It goes without saying that the Winter of 2020 will be unlike anything else we have collectively experienced. Around the world, we are all facing the challenges of this difficult time and are making compromises every day to our personal, social and working lives. The experience for each of us is different, but one feeling we all share is that we can’t wait for the pandemic to be over, so our lives can return to some kind of normality….
Many of us are yearning to travel, to escape the mundanity of the walls we call home and take in different sights, sounds and smells, to make us feel more alive. We long for adventure, for something to reignite the spark of passion in our lives. Looking back to a time when we couldn’t wait to slow down, to stop dashing about and be still, we now look forward to packing a bag and setting off once again.
The other thing many of us have come to appreciate more is the beauty of spending time with loved ones, and especially at Christmas. Whilst much of the country will travel to spend 5 days with family at home, for the lucky few this is an opportunity to escape to somewhere further afield. So whether you have been tasked with finding somewhere large, luxurious and of course COVID-safe for your principal, or you simply enjoy letting the mind wander, we hope you will enjoy these five Private Winter Getaway ideas….
Stargaze in Iceland
Iceland is undoubtedly one of the most special places on Earth. As the last place to be populated by humans and with vast parts of the country uninhabited, it’s little surprise that Iceland is one of the most eco-friendly places in the world. These are just some of the reasons that Deplar Farm is a unique place to stay.
Situated on the Troll Peninsula in the the Fljót Valley, this really is an off-the-grid location. With some of the highest average snowfall on the planet, it’s a dream spot for skiers, but the unrivalled natural beauty also makes this for photographers, artists and anyone needing to ‘reset.’ A converted sheep farm, Deplar Farm has black timber cladding, a living roof and thefloor-to-ceiling windows around the property that embrace the surrounding peaks. With two helipads on property, guests can arrive in style and have great access to rolling descents that lead all the way to the ocean.
Iceland’s conditions mean the snow ranges from smooth, buttery slopes and corn snow to fresh powder, and the region’s midnight sun makes night skiing something to savour. Unlike many heli operations, things are very flexible at Deplar. If conditions aren’t right for flight, Deplar’s guides can take guests cat skiing or on-piste. For recovery, or for those not wishing the grace the slopes, Deplar’s geothermal-heated outdoor pool, Isopod flotation tanks, sauna, steam room, gym, yoga room, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and talented massage therapists keep guests in excellent condition… and the pool is the perfect place to watch for the Aurora Borealis.
Accommodation comes as 13 en-suite bedrooms, including 5 king suites, 4 king suites with queen sleeping lofts and balconies, 2 queen suites, 1 king suite with lofted lounge and private balcony and 1 bunkroom with four double beds and a double en suite bathroom.
Relax in the Media room or challenge others to billiards, foosball or ping pong. Or if you really have to work, check in with the office via the fully equipped conference room….before heading to the bar for a wind-down drink.
Hitchcock meets Wes Anderson?
Welcome to Badrutt’s Palace, a place to experience legendary service in the heart of St. Moritz. It is more than iconic glamour… it’s a unique melting pot of style, outdoor adventure, epicurean excellence and multi-faceted well being. And what’s more, Alfred Hitchcock wrote his iconic masterpiece ‘The Birds’ whilst staying in what is now The Hitchcock Suite!
The property comes into its own in the Winter, when then breathtaking views of the lake or the charming village are blanketed in snow and shimmering under the Engadin sun. The hotel has 157 elegant rooms and suites, but the highlight is undoubtedly the Tower Suite.
A private residence occupying the top three floors of the majestic tower of the hotel, the Tower Suite offers four individually decorated bedrooms each with its own bathroom ensuite. Guests can relax in the elegant living room, entertain in the dining area with fully equipped kitchen and retire to the sitting room with its open fire place. The Butler Service will mean you dont have to lift a finger. There are also two large tower balconies with bird’s-eye views of the area. It’s an exceptional and exquisite location to stay and entertain and has been named the most luxurious hotel suite in the Swiss Alps.
