Archive for June, 2020

Head to the Hills on Vacation this Summer

Monday, June 29th, 2020

In a post-lockdown world, it’s expected that we’ll all be finding more comfort in nature and the great outdoors. As we learn to reconnect with the world around us, many travellers are looking for luxury villa rentals and private abodes set away from the bustle of the city.

So, whether you’re looking to escape to the snow-capped Alps, seductive hills of Tuscany, or the calm of Ontario, we’ve got a few ideas to help inspire your vacation choice for 2020.

The Peaks of France

Straddling the French-Swiss border, the iconic Alps stretch 1,2000 km across eight countries. A prime European destination for winter ski, it’s also growing in popularity during the summer, when the weather heats up.

Come the warmer months, the popular resort of Courchevel is a serene spot for quiet walks, taking photography, and getting back to nature. Plus, many of the ski gondolas continue to operate throughout the summer months, making it easy to reach its high peaks. Book a luxury chalet and take advantage of all that’s on offer.

Breathtaking Ontario

There’s beauty at every turn, in the Canadian resort of Ontario.

For those in the know, this province has many hidden treats waiting to be discovered. When you find them, luscious lakes and forest woods open up, to create a dramatic and breathtaking backdrop.

Close to the beauty of Erindale Park, Hewick Meadows and The Mississauga Golf and Country Club, lies Villa Oriana. A sprawling vacation home rental located over 17,660 sq ft. From here you can explore the wider region, and all that Ontario has to offer. There’s hiking trails, protected woodland and a number of sandy beaches, for enjoying at your leisure.

Chill in Aspen

Melting away its winter snow, Aspen in the summer is a stunning destination, all thawed out and glistening, ready for a new set of visitors.

For those who love getting back to nature, you can easily lose yourself to the hills, ranges and acres of mountains drawing you in. Take a hike, bike, or water raft – from land to water, there’s so much to enjoy. Complete your stay with a luxury Aspen villa for rent, and invite all the family to stay.

For the ultimate hillside retreat, Villa Justine is perched atop a hill, next to infamous Red Mountain. Offering unrivalled privacy accompanied by jaw-dropping views, it’s a glorious get-away and hillside ‘happy place’ you won’t regret visiting.

Tantalising Tuscany

With a varied ever-changing landscape, Tuscany is a wonderful destination for enjoying all that’s great about Italy. Bask in its glorious countryside, roam the vineyards, and enjoy artisan delights rustled up by local chefs – it’s a truly tantalising calling for all the senses.

Be it the striking architecture of Florence, or the serenity of the Tuscan countryside, there’s much to explore during a visit. When it’s time to head to the hills, the quaint commune of Monte Argentario is an inviting spot.

Enjoy secluded country walks drenched in nature, staying in Porto Santa. This beauty spot is also home to Villa Larissa – an idyllic place for all the family.

Be sure to visit Global Luxury Villas to find out all the latest luxury villa deals available.

UNCOVERING THE MOST UNUSUAL TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Wednesday, June 17th, 2020

Travellers tend to fall in to two categories; those who enjoy the path less travelled, and those who don’t. Whether you’re into luxury vacation homes, or treehouses in the forest, there’s plenty of options for every kind of traveller these days.

So, if your sense of wanderlust takes you to the far-flung, or if you’re keen to uncover alternative attractions on your vacation, read on. In recent years tourism has started to open up and cater to all kinds of interests and trends. Here’s just a few of the most notable and unusual tourist attractions never too far from a luxury villa rental!

Take the slow road…

The rugged unpredictable terrain of Costa Rica makes it a popular destination with those who love the great outdoors. While zip-lining and mountain trekking are typical tourist attractions, why not opt for something more special.

Nestled in the heart of the rain forest, the Sloth Sanctury in Cahuita is a hidden gem, where you can get up close and personal with little critters themselves! When it’s time to retreat, there’s no shortage of Costa Rica luxury rentals to enjoy either.

Invade the streets


Miami luxury house rentals aside, the city is known for its endless sunshine, glorious beaches and glamour galore. It’s also home to a bustling art scene, with galleries and artists dotted throughout South Beach and beyond.

For an altogether alternative experience, join the street art movement! French artist ‘Invader’ has dotted famous space invaders throughout the city. Take a tour by foot as you uncover some of these hidden treats. Plus, if you’re an art aficionado, don’t miss the global Art Deco event every January, or the super-famous Art Basel event.

