As travel begins to become possible again, yet with social distancing still front of mind, heading to a hotel might feel less daunting for some if there is the option of standalone accommodation. From private villas to idyllic country cottages, these are the best places to go to feel a world away from everything (and everyone) else – limited contact with other guests, but with all the bells and whistles of boutique hotel luxury service and facilities.
Country House Havens
Rose Cottage at Dormy House Hotel, the Cotswolds – UK
A traditional Cotswold cottage with its own private courtyard and hot tub, Rose Cottage at 17th-century farmhouse Dormy House is the perfect countryside retreat for couples (and their well-behaved pooch!) An independent single storey cottage set in the rural grounds of the Farncombe Estate, Rose Cottage sleeps two guests in a King size bed beneath exposed timbers and fabulously floral interiors.
Treehouses, Hilly & Hideaway Huts at The Fish Hotel, the Cotswolds – UK
Also set within the 400-acre Farncombe Estate is The Fish Hotel, a village-style collection of houses, huts and hideaways made for laid-back luxury breaks. Nestled into the hillside of this back to nature bolthole are the most charming luxury cabins, complete with underfloor heating, en-suite bathrooms (some with free-standing bathtubs), and cosy lounge areas beside a wood burner.
If you want to push the boat out, Boaty McBoatface comes with its very own paddle boat for you to relax on whilst floating around your own private lake, or pop across to your private island complete with decking and comfortable seating.
For more of an arboreal retreat, enjoy the hotel’s woodland setting from up close (and up high!) in three Treehouse suites – wrapped around large Oak trees with two heated outdoor baths on a spacious decking area.
Private Villas at Domaine de Manville, Les Baux de Provence – France
Nestled in the valley beneath Les Baux, one of the loveliest hilltop medieval villages in France, Domaine de Manville sits in a vast 100-acre estate. Originally a working farm, it is now a stylish hotel surrounded by olive trees, scented wild herbs and lush green fields. All the rooms are beautifully decorated and have poolside views, including their nine luxury villas. From the three-bedroom Luxury and Prestige Villas which sleep up to seven people, to the four-bedroom Deluxe Villa which accommodates up to nine guests, each of the villas boasts spacious interiors which open out onto large private terraces.
Private Garden Villa at San Canzian Village & Hotel, Buje – Croatia
Perched up on the Croatian peninsula near Buje in the medieval village of Mužolini Donji, the two-storey villa at San Canzian Village & Hotel is surrounded by shady olive groves, its own private garden and outdoor pool, and the celebrated vineyards of San Canzian.
Elite Spring Villas, Anxi – China
A collection of Zen infused villas beside natural hot springs in China’s tea capital, Elite Spring Villas is an exclusive resort celebrating historic Chinese culture. Stroll along pathways between gently bubbling fountains to your private villa. Each offers a contemporary take on authentic Chinese design, with atmospheric touches such as calming sandalwood incense. Expect spacious living and sleeping areas, and luxury hot tubs in some villas.
Seaside Seclusion
Sea View Villa Annex at Villa Franca, Positano – Italy
With an enviable spot amid Positano’s old streets, yet moments from the shore, this hilltop retreat overlooks the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Once a private house, Villa Franca is still run by the same family who will make you feel instantly at home. Opt for the Junior Suite or the Master Room in the villa annex for a private terrace and the best views of Positano.
Luxury Apartments and Private Villas at Smiths Beach Resort, Yallingup – Australia
Set within a National Park, this environmentally-friendly and picturesque resort is a restful sanctuary providing the ultimate Australian beachside experience. Smiths Beach Resort’s beautifully furnished One Bedroom Apartments, Two and Three Bedroom Garden or Ocean View Villas and Three and Four Bedroom Beach Houses have large picture windows that frame views of the stunning natural surrounds, stretches of ocean and colourful sunsets.
Luxury Casitas at Villas del Mar, San Jose del Cabo – Mexico
Villas del Mar offers a stylish slice of Los Cabos in a stunning set of beachfront villa residences. From three, four, and five bedroom Casitas to the six bedroom Casa Bella Villa, the sophisticated look and feel of the interiors carries seamlessly over to the exclusive private beach club on Palmilla Beach.
Panoptis Escape, Mykonos – Greece
This extraordinary ensemble of boutique villas overlooks the turquoise Aegean Sea and tranquil expanse of Elia Beach below. From its exclusive, hilltop position, surrounded by the wild, natural sun-caressed beauty of Mykonos, Panoptis Escape promises absolute serenity in every sense. Ranging from one to three bedroom villas with private pools, this island sanctuary also features an expansive Honeymoon Retreat complete with an 80-square metre outdoor area to fully soak up the sunshine.
La Peschiera, Monopoli – Italy
A former fish hatchery turned luxury hotel, La Peschiera is an intimate seaside resort nestled on the shores of the Puglia coast. With just a handful of artfully designed rooms and suites, all accessible externally and with private beachfront patios, this boutique resort is utterly exclusive – complete with a private stretch of sand at your disposal.
Tropical Island Hideaways
Pangkor Laut Resort, Lumut – Malaysia
On a secluded private island off the west coast of Malaysia lies Pangkor Laut Resort – picture tropical jungle, rocky outcrops and the beautiful beach of Emerald Bay. Choose from Sea, Beach, Spa, Hill or Garden Villas, each in their individually unique settings and many with outdoor bathtubs. Relax on your balcony and take in the stunning sea views with the high pitched calls of macaque monkeys in the background.
Mangala Resort & Spa, Kuantan – Malaysia
An eco award-winning luxury resort nestled in a tropical oasis of nature close to Kuantan, at Mangala Resort & Spa, you’ll feel like you’re immersed in timeless natural beauty. From the private villas built on stilts over the lake, to those beside lily-dotted wetlands, every inch of this resort brings guests closer to nature.
Vahine Island Resort & Spa, Tahaa – French Polynesia
Vahine Island Resort & Spa is a remote Polynesian hideaway on its own 23-acre private island with just nine beachfront and overwater bungalows hidden among coconut trees and facing a pristine blue lagoon. The most difficult choice you’ll need to make is: beachfront or overwater? To enjoy the lagoon’s abundant wildlife, there is an aquarium table in the water bungalows to watch and feed the tropical fish that swim in the water below. Beachfront bungalows have a lazy hammock on their spacious decks with fabulous views of the lagoon and nearby Bora Bora. Decisions, decisions…
Little Polynesian Resort, Rarotonga – Cook Islands
At the adults-only Little Polynesian Resort, traditional soul meets contemporary style beside a protected lagoon in Rarotonga. The exclusive bungalows and studios at this boutique escape have Polynesian craftsmanship at their core. Beachfront Bungalows are just steps from the sand, while Garden Studios are immersed in botanical beauty.
Pimalai Bay Resort & Spa, Lanta Island – Thailand
Tucked away on the tiny island of Koh Lanta facing the Andaman Sea, Pimalai Bay Resort & Spa sits alongside a vast stretch of sandy beach set against a backdrop of lush tropical forest. Featuring one, two, and three bedroom Pool Villas, and the same again in Beach Villas, a number of the villas are also set on the hillside and have their own private infinity pools.
Sailrock Resort, South Caicos – Turks & Caicos Islands
Consider Sailrock Resort your private piece of Caribbean paradise to enjoy at your own pace. Choose from an array of exclusive villas and standalone suites – including Ridgetop Ocean Views, Beachfront Villas, Peninsula Skyridge Villas, and Oceanfront Coral and Reef Villas – many with their own private pools overlooking the untouched landscape.
If you’re interested in taking over one of our hotels entirely, read more about our Exclusive Use service here.
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