Archive for July, 2018

LUXURY FOR LOVERS – TOP TEN ROMANTIC VILLAS IN EUROPE!

Thursday, July 26th, 2018

Europe has no shortage of stunning hideaways for romantic rendezvous and starry-eyed lovers. From private breath-taking retreats in Ibiza, to cozy villas weaved in to the tapestry of the Italian countryside, there’s something to suit every luxury need!

So, it’s time to turn the heat up on Europe, as we carefully curate our top ten list of luxury villa rentals for a romantic get-away…

Villa Sabrina

For Dreamy Days and Cozy Nights

Sophisticated décor and elegant surroundings make Villa Sabrina one of Ibiza’s most sought-after luxury villa rentals for lovers. Escape for days or weeks, hiding in the hillside of this magical island. And when you’re ready to resurface, it’s within easy reach of the infamous Blue Marlin beach.

Villa Teresa

For Great Food and Wine

Known for its charm and natural beauty, the luxury vacation home of Villa Teresa is located in Italy’s Montalbano – the land of da Vinci, great wine and local produce. If food is the language of love, then Teresa speaks volumes. Great for romantic walks, late night Chianti’s and natural springs, there’s so much to fall in love with – company included!

Villa Andrea

For Honeymooners

Set in perfectly manicured gardens and hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the world, you’ll never want to leave Villa Andrea. The ultimate secluded get-away, this Saint-Tropez luxury villa rental is designed with an open plan feel, ideal for honeymooners or those wanting to enjoy the comfort of their own company.

Villa Fabiana

For Impressing Someone Special

Whisk that someone special away for a memorable trip to Italy. The peaceful retreat located on the seaside between the towns of Amalfi and Positano is sure to impress, least of all because it’s built in to an eighteenth century building. Complete with plunge pool, private chef (by request) and breath-taking views.

Villa Dahlia

For French Sophistication

It’s hard not to be seduced by Villa Dahlia, with its panoramic views of the French Riviera, a spacious and Provençal style dining area and heated infinity pool. Cozy enough for two couples, why share when you can have the property all to yourself.

Villa Ilaria

For Stylish Pampering

Porto Cervo in the north of Sardinia, is the preferred destination for those seeking luxury vacation rentals, with a stylish twist. Villa Ilaria offers all the right ingredients for an unforgettable trip, including a Jacuzzi and Turkish bath, for all those cozy nights in.

Villa Cynthia

For the WOW factor!

It would be hard to say anything but ‘yes’ to Villa Cynthia, one of Marbella’s top luxury vacation homes, offering everything you could wish for and more. Accommodating up to 20 guests, this is the place to sweep your star struck lover off their feet and dazzle them with your excellent taste!

Villa Calypso

For Falling in Love

Fall in love with Mykonos from the minute you step inside Villa Calypso. With an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and split-level rooms, you can always find a quiet corner to enjoy some time-out.

Villa Camilla

Find your Happy Place

Spend quality time together in the tranquility of this Mallorca farmhouse with its own in-house concierge to ensure you don’t have to lift a finger! Offering sea-views, a private infinity pool and exquisitely landscaped gardens, you may never want to leave.

Villa Tatiana

For Family Fun

Take the kids and enjoy a luxurious countryside retreat at this simply stunning eight-bedroom luxury family home just west of Bordeaux. Made for family escapades, it’s perfectly positioned between the seashore, pine forests and world-famous vineyards, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Global Luxury Villas provides luxury vacation homes in some of the most romantic settings in the world. Coupled with outstanding service, it provides all the trappings of a five-star hotel, in the privacy of your own villa.

THE INTERVIEW SERIES – DAVID SONTAG – SALES DIRECTOR, VILLAZZO

Thursday, July 19th, 2018
David Sontag

In our ongoing series of interviews, we exclusively speak to David Sontag, Sales Director at Villazzo. With more than five years’ experience in the luxury sales industry, David has also worked for The Miami Herald and The Miami Heat, before joining Villazzo in 2016.

Q: Tell us a little about your objectives as Sales Director at Villazzo?

My main objectives are to book homes in each of the destinations we serve, while increasing revenue year on year. This involves finding homeowners that are interested in joining our VillaHotel program, and continuing to keep Villazzo at the front of their minds.

Q: Villazzo is known for its unrivalled vacation rentals in incredible locations. What do you look for in new properties?

We always look for the best homes in the best locations in the destinations we offer, many of which have the ‘wow’ factor. Our reputation means that owners trust us with their homes and work with us exclusively. We enjoy finding likeminded partners that we can build long-term relationships with.

Q: Currently, Villazzo is present in five global locations around the world. Where would you like to see the next destination on the map?

Our customers enjoy being inspired by the luxury vacation rentals we offer. Beverly Hills is a destination with tremendous opportunities for growth, and we’re seeing a demand for homes in the area, so watch this space…

Q: What makes Villazzo unique, that entices your elite clientele back time and again?

