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The world’s 4 most luxurious villa holidays, from VIP Villas

With so many holiday villas to choose from it’s a hard task finding four that can truly carry the word luxury in their description. This list courtesy of VIP Villas was narrowed first by destination because you may have a fantastic villa but, if the location isn’t just right, it can’t be called ‘luxury’. 1. Sull Oceano, Antigua Antigua is a stunning destination in anyone’s book. It regularly tops polls across the globe as one of ‘the’ locations to visit. Laid back Caribbean charm and stunning scenery back up the hospitality of the locals to really make it a holiday location of a lifetime. The first aspect you notice from Villa Sull Oceano is the views across the gleaming azure Caribbean Sea. You can view it from the main rooms in the house and there is hardly a better vista to wake to anywhere in the world. Beachfront and private, this luxury villa has all the requirements for a relaxing and peaceful break from the hassles of life. If cooking is your thing the kitchen is well stocked and laid out. With all the little extras like an ice machine, wine chiller and enough ovens to cater for a small banquet; perfect if you intend on entertaining while in Antigua. Modern facilities include surround sound 63inch TV and stereo systems that allow you to plug in your own ipod, so make sure you take your tunes with you. The bedrooms are stylishly laid out with ensuite bathrooms to all. The Master is shaped in a hexagon providing views from nearly all aspects. The bathroom has two separate showers, his and hers, so there is never a need to rush. Fancy having a lie in? Then why not while away watching the TV that appears like magic out of the bed frame and drops down again when you’ve finished viewing. Outside, the villa caters well for an alfresco lifestyle. With a Jacuzzi alongside the ample pool, all overlooking the sea, you can enjoy cocktails while relaxing in what must seem like heaven. The covered terrace sets the scene for entertaining with seating for eight in style, after eating why not relax on the huge day bed enjoying a spot of sunbathing? On the upstairs terrace you can enjoy a barbeque while watching the sun set across the ocean. Simply magical. The terrace also comes stocked with a sink, ice cooler, fridge and prep room for those romantic private evenings. This luxury villa is also well located for evening entertainment. It is positioned to enjoy peace and tranquillity while not being too far from restaurants and evening entertainment. Why not try ‘Castaways’ with its eclectic menu, they even do sushi and Chinese (on separate nights of course!) All in all Luxury Oceano Sull Villa is a piece of paradise that is reserved for those lucky enough in life to deserve it. 2. Jamoon, Barbados With Barbados comes a relaxed way of life that takes some shaking off when you eventually have to tear yourself away from the island. It is indeed infectious. Don’t let it make you think that the place is ‘slower’ in terms of facilities, however. It certainly isn’t and the island’s people know how to welcome tourists and treat them to a holiday of a lifetime. If you are going to pick a holiday of a lifetime you may as well do it in a location that affords you all the privacy you need but surrounded by those luxuries that make the stay all the more relaxing. Like a stunning eighteen hole golf course on your doorstep with the accompanying facilities that go with such surroundings. Villa Jamoon is a seven bed villa that caters for your every whim. You can rely on the staff to cater for your needs with world class cuisine with a Caribbean twist. The air conditioned villa comes with two master bedrooms with king beds and ensuite bathrooms. The ensuites are adorned with the best marble flown in from Italy to provide an extra touch of class. With a staff of five, house manager, chef, gardener, laundress and housekeeper you have little to do except enjoy the stunning location and setting of Villa Jamoon. The villa is set around an impressive pool which fringes the main lounge allowing immediate access for those hot Caribbean summer days. The lounge is tastefully laid out with sumptuous soft furnishings and a grand piano for those that play. Enjoy the views from the rear of the villa while eating and enjoying the sea grass sofa and accompaniments. All mod cons are provided to keep you in touch, if you must, with the outside world including broadband internet access. An entertainment room includes big screen TV, stereo and DVD with small film collection. Outside of the electric gates to this luxury villa you have the facilities of the world renown Sandy Lane Estate; including exclusive access to the Sandy Lane Beach club. Enjoy a round or two of golf or take advantage of the club facilities, including tennis. The estate is well positioned to make a trip into Mullins beach area a short hop and you are bound to do so with its selection of high class eateries on offer. Jamoon is one of those places you leave a little piece of you behind at and of course take something away from; that remains yours for a lifetime. 3. Baan Talay Koh Samui is a stunning island with vistas from many vantage points that will fill up your photo album. Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand the island is sheltered by the country itself. Abundantly green and tropical Koh Samui is a nature lovers paradise. