Privacy Meets Paradise: Jaw-Dropping Villa Escapes

September 18, 2024 by Hidden Doorways

From Costa Rica’s lush jungles to Greece’s sun-drenched islands, we’ve curated a selection of world-class villas that offer unparalleled privacy and bespoke services.

Whether it’s a personal chef crafting culinary masterpieces, a dedicated butler anticipating your every need, or simply the freedom of having a place that’s all your own, these villas cater to the most discerning travelers. Perfect for family reunions, milestone celebrations, or intimate getaways with friends, each property promises a unique blend of local charm and world-class indulgence.

Villa Avellana

Villa Avellana redefines the private retreat experience in Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. Spread across three beachfront acres, the 33,000-square-foot property comfortably hosts up to 23 guests, making it ideal for those “everyone’s invited” getaways. Fancy a sunset cruise? The villa’s 42′ yacht awaits. Prefer terra firma? Tee off at the nearby Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. This isn’t just a villa – it’s your own slice of paradise with a staff of twenty catering to your every whim. That includes your own service team dedicated to creating thrilling adventures, pre-trip planning, logistics and itineraries, on-demand fine dining experiences, cultural immersions, and children’s and family activities, all catered according to each guests’ unique desires.

The Hive

The Hive is a design marvel that seems to float between sea and sky. The Hive offers a curated experience where every element, sourced from over 10 countries, contributes to a unified aesthetic that feels both opulent and organic. With six bedrooms accommodating up to 16 guests, The Hive delivers unexpected delights at every turn, from its infinity pool merging with Pacific views to a full-time chef crafting culinary adventures. Whether you’re ziplining through rainforests, enjoying a sunrise yoga session, or simply basking in the seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces, The Hive promises a stay that’s as vibrant and varied as Costa Rica itself.

Casa las Olas at Playa Grande Beach Club

Imagine a “drifting ring” of luxury woven into the jungle canopy – that’s Casa Las Olas, an architectural marvel in the Dominican Republic’s Playa Grande. Designed by Young Projects, this 20,000-square-foot retreat blurs the line between indoors and nature, offering breathtaking ocean and jungle views from every angle. The seven-bedroom main house and four-bedroom guest house accommodate up to 22 guests in style, complemented by a full staff, chef-prepared meals, and a 24-hour bodega stocked with house-made juices, refreshments, and treats. From its salt-chlorinated pool and beachfront jacuzzi to tennis courts and meditation spaces, Casa Las Olas is a playground for both relaxation and adventure. The cherry on top? Exclusive access to the renowned Playa Grande Beach Club, elevating this extraordinary escape to new heights of tropical indulgence.

Villa Palopó at Casa Palopó

Perched above Lake Atitlán, Villa Palopó offers a private sanctuary within the acclaimed Casa Palopó retreat. This contemporary hideaway, adorned with modern art and vibrant textiles, features three spacious suites, each boasting lake-view tubs and separate showers. A private heated infinity pool and hot tub frame postcard-perfect views of volcanoes and the iconic Cerro de Oro. Ascend 150 steps from the main hotel to find this secluded oasis, complete with its own gazebo and fireplace for intimate evenings.

The Mansion at Daios Cove

Three levels of Cretan opulence cascade down the hillside at The Mansion, Daios Cove’s crown jewel. This 6,500-square-foot retreat doesn’t just offer a view of the Aegean—it immerses you in it, from the indoor heated pool to the sprawling terrace. Here, understated luxury reigns: think handpicked art, bespoke furnishings, and three sumptuous en-suite bedrooms. But The Mansion’s true allure lies in its personalized touch—your dedicated concierge can arrange anything from a private chef’s tasting to in-suite spa treatments.

The Villas at Andronis Arcadia

Ever wondered what it’s like to live in a Greek postcard? Eden Villa at Andronis Arcadia comes pretty close. This 6,500-square-foot hideaway blurs the line between indoors and out, with sliding walls that open to reveal two private pools and gardens dotted with olive trees. For those who prefer their luxury in different flavors, Andronis offers options: a 4-bedroom villa that radiates boho-chic charm, and a 3-bedroom hideaway where minimalism meets modern art. Each comes with its own pool and front-row seats to Santorini’s legendary sunsets.

The Villas at Lesante Cape

If Greece’s southernmost island Zakynthos draws you in, discover Lesante Cape, where the One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Sea View Villas offer superb views over the sparkling waters in light-filled spaces made with exposed stone and gorgeous minimalist Grecian decor. These sun-soaked sanctuaries all have private pools, furnished terraces, and ample living spaces, combining a traditional aesthetic with top-of-the-range amenities.

Medusa Estate at Corfu Imperial

Topping Corfu Imperial’s collection of luxe accommodations, Medusa Estate offers a regal retreat within this Grecian paradise. This former olive oil factory has traded its industrial roots for palatial charm, sprawling across 4,400 square feet of indoor opulence and 16,000 square meters of sun-drenched terraces. Six bedrooms are spread over two floors, each with views that stretch from nearby coves to distant horizons. The estate’s grand salon, with its antique furnishings and centuries-old olive mill, echoes Corfu’s storied past. Outside, a private pool mirrors the sky, rivaling the resort’s grand pool and pristine beaches below. Guests of the Medusa Estate enjoy all of Corfu Imperial’s renowned amenities, from its 10 restaurants to its Elixir Beauty Spa, while savoring the exclusivity of their hilltop haven.

