Archive for the ‘Bordeaux’ Category

Where to Find the Most Beautiful Castles in Europe

Friday, June 11th, 2021

Where to Find the Most Beautiful Castles in Europe

There are over 50 countries in Europe, all with their own unique charm, history and villas for rent, that bring global visitors every year. But one of the greatest attractions and hallmarks of Europe, is the striking and historical architecture still standing today – namely castles.

Since the Middle Ages, and as early at the 5th century, castles were built with abundance throughout Europe. Some as forts and defensive buildings, others used as homes for royalty. Today thousands of these buildings still remain intact, to tell the story of where they once stood.

If you’re planning a European trip, here are some of the finest castles to add to your list:

Castell de Eivissa – Ibiza


Towering over Ibiza Town, the superyachts and the Ibiza luxury rentals below is Castell de Eivissa. This huge 12th century fortress is unmissable, dominating the skyline from every angle of the town. This medieval fortress was built in the Punic period when it was ruled by the Arabs known as ‘Yebisah’. Much is left standing today, and it remains a UNESCO World Heritage site, very much worthy of your visit during a trip to the White Island. Bring a camera, a bottle of water and your best selfie-face and don’t miss the the 14th century gothic cathedral at the very top!

Alnwick Castle, England


Although Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe – the most famous in the UK belongs to Alnwick Castle on the Scottish/English border.

You might not have heard of it, but you will most certainly have seen it, for this is where the Harry Potter series of movies were filmed bringing the magic of Hogwarts to life.

Today it remains one of the UK’s largest inhabited castles, with tours and guests welcomed – extremely popular with American visitors. Nestled in the stunning Northumberland region, this austere building dates back to the historic Norman Conquest, making it all the more fascinating.

Château de Langoiran, Bordeaux


There is nothing more charming than a French Chateaux, so when in the delightful region of Bordeaux, make it your mission to visit de Langoiran. Not only is this one of the largest castles in France, but it boasts spellbinding views across the Garonne Valley, and is within easy reach of all the nearby villa rentals for visiting. Despite being built in the 13th century, it’s still stands proudly, as one of the great local attractions. It’s turbulent history paints a picture of a bygone era of France, making it all the most exciting to visit.

Castillo de Marbella – Spain


Spain’s rich history is best seen around its protected coastline. Marbella is one of these, and home to Castillo de Marbella – a 9th century construction erected during the reign of Abderramán III. This magnificent castle stands today as the backdrop to wedding parties, spectacular events and guests from around the world, coming to marvel at it’ sheer scale.

For luxury villa rentals in some of the world’s most exciting locations, be sure to visit Global Luxury Villas.

GET BACK TO NATURE IN THESE FIVE DESTINATONS

Tuesday, December 8th, 2020

As the saying goes, the best things in life are free. And recently we’ve all come to realise that the simple beauty of nature is one of the greatest gifts we have.

This has given rise to a growing demand in ‘great outdoors’ holidays and time out in quiet, secluded destinations. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to forgo all the luxuries of modern living. In fact, many of our luxury home rentals are positioned in and near beauty spots, from soothing waterfront villas to eco-lodges in the rainforest.

So, what are you waiting for? Here’s five destinations with nature firmly on the agenda.

Costa Rica
An oasis of charm and beauty, Villa Octavia is the perfect embodiment of eco-living in the great outdoors. This twin-villa estate boasts an open-air living room, outdoor pools and sweeping views to wake up to every day. The location of Mal Pais is known for its achingly beautiful beaches – recently voted one of the best in the world by Forbes.

Bordeaux
As you’d expect from a leading wine-growing region, Bordeaux is drenched in beauty. Its vineyards stretch for miles, offering the perfect playground for adults to get lost in. Come for a walk, come to sample the local produce, or simply come to mooch around its chateaux’s and cobbled roads. Of course, being France’s wine capital, there’s plenty of great wines to knock back, or sip slowly from your Bordeaux luxury home rental.