Dining at Badrutt’s Palace is exceptional – cosmopolitan cuisine for the curious and discerning. With eight restaurants, three bars and the King’s Social House, the hotel’s lively, exuberant club, guests can experience something different every day and night. Every meal is a discovery, from signature Japanese-Peruvian fare at Matsuhisa, 2 Michelin-star dining at IGNIV, to a casual dinner at the Pizzeria Heuboden: the culinary team at Badrutt’s Palace celebrates your favourite classics with an eye most decidedly on what’s happening locally… and globally.
Le Restaurant is the “grand dame” of St. Moritz dining. With candlelight and white tablecloths, crystal chandeliers and double-height windows, this formal dining room offers a rare chance to experience the theatrical “in-front-of-you” Gueridon service. Breakfast is elegantly elevated by a live harpist. The hotel also offers a selection of “secret places,” atmospheric hideaways for the most special private celebrations, events and dinners. Badrutt’s team will create the perfect ambiance for you and your group.
Winter guests can revel in the beauty of the snowscape. Ice skating, ski instruction, helicopter rides and skijoring are just some of the activities available to guests in this dramatic and beautiful setting. Cooking classes with the hotel’s chefs are extremely popular. Whether how to make cheese, bake an assortment of sweets, or master some of the most popular dishes from the hotel menu, cooks of all levels will find something to enjoy. At the end of the session, you’ll sit together and enjoy the fruits of your labour!
Horse-drawn carriage rides in the Engadin valley are wonderfully languid and romantic. Young guests are well looked after with a host of activities laid on for all climates, including kids skating sessions, yoga classes and even a disco!
The beautiful Palace Wellness Spa is a delight. With an indoor infinity swimming pool, scenic outdoor pool, extensive fitness facilities and full massage and beauty services, this is the perfect place to unwind.
Lap of Luxury
The highly sought after Octola Private Wilderness is a magical place to spend the Christmas season.
Octala’s founder says, “Leave the stress behind of the day to day world and savour the healing qualities of Lapland’s stunningly beautiful natural environment.” If the stress of 2020 has left its mark, this is definitely the destination for you.
Set in 300 hectares of private wilderness within the Arctic Circle of Finnish Lapland, the property will thrill even the most discerning of guests. It is the ultimate ‘bubble’ – privacy, space, an incredible amount of facilities and activities within the private estate, as well as your own dedicated team of staff and chefs, this is the epitome of Covid-secure travel.
With 12 ensuite rooms set over 2 villas, there is plenty of space for all the family. Sold as all inclusive, the fantastic staff will take care of your every need.
With wild reindeer as your neighbours and unforgettable elves creating magical moments en-route to Santa’s private cabin, this is a truly magical time of year to visit – and that’s before you even consider the incredible Northern Light safaris – the lights this year have been spectacular so far!
The height of cool in the Dolomites
Let us introduce you to FORESTIS a conceptual new 5* Tyrolean mountain retreat that just opened this Summer and is already officially one the coolet places to stay in the mountains.
After travelling the world extensively, owners and hosts Teresa and Stefan Hinteregger wanted to create an attentive, traditional service for their guests, offering ‘peace as a new luxury’.
Located in South Tyrol, on the Southern slope of the Plose mountain at 1800 metres above sea level, FORESTIS is surrounded by a dense mountain forest where all 62 suites have panoramic views of the massif of the UNESCO world heritage Dolomites. The new luxury hideaway inspires year-round relaxation and regeneration, with a focus on time, nature and simplicity.
In an area renowned for its health-boosting air and natural beauty, the building itself has an interesting past, having played home to those looking for healing, priests and clergy in the 1950’s and then a hotel – but with the new hosts, Forestis is now something really quite special.
All 62 suites at FORESTIS embrace nature. Due to their southern exposure, they are spoiled by the sun all day, whilst the natural materials of the interior, light earth tones and the style of the furnishings encourages a feeling of relaxation. They range from 50 m² in the older building, with 1 or 2 bedrooms and an outdoor terrace, to Tower Suites, also 55 m² in size with terraces but only 1 bedroom, although they boast the best views of the Dolomites from their panoramic windows….
In the two outer towers there is a two-story 200 m² penthouse suite which includes a spacious living area with an open fireplace, a custom-made sofa and a large dining table, smart TV and bar as well as a glass front that extends across the entire width of the bedroom, allowing guests to enjoy the most beautiful view of the Dolomites from bed. A staircase leads guests to the upper floor, on which there is a pool (3 x 6.5 Meters), a spruce wood sauna with a view of the Dolomites, sun loungers and a rain shower from which of course fresh spring water flows again.
