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

Luxurious Tuscan villa with enchanting gardens

Tucked away in the Tuscan hillside not far from the cultural centers of Florence and Siena, Borgo Santo Pietro is a luxurious thirteenth century private retreat set within 13 acres of enchanting gardens. A resting place for pilgrims en route to Rome 800 years ago, this ancient site continues to provide sanctuary to its guests today. Elegant and sympathetically designed interiors and grounds provide the perfect setting to experience sheer indulgence.

All of the rooms are unique and have been created to reflect authentic luxurious Italian style that gives the guests the sense of staying at an exclusive, ancient country villa. With fifteen guest room, eight of which are suites, each room provides a sitting area and a view to remember. The extensive grounds at Borgo Santo Pietro include an orchard, organic fruits and vegetable garden, tranquil lawns and a beautiful pool as well as a tennis court, basketball court and a bocce pitch for the more active guests. A playground is set away from the peaceful seclusion of the garden.

Innovative, world class cuisine created from the villa’s private organic gardens, a velar of fine international and Italian wines, spa treatments, impeccable service and passionate attention to details are set in a refreshingly relaxed and intimate environment. Borgo Santo Pietro offers ultimate quality with the personal touch for truly exclusive escape in the breathtaking surroundings of Tuscany.

Prices for guest rooms range from $488.79 – $1,166.58 per night, from here.

Contemporary German villa surrounded by forest

SU House is a contemporary villa situated at the edge of a forest in the south of Stuttgart, Germany, designed by Alexander Brenner Architects. The villa has been thoroughly designed down to the smallest detail, built for an art lover and her family. From the architects, “From the piazza at the entrance to the site a silvery garage structure leads past the upper garden with the lake and the “morning patio” with its pebble stone flooring to the entrance on the north side.
Following the entrance hall the large dining table is placed below a two-storey void and lit by a skylight.

The removable floor-to-ceiling glazing opens up at right-angle to the terrace, so that the inside merges with the roofed over outside in the summer months. The kitchen was designed as an eat-in kitchen. It works either as a closed space or thanks to the wide sliding door as a part of the whole. A large, broad fireplace directs to the living area, which was planned as a more secure and intimate place. A full-width skylight at the back sends light beams onto the wall with paintings and sculptures.”

From the southern office- and workspace a narrow sculptural staircase leads down to the studio. This two-storey high, almost sacral area serves to present works of art – a passion of the client. Right next to the studio a storeroom for artwork is attached.

In the upper storey all bedrooms and the corresponding bathrooms are arranged around the gallery. The master-bedroom with fireplace, dressing room and bathroom is designed as an interconnected “private area”. The covered roof terrace, positioned in front of the bedroom offers a mile-wide view to south-west. Even more breathtaking is the view from the overlying roof terrace.

The majority of the garden level consists of the pool and spa area. The part of the sauna and steam bath is an introverted area which is kept in warm red and gold tones all around. The indoor swimming pool on the other hand opens with a floor-to-ceiling glazing towards the lower south-west part of the garden.

Photos: Courtesy of Alexander Brenner Architects

Luxurious Villa Dorata perched on the Amalfi Coast

Spotted on Italian Villas, Villa Dorata overlooks the scenic village of Positano, Italy and offers spectacular, panoramic views of the sea. This private four bedroom palazzo is luxuriously decorated in high-Baroque style from the elegant jewel tone hues to the ornate chandeliers, lavish tasseled draperies, exquisite frescoed ceilings, vaulted alcoves, and plush-cushioned furniture. Step onto the picturesque terraces and you will be surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant citrus groves, a garden of delights. The terrace offers guests an absolutely breathtaking panoramic view of the colorful houses that line Positano beach and as far out as the exotic Galli islands, completely surrounded by the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea.

The formal living room, adorned with gilt-framed artwork, opens through double doors to a verdant front terrace. Read by the firelight in the nearby study/sitting room, and then adjourn to the dining room, which leads to a grand, professional kitchen highlighted by a full stone fireplace and two pizza ovens as well as a private wine cellar. Downstairs, revel in a full-service private spa offering a Turkish steam bath, hot-and-cold water showers, sauna, Jacuzzi with oxygen-therapy, massage room, and exceptional tiled indoor swimming pool with waterfall and resistance-swimming option.

Step onto the private terrace to enjoy the views and an antique-tiled fountain with massage stones. On the first floor, two master bedrooms with sitting rooms and en-suite bathrooms both open onto a spectacular sea-view terrace. On the second floor, two suites overlooking the Mediterranean (and either Positano or the gardens), both offering private access to gardens with lemon and orange trees.

