Vast and varied, alluring and inspiring – Europe has it all. From vineyards in Bordeaux to historic sites in Germany, from the blissful chill of Ibiza to sailing in the French Riviera. With more than 50 countries to choose from, it may be hard to know where to start your European get-away with a luxury villa rental. Despite it being peak season, August is a great time to visit with many destinations welcoming families, and soaring summer temperatures, perfect for a trip to the beach! To help select the perfect get-away, we’ve selected four of our favorite European destinations for beach lovers this summer… |
![]() MykonosThis Greek island might be best known for its luxury villa rentals, however it’s also home to some hidden gems of beaches. Lined with pine trees, covered in golden sand and with plenty of sun beds to hire, Paraga Beach is one of the most popular. It’s also one of the more livelier beaches – expect to hear distant mutterings of Greek music blasting from the local beach bars and cafes! Note – the nearby glamorous ‘Scorpio’ restaurant is the place to see and be seen. For a quieter affair ‘Myrsini’ beach in the north of the island is small and unspoiled, providing the perfect backdrop for soaking up the sun. |
![]() IbizaThe magical island of ‘Evissia’ provides rave and refuge in equal measures. Here, beaches are transformed in to day clubs, with the Blue Marlin and Ushuaia attracting a rambunctious glamorous crowd enjoying the Balearic beats! It’s best enjoyed with your very own Ibiza villa rental to return to, for the ultimate in five-star dwelling. Of course, not all beaches are about the party and the idyllic island of Formentera (accessible by ferry) is a desirable haven with its crystal-clear waters, sand dunes and pine trees. |
![]() French RivieraAttracting the rich and famous, the French Riviera brings a certain ‘oh la la’ to sunbathing! In Cannes you can expect five-star service at the private Carlton Beach with sky high prices for the privilege while Plage du Midi, just a little further down, offers a more casual family vibe. For an A-list experience though, Paloma Beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers exclusivity and privacy, alongside its Chanel-clad clientele! |
![]() MarbellaLike your sunbathing with a side of summer tunes and sangria? Then head to Bounty beach and Nikki beach, attracting a young hip crowd. But why stop there when there’s 27kms of coastline to choose from. One of the many outstanding blue-flag beaches to enjoy is Cabo Pinto, or if it’s exclusivity you’re after then Playa Nagueles is a beauty spot worth visiting, best coupled with an exclusive Marbella luxury villa to complete your trip! |
So, there you have it, three of the most seductive, exclusive and charming beaches for when you want to escape the city. |
Global Luxury Villas provides luxury vacation homes within reach of some of the best beaches around the globe. |
Archive for June, 2018
EUROPE IN AUGUST – A ROUNDUP OF THE BEST BEACH DESTINATIONS
Wednesday, June 27th, 2018THE INTERVIEW SERIES – DAVID SIAUVAUD – OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, VILLAZZO
Thursday, June 21st, 2018
|
||
Q: You’ve studied in Ireland, worked as a head waiter in hotels in France, been a product manager in Mexico, and now head up operations for Villazzo in Miami. Tell us how you made the leap – both in terms of the role and location!?I’ve always loved to travel and my studies have taken me far. I’ve found that working in several countries has excelled my career. It has given me a wealth of experience and the opportunity to discover other cultures and their approach to hospitality for a well-rounded view. |
||
Q: Tell us a little about your day-to-day role.As with all things Villazzo, good customer service runs through the company. As such, my role centers around bringing all the departments together to make sure they run smoothly, and customers remain at the heart of what we do. Maintaining a consistently high service worldwide is integral to this role. Overseeing the company financials is part of the day-to-day running of the business, to ensure budgets are managed too. |
||
Q: From your time in hospitality, you witnessed first-hand the importance of good customer service. How do you deliver this to an online audience?In the digital time we find ourselves in, immediacy is everything. Being able to respond quickly and helpfully is very important to our customers, and being reachable is key to the industry. |
||
Q: What does Villazzo offer that a five-star hotel doesn’t?When customers book a luxury vacation home with us, they can enjoy all the trappings of a five-star hotel, with the added benefit of complete privacy and a totally tailored experience. Everything is arranged as the guest desires, and that makes us special. |
||
Q: You’re extremely well-travelled with a love of luxury – how does this help you in your role?It’s a great advantage to understand guests, both on a cultural level and in their language. It allows us to connect more easily with customers and help anticipate their needs. |
||
Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?Ah yes, last minute requests are always fun! But it gets the adrenalin rushing and our team are brilliant at rising to the challenge – never failing to please. As mentioned before, I’m always ‘on’ and available, which means the business must always come first, but that’s not a problem as I’m passionate about what I do! |
||