Villa Sawan at Trisara

This eight-bedroom “resort within a resort” sprawls across 8,046 square meters of prime hillside, offering western-facing views that turn each sunset into a private spectacle. While Trisara is known for its pristine beach, Villa Sawan elevates the experience with its own restricted-access cove and a private pool that seems to merge with the Andaman Sea. A stay at Villa Sawan grants guests access to the resort’s Michelin-starred dining and holistic spa, all while cocooning them in their own ‘private kingdom’. Here, the legendary hospitality of Phuket meets unparalleled privacy, creating an escape that’s as much a destination as the island itself.

Musha Cay

Private villa yes, but what about private castaway island? Great Exuma in the southern Bahamas gifts you 700 acres, 40 beaches and a choice of five private houses courtesy of the iconic Musha Cay. All five colonial-style homes have their own private beach and butler and can only be booked out by one group of guests at a time so there’s no sharing your private island with anyone other than those on the guest list (capped at 24 by the way). Days here are magical from the secluded setting to the adventures set out for you be it island treasure hunts or goldfish racing followed by a two-story silver screen theatre best enjoyed from the comfort of a beach hammock.

Casa da Ribeira at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

Casa da Ribeira, one of two exclusive villas at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, offers a luxurious retreat amidst Portugal’s golden Alentejo scenery. This 4,000-square-foot haven boasts three expansive suites, each with private balconies overlooking the plains. Named for its proximity to Ribeira de Terges, the villa’s blue-themed interiors echo the nearby waters. Vintage touches like repurposed pharmacy cabinets blend with modern luxuries, including underfloor heating and Bose sound systems. The outdoor pool invites relaxation amid the estate’s 1,000 acres of vineyards and olive groves. Guests can indulge in Malhadinha’s farm-to-table cuisine, world-class wines, and activities from horseback riding to hot air ballooning, all while basking in the serenity of one of Europe’s least populated regions.

Private Homes at Green 10 at Finca Cortesin

If you like the sound of a grand estate and a golden Costa del Sol location flanked by the Casares Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, then feast your eyes on Finca Cortesin and its private homes at Green 10. They offer breathtaking views over the Sierra Bermeja mountain range with shaded bougainvillea-clad arcades and peaceful garden courtyards within immediate reach as well as full-service living spaces and amenities. And if the five- or six-bedroom options are too grand, the resort’s slightly smaller private homes at La Reserva present the very same luxurious features but with a four-bedroom footprint decorated with the resort’s signature Moorish meets Castilian vibe with contemporary overtones.

Villa One at Ellerman House

At Villa One, one of two villas at Ellerman House, the vibrant energy of Cape Town meets the serenity of a world-class sanctuary. The villa experience unfolds over three levels. The entrance level guests with a lush indigenous garden and the soothing sound of flowing water, setting the tone for the tranquil Ellerman House spa found here. Two Deluxe Spa Rooms on this floor can be incorporated into the villa for additional accommodation. The second level is a sun-drenched entertainment hub, where sliding glass doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor space showcasing jaw-dropping ocean views. Here, a study, TV lounge, and dining area surround the infinity pool, while a contemporary kitchen with scullery and cold room stands ready for the private chef. The top floor houses three en-suite bedrooms – two facing the Atlantic, one overlooking the Twelve Apostles mountains – and a cozy reading room for quiet moments. Guests enjoy Ellerman House’s renowned art collection, wine gallery, and personalized service, all while basking in the privacy of their clifftop retreat.

Teremoana Residence at The Brando

Tucked away at the end of The Brando’s winding paths, the Teremoana Residence unfolds like a love letter to Polynesian luxury. This 6,000-square-foot hideaway (half indoors, half out) is where “spacious” becomes an understatement. Three bedrooms offer privacy in spades, with the primary suite boasting a study perfect for penning envy-inducing postcards. The heart of Teremoana beats in its communal spaces – a kitchen made for midnight snacks or gourmet feasts, and an outdoor area that begs for lazy days by the 236-square-foot infinity pool. As the sun sets, eight can gather for a BBQ under the stars, while the private stretch of beach whispers promises of tomorrow’s adventures.

Private Reserve at Gili Lankanfushi

What better note to end on than the largest standalone overwater villa in the world. Gili Lankanfushi’s Private Reserve sits in the center of a sparkling, turquoise lagoon in The Maldives, the pinnacle of seclusion and sophistication. It describes itself as a ‘rustic-chic fort of dreams’, spread across multiple tiers with open-air interiors, spacious sundecks, a spa pavilion, an air-conditioned gymnasium, cinema, bar, and even a water slide plunging you straight into the Indian Ocean. A private boat is yours for the duration of your stay as well as bamboo bicycles for time spent on land.