The impressive Spa extends over an area of 2,000 m² below the three towers and is distributed on two floors. Featuring an indoor pool, outdoor pool, brine steam bath (65 ° C), one Finnish sauna (85 ° C), a bio sauna (70 ° C), a textile sauna (Finnish sauna at 45 ° C) and one Outdoor sauna (Finnish sauna at 90 ° C) in a traditional South Tyrolean wooden house, the choice is extensive. The silent room with a hearth in the middle does exactly what it says on the tin – here guests can find silence and peace after their sauna session. Four treatment rooms, a ‘private spa’ for couple treatments and two cosmetic rooms and relaxation rooms, plus a state-of-the-art gym and yoga space make the spa complete.
FORESTIS offers a wide range of activities including ski-in / ski-out where ski tours can be arranged where a guide can take you to all the secret skiing spots. The 45 kilometres of slopes of the Plose ski area have mixture of blue, red and black runs. In addition, there are Toboggan runs and winter hiking trails for non-skiers. There are four bike trails on the Plose, primarily due to extensive and dense forests. It is also possible to do paragliding or take a hot air balloon ride too!
But if all this is great, apart from the flying part, then we have just the option for you…
Get Festive in the Glens
If a Scottish break sounds like just the ticket, look no further than the truly spectacular Turin Castle. Set in the Angus Glens, amongst the picturesque scenery of rolling hills and lush greenery, this stunning property is available for exclusive-use rentals. Whether you want a weekend of pampering or an experience-packed few days, you can perfectly tailor your time in Scotland to be whatever you want it to be.
The complete property rental means peace of mind when it comes to COVID, you can have as much or as little interaction with the outside world as you like. Built in 1659 and relocated stone-by-stone from the loch in 1907, Turin Castle sits in twenty acres of sweeping lawns with majestic views of the rolling Scottish countryside. Children will love exploring the gardens and countryside, while the adults can relax in the beautiful castle and get away from it all.
Accommodation is set over 10 beautifully appointed bedrooms, each with a private bathroom and views of the gardens and beyond to the Angus Glens.
Public spaces are extensive, with ample room for everyone, including a Games Room, Library, Conservatory, Music Room and the beautiful Ogilvy Bar, perfect for a drink before dinner.
Activities abound – Turin Castle has no less than 118 golf courses just a short drive away, including some of the most iconic courses in the history of the sport, as well as opportunities for fishing, falconry, hunting, archery and other outdoor pursuits close at hand.
If the weather is off, indoor activities include cookery lessons in the castle kitchens with local chefs, Whisky and Gin tastings and of course, banquet level dinners.
This very special property is the perfect place for a Winter Getaway, without needing to get on a flight!
If any of these look like just the thing for your principal or your family, please get in touch and BBB will be happy to help you make it a reality. We also have some excellent connections around the world for lower budgets, including city breaks, smaller country houses and more. Plus we will have 3 more blogs coming over the next 3 weeks to show you a range of other Winter Escape ideas….
Up, Up and Away!
Travel After Lockdown
As travel restrictions ease and more of us are starting to once again venture abroad, we wanted to share with you some updates of some of the lovely places around Europe that are opening their doors again and hoping to invite you in.
We’ll also be posting updates when we have them on quarantine rules and any other restrictions, so keep an eye on our app and social media… We hope this selection brings you some inspiration – it is only a small selection of the fabulous places we work with, so if you’re looking for something else, or have questions about venturing further afield, just get in touch!
Dalmatian Isolation
Welcome to Lopud 1483, an incredible property on the Croatian island of Lopud.
The monastery, fortress and gardens are available for exclusive use this Summer, with 5 bedrooms (10 guests) on a full board basis including private chef and service (minimum 3 nights). This is the perfect place to enjoy a safe and private holiday, and such a unique experience to live among one of the world’s great private art collections from the Thyssen-Bornemisza family.