It’s all about the high level of service we offer. When a client first contacts Villazzo, it’s because they’ve heard about our concept, and have seen photos of our properties online. But, it’s our five-star service that gives us a real advantage, which is unrivaled and unmatched by anyone.

After we’ve completed the booking process, guests are introduced to our operations team (David & Aleksandra). They work effortlessly to plan the guest’s itineraries, and ensure their every desire is met. Between these two and their in-house teams, they pull out all the stops to make every experience special. Guests leave feeling cared and catered for, and we notice that many return – not just to the same destinations, but others in our portfolio too.

Q: What is more important – great customer service or a great villa location?

They’re both equally as important as each other, but for different reasons. The homes, and their location are often the motivation for guests to get in touch – and what makes us stand out against competitors. However, it’s our five-star service that we’re known for. The service begins during the first initial call and continues even after a guest checks out. Our goal is to make a personal connection from the start. Once a guest arrives and stays with us, it’s the outstanding customer service that gets them to return, and we go beyond the usual expectations to make sure guests are satisfied.

Welcome

Q: You’re extremely well-travelled with a love of luxury – how does this help in your role?

Having a knowledge of luxury, how luxury is defined, and what’s expected from a luxury experience helps define my role. I appreciate that customers want a professional, polite approach, as well as access to some of the best luxury villa rentals.

Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?

We’re often asked to help plan itineraries that create memories that last a lifetime. This is a challenge we love, but can take weeks, if not months of planning.

Q: Have you noticed any interesting trends in the industry at the moment?

The increased demand for private rental homes continues. As travelers look for a more personalized service, this is something we can help with at Villazzo.

Q: Do you have any insider tips for online rental bookings?

Rates tend to be more favorable during mid-week stays. If you have a limited budget, try and look for properties that don’t include a weekend stay.

Q: If you had to pick a destination for unrivalled luxury, where would you choose?

This is personal to everyone’s taste, after all, there is luxury to be found in every destination. For me, it’s a combination of a perfect property matched with five-star service to create a memorable stay.

THE TOP FIVE LUXURY VILLA RENTALS WITH JAW-DROPPING POOLS

Thursday, July 12th, 2018

A crisp glass of chardonnay in one hand, a good book in the other – all that’s needed is an infinity pool for the perfect get-away.

If summer holidays are all about rest and relaxation surrounded by the finer things in life, you will appreciate our pick of the best luxury villa rentals with jaw-dropping swimming pools. Plus, they’re in some of the most sought-after destinations in the world…

Villa Veronica

Best for Grandeur and Glamour

Holiday like a King at Villa Veronica in Ibiza, where new world charm meets timeless elegance in this ultra-modern oasis. At the heart of this five-bedroom luxury vacation home proudly sits a welcoming infinity pool, teetering off the edge of the villa. But that’s not all, this property has a secret hidden bunker with an underwater disco bar for your very own after-hours club! For the ultimate in pampering, it also has a detox sauna and gym.

Villa Violet

Best for Clinging to a Cliff Top!

Sometimes, only an infinity pool clinging on to a cliff top retreat will do! Villa Violet in Saint Barth makes this dream a reality, with its semi-heated slender pool offering plenty of space in its modern sundeck. Giving the feel that you’re swimming straight into the horizon, this stunning luxurious villa rental transports you to paradise.

Villa Sogno di Luce

Best for Exclusivity

It doesn’t get more exclusive than the sun-drenched hills of Saint-Tropez. Perched on the hills, the heavenly hideaway of Villa Sogno di Luce offers six extravagant bedrooms and spacious living room with state-of-the-art facilities. For outdoor living at its best, it’s complete with a vanishing edge pool and Jacuzzi, and outdoor lounging area, ideal for relaxing with guests.

Villa Brigitte

Best for Hollywood Glamour

Hollywood A-listers flock to Saint-Tropez every year, and not just for the international film awards. This has long been the destination of choice for stars seeking refuge in their very own luxury vacation home from home. Its best enjoyed with an Aperol Spritz as the sun goes down from the comfort of your private pool. The contemporary swimming pool in Villa Brigitte is just the place, with great views overlooking the ocean.

Villa Vanya

Best for Unrivalled Views

It doesn’t get more exclusive than the cluster of small islands between Miami and South Beach, otherwise known as Jungle Island. Here you will find Villa Vanya a luxury villa rental offering playful luxury with contemporary charm. Surrounded by water, it boasts floor-to-ceiling views, for the ultimate view without having to leave the island! No expense is spared, with its very own elevator, secluded swimming pool and private terrace.

Villazzo provides luxury vacation homes with jaw-dropping pools around the world. Coupled with outstanding service, it provides all the trappings of a five-star hotel, in the privacy of your own villa.