Picture this: you wake up only to realize you’re in complete and utter privacy — whether it’s in the Andalusian countryside, the picture-perfect beaches of Punta Mita, the lush jungle of Grenada or somewhere in middle of the Indian Ocean. It’s just another normal day in paradise and the world is quite literally your oyster... Your hardest decision becomes how long of a massage you should have that day (since there’s no time limit and they don’t come at an extra charge); which of your seven boats should you take out (or maybe today you should take out the yacht?!); should you make your own smoothie or should you leave it to the juiceologist?; which magical, secluded corner can you have the most incredible meal of your life with your toes in the sand, drink in hand and the sun about to set...? But actually, this list could seemingly go on forever. And these are only a few of the out-of-this-world perks you’ll get when you book a villa within a hotel — the ultimate when it comes to luxury, and rightfully so...
From the Palawan archipelago of the Philippines to the rolling hills of Spain and beyond, here are two buzzy new hotel villas and two super private locales that we are totally lusting over at the moment, and are giving us a serious itch to catch the next flight out…
1. FINCA CORTESIN
Known to many as one of Spain’s best-kept-secrets, Finca Cortesin is set in the rolling hills in one of the most sought-after enclaves in the sun-kissed region of Andalusia. Exuding old-world glamour, this place is like having your own personal playground (that’s filled with 1,000-year-old olive trees). Expect to be totally smitten with the world-class hospitality, spectacular cuisine, and unrivaled ambiance of peace and tranquility.
And if your invitation to your well-heeled European friends’ house got lost in the mail, here’s the next best thing: the brand new Green 10 Villas. Just introduced in time for the summer season, these 5-bedroom homes are everything you could want and more: generous living spaces with sky-high ceilings, stunning interiors and a picture-perfect pool waiting to be Instagrammed. Some of our favorite perks that come with? Complimentary babysitting services (up to two hours each day) for the little ones, complimentary access to the kids club for the older ones, and a special beauty consultation at the spa that will make anyone feel like royalty. Plus, you’ll have exclusive access to the beach club featuring a spectacular 35-meter infinity pool lined with Balinese beds (cue the relaxation)…
2. CASA KOKO
There are few things that rival the dream of having an entire hotel all to yourself... And just our luck, Casa Koko, an exclusive-use villa that essentially could be its own hotel, has realized this dream. Primely located in Punta Mita, this sprawling nine-suite property can accommodate up to 22 guests. It’s a bohemian-lovers paradise built with barefoot luxury in mind — so just be sure to leave your shoes at the door.
Yes, this beauty features all the bells and whistles one would expect (like the whimsical views, the sand terraces, the 90-foot-long infinity pool, the spa sanctuary, the en-suite bathrooms, and so on…). And yes, you can surf the best Bahia break in your backyard, take a ride on the vintage bicycles, practice yoga in the outdoor garden, or even venture out on a custom-made private excursion… But arguably the best part about Casa Koko is that you quite literally will have someone to cater to your every need: you’ll have your own personal concierge, a house manager, a butler, a professional chef, a sous-chef, a kitchen assistant, 4 waiters and 12 full-time service team. Oh, and we must not forget that there is a driver.
And in the off-chance that you needed more convincing, a stay here guarantees priority access to not just one, but two luxury hotels’ amenities (Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita & The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort), three beach clubs, a couple of golf courses, and the list goes on…
3. BANWA PRIVATE ISLAND
You’ve done the Maldives, you fell in love with Nihiwatu and Laucala Island – and now you’re craving a new place that almost seems to be as good as it could ever get… Meet Banwa Private Island, quite possibly one of the biggest dreams of them all! It’s a gem so hidden, you’ll hardly find it on any maps. Remotely set within the Philippines’ unspoiled Mid-Palawan region, this exclusive-use property features six beachfront villas for up to 22 guests, with an additional 12 garden rooms for up to 26 guests.
The low down: it’s an all-inclusive, exclusive-use property (a.k.a. you can leave your credit card at home!) that comes with a full staff of private concierges known as rock stars, back of the house known as superheroes, and all-star chefs and juiceologists (who just so happen to also be certified nutritionists and will work with you to completely customize your stay and send you home with a tailored program). Speaking of the chefs, the culinary team aims to deliver the ultimate dining experiences in seemingly endless locations around the island… You’ll never eat in the same place twice (unless you absolutely cannot resist!). And you can get an unlimited amount of massages as you so wish.
As for activities, leave it to the team adventure and marine-specialists to map out your days! Water-lovers will fall head-over-heels for their very casual fleet of boats, which includes a super-luxurious Lagoon 630 Catamaran Yacht (and every water sports equipment one could ever want or need). You’ll also have a Limousine tender at your disposal – a Wajer 38, the first luxury guest tender of this quality in the Philippines (serious bragging rights), perfect for diving in the Tubbataha Reef – one the world’s most sought-after dive sites.
All this for the sticker-shocking price of 100k a night with a three-night minimum. Hey, it’s the tiny price you pay for a trip of a lifetime, right?
This is an ideal destination for that dreamy corporate retreat (fingers-crossed you like all your co-workers), a milestone destination celebration, and an intimate wedding with your closest friends & family (sorry, dad, we never said it was going to be cheap!)… We could come up with a million more events that this would be the perfect place for!
4. SILVERSANDS GRENADA
Grenada is a yet-to-be-discovered destination that you’ll quickly fall in love with. And how could you not? The spicy air, the powdery-soft white-sand beaches, the endless turquoise-blue waters, and the rich culture are only the beginning... Cue: Silversands Grenada – the new ultra-luxe resort that has everyone and their mother talking (and for good reason).
Here’s the scoop: the recently opened property is an ode to sophisticated simplicity and the service is outstanding. The property is comprised of 52 villas and suites, each as magnificent as the next… Want our advice? Stay in a 4-Bedroom Beachfront Villa. Idyllically located on the world famous Grand Anse Beach, you can walk out and quite literally dig your toes into the sand. With a total of just five, the beachfront villas are open, airy and come with a gorgeous private pool, two plunge pools and offer unparalleled privacy (which you’ll need when you use the outdoor showers!). And it’s worth every penny to be on the beach: you may get some exclusive amenities included like a complimentary three-course dinner and lunch for up to eight including house wines (drinks are never included!), a $500 credit to pamper yourself at the seriously amazing spa, plus private roundtrip airport transfers in the hotel’s Telsa Model X SUV. Bingo!
BENEFITS OF BOOKING WITH ITKE:
Expertise of the destination
Full-service management and customization of trip
On-property/off-property experiences & reservations
Access to private inventory and special rates
Additional amenities & benefits
Seamless booking experience