Lopud 1483 is also a place of healing, so massages, yoga and personal training can be arranged. There are terraces and sun decks to relax, and steps down to the sea with access for swimming, kayaks and paddle boards included. There’s a private boat available to take you on local excursions around the island and to nearby islands. Guests can explore, visit beaches, go fishing and enjoy sunset drinks. If you wish to travel further, for example to Dubrovnik or Pelješac peninsula, then a speedboat can be arranged.
Croatia has been growing in popularity and it’s easy to see why – the sparkling waters, stunning sunsets, incredible natural beauty and friendly people make this an excellent choice for summer escapes, and it’s under 3 hours flight from London.
Run for the hills!
Summer in the Dolomites in Italy hosts the most unforgettable Alpine experience. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the diverse landscape offers an amazing backdrop for both relaxation and adventure. A range of outdoor adventures are available to explore and take advantage of the summer sunshine including hiking, mountain or road biking, climbing, golf or traversing one of the local “via ferrata”. The Rosa Alpina is the perfect place to stay whilst discovering this incredible location.
Within the hotel, guests can unwind in the wellness spa, or simply relax in the beautiful gardens taking in the Alpine air and incredible views. Rooms can be taken individually, or to provide a little extra privacy in this time, guests can also book interconnecting rooms or even a whole floor. For even more peace of mind, both the Penthouse and Chalet Zeno can booked with their own private access, further limiting contact with any other guests.
BBB can arrange various special offers including free nights and more. There are also some lovely packages on offer, including a walking and wellness break ‘Breathe’ (2 nights) and ’Summer in the Mountains’ (7 nights) with a special price, movie & pizza night and hiking kit (available until October).
Unforgettable Ibiza…
The 7Pines Kempinski Ibiza nestles in a pine grove on the cliffs of the west coast of Ibiza between beautiful sandy coves. With unobstructed views of the Mediterranean Sea and the magical rocky island of Es Vedrà, it is a truly unique location on the white isle and a prime vantage point to enjoy a memorable sunset. The all-suite resort spreads over an area of 56,000 m2 of an Ibizan inspired village of whitewashed houses, plenty of space, a fantastic spa, and 3 Pershing Yachts available for charter.
There are great special offers available on stays of 4 or 8 nights, plus early booking discounts and even a 100% refund policy if cancelled 14 days prior to arrival!
We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again – Ibiza Summer 2020 will be unique, in the fact that this is an opportunity to enjoy this stunning island like it used to be, with all the beauty and without the clubs. For those wishing to experience some restorative peace in the Balearics, the time to go is now.
BBB have access to a range of private properties across the island, from more modest family villas to large, state of the art properties with full staff and all mod-cons. Many properties are available only because of cancellations, so this is a rare chance to get a booking at some incredible homes at incredible rates.
French connection…
We absolutely love Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort, Provence – a provencal village in harmony with nature. Set within the Pays de Fayence region in Provence and surrounded by medieval hilltop villages, Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the infamous South of France. Designed as a small Provencal village on the hillside of an expansive 750-acre estate, the hotel gives guests the perfect combination of luxury, space, comfort, and activities for all ages.
As well as the beautiful surrounding countryside to explore, guests can stay active on site with excellent tennis facilities and 2 stunning 18-hole golf courses, complete with Academy, Clubhouse and Performance Centre.
The luxury accommodation ranges from suites to villas, many of which have excellent rates and special offers available through BBB. The most luxurious, the Terre Blanche Villas, is 300sqm and caters for up to 6 adults and 6 children with private pool and private Jacuzzi.
La Dolce Vita on the Italian Riviera
When we think of summer holidays, we think of sparkling waters, al fresco meals, sunshine on warm skin and endless blue skies. All this and more can be enjoyed in spectacular Portofino. Steeped in history and glamour, this fantastic destination offers luxury accommodation with a wealth of things to see and do nearby.
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor returned time and again to Belmond Hotel Splendido—and it’s easy to see why. A beautifully restored former 16th-century monastery on the hilltop, it is the epitome of Italian glamour. Dine deliciously on authentic Italian classics at La Terrazza. Unwind in the award-winning spa. Soak up the sun beside the shimmering pool. Every moment here will make you feel like a silver screen star.
