Not places you’ll find on a booking site. Welcome to remarkable private homes with five-star-hotel service, in the world’s most prestigious locations.
Some are operated by leading hotel brands, like Cheval Blanc and Four Seasons. Others are private passion projects, homes and holiday residences of the world’s illuminati.
No two are even remotely similar. Each is only bookable on an exclusive-use basis, from a four-suite island residence to chateaux in the French countryside.
Château d’Estoublon, Provence
A lavish estate in the heart of Provence, a private French playground with ten suites and 500 acres of gardens and vineyards.
It’s operated by Airelles, a hotel brand known for honouring the glamour and style of French history. Like at their ski chalet Airelles Courchevel, and a 14-room hotel inside the Palace of Versailles.
Château d’Estoublon is a faithful restoration of another century, for the 21st-century traveller. Complete with Airelles’ well regarded five-star hotel service.
Airelles also have a larger chäteau in Aix-en-Provence, Villa Baulieu. It privately hosts up to 34 guests, amid a truffle grove, vineyards and rolling French gardens. Both are excellent for weddings and large celebrations.
Octola Private Wilderness, Finland
In a vast Finland forest you’ll find three remarkable properties for a total detox from the everyday world.
Reindeers, snowmobiles, husky dogs, northern lights, ice fishing, saunas, survival skills camp for kids: this is quintessential Lapland in absolute privacy.
The Octola lodge has ten en-suite bedrooms and can be rented in its entirety, or only a four or six-bedroom private wing.
A new super suite villa has two bedrooms and is perfect for a single family. For couples we recommend the exclusive glass igloo.
All accommodations are inclusive of fully personalised activities throughout the private forest. It’s the most exclusive holiday you can have in Lapland.
Beyond House, Cape Town
Our partner in Cape Town has a collection of private properties, owned by South Africa’s best known artists, architects and celebrities.
Beyond House is one of our favourites: the location, bold architectural style, and views over the edge of the world.
These are the private residences of people who spend most of their year travelling abroad. They’re homes, made more comfortable with an in-house concierge team, chef and more.
We love villas like these because they provide a very immersive and authentic insight into the destination you’re exploring.
Ico, Paris
A newly renovated residence overlooking the Seine in Paris, with a fabulous art collection of old and new, including originals from Daniele Crespi, Andy Warhol and Fernand Khnopff. There’s even a marble and bronze bust from Roman emperor Adriano.
This city resdience epitomises the style of our partner in France. They specifically offer ultra-chic properties in premium city locations, with major art collections.
Thanda Island, Indian Ocean
Why only a private villa, when you can rent an entire island? Not only a private island resort, truly an exclusive-use Indian Ocean island.
Thanda is one of our favourites. Its location in a marine reserve, off the coast of Tanzania, means all you can see is the ocean in every direction.
A stay includes use of three different yachts, unlimited scuba diving, helicopter transfers, all spa treatments and water excursions.
Thanda is great for large family groups wanting a week-long island escape. The luxury villa has five en-suite bedrooms and the more rustic double-story “bandas” are ideal for teenagers.
Keythorpe Hall, England
A faithfully resorted English country house for up to 20 guests, with all the grand reception and entertaining rooms of its 18th-century origins.
Keythorpe Hall is located two hours north from London, or accessible via a private jet terminal at East Midlands, 45 minutes away.
It’s a great option for long weekend celebrations, with custom itineraries focused on the property’s farm-to-table dining and countryside activities.
Villas at Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel
This Four Seasons hotel is one of the most prestigious on the French Riviera. Rooms and suites are spread around an original palace from the early 20th century.
Hidden in the grounds are three exclusive-use Four Seasons villas, each very much standalone properties separate from the main hotel.
These two and five-bedroom Villas allow you to have a completely private holiday, with butler, chef, security, nanny and everyone else you need on the property. While also enjoying full access to all the hotel’s facilities.
Cheval Blanc Maisons
Cheval Blanc has some wonderfully exclusive hotels. For example, Cheval Blanc St-Barth is the place to be seen on the most glamorous island in the Caribbean.
Most Cheval Blanc properties also have a private place, a villa, chalet or island for exclusive use. This is the Cheval Blanc Maisons collection.
At Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives there’s an exclusive four-bedroom villa on its own 2,220 square metre private island.
On the island of St Barths, the one place you won’t be seen is Villa de France, a five-bedroom villa with private beach, two infinity pools and spa. Cheval Blanc Courchevel has a private chalet and apartment, both with spa and ski room.
The Apartment at Cheval Blanc Paris is divine, an eight-bedroom duplex with its own private spa and pool. Like each Maison it’s an entirely separate property. You can avoid all hotel guests if you want, or utilise the hotel’s facilities, like the world’s first Dior spa.
An Exclusive-Use Property For Your Holiday
Of course we can help you find a holiday villa anywhere.
But we love to seek out these destination villas and estates that could rethink your holiday plans.
Truly remarkable properties with their own sense of time and place, for an absolutely private holiday.
