Who’s the most luxe of them all? We can’t pick just one (although believe us, we get asked this question a lot!) but we can tell you our seven most stand-out vacations. These villas go beyond the expectations of luxury, so much so that they’re each a vacation itself. In fact, the only negative you’ll find here… is that you have to check out.
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#1 Iniala Beach House in Phuket, Thailand
Ultimate luxe factor: Fire dancers over dinner at the beach.
Not to be those people (ahem, Buzzfeed), but the fact that the Kardashian-Jenner clan had an amazing vacation here tells you fancy Iniala Beach House truly is. The villas are designed by some of the world’s best, to bring you features like a memory foam carpet that mimics the feel of walking on sand. With all-inclusive spa packages, expect to be pampered to the fullest. A stay here also supports the Inspirasia Foundation, a charity committed to funding exceptional projects in health and education throughout Asia.
#2 Villa Alegria in Mykonos, Greece
Ultimate luxe factor: You would be hard-pressed to find another villa of with 13 bedrooms of this calibre, and in one of the most beautiful destinations.
We can’t think of a more dreamy villa to celebrate a birthday or wedding. Located hillside with views of the glittering Mediterranean Sea, there are three popular beaches nearby, a gym, an indoor and outdoor music system, Jacuzzi and infinity pool. True, most villas do have the same facilities, but it’s the bright open spaces, flowing light and vast glass walls that make you step inside and say “wow”. That, or arriving in a helicopter on Villa Alegria’s helipad.
#3 Six Senses Laamu in Olhuveli Island, the Maldives
Ultimate luxe factor: Barefoot luxury living. No shoes, no problem.
Still remember how to ride a bicycle? Good, because guests here get their own bicycle, complete with a little wooden plaque carved with their initials. The Maldives is known for activities like snorkelling, surfing, and swimming with dolphins. Every corner is Instagrammable with pops of green decor, glass bathtubs and bamboo rain showers. If you ever imagine yourself escaping to a paradise private island, this is it.
#4 Villa Tantangan in Bali, Indonesia
Ultimate luxe factor: Black sand beaches and front row seats to world-renowned Balinese sunsets.
You can’t downplay the beauty of Villa Tantangan, from its to exotic design to bedrooms that look out to the vast sea. Even the garden is designed by the talented artist, John Pettigrew. Located next to the famous Tanah Lot Temple, this ‘green’ villa uses solar panels to help reduce energy consumption. And, we really like how it’s in Canggu with some of the best cafes and bars around, yet tucked away on a secluded estate.
#5 Amanpulo in Palawan, Philippines
Ultimate luxe factor: Palawan was voted the “World’s Best Island” by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine!
You could vacation at a little run-down hut at Palawan and it would still be the best vacation of your life. So imagine how a world-class resort fares on an island famous for having the softest sand and clearest blue waters. This celebrity getaway features traditional Filipino-inspired villas called casitas, sprawled across the hillside, by the beach, and even treetops. You’ll need a buggy to get you around this humongous resort.
#6 AYA Villas Niseko in Niseko, Japan
Ultimate luxe factor: Wake up, ski out, ski back in, and call it the best night ever.
You may have already heard of (or stayed at) AYA Niseko, but its sister villas are giving the hotel a run of its money. There are just two units of four-bedroom apartments boasting a very luxurious and dark design, contrasted by bright lights and ski action right outside. What makes AYA Villas Niseko even better, is its close proximity to the best restaurants, bars and shop around.
#7 Nihi Sumba Island in Sumba, Indonesia
Ultimate luxe factor: The resort was built by fashion mogul Chris Burch, best known for founding or brands like Tory Burch and C. Wonder and Tory Burch.
Travel + Leisure named this resort the best hotel in the world for the second year. Sitting on a remote Indonesian island, expect private pools in every villa, a natural reserve, complimentary yoga sessions, and even a tour of their own chocolate factory! This is one vacation where you won’t want to sleep in, not when there’s a spa safari experience, waterfall excursions and Nihi Beach for surfing.
Dream a little, travel a lot.