To stay at this fabulous villa, prices range from $2,824 – $3,766, from here.

Luxury Provencal hideaway on the Bay of St. Tropez

This luxury charming villa has recently been restored to an exceptionally high standard, in a luxuriously contemporary, Provencal style, retaining its original charm and character by its designer owner. Set within an acre of stunning floral gardens, making it extremely private and within the exclusive gated domain of Beauvallon, Villa La Chenoiserie boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of St Tropez. Decorated in an elegant, luxurious style, the villa retains charming features such as the big open fire in the living area, and cool stone floors. The place is filled with gorgeous French furniture, delicate fabrics and vintage armoires.

La Chenoiserie features four bedrooms each with en-suite or private bathrooms. Additionally, there is a two bedroomed garden cottage, which also has its own living room, kitchen and bathroom. The main house offers a spacious internal living/dining area and open plan kitchen, plus library/study. Outside, there is a covered loggia leading off the living area, a large pool with its delightful pool house and ample terracing which offers secluded relaxation amidst the luscious gardens with a breathtaking view over the Bay of St Tropez.

This luxury villa is attended by dedicated members of staff, during the high summer season, giving you the opportunity to totally relax, as the villas staff will attend to your every need from preparing breakfast in the morning to candle lit dinner in the evening prepared by a gourmet chef overlooking the twinkling lights of the Bay.

Rates at Villa La Chenioserie are from 15,538 per week, from here.

Tantalizing Villa Belle set hillside in Koh Sumai

Villa Belle is a spacious and luxurious three bedroom villa, set in lush sloping tropical surroundings on a hillside overlooking the captivating bays of Choeng Mon and Plai Laem in Koh Sumai, Thailand. Designed to encompass wide panoramic vistas, Villa Belle enjoys these exquisite backdrops from any platform. This impressive villa features slate walls and ornamental ponds fringed with traditional Asian carvings, leading guests to the uniquely designed wrought iron main entrance. Arranged over two levels, the home is comprised of three spacious luxurious bedrooms, an open plan lavish living area including gourmet kitchen, banquet dining and sumptuous lounge.

Once inside, the impressive vaulted ceilings exude wow factor, in this uniquely designed open plan living space, flanked by floor to ceiling disappearing walls of glass. The villa has been exquisitely furnished throughout in an elegant contemporary Asian style, fused with antique accessories of the Orient, reflecting a luxury tropical island life style. Soft colors of white and cobalt blue blend with the beautiful coastal surroundings mingled with soft black accents creating an interior designers dream villa, with impeccable attention to design detail.

Blurring the divisions between indoor and outdoor living, the wrap around expansive wood terrace unfolds to feature an 8 meters Balinese style infinity edge swimming pool, large outdoor lounge sofa seating, with BBQ deck for that ultimate alfresco dining experience.

Villa Belle offers cool and contemporary accommodation in a breathtaking location, with rates ranging from $400 – $975 per night, from here.

Spacious Brazilian villa with spectacular views

This spacious villa located just out of Sao Paulo in Brazil was designed by architect Candida Tabet. Every room in the house offers an incredible view of the distinct landscape. One on side of the house lies the forest and on the other, the mountains. The form found by the architect was the transformation of the 12,163 square foot (1,130 square meters) home into a continuity of lush surroundings. For this, she has implemented the construction section of the lot where the eye would be able to wonder out to the horizon. The fireplace in the living room adds a unique and artistic focal point to the space. Throughout the home brightness is added through colorful artwork on the floor, walls and furnishings. A spacious balcony extends out to an infinity edge pool whose contours purposely oppose the local geography. The extension of the roof of the house increases natural light and adds to the aesthetics of the facade. Via

Exceptional stone villa with panoramic sea views

This gorgeous two-level stone house is burrowed hillside on the Bodrum Peninsula along the Aegean coast of Turkey. The home features staggering views of the surrounding craggy hills, an international yacht marina, beaches and the Aegean Sea with Greek islands visible on a clear day. The rear windows, sliding glass doors and terraces overlook the sea, as do the back garden and pool. The owner built the four bedroom, 5,543 square foot house a couple of years ago with salvaged stones from nearby villages of demolished houses, as well as from the property itself. The home represents the architectural vernacular of the surrounding area while mixing modernism into the design scheme.

The interior walls are comprised of either plaster or stone, whitewashed or natural. Most of the ceilings displace oak beams, while most of the flooring material is cedar except for the hallways, bathrooms and the kitchen, which are travertine. Upon entrance to the home, which is on the upper level, is a grand foyer showcasing an arched stone doorway into an open and airy living room with a polished travertine fireplace. Sliding glass doors spills out onto a stone terrace with a seating area and panoramic sea views. Also on the upper level is the fully equipped kitchen with sleek, custom-designed, dark-gray cupboards.

