deep mountain springs tapped directly into each private residence. Each residence has its own dedicated, unlimited supply of Leukerbad’s fabled thermal water and mineral salts.

Each master suite has its very own personal spa facility, with an indoor-outdoor soaking pool, a steam room and an indoor master bathtub, all of which are fed by dedicated water lines directly from the thermal spring. Most sublime of all is what is probably the best bath in the world. Made of heavy, dark wood and situated next to both the suite’s fireplace and the folding glass wall with its majestic view of the Alps, the massive free-standing soaking tub is the ultimate indulgence.

One of the more decadent indulgences is the sumptuous moon bath, an oversized soaking tub set into the Concetto stone slab on every terrace. Designed for either solitary or social use and accessible from both the master spa suite and living area, and equipped with Jacuzzi water jets, this larger tub can accommodate up to six people. With the outdoor fireplace close at hand and surrounded by history’s most fabled mountains, the outdoor soaking tub is the perfect way to relax.

There will be an impressive array of luxury amenities awaiting residents, including a 5-star hotel, 900m² spa with treatment rooms, fitness studio and pool, restaurants, wine bar, private lounge, private wine cave, screening room, game rooms, children’s club, panoramic lobby/salon area, branded boutiques, doorman, ski valet and expert concierge services.

Luxurious Singita Serengeti House in Tanzania

Singita Serengeti House, an exclusive-use retreat designed for families and friends, has opened in the 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserves in the heart of the Serengeti in northern Tanzania. Located on the slopes of Sasakwa Hill with breathtaking vistas of the endless, open plains of the Serengeti, the house is Singita’s response to a growing demand from discerning travelers for privacy and flexibility. Top South Africa design team, Cécile & Boyd’s, crafted the exquisite interiors.

While what lies outside is rather spectacular, the interiors of Singita Serengeti House are also something to behold. Throughout the house, ample indoor and outdoor lounging and dining areas, all with uninterrupted views, provide relaxing spaces for guests to truly immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding landscape while enjoying each other’s company. A cool neutral palette of subtle, sun-bleached colors mimics the Serengeti grass plains, bringing the outside in.

The house accommodates eight people in two suites in the main house and two further guest suites on either side of the main house, connected by pathways from a central pool deck with a 25-metre rim-flow lap pool. There is also a private tennis court, mountain biking and archery.

Early morning and late-afternoon game drives may be interspersed with vigorous swims or lazing around the pool with a good book, a game of tennis, a cooking lesson in the private kitchen from the resident chef, spa treatments or mountain biking. Making it up as one goes along is part of the magic of taking up residence at Singita Serengeti House. There is a waterhole right in front of the house, which is a favorite drinking spot for general plains game as well as a breeding herd of elephant.

Mirror is used throughout the house to maximize light and space. Humble materials in natural fibres, rattan, grass matting, polished cement floors, bleached, raw timbers and local stones bring an honest, earthy feel to the understatedly glamorous, boldly proportioned, light-saturated rooms curated with a modern African art collection by Kurt Pio and Sarah Pratt, artifacts and objects, and anthropologically relevant tribal sculpture. All the decorative pieces were designed and commissioned or sourced by Cécile & Boyd’s, including witty eye-catching paper-mâché hunting trophies and leather thong chandeliers inspired by Masai skirts.

All the suites have spacious bathrooms designed as luxurious extensions to the bedroom and living areas, with outdoor showers and private terraces.

Maison d’Ulysse: Guest house with Mediterranean charm

The Maison d’Ulysse is an historic 17th century fortified farmhouse in the South of France and bears the name of one of its former owners, the archaeologist and poet Ulysse Dumas. Dumas (1872-1909) is a major figure in local history. He made important archaeological discoveries about the prehistoric settlement of the region. Since that time, the farmhouse and its garden have retained a great deal of their poetry, as can be seen from the mulberry trees, ancient oaks and fig trees which border the property. Today, the house – which is listed by the “Fondation du Patrimoine” heritage foundation, with a label for its historical value – is one of France’s finest high-class guest houses.

Inside, you will be immersed in the magic of the house, which has been restored with due respect for its authenticity. Settle down in the comfort of your luxury guest house room and rest in the coolness of its natural limewashed walls. You will be charmed by the contemporary decoration, combining modernity of lines and sobriety of materials, from the Baron Perché room to the Chant du Mûrier suite. Round-off your well-being stay with a swim in the magnificent swimming pool, before relaxing in the spa area and Turkish bath. Then take a stroll in the Mediterranean dry gardens, where luxuriant perennials, shrubs and climbing plants grow side by side.

To stay at the beautiful La Maison d’Ulysse, prices range from $160 – $400 per night, from here.

Tropical Tree House Lodge in Costa Rica

On the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica you’ll find the jewel Tree House Lodge in the Gandoca Manzanillo Refuge. The complex is located on a 10 acre ocean front property in the famous Punta Uva beach, just south of Puerto Viejo in the province of Limon. This beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Total privacy, a natural tranquil atmosphere, and full relaxation are keywords for the time you will spend at the tree house. With your own beach access and 300 meter private beach front, you won’t have to meet anybody else during your stay at this romantic hideaway. They have a one of a kind botanical garden boasting over 50 different palm trees, and the largest Heliconia collection in the area attracting many exotic birds.

The Tree House, built on tall stilts, is a back-to-your-childhood house submerged by forest, with a sloped wooden suspension bridge leading steeply to its front door. Inside it’s split level: upstairs, has a bed and a small en-suite bathroom; downstairs, are two more bedrooms and a kitchen. All of the furniture is hand carved sustainable wood, windows are open but screened against bugs, while scarlet Birds of Paradise flowers provide splashes of color. The shared bathroom is on ground level where there is a fabulous 100-year-old Sangrillo tree which shelters a toilet in one trunk fold, an outdoor shower in another and a mirror is framed with seashells.

Rooms start at $200 per night (without taxes and fees) based on two people staying together, from here.