Europe’s best luxury villa’s 2023
Europe’s best luxury villas
I work closely with some of the World’s best villa providers and can offer some exceptional luxury villas. Here are some of my favourite exclusive luxury villas in Europe.
Villas are a great option for people looking for a stunning place to stay with family and friends. A place that offers luxury, privacy and lots of space. Without the worries of social distancing.
If you are a more discerning traveller and like your luxury then you might like some of these villas. If your budget won’t quite stretch then don’t worry. Just have a chat with Paul and he will find something perfect for you and your wallet.
VILLA IN MOST STUNNING LOCATION
Villa Sheherezade, near Dubrovnik, Croatia
Looking for a luxurious villa in a stunning location? Villa Sheherezaden is in a truly spectacular setting, overlooking the sparkeling Adriatic just along the coast from historical Dubrovnik. It was even home to Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor whilst shooting a movie there.
This majestic villa boasts extensive gardens where you can stroll through the shade of its palm and Cypress trees. There are various terraces that tumble down the cliffs to the pool and the sea below. The stunning exterior of the villa with its dazzling turqouise dome and white stone walls is matched by the sumptuous and regal interior. Indulge yourselves in the elegant rooms with high ceilings, antiques and artworks. There are five luxurious and fully refurbished bedrooms to choose from. Plus a butler on hand to cater to your needs.
And of course you are so close to the amazing historical Unesco World Heritage site of Dubrovnik.
BEST BEACHFRONT VILLA
Villa Petronilas, Marbella, Spain
Marbella is a playground for the rich with its fabulous beaches, Michelin-starred restaurants, bustling marinas, designer boutiques and World class golf courses..
The villa is right on the beach and has a timeless grace, with pretty terraces, traditional blue and white tiles and exquisite water features. The pool is superb. Set within lush and fragrant Mediterranean gardens with fantastic sea views. Enjoy Al fresco dining under the setting sun or a drink at the outside bar. If your days are spend by the pool or on the beach, then the evenings could mean a movie in the home theatre or a glass of champagne in the hot tub.
The stunning interiors are filled with elegant sculptures and paintings. The art combined with the exquisite furniture, grandiose mirrors and clever modern lighting creates a glamorous but also comfortable feel. The villa is lavish but also full of cosy and intimate areas.
There are six stylish bedroom suites, all with luxurious ensuite bathrooms and four of them have their own private lounge areas. All have access to a terrace to enjoy your breakfast in the morning or maybe an aperitif later on. Your butler can arrange this of course.
BEST COUNTRYSIDE VILLA
C17th Castle, England
Who wouldn’t want to stay in a stunning historic castle?
This impressive 17th century Castle is a Grade II listed detached hill-top property is a truly fairy-tale location for families or groups looking to explore the West Country. Enjoying glorious 360 degree views over wooded North Somerset countryside on one side and across the Bristol Channel to Wales on the other.
The main part of the accommodation is housed across 4 levels in an octagonal keep, which sits in the centre of a beautifully maintained lawn and cobbled courtyard. On arriving through the main entrance, steps take you up to the impressively large kitchen with beautiful circular granite dining table. Surrounding the Keep, are 8 turrets, 2 of which are large and perfect for larger parties, dining and dancing. One of these turrets is also the ‘entertainment turret’ with pool table and table football. Five of the bedrooms in the castle are housed in the remaining turrets. A truly unique place to wake up!
The castle is beautifully presented with traditional features including large stone fireplaces, oak beams and exposed stone walls, combining with modern and luxurious amenities to make your stay comfortable.
One feature that is definitely not original is the indoor pool a lovely addition that leads through double doors to the patio and bbq area.
BEST FAMILY VILLA
Villa Can Caya, Mallorca, Spain
What everyone wants from their Mallorcan villa is to be close to the best beaches, near to the action, and still enjoy privacy and tranquility. This can be hard to find, especially for a large party with discerning tastes.