Both levels host two bedrooms with en-suite baths, with the upper floor suites having walk-in closets and stone terraces. All rooms in the home have been sited to take advantage of the surrounding views, with the master bathroom being no exception, boasting a freestanding contemporary bathtub adjacent to a window. The lower level also has a snug study with built-in bookshelves, a TV room, and several doors that leads out to the meticulously landscaped backyard, which features a 45-foot swimming pool with the Aegean as its backdrop. The 1.85-acre property has a separate 753-square-foot two-bedroom house for household staff as well as parking.

This stunning stone house on the Bodrum Peninsula is on the market for $2.6 million, from here.

The foyer has a double-height window to the left, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Beyond the arched doorway to the right are the master bedroom and a guest bedroom.

The living room has cedar floors, refurbished oak ceiling beams and a travertine fireplace. The foyer and front door are visible through the arched doorway to the right.

There is a terrace off the dining room, seen through the window to the left; the living room is beyond the arched doorway.

The downstairs study has built-in book shelves and cedar flooring.

The kitchen countertops are of marble. The oven, stove and refrigerator are made by Gaggenau.

The master bedroom has an attached bathroom and a walk-in closet.

The master bathroom has a freestanding VitrA bathtub and a floor of untreated travertine tile.

The downstairs hallway connects two guest bedrooms; one is seen to the right through cedar doors.

The upstairs guest bedroom has glass doors opening onto a private terrace with a garden.

The saltwater pool has a view of the surrounding hills.

The covered living area on the terrace outside the living room overlooks the sea. Greek islands are visible on clear days.

A pier extending from Camel Beach.

Photos: Jodi Hilton for The New York Times

Luxurious seaside villa in beautiful Sicily

The stunning sea-front Villa Antares with private pool is situated in Fontane Bianche, a popular seaside resort, 20 km south of Syracuse, Sicily. The Italian villa is in a dreamy position sitting just a few hundred meters from one of the best sandy beaches on Sicily’s east coast and overlooking the rocky shoreline and the crystal-clear waters that are just outside the gate. It provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday, offering luxurious comfort and space both inside and outside.

The villas stylishly decorated rooms feature exquisite details, fine furnishings and fittings. The ground floor is comprised of the living room with an open fire, the dining area with large glass windows, the fully equipped kitchen, and the study with computer work station, one bedroom and two bathrooms. The first floor features five cozy bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Anyone seeking relaxation can spend happy hours in the well-tended garden, on the spacious terraces with sea views, or in the small swimming pool with sun terrace.

To stay at this fabulously stylish Italian villa, rates range from $3,688.49 – $9,221.24 per week, from here.

Charming 18th-century villa in Puglia

We just received information on this incredible villa that is exclusively for rent through Think Puglia called, “Palazzo Gorgoni.” A late 18th-century palazzo that has been restored in the heart of the lovely Baroque town of Galatina, in the region of Puglia, Italy. The original character and history of the building has been preserved, featuring historic charm, contemporary luxury and artistic flair. The entrance of the villa leads you to an ornamental courtyard. The ground floor features a large formal dining area which is accessed through a peaceful lemon-tree shaded courtyard. Adjacent, is a contemporary steel clad kitchen, and then an additional, more informal dining area. The ground floor also boasts a communal bath. There is also another tranquil internal courtyard with an enticing pool and hydromassage corner. A bedroom with en-suite bathroom completes the ground floor accommodations.

Heading up the staircase, one may either enter the main area of the first floor or walk around the terrace, off which four of the eight luxuriously appointed en-suite bedrooms are accessed. Inside the main area of first floor is the large master suite with views over the pool courtyard and a succession of rooms, including lounge areas, a study, a TV room, a dance room, an art gallery and a service kitchen (with access to a terrace). A flight of stairs next to the terrace leads up to bedroom number seven. The furnishings, artworks and clever design touches are a constant source of charm, while the fittings and bathrooms are ultra- luxurious.

A second flight of stairs leads to the large panoramic roof terrace, off which, hidden away, is the eighth bedroom, complete, of course, with en-suite bathroom. The roof terrace offers a wonderful shady area for reclining, chatting and chilling, a barbecue and lots of excellent vantage points from which to view the surrounding town. The roof terrace is the perfect place for sundowners and for long starlit dinners.

Weekly rates to stay at this charming villa ranges are from $16,070 for up to 16 guests (different price bands are available for smaller groups) from Think Puglia.