As luxury travel continues to evolve, affluent travellers are increasingly choosing private villas, chalets, and charters over traditional hotels, driven by a desire for privacy, personalisation, and togetherness. The global luxury villa rental market is projected to grow at over 7% CAGR through 2030 (Allied Market Research), with platforms like Airbnb Luxe and Marriott Homes & Villas reporting double-digit growth in bookings for high-end private stays. These properties offer the kind of five-star, immersive experiences travellers can’t find on conventional booking platforms, and that’s exactly the point.

From long dinners around private tables to slow mornings in walled gardens, today’s traveller wants spaces where they can live, not just stay. Post-pandemic shifts have only accelerated this: nearly 60% of U.S. luxury travellers now prefer villas or private residences over hotels (Virtuoso), and group travel is up 21% year-over-year as families, friend groups, and multi-generational travellers reunite. Villas are no longer fringe; they’re the new gold standard for luxury.

Below is a curated list of exceptional properties around the world, each reflecting this shift. Whether it’s a 12-bedroom beachfront estate in Barbados, a floating suite in the Amazon, or an alpine hideaway above Verbier, these escapes are tailor-made for those seeking luxury travel, design-forward hospitality, and the rise of shared, meaningful experiences.

Laughing Waters: Barbados

Laughing Waters, an elegant 12-bedroom residence set on a four-acre estate just steps from the prestigious Sandy Lane Beach, has redefined lavish, luxury living in Barbados since its rental debut in 2023. Renowned as the island’s largest and most expensive private villa, Laughing Waters is tailored to discerning guests seeking a unique property with unmatched privacy, security, and world-class amenities. Guests of Laughing Waters enjoy exclusive entry to a members-only beach club and a AAA Five Diamond resort featuring three championship golf courses, high-end dining, and spa experiences. The 32,000 sq. ft. residence accommodates up to 24 guests and offers an unparalleled range of services, including concierge, butler, kitchen, housekeeping services, and private security. With design features by renowned local architect Larry Warren and interiors by London-based designer Emma Pearson, Laughing Waters draws inspiration from the iconic Oliver Messel, offering a truly opulent experience for those seeking the pinnacle of Caribbean luxury.

Cabane Tortin: Verbier, Swiss Alps

Perched high above the millennia-old Tortin Glacier at 9,500 feet, Cabane Tortin is a private alpine retreat suspended between sky and snow. Nestled in Switzerland’s iconic 4 Vallées region, this exclusive sanctuary offers direct access to pristine powder fields and the world-renowned ski domain of Nendaz/Verbier. Cabane Tortin blends extreme seclusion with five-star hospitality. Guests are cared for by a dedicated private chef, expert ski guide, and discreet house staff, all committed to delivering an unforgettable mountain experience. Panoramic views, architectural elegance, and immersive privacy make every stay extraordinary.
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Hale ‘O Ka La: Big Island, Hawaii

Hale ‘O Ka La – Big Island, Hawaii: Following a $9 million renovation, this 5,358-square-foot estate within the Mauna Kea Resort was completely rebuilt after the 2023 coastline fires. The reimagined Hale ‘O Ka La now features five lavish bedrooms surrounded by tropical flora and a saltwater pool, waterslide, swim-up bar, and waterfall grotto that complete the private resort-style experience. Managed exclusively by LUVA, Hawaii’s premier villa management company, guests can enjoy full-service cleaning, private chefs, and access to resort amenities upon request. Hale ‘O Ka La is part of the Destinations in Paradise portfolio, which is a curated portfolio of privately owned luxury villas located in some of the world’s most coveted coastal destinations, offering unparalleled, one-of-a-kind experiences for guests centred around each unique location.

Delfin Amazon Cruises: Iquitos, Peru

The newly reimagined Delfin I of Delfin Amazon Cruises in Peru features four oversized suites with private panoramic terraces, two of which include private whirlpools for an indulgent retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows immerse guests in the rainforest, creating a seamless connection with nature. Enhanced features include remodelled bathrooms, three-times-daily personalised cabin service, and an upgraded exterior with an air-conditioned observation deck and observatory balconies. On the top deck, guests can unwind in a newly designed lounge area, savour handcrafted cocktails at the bar, and stargaze under some of the world’s clearest night skies. These enhancements reflect Delfin’s unwavering commitment to offering elevated, intimate experiences in harmony with the natural environment. The vessel’s new solar panels generate clean energy, furthering Delfin’s dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism in the Amazon. The private floating villa offers a serene retreat that combines privacy, authenticity, and sustainability. This boutique and exclusive experience is reflected in every detail, from ship design to onboard rituals. The newly reimagined Delfin I, launched this April, is a floating expression of the brand’s ethos: handcrafted Amazonian elegance, sustainable innovation, and serene intimacy. Refined finishes include locally sourced hardwoods, artisanal textiles, and bespoke furniture pieces created in collaboration with Amazonian artists.

Casa Bellamar: East Cape, Los Cabos, México

A solar-powered oceanfront villa with room for 20 guests across eight bedrooms, Casa Bellamar on the East Cape of Los Cabos boasts a beachfront pool, private tennis court, butler and chef service, and direct beach access. Spanning approximately two acres and over 400 feet of ocean frontage, the villa comprises a main house and four separate guest casitas. Guests can enjoy spectacular ocean views, epic sunsets, and indulge in al fresco dining. Perfect for destination weddings and extended family stays, the villa is managed by Cabo Luna, ensuring seamless service and personalised attention. For those seeking a breathtaking beach wedding venue in Los Cabos, Casa Bellamar can accommodate up to 100 guests, and a fully equipped beauty salon in the master bedroom serves as a spacious area for bridal hair and makeup services.

Cheetah Plains

Opened in 2018 in the heart of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Cheetah Plains sets the standard in South Africa for zero-emission game-viewing, utilising its own fleet of solar-charged Land Cruiser Electric Safari vehicles. A luxury sustainable safari that is beyond expectations, Cheetah Plains offers an eco-luxe experience that includes three private villas with four guest bush suites accommodating up to eight guests each, with its own formal lounge, living and dining areas, expansive swimming pool, and outdoor deck that operates off-grid. Each villa comes with a complete hospitality team consisting of an accomplished host, butler, culinary team, and spa therapist, as well as an expert field guide and tracker dedicated to you for the duration of your stay. Families and children of all ages are welcome to experience their own personalised safari, guided bush walks, wellness offerings, fitness gym, and tailored activities for kids