![]() Q: What makes Villazzo stand-out from its competitors?We have a really dedicated and passionate team that live and breathe hospitality. We share a common love for welcoming guests to our own houses, so it’s a pleasure to welcome guests to the beautiful luxury vacation homes we offer. It’s an extension of what we do! |
||
Q: If you had to pick a destination for unrivalled luxury, where would you choose?Dubai does luxury like nowhere else! They have an innate understanding of how to treat customers, offering everything they could desire, and then some! Personal helipads, private chefs, gold-drenched four poster beds – no request is too ambitious. |
||
Q: Do you have any insider tips for online rental bookings? (e.g. specific requests, days that are cheaper than others?)Surprisingly, the longer you stay the more affordable the trip. And don’t be afraid to make requests prior to your stay. After all, we’re here to deliver a five-star experience and want you to have the best vacation. |
FIVE OF THE BEST LUXURY FAMILY VILLAS IN EUROPE
Thursday, June 7th, 2018
The long stretch of summer is the most popular time of the year to book a family break. With excitable kids to entertain, Europe ticks all the boxes for the perfect family get-away. For great beaches, delicious food, plenty of cultural sights and blissful weather, look no further. A happy holiday starts with the perfect setting. Many families opt for a luxury villa for rent, since it provides privacy, peace and quiet and a home-from-home. Here’s five of the best vacation homes on offer this Europe, available to book now! |
![]() First Class FunHigh-rollers won’t feel out of place in Marbella. By day, take your pick of two enormous heated pools (one indoors, one outdoors), or take a stroll to the beach, there’s many to choose from. Conveniently located near the local golf club, and Casino Marbella, there’s plenty to occupy big kids, as well as younger ones! There’s no shortage of family-friendly restaurants either, serving up traditional Spanish food. Or stay in a first-class vacation home such as Villa Cynthia with its huge open-plan professional kitchen, and hire your own chef for a special night in. Situated in the tranquil settings of El Paraiso, the 10-bedroom 10-bathroom sanctuary is the perfect get-away for large families. |
![]() Historic HavenIdeal for families with older kids that want to explore its rich history, Sorrento in Italy perches high above the cliffs. Take the Amalfi Coast for breath-taking vistas and Michelin star restaurants, or head to Capri and Pompeii for archaeological sites – it’s certainly an enriching place to visit. Base yourself at Villa Adele, to be central to the action. With five bedrooms, its own wooden pizza oven and Jacuzzi pool, it’s no wonder they call it ‘La Dolce Vita’! For an added extra, you can hire your own boat to explore the coast in style. |
![]() Country ChicWhether you’re here for the surf, sunbathing on the beach, or enjoying walks by the harbour, Saint-Tropez in France is the ultimate all-round destination. Stay in style at Villa Perla – your very own luxury vacation villa. Great for the kids, the luscious grounds offer plenty of space to run around in, with an inviting pool to cool down afterwards! Boasting five bedrooms across two levels, an open plan kitchen and shaded terrace area, it feels like your very own private hotel! |
![]() Pamper in Porto CervoBathe in luxury and enjoy the finer touches that this fashionable district in Sardinia has to offer. What better way to relax with your loved ones than taking time out in a truly decadent luxury villa rental, with seven bedrooms to enjoy. Its large heated pool is great for children, and its perfect size dining room and lounge offer plenty of room for get-togethers. Despite its remoteness, Villa Zalika is reassuringly close to the local beach, golf club and marina, for fun day’s out. |
![]() Blissful Balearic BoltholeWhen all you want is sun, sea and luxury, Ibiza is the island to turn to. In the peaceful area of Cala Cona, you’ll find Villa Raven, an expansive bungalow accommodating up to 12 guests for the perfect extended family stay. Great for young kids, it comes complete with cot beds, and well-tended pathways for strollers. There’s also plenty of shade, as well as a divine swimming pool. A great place to kick back and entertain, the property is complete with a fully equipped kitchen, cinema-quality entertainment in the lounge and an indoor gym. Should you ever want to leave, the local beach is but a stroll away! |
For the ultimate family get-away this summer, Global Luxury Villas provides luxury villas throughout Europe. |
Harper’s Bazar Arabia Bride – Beach Bunnies – June 2018
Friday, June 1st, 2018![]() |
VILLA VERONICA Cala Jondal, IbizaOverlooking the only bay in Ibiza designated a nature reserve, Villa Veronica is a honeymoon destination of Hollywood A-list proportions. Located just moments from the infamous Blue Marlin and some of the island’s finest restaurants, newlyweds booking this sprawling, five-bedroom luxury private property can enjoy their own underwater disco and bar with sub aquatic pool, as well as a rooftop hot-tub, spa and gym. Treated to a bespoke ‘5-Star VillaHotel Experience’ that includes a lifestyle organized by its own private hotel manager and his expert team of hand-picked staff trained to pamper, a personal in-villa butler/concierge, private chef, and on call limousine service are all included in your dream holiday on the magical White Island. |