Aspen
Aspen isn’t just for ski lovers. The chic resort is also a haven for outdoorsy types of all kind. Visit in the summer and you might be pleasantly surprised by the complete change of scenery inviting you to be at one with the world. Hike, bike, trail or kayak – there’s so much on offer, it can be hard to know where to begin.

Tuscany
Where pink sunsets meet green and yellow fields, Tuscany is just as you imagined it would be. The Italian countryside retreat may be home to some of the most recognizable artworks, statues and architecture, but its landscape is equally as enticing.

The countryside is best enjoyed from a Tuscany  luxury villa rental with plenty of room to lounge in. Take your time to discover the sights and vistas at a leisurely pace.

Turks and Caicos
If your idea of reconnecting with the world involves sun, sea and plenty of coral reef, then add the Turks and Caicos islands to your bucket list. This A-list favourite destination is steeped in beauty at every turn. Endless white sand beaches, azure blue waters and luxury villa rentals that you’ll never want to leave.

The scuba here is great, allowing you to discover the peace and tranquillity of its still waters. Why not hire a yacht and make the most of your stay? It’s all about sea life in the Caicos.

Get back to nature and get booking your luxury villa at Global Luxury Villas today.

CHURCH ARCHITECTURE AROUND THE WORLD

Wednesday, August 26th, 2020

When you think of some of the most impressive architecture around the world, it often falls to historic or religious properties that have stood the test of time. Forget the grandeur of your Costa Rica villa, we’re talking about long-standing buildings that hail back to a bygone time.

From the gothic architecture of Italy, to the ancient ruins of Greece, and all that’s in between, here’s four must-visit destinations for experiencing rich history and culture.

Costa Rica


The architecture of Costa Rica is a veritable feast for the eyes, with breathtaking buildings dotted throughout its vast land. To the north, La Iglesia de Canas presents one of the most striking churches in the central district. Look closely and you’ll see that it’s covered in beautiful mosaic tiles – depicting religious and fable stories. Designed by Otto Apuy, it has become a landmark building in the region.

Nearer to San Jose, the quaint town of Grecia has some of the most memorable properties, many which hark back to the 18th century. This includes Catedral de la Mercedes – a striking red building that pays homage to this gothic era. Venture inside and you’ll find luxurious marbling to rival any Costa Rica villa.

Florence, Italy


Milan may be the capital of Italy, but there’s no question that Florence is its cultural epicenter attracting 15 million visitors a year. Here you’ll find famous museums, renaissance artworks, and Catholic churches that conjure up images of its proud past.

Standing like a beacon it the city skyline, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the largest churches in the region. Indeed, it’s so prominent that you can probably spy it from your villa rental Florence. Built in 1296, and taking a further 140 years to complete you can see why the Italians are so proud of this building, with its Gothic inspiration, finishing touches in bronze and it’s iconic dome.

There’s no shortage of architectural masterpieces in this city – far too many to mention. However, another worthy of your time is Basilica Santa Croce. With its historical significance, swarm of tourists flock here to marvel at its glory.

Zakynthos, Greece


There are hundreds of churches and monasteries in Greece, all with their own unique charm. The paradise island of Zakynthos is a favorite for those seeking culture and beach bliss in equal measure.

Nestled in the south, near prime estate such as Villa Marina, you’ll stumble across Virgin Keriotissa Church. This understated renaissance building is identifiable by its hourly bell dongs, and perfectly encapsulates Greek Orthodox architecture.

It stands in stark contrast to the biggest church in the city – St. Dionysios. Built in 1948, it’s relatively new in terms of Greek architecture, but this doesn’t diminish it’s significance, as it resides over this charming coastal town. The long imposing bell tower is a particular favorite feature to look out for.

France


The French Riviera may be known for St Tropez villas, but it’s also home to incredible architectural feats. The Orthodox church of Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas is certainly one. Russian influence comes through clear, although it remains modern having only been built at the turn of the century. Nonetheless, it has been recognized as a national monument in France. Be sure to take a visit!

