Luxury is a word often over worked in the travel industry. I stayed in AirB&B establishment purporting to be luxurious, they were anything but, that didn’t seem to deter the owners from slapping on a hefty price tag. Far too often owners and hotel groups play fast and loose with the true meaning of the word, luxury. The dictionary defines ‘luxury’ as a state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving considerable expense. I’m going to present to you five luxurious Mediterranean villas that live up to the name. And I don’t think that after seeing them any one will be inclined to argue.
Tagamago – Private Island Ibiza
Tagomago rises from the Balearic Sea just off the northeast coast of the magical island of Ibiza. Soaked in sunshine, brushed by sea breezes and surrounded by the turquoise waters that shimmer around these isles, its rocky landscape is barely touched except for the lighthouse, warning passing boats of a rocky passage.
This is 600,000 sqm of nature reserve, fragrant with rosemary and native juniper.
The only human habitation on the whole island is Tagamogo villa. This must be the zenith of discretion, exclusivity and seclusion. An extraordinary location needs, of course, a villa that fits its landscape and its intentions. This light filled space infused with the spirit of Ibiza is the fulfilment of that need. It is dreamily sophisticated, profoundly stylish and utterly comfortable. White walls echo the peace and mysticism of the White Isle over the water, quirky design features suggest a spirit that delights in the fun and the funky, sophisticated home entertainment technology reveals a heart that beats to dance.
You are not, of course, trapped on an island.
Request the villa’s private yacht. Stroll down the path to the jetty. Arrive by boat at the sophisticated beach clubs around Las Salinas, Ibiza, or on the untamed stretches of Formentera’s silver sands. It is arriving home to your island, however, as the day cools and the sky turns rosy before the light fades, when the enchantment really unfolds. The day boats that cruise the coves have returned to port. The seagulls have retreated to their nests. Strategically placed lighting twinkles around the villa without disturbing the wilderness of the landscape. Crickets hum. Looking over to Ibiza from nearby is illuminating and mesmerising. As you watch the outline of the hills emerge and shadows deepen, it helps explain why those mystic myths about the White Isle’s magic began. Take a sip of champagne. Then go and turn up the music. There is no one anywhere near to tell you to turn down the volume.
Ultima – Corfu
Tranquillity is the first word that springs to mind when you think of Ultima Corfu. Arrive by boat to this authentic Greek villa’s private dock and enjoy utter seclusion for up to 12 guests. The deep blue waters beyond are inescapable, with the property boasting 180-degree views of the Greek and Albanian coasts. It was designed in an understatedly stylish manner so that Corfu’s backdrop can speak for itself. So much so, you’ll want to make this escape an annual tradition. Recount the day’s events with loved ones in the heart of the villa, or while sharing a bottle of wine in one of the sea-facing terraces. There are six suites, each comprising a private dressing room, bathroom and, of course, views that will make your heart sing.
Wellness is very much on the menu. The villa has two heated infinity pools, on two different levels, plus an impressive waterfall, spa, a mosaic-tiled hammam with stone seating, and a Jacuzzi.
With a uniquely talented chef at your service, you will receive tailored culinary experiences focusing on dining al fresco. Expect a blend of Mediterranean inspired dishes and seafood delicacies fresh from the very sea you’re overlooking.
Casa Atlantis – Ibiza
Set high on a cliff ledge in the charming Es Cubells village, Casa Atlantis overlooks the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea, with its soul-restoring views and private access to the beach. At sea level, guests can relax and survey the view from a peaceful deck. Or for livelier members, entertainment options are plentiful, with a video arcade, ping-pong table, and even Spyder bikes on hand for your enjoyment.
Your first day at Casa Atlantis begins in the manner that every great holiday should – by topping up the relaxation levels with a trip to the secluded massage area. You float on its canopy-covered bed, the smell of jasmine oils soaking into your skin. This is your moment to reflect on the villa and what treats lay in store for you.
The master bedroom, in particular, will grab your attention. A sprawling space which channels the outdoors, with giant stone vases housing leafy plants, gold lighting and smooth wooden furnishings – the perfect place to begin and end your days in paradise. Even the ensuite bathroom feels like a private cabin on a yacht, with its huge, marble-lined bathtub facing picture windows that look out to the sea.
There’s something for all ages to appreciate here, so no need to worry about enjoyment levels. Some will enjoy working out in the gym, and the children will love the games area with its retro arcades and table tennis, so that should keep them occupied for a while. In fact, they’ll probably have the best time out of anyone here with the added bonus of sleepovers in the bunkbed room every night – what childhood memories are made of.