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Koh Samui and ensure you visit some of the temples and of course, ‘Big Buddha’. The villa is set in its own grounds with abundant tropical foliage placed in the well manicured gardens. It faces onto the white sandy beach of the Gulf of Thailand, with calm waters and a pleasant inshore breeze, a perfect setting for a day at your own beach. The luxury villa is surrounded by a wall, maintaining its privacy, and guests enter through imposing carved antique doors set against the garden and a pond brimming with Koi carp that you have to walk over to arrive at the villa entrance. The setting is stunning and makes one wonder what lies beyond. Entering you are not disappointed. Clearly influenced by local architecture and furnishings, the villa is decorated to a high standard. It is modern with a traditional flavour, chic yet leaving one in no doubt you are in Thailand. The main aspect that draws you in is the space available. Open plan and airy the air conditioned property sets against the heat outside of its walls. The outlook to the Ocean is stunning with full height glass walls to bring the outside in. The villa itself is set away from the main tourist areas, leaving the hustle and bustle of the hordes and providing you with peace and tranquillity in abundance. Only punctuated by your own party you choose the type of holiday you are having, visiting the tourist haunts or simply relaxing in your own corner of paradise. The accommodation provides eating and living space for a party of eight comfortably. The living section of the villa is set on one side ensuring the best views are maximised during your stay. Outside the villa has a freeform pool that encourages you to indulge daily. Cool off while enjoying the finer trappings of life and a cool drink served by your own staff. Eating is best outdoors in a place like this and there is ample seating and facilities to accommodate you. Why not enjoy a barbecue? The outdoor Sala is best used for a massage or two and you can order at your own convenience. The pool is set amongst rocks to blend it in to the surroundings, as is a Jacuzzi to ease away the tensions of life. Te Master bedroom comes with an ensuite and Jacuzzi bath to enjoy while preparing for the evening. A beautiful king sized bed ensures you get a full nights rest without stirring. The second bed comes with either two twins or a queen sized bed. An interlocking door provides immediate access for parents wanting to keep a close eye on the kids. It also comes with an ensuite, magical for the kids. It’s surprising how much excitement they get form their own bathroom! The remaining accommodation area is set with views around the garden including the waterfall and pond area. Welcome to Baan Talay luxury beach villa. Creating memories for a lifetime. 4. North Island in the Seychelles North island is a real tropical retreat. The saying ‘away from it all’ could’ve been specifically written for North island. It is a private island with just 12 villas, all beach front. The island is a true sanctuary in the Indian Ocean a million miles from anywhere but close enough to leave an impression on you. Fringed by the deepest of blue tropical waters a luxury villa on North Island presents an opportunity for complete relaxation. The private island has won several tourist accolades over the years for the level of its service and hospitality and sheer indulgent way they look after guests. Awards include the most respected of travel magazines like Conde Nast and Tatler. The island itself was purchased to protect the natural habitat and slowly but surely the ‘real’ local inhabitants have returned. Like the Giant Tortoises. If you are lucky you could even witness the magical rush to the sea of newly hatched turtles. Why not relax with the complimentary massage on arrival and you can order spa treatments within your own villa to soak away those aches and pains. The villas harmonise with their surroundings, having been built with conservation in mind out of locally sourced materials. They are 450 square metres providing lots of space for guests and with a private beach in front of each one they are probably one of the most romantic spots in the entire world. Imagine waking to the sound of the sea lapping at the foot of your garden. Each luxury villa is furnished to the highest standards and comprises master bedroom, lounge area, living area and sala for those spa treatments or to just laze. The island is unashamedly aimed to providing the highest levels of service and attention to detail, ensuring the services and provision meet and exceed all expectations. For meals you can eat on the beach, at your villa or in the restaurant or sunset bar. The choice is yours and the staff will accommodate to your needs. The freshest of ingredients are used and wines are flown in from around the world to make a choice the only decision you need make that day. Or you could allow the island’s wine expert to choose for you providing his expertise to suit the meal you are having. If you want to expend some energy you can opt for a nature trail with an expert on hand to explain the islands flora and fauna, or a trip with a diving tutor to teach you about diving and the local marine life. What is ensured is that you will not want to leave this place. North Island is a place only the very privileged experience, and once you do you will know why.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.

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