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

FOUR CLASSIC AND VINTAGE CAR EVENTS IN EUROPE AND USA

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

Petrol heads, motor enthusiasts, car lovers, whatever you go by, one thing is for sure – classic, vintage and antique cars are more than just a hobby. They’re a labor of love, a restoration project, a passion.

For the millions of classic car fans in the world, here are four of the best car shows to attend. Hand-in-hand with this glamourous lifestyle is a taste for the finer things in life, like luxury Miami villas. With that in mind, we’ve also handpicked some of the best places to stay, just be sure to book in advance.

The Miami International Auto Show

One of the leading car shows in America, The Miami International returns again 19-28 February 2021. A well-oiled event, so to speak, it has been running since 1971, making it a firm fixture on the calendar.

There’s thousands of new vehicles on show from over 40 manufacturers worldwide, as such, it’s a much-anticipated show with lots of impressive motors to ogle over.

With plenty of private parking spots and its own valet, Villa Grandioso is a top Miami villa to rent, conveniently close to the event at the Convention Center.

For more visit: miamiautoshows.com

The Charlotte AutoFair

When it comes to world-renowned events, the Charlotte AutoFair in USA, is the largest collector vehicle event in the Southeast. With a 35-year old history, this event is all about restoring classic cars.

Showcasing vehicles typically 25 years and older, this also makes it a great place to pick up a spare part for your own vintage car. Plus it’s a chance to meet likeminded others. Taking place every year bi-annually, it’s a popular event with some 150,000 attendees making the journey out.

If you’re planning to make a weekend of your trip, be sure to book up one of the luxury North Carolina villas such as – Villa Hilary, a 100-mile journey away.

For more, visit: charlotte-autofair.com

The Grand Prix de Monaco Historique

Held every other year in Monaco (usually in May), the Grand Prix is a unique event celebrating racing cars from a bygone era.

The spectacular motorsport hosts more than 180 Grand Prix cars across seven grids, as they tear up the streets of Monaco. For petrol heads, it’s simply unmissable!

In keeping with the luxury vibes, Villa Fanya in Cannes is just 34 miles to Monaco. This luxury St Tropez villa comes with its own dreamy terrace and private pool, making it secure spot for parking your vintage wheels.

For more, visit the official website here.

Le Mans Classic, France

A world-famous race, Le Mans Classic is one of the most famous classic car events. Le Mans keeps its air of exclusivity by showcasing models that competed between 1923 and 1981.

This spectacular race allows qualified drivers to compete on the 24 Hours of Le Mans layout, with 500 racing cars divided into six grids.

Complete your visit with a trip to the stunning vineyards of Bordeaux, there’s plenty of luxury Bordeaux villas in the area, including favourite Villa Tatiana.

For more, visit: lemansclassic.com

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

FIVE LUXURY SPA DESTINATIONS FOR REJUVENATION

Tuesday, April 21st, 2020

Sometimes you just need a little rest and recovery. So, when it comes to a much needed vacation, a spa destination is the ideal choice for all the chillout feels.

From fully-kitted out luxury vacation rentals to award-winning spas, here’s five luxurious spa destinations for inspiration.

Awesome Aspen


With its high peaks and fresh alpine air, outdoor living is what Aspen does best. With wellbeing so high on the agenda, there’s a smattering of spas and sanctuaries in the main town, in between Main Street and the mountain’s edge. Here you can relax and let your body aches melt away, before hitting up the slopes.

Catering to a high-end clientele, there’s also a number of luxury villa rentals in the area. Many of these have first-class facilities, such as Villa Kelsey which has an indoor and outdoor jacuzzi, private gym and swimming pool to help you relax and unwind.

Take a break in the Turks and Caicos


As far as luxury retreats go, the Turks and Caicos island is conducive to all things restorative. Sink back in your luxury vacation rental and enjoy soothing sea views from the comfort of your private abode. If you’re looking for a touch of pampering, there’s plenty of first-class destinations for spa treatments. This includes the revered
Regent Palms Spa, famed for its Oriental Essence Ceremony and side-by-side massages for friends and couples.