The ghost town


Ski and snow – that’s what Aspen is best known for. However, tucked away behind its famous mountains and lurking beyond the many Aspen luxury vacation homes to rent is Ashcroft – a famous ghost town. This eerily quiet village was once home to a small community. Today just a few buildings remain to show what was once a flourishing silver mining area. Open during the summer, this is a great place to learn more about the city’s rich history, so to speak.

Step back in time


Just an hour away from the luxury villa rentals of the Amalfi Coast lies Pompeii. This ancient Roman city has been immortalised for all to see, when it was buried in a sheet of volcanic dust in 79AD. In its process, the remains including many people were captured in time, and can be visited for those with a strong constitution!

Chest in time


The smoky mountains and luxury vacation homes of North Carolina have nothing on its most unusual attraction; the world’s largest chest of drawers!

Sitting 40ft tall in ‘High Point’ this extraordinary structure pays homage to the city being the furniture capital of the world. Be sure to look out for the odd-coloured socks hanging out, it’s quite the talking point!

Get extra terrestrial


The white island of Ibiza is known for many things. When you aren’t lounging around your Ibiza villa rental, be sure to make time for one of the stranger experiences on the island.

In Cala Codolar head to a sculpture called ‘Time and Space’. Designed by artist Andrew Rodgers it’s said to have been commissioned to lure UFOs to a luxury landing spot. Taking inspiration from Stonehenge in the UK, the stones are put together in a similar arrangement, lighting up when the sun strikes across it. It’s said to be a magical island after all.

Global Luxury Villas offer luxury villas in a selection of leading destinations around the world.

WHERE TO VACATION FOR ADVENTURE SPORTS

Tuesday, June 9th, 2020

If your vacations are all about sun, sea and sports, then there’s a few must-visit locations to add to your travel bucket list.

From the family-friendly parks of Miami to the zip-lining forests of Costa Rica, and the rollicking waves of the French Riviera; it’s time to find a luxury vacation home and book your flights – summertime is calling.

Here’s our top five destinations for adventure sports by type:

First choice for family fun

Miami is a destination that has it all. From some of the best hotel pools, to miles upon miles of golden beaches, it’s all about poolside and seaside vibes.

It’s also a great family-friendly destination, with plenty of sports activities for children of all ages. This includes the famous Flamingo Water Park and teen-favourite Stand Up Paddling.

South Beach is where to go for all your water sports activities, from wakeboarding lessons to surfing, all dependent on the current and conditions. Complete your stay with a luxury villa rental complete with outdoor pool.

Great for sailing selfies

If you like your adventure sports with a cheeky spritzer in one hand, hanging off a designer yacht, the French Riviera is for you! With no shortage of A-list standard

villas in St Tropez to rent, this is the playground for the rich and famous.

Matched by an equally impressive choice of adventure sports, this is the go-to destination in Europe for yachting and powerboating. There’s a number of sailing schools to enrol in, or simply do as the locals and charter a superyacht.

Chill and thrill

When it’s time to chill, the Caribbean is the place to go, with plenty of St Barts villa rentals to choose from. Yet, this doesn’t stop this sleepy island offering plenty of action adventure too!

Thrill seekers can take advantage of the perfect conditions for windsurfing in its Grand Cul de Sac beach. Complete with shallow waters and brisk winds, it’s suitable for every level of surfer. Meanwhile Lorient is the place to go to catch some waves, with a bustling surfing community.

With an equally stunning underwater world, there’s plenty of diving spots too. Check out St Barth Plongee and the Birdy Diving Centre for children and adults alike.

Best for outdoor pursuits

For fun in the forests, zip-lining galore and just simply getting back to nature, Costa Rica has it all. This adventure backdrop has an abundance of outdoor pursuits for all the family to enjoy, especially older children.

If you have a head for heights, the Diamante Superman Canopy Zip Line offers thrilling views of the Guanacaste coast as you fly through the air! Back down to earth, Playa Tamarindo is one of the best surfing destinations on the coast, ideal for all levels of surfer.

If hiking is more your thing, the heady heights of Mount Chirripo make for a thrilling adventure. Just be sure to book a luxury vacation home for the rest and recovery you’ll need!

Villazzo offers a wide selection of luxury house rentals for a five-star get-away. With outstanding customer service and an unrivalled portfolio of properties, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable stay.