Take the short stroll down to the sea via your own private walkway, where you’ll swim in its warm turquoise shallows and admire how your whitewashed villa blends so perfectly into its craggy cliff surrounding, with terraces carved from natural stone.
By night, you’ll enjoy champagne dining at the alfresco table and candle-lit dancing on the terrace, feeling spirits peak as the sky goes up in flames and the sun bids farewell to another perfect day.
Villa Royale – Mallorca
Villa Royale occupies one of the most enviable positions on the plateau of Mallorca’s La Mola. Cascading down to Cala Marmassen’s waterfront, it exists as if on its own island, with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea to be enjoyed from every window.
A true scene-stealer, the villa’s eminence is showcased by its focal-point, a pristine tower which draws all onlookers in as if it were a lighthouse.
Direct access from the sea means you can reach Villa Royale’s door in no time, guided by the warm yellow lights of its tower and crisp whitewashed walls glowing against the darkening sky.
You’ll instantly feel at home upon entering its latticed front door. From the polished star design on the floor beneath the skylight, to the intricate railing of the winding staircase, the hallway already sets the tone for this stunning residence. Antique nuances elevate Villa Royale to true luxury status, with palatial columns marking rooms and elegantly guilded furniture creating sophisticated touches to satiate your tastes.
Sink into the plush sofas in the living room to catch the end of the sunset through the picture windows. This room has a calming effect of neutral walls and sultry mood lighting, classically understated in order to lend itself to those incredible views.
The bedrooms are all spacious quarters, with minimal decoration. Beds are draped with the finest white sheets and terrace access is granted to all. Your master room has the added bonus of a dressing room and a glorious rainfall shower that reminds you of being in the tropics.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to chill-out zones with a living area on every floor, but your favourite spot inside the villa is the tower den lounge which transports you to an older era. Outside, the endless terraces mean no end to gorgeous sun-lit spots, but you think you’ve found your home for the week by the poolside.
You might like to take the five-minute drive to Port Andratx to observe the bustle of daily maritime life at one of its many bars. Or perhaps you’ll stay in the privacy of your own walk-in bar – there’s no rush to make plans in paradise.
Villa Pelle – Mykonos
A majestic property, situated in the prime Agia Sophia area, overlooking the Aegean Sea. Villa Pelle is a sophisticated property, it has without doubt some of the best views on the island and is conveniently close to Mykonos town and the new port. It consists of 9 immaculately decorated bedrooms.
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Bedroom 1
Entrance / Upper Level – Features a Mezzanine with super-king size bed, air conditioning, small lounge area, en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, spacious wooden terrace with built-in Jacuzzi, independent access, unobstructed sea and sunset views.
Bedroom 2
Pool Level First Floor – Features an elevated 4-poster super-king size bed, air conditioning, dressing room, en-suite bathroom with open shower, private terrace, independent access, unobstructed sea and sunset views.
Bedroom 3
Pool Level Ground Floor – King-size bed, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom with sunken bath and shower, direct access to pool terrace, independent access, unobstructed sea and sunset views. Optionally interconnected with bedroom 4.
Bedroom 4
Pool Level Ground Floor – King-size bed, air conditioning, lounge area, en-suite bathroom with shower, direct access to pool terrace, independent access, unobstructed sea and sunset views. Optionally interconnected with bedroom 3.
Bedroom 5
Guest Studio – King-size bed, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom with huge walk-in shower, independent access, unobstructed sea and sunset views.
Bedroom 6
Guest Studio – Super-king size bed, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom with shower, small lounge area, independent access and optionally interconnecting with bedroom 7, unobstructed sea and sunset views.
Bedroom 7
Guest Studio – Twin beds (can be joined to make super-king size bed), air conditioning, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, independent access and optionally interconnecting with bedroom 6, unobstructed sea and sunset views.
Bedroom 8
Guest Studio – Super-king size bed, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, small lounge area, independent access, unobstructed sea and sunset views.
Bedroom 9
Guest Studio – Single room, air conditioning, en-suite bathroom, independent access, unobstructed sea and sunset views.
Villa Pelle is fully equipped with all the things you could think of to make your stay here supremely comfortable. There’s a fitness room, a Spa and an Infinity pool. There are also some lovely outdoor chill out areas to make the most of the wonderful views that this beautiful villa affords.
Danny Frith is Director at SkiBoutique. SkiBoutique is a luxury ski chalet agency based in Switzerland.