Beautiful Bordeaux


On the western coast of France, the beautiful valleys of Bordeaux lend themselves to the perfect escape. Here you will find natural beauty at every turn.

Treat yourself to a luxury villa rental and explore the widen region at your leisure. You’re also well placed to visit Les Sources de Caudalie – one of the top spa destinations in the world, as awarded by Conde Nast Traveller. This five-star chateau boasts its own natural hot springs filtered with rich minerals. Plus, there’s state-of-the-art treatment rooms that will lure you in.

Chillax in Mykonos

Mykonos may have a reputation as a party island, but for those in the know, there are many hidden gems to explore. This includes more than 20 independent spas on the south west coast alone. Of these, the Anax Spa offers hammam treatments, and The Six Senses Spa is known for its Aegean style rejuvenating body treatments.

Make the most of the stunning scenery and tranquillity from the backdrop of your very own luxury villa rentals. In the chilled out Elia Beach, Villa Kendra is one of the most sought-after luxury vacation rentals, not just because of its enviable position, but also owing to its dedication to wellness. This includes a private landscaped garden featuring a large pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the Mediterranean sea – pure bliss.

Far-flung Florence


Romance, culture and natural springs; that’s what you can expect from a trip to Florence. Hidden throughout this popular Italian city are a number of spa and wellbeing centres to enjoy. Luxury villa rental – Villa Teresa, is perfectly placed to soak this all up. It’s just minutes from the natural springs and Grotta Giusti – a world-famous natural spa. Guests visit from all over the world, making it one of the most sought-after spas. After all that you’ll need a glass of local wine to round the day off!

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

LUXURY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR WINE LOVERS

Friday, June 21st, 2019

Some destinations need to be tasted to be believed! France, Italy, Greece and Costa Rica, are just some countries high on the list of any self-respecting foodie and wine lover. Yet finding the right luxury villa to rent can in itself be a challenge.

With many of these vineyard retreats hidden in valleys, or nestled deep in the countryside, it can be a challenge to find an accessible destination to visit. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of top destinations for wine lovers, complete with luxury vacation homes within the neighboring vicinity.

Blissful Bordeaux

Arguably, France should be visited at least once if you’re serious about wine. There’s endless regions to choose from, but Bordeaux stands out as one of the most appealing, with plenty of high quality vacation rentals to enjoy.

Blessed with the perfect conditions for flourishing vineyards and with extensive sprawling grounds, the temperate climate of Bordeaux is globally acclaimed for its wine making. Here over 90% of the produce is red wine, made with Merlot and Cabernet, attracting visitors from far afield, any time of year.

The charming coastal town of Arcachon makes the perfect stop-over point for visiting; combining both the local beach, and with links to the great French countryside for wine tasting.

For a truly French experience, a country estate is a prerequisite! With eight generously-sized bedrooms, Villa Tatianna offers a vast luxury vacation home in its chateau-style estate. It’s a wonderful base for exploring the region, without being limited to just one vineyard. Plus, its many facilities make it ideal for larger groups and families too.

Iconic Italy

The Amalfi Coast is home to sweeping views, world-class cuisine, and Villa Adele. Perched on Sorrento’s rugged hills, many come here for a romantic escape and appreciation of its outstanding local cuisine. With local Michelin star restaurants on your doorstep, you may never want to step outside the village. The luxury vacation home is also equipped with everything you could desire for a five-star stay. But if you do venture out, there’s a world of wineries awaiting your arrival; including the renowned Winery De Angelis, half an hour away by car.

For a traditional experience, the coastal village of Monte Argentario in Tuscany is home to Villa Larissa. Appealing to large groups, this seven-bedroom luxury villa rental has its own fully-equipped kitchen for dishing up locally sourced dishes. Hanging off the Italian coast, it looks and feels like an island in itself, however it’s perfectly located for trips to nearby wineries, within easy reach.