Villa Can Caya is a sophisticated, 10-bedroom villa in Majorca, offering all of the above. Within its two hectares there are many spaces to retreat to in exquisite privacy. It is also very close to some amazing beaches in the prestigious Mal Pas area, close to Alcudia
Style, art and comfort blend perfectly in its spacious interiors and grounds. The large 20m saltwater pool is great for larger groups and it is complemented by a separate Jacuzzi and spa area. Children’s facilities include a playground, football pitch, table tennis and games consoles. So plenty to keep your little ones occupied .
The villa itself has contemporary interiors with lots of spaces to relax. The decor is stylish and sophisticated with subtle colours and clever lighting to create a relaxing space. Many of the rooms open out onto the various outdoor terraces with lovely views over the manicured gardens and the pool. There are lots of spaces outside to enjoy the pool, gardens and some al fresco dining. All the rooms are modern, airy and spacious and many have luxurious ensuite bathrooms.
BEST GOLF VILLA
Villa Quinta Pienza, Quinta Do Lago, Portugal
This elegant Algarve villa sits within lush landscaped gardens dotted with pine and palm trees. It has a private swimming pool and expansive outdoor lounging and dining areas. It also boasts views over the golf course.
The spacious, cool and contemporary six bedroom Quinta Pienza is situated in the heart of the Algarve’s most exclusive golf resort, Quinta Do Lago. This exclusive resort has three championship courses plus various other activities for non-golfers. There is a selection of great restaurants and bars just a ten minute walk away from the villa. So you can enjoy a drink and talk about that missed putt or that great birdie.
Sleek, air conditioned interiors with bold colours give the villa an air of modern elegance. There’s a spacious living area and large open plan designer kitchen/diner, which opens to the outer pool terrace and alfresco dining area. You can enjoy a succulent flame-grilled steak or freshly caught Dourada on the barbecue after your game. The villa has six spacious en-suite bedrooms. Plus the luxurious master bedroom has its own terrace with views of golf course below. On the lower ground floor there is also a cinema/games room if you choose to stay in for the evening.
BEST CONTEMPORARY VILLA
Villa Eliseo, Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza is Spain’s coolest island and this is one of the islands coolest villas.
With verdant clifftop views on one side and a staggering seascape on the other, Villa Eliseo finds itself at the centre of its very own oasis. High up, on a prestigious vantage point overlooking the northern coast of Ibiza, the striking architecture of this exclusive villa stands out amongst the trees and plants and sky.
The floor to ceiling windows throughout the villa flood this chic, friendly space with light, bringing the opulent furnishings and bold use of natural materials into fabulous focus. Plus taking advantage of those stunning sea views. The multiple bedroom terraces, rooftop terraces and glazed balconies across this incredible villa also provide ample opportunities for gazing far out to sea.
The property offers beautiful outside spaces. On the very precipice of your cliffside estate, you’ll find your quite extraordinary dining terrace. Set within colourful and lush gardens with far reaching views. A wonderful place for Al fresco dining or just relaxing with a cold drink to enjoy the sunsets. There are various other spaces, tucked away where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings. The private pool area is a relaxing sun trap and a great place to warm yourself before a cooling dip.
BEST HISTORICAL VILLA
Castello Maddalena, Umbria, Italy
With its majestic hilltop position overlooking the Tiber valley, ancient Castello Maddalena offers a truly unforgettable escape. This 11th-century castle, adjoining church and beautiful new annexe have undergone a full renovation to become a truly impressive place to stay. The property sits in expensive and well tended gardens with breath-taking views over rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves of the surrounding area.
Just some of the castle interior’s many historic features include gorgeous reclaimed terracotta floor tiles, vaulted ceilings, ancient frescoes and marble stairs. There are six luxurious bedrooms at Castello Maddalena, and a further four in a equally wonderful annexe making this a great choice for larger families and groups looking to enjoy a truly unique stay in this beautiful region.
The star of the show when it comes to the extensive outside space is the large infinity pool with idyllic views. These views are even more spectacular at sunset, as you watch the skies turning all shades of pink and orange behind the hills. Al fresco meals at the dining table get you as equally close to the stunning surrounding scenery too. Stroll around the gardens and marvel at the privileged position Castello Maddalena occupies in this gorgeous area of Umbria. The villa and annexe are part of a huge private estate in the hills, with woods, olive groves, valleys and rivers on the doorstep for exploring. If you’re lucky, long walks will have you spotting a range of wildlife, as well as beautiful flora. The farm on the estate is home to some very friendly animals too!