There is a rich air of nautical adventure in Portofino. The Splendido’s spacious and luxurious private motorboat, Chris-Craft Corsair 36, is the perfect choice for up to eight guests and is available for excursions around the Gulf of Tigullio. Head to beautiful San Fruttuoso Bay, only accessible by sea or footpath, and enjoy a secluded table for two by the bay. Raise a toast while dishes brimming with local specialities are served up under starry skies. For those who prefer bigger boats, guests can step aboard a sleek motor yacht to set sail with the crew. Choose between a 62ft motor yacht (max eight persons + two crew) or a 79ft motor yacht (max 10 persons + two crew), both are breathtaking!
For those looking to be more active, why not rise early for a sunrise hike to La Portofinese, a sustainable farm set on the peaceful Portofino peninsula. On arrival, take part in a light pilates, yoga or meditation session, overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
Tour the Eco-Farm’s hop plantation, apiary and honey lab, before you tuck into a delicious breakfast with stunning views of the Cala degli Inglesi.
Bike along the beautiful Portofino coast and uncover the legends of this breathtaking region. Arrive at the vineyard of La Portofinese. No ordinary venue, this is the only vineyard in Portofino where you can gaze over the glittering Ligurian Sea as you sip a locally produced wine.
Explore the wonders of the Riviera aboard a kayak… Journey to Portofino’s lighthouse by night; paddle to Olivetta, walk to the lighthouse for an aperitif; or kayak along the coast and discover an authentic 18th-century Ligurian mill, where you can relax with a sumptuous lunch.
Portofino, a protected region stretching from Camogli to Rapallo. Savour the scenery, then continue on to the grand and imposing Castello Brown. It was once home to British Consul, Montague Yeats Brown.
We highly recommend a tour of the Cinque Terre to uncover the best of this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of Italy’s most precious treasures. Five picturesque villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore—are linked by a coastal path that winds through vineyards, sandy beaches and mesmerising rocky seascapes.
All of these activities can be arranged privately via the hotel, as well as many more. If you’re looking for something else, such as a boat charter, a villa rental or something more specialist, BBB has a range of contacts across Italy that will be delighted to help.
Alpine Art Weekender
For the first time in almost 50 years, Hotel Kristiania in Lech will open as a weekend alpine retreat for the summer season, offering a select number of guests complete immersion into Austrian culture.
Escape to the mountains and experience a completely unique art focused pop up at this lovely family-owned boutique hotel, open every weekend from now until 6th September, hosting a small number of guests at a very special cultural pop-up. Six suites will be available to book from Thursday to Sunday, giving guests access to an immersive programme of Austrian art and culture.
A revolving art gallery, in collaboration with Sturm Schober, will be on display within the hotel with artwork from acclaimed local artists. A collection of extraordinary installations will also be featured outside. In addition to having the opportunity to meet and converse with the artists, guests will also have the chance to take part in a number of workshops such as porcelain painting hosted by the word-famous Augarten and masterclasses in how to make vegan organic candles by the team behind bemysoap. Classical music aficionados will love the programme of matinee performances by a musician from the Freiburg Barock Orchestra and a member of the ensemble recherche.
When it comes to dining, guests will be introduced to local producers, who will provide delicious local food and wine throughout the weekends. When not hiking and biking through the mountains, picnicking in the meadows and exploring Lech, guests can sip on clasic cocktails whilst soaking up the atmosphere at Othmar’s cocktail lounge. Following a delicious dinner at Trude’s, the outdoor mountain bistro, serving a small yet thoughtful menu of Austrian favourites, retire to one of the sun loungers to relax and unwind and watch old time favourite films underneath the night sky.
Rates are very reasonable and always BBB members get perks! Get in touch for more information.
Getting there…
Being on holiday is the best feeling, but right now getting there might be more stressful than usual. We’d like to remind you therefore of all the additional things BBB can help you with, whether it’s reliable private cars to get you to the airport, private jets with rigorous cleaning protocols or the best rates on commercial airline tickets (especially great deals on Business and First Class)
We also work with experts in visas and passports, and have a range of options when it comes to COVID and Antibody tests, temperature gauge equipment, PPE etc, whether visiting vulnerable family or returning from travels and going back to work… Whether it’s you or your principal travelling, BBB is here to help with contacts, advice and carefully negotiated perks and discounts, so please get in touch if you’d like to discuss anything at all, we’re always happy to help when we can!