Glorious Greece

Mykonos is a lively place for those that love delicious food and drink, with beach life thrown in for good measure! Nonetheless, this small Greek island, does produce a small amount of vino, using native Greek grapes ‘assyrtico’ that offer a rich nutty flavor.

Staying at Villa Kendra you can have it all; glorious sunshine and a pool to dip in to, as well as a 10-minute drive to the ‘Ecologically Vineyard and Winery of Mykonos’.

Charming Costa Rica

While it might be better known for coffee, Costa Rica’s wine region is well worth a visit. Pair this with a stay at Villa Kamala for a truly memorable experience. Set in paradise, this luxury vacation home offers ten-bedrooms in its world-class eco-lodge. Committed to wellbeing, the pioneering design utilizes the natural terrain, to create a zen-like space. There’s plenty of local vineyards to discover, although you’ll need a car to visit them all. Neighbouring Finca Vidor, tends to be very popular with tourists, and much like Villa Kamala, should not be missed!

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

WINE COUNTRY – GREAT EUROPEAN VACATIONS NEAR THE VINEYARDS

Friday, September 7th, 2018
Vineyards

Dripping in culture and attracting foodies from the world over, there are some 3.2 million hectares of vineyard to conqueror throughout Europe. But knowing where to find your dream luxury villa rental can be the hardest part.

With so many visitors wanting to soak up the local culture, as well as enjoy a tipple or two, we’ve compiled some of the best destinations to help you on your way.

Sprawling villa rentals in Saint-Tropez, idyllic Italian retreats and beautiful Bordeaux abodes, are just some of the perfect locations in which to immerse yourself in wine country, here’s why…

Villa Tatiana

Blissful Bordeaux

Known around the world for its high-quality produce, France is a must-visit for wine connoisseurs. One of the most celebrated wine-growing regions is Bordeaux – synonymous with great food and drink – some even say it’s the wine capital of the world.

For gastronomy lovers, Villa Tatiana is one of the most exquisite residences in the region to base yourself. It’s within close proximity to no less than eight Michelin star restaurants and endless vineyards, including; Latour, Margaux, Haut Brion and Cheval Blanc.

What makes this country estate so special though, is its early 20th-century architecture and vast space with eight rooms. It’s the ideal base for wine-lovers and big groups to come together.

Villa Anastasia

Sun-drenched Saint-Tropez

Further south, the glamourous shores of Saint-Tropez attract a well-heeled and well cultured set. Not just offering glamourous clubs, designer shops and yacht-upon-yacht, Saint-Tropez is perfectly positioned to enjoy a number of local vineyards in the area.

Finding the right vacation home allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, all of which can be found in Villa Anastasia a seven-bedroom property offering the ultimate luxury get-away. Its sizeable gourmet kitchen is the perfect place to rustle up dishes using local ingredients, best enjoyed al fresco with plenty of outdoor space to choose from.

This lavish property is well placed too – 55 minutes from the airport and within driving distance to a number of charming vineyards in the area. These include Domaine Bertaud Belieu and Chateau Minuty, which offer tours and tastings.

Villa Pilar

Soak Up Florence

There’s no shortage of vineyards to visit in Italy. But, if you want to combine your stay while soaking up the local culture, the vicinity of Montecatini Terme is a must! Perfectly positioned between Florence, Pisa, Siena and Lucca, it offers the ideal base for exploring the many wineries in this bustling Tuscan region.

When it’s time to rest your weary head, a fabulous place to stay is Vila Pilar. With 11 bedrooms and a stunning outdoor area with private pool, this sprawling mansion is great for larger groups. It celebrates the very best of rural Italy, with thermal resorts and medieval villages close by.

Enjoy gentle walks to the village to enjoy fresh baked goods and local wine – a simple delight that many flock from afar to enjoy.

For a memorable stay, Global Luxury Villas offers some of the most exclusive luxury vacation homes in the world. With outstanding customer service and an unrivaled portfolio of properties, you’re guaranteed a five-star stay.