When you want off-the-grid privacy without sacrificing deluxe hotel amenities, consider one of these spacious villas for your next getaway.
Jaguar Villa, Pacuara Lodge; Costa Rica
Adventure meets relaxation at this quirky find set deep in the Costa Rican rainforest. Don your Indiana Jones fedora before whitewater rafting to the resort, then hike across suspended bridges to get to your open-air bungalow. Need a break from your private, spring-fed pool and 3,767-square foot retreat complete with river-view terrace? Take the family on one of multiple outdoor adventures provided by the lodge or zip line to The Nest to enjoy a farm-to-table meal (kids must be 12 years or older to eat at The Nest).
Private Farm House at Padaste Manor; Muhu, Estonia
Families who take the “get away” part of a getaway seriously will love this off the beaten path farmhouse full of rustic charm and views to make you say “Ahhhhh.” Nestled in the middle of an apple orchard, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage features a private garden, tea and espresso station, sauna with sea view and second-story library – yes library – with a verandah where you can watch the sunset over the Baltic.
Soneva Kiri; Thailand
Thirty-six separate villas make up this beachfront resort on the lush island of Koh Kood, so you can pick and choose the perfect spot for your crew. While each bungalow comes with private infinity pool, indoor-outdoor bathroom, and stunning terraces, we’re drawn to the 3 Bedroom Beach Pool Reserve suite, which comes equipped with a treehouse and waterslide specifically for kids. And when you’re ready to socialize, check out a movie at the Cinema Paradiso, a plush theatre built over the placid waters of a lagoon, take a family cooking class, or schedule a chocolate and ice cream tasting.
Reef House Resort and Spa, Palm Cove; Australia
If snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, consider a stay at the Villa Casablanca in Palm Cove. Perched above the Reef House Resort, this four-bedroom apartment comes with a full kitchen and private plunge pool, plus the resort provides access to safari and whitewater rafting adventures, bikes, and rainforest tours. When you’re ready to dive in, take a short stroll to the beach and set sail on a cruise to the stunning coral gardens for once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling and scuba diving.
Spring Cottage, Cliveden House Hotel; Berkshire, England
Experience the grandeur of this 19th-century manor house, formerly owned by several dukes, a prince, and Nancy Astor, from the privacy of this posh-yet-cozy English cottage. Play a game of tennis, treat yourself to a spa day, or explore 250-acres of National Trust-preserved land at a hotel lauded for its family- (and dog-) friendly service. The cottage, which sleeps up to six, has two bedrooms, kitchen with dining area, two lounges, walk-in shower with splash TV, and a private boat launch onto the River Thames.
Villa Agave, Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik; Croatia
For luxury at its finest (starting at a cool $3,575 per night), consider a stay at Croatia’s Villa Agave. Built in the 1800’s as a summer home for famed British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, this castle-esque retreat is carved right into the cliffside off the coast of the Adriatic sea. After a stroll through Dubrovnik’s old town, located just five minutes away, kick back on one of five terraces with a glass of champagne and take in sweeping views of King’s Landing (looking at you, Game of Thrones fans). With three bedrooms, private beach, 24-hour butler service, complimentary breakfast smorgasbord and in-villa spa service, it’s no wonder this space has seen the likes of Kevin Spacey and legendary director Francis Ford Coppola.
Villas by Linda Smith; Jamaica
Find beautiful private homes available near Jamaica’s hottest vacation destinations. More than 90 Villas by Linda Smith can be found within 10 minutes of Montego Bay, on Discovery Bay, and on oceanfront property in Ocho Rios, all designed by Smith, who has spent 30 years renovating and designing homes on the island. Villas come with private pools and a staff trained by Smith, including a chef, butler, housekeeper and laundress. Families will love the connecting bedrooms and kid-friendly villas within minutes from water sports, beaches, outdoor adventures and more — with nannies available to help parents get some romantic time, as well. Special services include fully stocked kitchens from grocery lists you select and design, kids’ meals made upon request, and a team of specialist that can arrange tours and excursions for you and your little ones. You’ll find one- to 10-bedroom villa options to manage families of all sizes, with rates starting at $3,000 for a week.
Written by Ashely Sepanski