Private Escapes for Some Winter Sun
As we enter December and temperatures in London drop, the skies are more consistently grey and we’re stilllll at home, we are increasingly dreaming of escaping to a desert island somewhere; somewhere hot with the water lapping at our feet, the sun shining and absolutely zero news about Coronavirus… Whilst we sadly have too much on running BBB right now, we wanted to share with you our favourite private destinations for Winter Sun – perhaps they are of interest to you or your principals…. (Send us a postcard!)
The Fleming Villa
Situation at Oracabessa Bay in the heart of Jamaica lies the GoldenEye Estate, and within that is the magical Fleming Villa. As you may have guessed from the name, this was Ian Fleming’s private residence and indeed the place where he wrote all 14 James Bond novels! So it has some pretty unique history and is the ultimate glamorous yet private getaway on the island.
The Fleming Villa is like an island unto itself. The main villa has two satellite cottages, a private beach, state of the art media room, private pool and gardens, plus a dedicated staff that includes a butler, housekeeper and cook.
Walk over to GoldenEye for a spa treatment, sunset cocktails at the Bizot Bar or dinner at the Gazebo Restaurant. On returning to Fleming Villa you are once again secluded. If these walls could talk they’d tell tales of artists and writers, spies and seducers. The romantic atmosphere is palpable.
Without the slightest experience but with the greatest self-confidence, Fleming designed the house himself. As a typically dogmatic Englishman, he decided there would be no windows — just customary Jamaican jalousie blinds to let in the air and sun. And of course, he was right: The breezes at GoldenEye are a delight, all hours of the day, all times of the year.
The villa sleeps up to 10 adults and is located 20 minutes east of Ocho Rios, an hour and 45-minute drive from Montego Bay and Kingston, and less than a 10-minute drive from Ian Fleming International Airport.
Riad, Marrakech
For something a little closer to the UK, we highly recommend this stunning 18th century traditional Moroccan riad right in the heart of bustling Marrakech. The teeming life of the city is only moments away from the front door, and yet the property offers the utmost in privacy and relaxation – an oasis of calm.
6 spacious suites are decorated with neutral tones, accommodating up to 17 people in total. Large, open and spacious with beautiful traditional yet modern Moroccan theme running throughout, the property remains a quiet oasis in the centre of the bustling Medina, with a swimming pool and surrounded by a lush courtyard garden.
A mix of Morrocan, English and French cuisine, Riad Marrakech prides itself on wonderful food, with tea by the roaring fire in winter, home made pastries and more…. The cook is happy to prepare personalised meals using the freshest ingredients from the property’s organic gardens.
Arijiju, Kenya
Hewn into a rocky hillside on the sprawling Borana Reserve in Laikipia, Kenya, Arijiju is an enchanting family home that is available for exclusive hire for groups of up to ten. The calm and contemplative space takes inspiration from the Ethiopian monasteries that lie to the North, boasting vaulted archways, stone passageways and a central courtyard, whilst its flat roofs planted with natural grasses and rough-hewn rock see it all but disappear into the untamed landscape.
For us, the highlight of staying here is the ‘constellation suite’ available for those nights too beautiful to sleep anywhere but under the stars.
A team of 14 resident staff that range from guides and rangers to butlers and chefs ensure that guests are totally looked after throughout their stay. Arijiju is not just a safari lodge but a health and wellness retreat too. The cuisine and fresh daily smoothies lend to the healthy lifestyle Arijiju supports.
There is a spa, Hammam, gym, yoga deck, tennis court and squash court all inconspicuously blending into the valley, with treatments by Arijiju’s highly skilled masseuse and beauty therapist inclusive in the rates, and carefully mapped out running trails to offer unique ‘running safaris’.
The Maasai Mara is perhaps Kenya’s most famous safari region, but perhaps more rewarding is Laikipia’s exceptional diversity, with snow-capped mountains, dense forests and sprawling deserts lying to the North and East and the towering Mount Kenya to the south. As such, Arijiju offers a truly unrivalled number of ways to explore the area and spot the Big 5, including the usual 4×4 safaris, but also expeditions by horseback, walking, mountain biking and quad-bikes. Further afield, stride through the canopy of the Ndare Ngare forest on aerial bridges and spend a night camped in its lush interior, or board a helicopter to soar over hidden ecosystems nestled in the craters of dormant volcano and shimmering mountain lakes pink with flamingo.