BEST VILLA FOR LARGE GROUPS
When you arrive at Zarrasi Estates With its sweeping views of the Aegean, infinity pool and private chapel, you could almost be stepping onto a movie set.
With a mix of understated elegance and touch of glamour, The Zarassi Estate is perched high on a hilltop on the Greek island of Mykonos, just a five-minute drive to the sought-after beach of Kalafati. With a private spa room, cinema, children’s club and outdoor gym it will be hard to leave, but for anyone tempted, the villa’s own expert guide is on hand to help with all your needs.
As the name suggests this is more of a small village set in extensive grounds, than a single villa. The spacious grounds are home to white-washed buildings that host up to 30 guests. This is an idyllic retreat for a memorable family celebration or spending time with old friends.
Divided into two buildings, the four-bedroom villa has two pool-level bedrooms and two suites, including the honeymoon suite complete with private sun terrace and heated Jacuzzi. A further pair of two-bedroom apartments, offer an ideal space for families as they include a kitchenette, dining area and sun terrace. Inside the adjacent five-bedroom garden villa you’ll find white open-plan living and a dining area overlooking the chapel and lawns.
BEST LAKESIDE VILLA
Villa Balbiano, Lake Como, Italy
Villa Balbiano is a unique and elegant palazzo and adds its own distinctive character to the serene, timeless beauty of Lake Como. Built by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio at the end of the 16th-century to command stunning views over the lake, it continues to do this today.
This Lake Como villa was recently restored by the famous French decorator Jacques Garcia. Its interiors are covered in magnificent Baroque frescoes and the six bedrooms are lavishly decorated with exquisite attention to detail.
The villa stands on one of the most scenic parts of Lake Como and enjoys private access to the lakefront. The immaculately landscaped gardens are dotted with statues and fountains, and its paths are flanked by mature hedges and ancient trees.
A heated indoor pool and outdoor pool with lake views are perfect for relaxing in. But the real pampering comes from the discrete staff who include a chef, butler, housekeepers and concierge. Villa Balbiano offers a rare taste of old world grandeur and unabashed opulence in the supremely serene setting provided by the lake’s lapping waters and lush landscapes.
BEST UNIQUE VILLA
Villa Trullo, Puglia, Italy
Built in traditional Apulia style with a stone construction and conical roof, this ancient trullo villa in Puglia has been refurbished to the highest standard. It is located in the scenic and secluded Salento countryside offering a unique, relaxing and tranquil experience.
The exclusive home has lots of luxury living space, including four romantic bedrooms and three stylish bathrooms. Modern and design-forward, it enlivens its inhabitants with vibrant colours, whitewashed walls, chic décor and high-end furnishings.
A veritable oasis lies just outside, with comfortable places to relax, table tennis, a sparkling pool with outdoor showers, a lush garden, and hundreds of fruit trees. The gazebo is an excellent gathering space for alfresco lunches, with a kitchen area and bar for when happy hour hits.
Hop on the villas bikes and take a ride to San Michele Salentino. Food lovers can jump in the car for the twenty minute drive to Ceglie Messapica’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
MOST ROMANTIC VILLA
Rapunzels Folie, Dordogne, France
Romance and whimsy rule the day at this fantastical 15th century cottage in the Dordogne. This magical timber framed cottage is straight out of a fairy tale. Nestled on the shore of a lush, green lake, honeymooners will love to stargaze and watch wildlife from the private dock.
Inside every room is unique, and the design plays with the delicate and the bold, the old and new. You’ll absolutely swoon for the bridal bed – a stately four-poster in a rustic barrel vaulted bedroom.
In the daytime, take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, and on to the nearby village of Nonard where you’ll find the nearest pub. A little farther down the road is the medieval town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, with a selection of fabulous eateries.
These are all very excusive villas with prices to match – If your budget is a little more moderate don’t worry, Paul can help you find something that suits a whole range of tastes and budgets – So just ask Paul
