Villas

Luxury is often typified by how far away from it all you can possibly get, while still being utterly pampered, yet be in the right location, close to that secret beach or family restaurant.

The definition of the villa vacation today is much more than the romantic château in France. Accommodations run the full gamut, including chalets in the Swiss Alps, a private island residence in Belize, a suite in Dubai, penthouses in Las Vegas, beachfront condos in Hawaii and a ranch in the Sierras.

Some of the world’s most beautiful villas offer paired-back authentic offerings, others, big-city amenities in some of the most distant corners of the planet. Abundant space, local tradition, stunning design, toys galore, dedicated A-team staff and, of course, privacy that is unmatched – whatever you are looking for, Insignia has the answer.

Once, guests booked into a hotel’s penthouse or presidential suite could be confident they had secured the best abode in the property, but as consumers seek ever more privacy, things have changed. Super hotels have stepped up their game offering epic villa options.

The Maldives is home to The Private Reserve in Gili Lankanfushi, a beautiful 15,000 sq ft abode. It boasts a glass infinity pool, plunge pool, library, spa and play slide, plus a private boat and butler on standby. The Owner’s Villa at Cheval Blanc Randheli is a sprawling super stylish masterpiece ideal for parties.

Jumeirah Vittaveli, Maldives, has just opened the Royal Residence resort with its own restaurant, spa, gym and indulgent extras. At Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico, the Ty Warner Mansion comes with a flurry of staff and amenities including two pools, private spa and rooftop putting green.

For total isolation, fly to the Banyan Hill Estate, Fregate Island Private in the Seychelles; guests have exclusive access to an infinity pool, serviced kitchen, chef, butler and maid 24/7. Villa 11, North Island is popular with honeymooners.

Elsewhere other notable homes are: The Ranch at Rock Creek, situated on 6,600 acres of rugged Montana wilderness at the base of the John Long Mountains and Villa Garrovo (one of four private villas within the grounds of Lake Como’s Villa D’Este which dates from 1833). Ashford Castle’s former boathouse in Ireland is charming, Villa Basmah in Morrocco, colourful, and the 19th Century Spring Cottage at Cliveden House in England, quintessentially British – only the finest selection will do.