Rahimoana Villa, Eagle’s Nest, New Zealand
This presidential villa boasts four private ensuite bedrooms, all adorned with original artwork from both New Zealand and international artists, to accommodate a maximum of eight people in complete comfort and luxury. The award-winning 600 square metre design takes full advantage of the 320-degree Bay of Islands views.
This villa offers some incredible amenities, including a state-of-the-art gym, sauna, 25 metre heated horizon edged swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Porsche Cayenne for guest use, 2x theater systems (one with a massive 100” screen), high speed wireless internet access, a personal chef-provisioned refrigerator and selection of premium local wines, a selection of French Champagne and a personal concierge and villa manager.
A resident personal trainer and spa therapists—including beauticians and massage therapists—are on hand to ensure no guest goes un-pampered.
With over 144 islands to explore, the Bay of Islands has no shortage of outdoor activities and adventures. Choose from big game fishing, sailing, diving, kayaking, helicopter flight-seeing, mountain biking and more. Eagles Nest can accommodate a wide range of interests and delights in customizing special packages based on guests interest.
For those willing to fly the distance, this really is something special…
House on a Dune, Harbour Island, Bahamas
This stunning seafront property on Harbour Island is nestled amongst 1.5 acres of natural vegetation just off the main highway and sleeps up to 10 people.
The owner of House on a Dune is an internationally renowned architect who conceived the house as being “simultaneously powerful, yet comfortable; primitive, yet innovative; casual, yet elegant; raw, yet refined. The result is a sensual and sensitive experience, reduced to its essence through the use of elemental forms and sincere materialism and detailing.”
The interiors are modern and minimalistic, blending seamlessly into the surrounding forest and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The central space of the house is essentially an open breezeway. Within this pavilion space are the living and dining areas that open onto verandas, well protected from any bad weather by the deep overhangs of the roof. The rest of the living spaces are simply arranged around the central space.
On the main level is a dining table seating 12 and a kitchen hidden by recycled cedar doors. Large verandas with seating areas that can also be used for alfresco eating, lead to the gentle shelving beach with clear aquamarine water suitable for snorkelling, swimming and surfing.
From the house there are steps down to a short path leading to the beach with its famous pink sand. Guests love this property for its stunning contemporary design and its location above the famous Pink Sands beach. We wouldn’t mind working so much if we could do it from here….
Thotalagala, Sri Lanka
High above the plains of South East Sri Lanka and balanced on the edge of the Haputale Escarpment lies a beautiful tea estate that was founded 145 years ago. It is a place that takes your breath away. Having recently been through a masterful restoration, the bungalow has been returned to its former glory, retaining every perfect detail and the lush grandeur of its colonial origins.
This small hotel consists of 7 rooms in total, 3 Junior Suites and 4 Suites with a shared infinity pool overlooking the Haputale escarpment. It is ideal for an exclusive hire.
Dining offers various possibilities. There is a communal dining table in main area and private dining is also available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily, with optional extras such as high tea, champagne breakfast, the Thotalagala BBQ experience and a breakfast picnic all popular with guests. There are no set meal times and all meals can be catered to personal preferences, making stays truly individual.
Off-site activities include bicycle hire, a tour of the nearby Lipton Tea Factory, Lipton’s gardens, Horton Plains, Adisham Monastery and Ella. At 720ft high, Diyaluma Falls is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and is a site of local folklore. It’s a wonderful place to visit.
Within the estate grounds are a primary school and a kindergarten which are provided for the children of the estate workers. Although uniforms and some books are subsidised by the government, fees are still present, and education is hugely important in Sri Lanka. Guests are encouraged to visit one of the schools and contribute to the ongoing education of future generations, bringing along whatever they see fit. This may include items such as stationary, educational items for young children or sports equipment (second hand is more than acceptable).
Staying at Thotalagala is an experience unlike any other.
We hope that these 6 special places around the globe have whet your appetite too. If you’d like to discuss prices, availability or any other destination of any type, please get in touch with us and we’d be happy to introduce you to the right expert to help!