Private Travel

Spacious Villas

Did someone say friends trip? While most luxury villas max out at one or two bedrooms, these spacious stunners welcome a (small) crowd – with five or more.

Private Travel

Spacious Villas

Did someone say friends trip? While most luxury villas max out at one or two bedrooms, these spacious stunners welcome a (small) crowd – with five or more.

Image: PhotoBook/stock.adobe.com

Amangiri, USA

Next-level desert luxury: Starting in February, Amangiri in Utah will debut its first six-bedroom villa. As with the main lodge, the focus here is clear: it’s all about the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan living spaces, and walled gardens and terraces ensure uninterrupted vistas of the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. The design is so Aman – minimalist yet supremely elegant. The expansive residence, the first of twelve new ones at Amangiri, also features a 36-meter pool (118 feet), a fitness room, plus sauna and steam bath. A private butler and chef are on hand to take care of every wish – and every craving.

Trade Contact: The Reservations-Team at Amangiri

Image: Courtesy of Aman

andBeyond Phinda Homestead, South Africa

Guests can enjoy private moments with elephants and other wildlife at andBeyond Phinda Homestead. The private villa is set within Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal and accommodates up to ten guests in four bedrooms for adults plus a dedicated children’s room. It offers a safari stay beyond classic lodges – complete with a private pool, game drives, a private boma, and even black rhino tracking. The chef caters entirely to guests’ preferences, while younger travelers can join the Wild Child program. For an extra dose of bush magic, beds can even be set up beneath the stars. Who's in?

Trade Contact: Shaun Strydom, General Manager

Image: andBeyond

Hibiscus Beach House, Portugal

Boho chic with sea views? Your clients will find exactly that at Villa Hibiscus Beach House in Galé, set along the iconic cliff-lined Algarve in southern Portugal. Part of the Vila Vita Collection, the beachfront villa features six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Interiors blend shades of blue with light, airy tones, accented by playful design details throughout. Recently added to The Leading Hotels of the World, the villa comes with a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor pool, garden, bicycles, and a barbecue area. Daily breakfast is served, along with housekeeping and concierge service.

Trade Contact: The Sales-Team of the Vila Vita Collection

Image: Manolo Yilera

Layan Residences by Anantara, Thailand

Plenty of space in Phuket for big families or groups of friends: Layan Residences by Anantara offers residences with five, six, and even seven bedrooms. That means up to 21 guests can stay together under one roof. Added to that are spectacular views over the Andaman Sea and Sirinath National Park, as all 15 expansive villas are built into the hillside. Good to know: the three largest residences come with a private Thai chef and a butler. Guests can, of course, enjoy all the facilities of Anantara Layan Phuket Resort.

Trade Contact: Sraithong Boonburaphong, Global Director of Sales Thailand

Image: Minor Hotels/Sven Ellsworth

Octola II, Finland

Calling all Nordic lovers: Octola II is the ultra-luxury extension of Octola, also set high above the Arctic Circle, just 20 minutes from Rovaniemi Airport. Guests arriving here find peace, pristine nature, and plenty of space – namely the Ultra Lodge with five bedrooms, available only for exclusive buyout. If that’s not enough, the Octola Supersuite Villa can be added, offering two additional bedrooms. As befits Finland, both buildings feature saunas, perfect for warming up after outdoor adventures. Good to know: Octola II comes with full all-inclusive service.

Trade Contact: Janne Honkanen, Founder

Image: Juha Kauppinen

Villa San Luigi, Italy

Como Castello del Nero has recently welcomed a new addition: Villa San Luigi. The five-bedroom estate dating back to the 18th century is just a short drive from the main property and accommodates up to ten guests. From the expansive terrace and every room, sweeping views stretch across the rolling Tuscan hills surrounding the estate. When it’s time to cool off, the private infinity pool awaits. Villa guests enjoy daily complimentary Pilates and yoga classes, housekeeping service, and free shuttle transfers to Siena and Florence. And if they don't feel like cooking? Michelin-starred Italian cuisine is served at El Torre restaurant at Castello del Nero.

Trade Contact: Annalisa Guidi, Cluster Director of Sales

Image: COMO Hotels and Resorts/Martin Morell

Let's Ask The Industry

What's Most Important in Private Travel?

"Expertise and honest advice. Travel agencies that work with us can rely on our vast know-how – even after eleven years in the business, good consulting matters more to me than any quick booking. Agencies with a diverse client base, in particular, need an incredible breadth of knowledge. When it comes to delivering the very best advice for high-net-worth clients, that’s where our team steps in. Often, the destination or the entire concept of a trip evolves in a completely different direction than originally planned – and both advisors and clients end up far more satisfied than they would have been with the initial idea. The overall trend toward longer, more extensive trips with the entire family is definitely continuing. Extended stays in fully serviced villas are being booked more and more frequently. New destinations are in demand and often combined with familiar places to end the journey with beach time and relaxation. Bucket lists are being checked off, demand for villa bookings within resorts is growing, and the tendency toward private aviation is also on the rise. For us, that’s nothing new – but the desire for privacy while traveling has definitely increased and is a major focus for our travel designers."

Till Brunecker, Owner Edeltravel (Portrait: Circl Studio)

Image: alexandre zveiger/stock.adobe.com

Our Takeaway

What once was a trend has long become a fixture: private travel is here to stay. Demand remains strong, even as travel groups continue to grow. Multigenerational families and groups of friends increasingly want to spend time together – without compromising on comfort or privacy. Plenty of reason for hoteliers to step up and deliver, and they’re doing so on a grand scale. Not only is the number of villas and private residences increasing, but so are their size and bedroom count. Those who know where to find these hidden gems are sure to score points with their clients.

Author: Cathrin Lührs