The holidays are always the busiest time of the year for traveling, and when it comes to a memorable
vacation, the place you stay can make all the difference. There are many high-end resorts out there, all
well-equipped to accommodate even the most demanding requests. However, for travelers seeking a
home away from home, many companies (and resorts) offer exceptional villa rentals. Whatever your
desire, you can be sure there’s a private villa out there suited for the task—from sprawling, 35,000-
square-foot estates to cozy, slope-side cabins. So, if you’re itching to travel this season, we’ve highlighted
a number of popular destinations to consider along with a spectacular villa at each location.
Alpine Guru
No avid skier would turn down a trip to Switzerland, and Oliver Corkhill of Alpine Guru
(www.alpineguru.com) argues that Verbier is one the country’s finest ski resorts. The abundance of
restaurants and night clubs, along with Bec De Rosses—one of Europe’s most challenging ski
mountains—makes Verbier the ideal destination for the advanced skier; and Chalet Spa, a 5-bedroom,
fully catered home, represents one of the area’s pinnacle accommodations, costing between 60,000 and
160,000 CHF per week (about $64,000 to $171,000 USD).
Moving Mountains
By contrast, Steamboat Springs, Colo. offers its famous, light-powder snow but, as Robin
Craigen of Moving Mountains (www.movingmountains.com) explains, the ski resort community is more
family friendly than other ski destinations in the area. Residences in One Steamboat Place—a collection
of private condominiums located right next to the resort’s gondola—sleep anywhere from two to 14
guests and range from $1,140 to $5,900 USD per night. “You’ll find everything you can hope for,”
Craigen says.
Resort West
Similarly, Park City, Utah offers a wide range of mountain activities, as well as three distinct ski
resorts all within a 10- to 15-minute drive of one another. Add to that a wide range of shopping, dining
and nightlife options on Main Street, and the town becomes a draw for both serious and recreational
skiers. For an exclusive and private retreat, John Duncan of Resorts West (www.resortswest.com)
recommends 10153 Deer Crest, a 6-bedroom home in a gated Deer Valley community, which ranges in
price from $6,000 to $8,500 USD per night. “It’s a home that a high-end skier would be looking for,” he
says. “It definitely has that ‘wow’ factor.”
Private Trade Winds
For travelers looking for a warmer climate this season, Judy Sweetland of Private Trade Winds
(www.privatetradewinds.com) suggests South Africa for its ability to offer an oceanfront vacation as well
as a traditional safari experience. In particular, she points to a 6,500-square-foot, 7-bedroom residence that offers dramatic views and a modern, open-style floorplan. Rates range from $1,400 to $5,450 USD per night.
Casa de Campo
If you’d rather hit the links or cast a sport fishing line, Rick Rosemarin of Casa de Campo Estates
(www.casadecampoestates.com) recommends the Dominican Republic. With the resort’s private villa rentals
ranging from $500 to $7,500 USD per night, the gated resort has something to suit every traveler’s tastes.
But the thing that links all of those villas together, he says, is the service. “Whether it’s knowing what
you like in the morning or what you want to do during the day, the staff makes an effort to make sure
you’re happy,” he says.
Villas de Oro
Staff considerations are equally important in Mexico, which is why Audrey Orchard advocates
that her clients consider Puerto Vallarta. Through Villas de Oro (www.villasdeoro.com), Orchard
provides villa rentals in almost a dozen Mexican destinations, but she says Puerto Vallarta is the most
appealing due to its safety and reputation for high-quality service in all areas, from private chefs and
bartending to personal shopping. A popular villa in the area is Casa Demae II, a 5-bedroom home that
offers more than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space. It ranges in price from $1,700 to
$2,200 USD per night.
Of course, the world is full of amazing travel destinations, each with exceptional villas in which
to stay.
To find the villa and destination that’s right for you, click here.
