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The 5 Best

Villas & Vacation Rentals

Around the World

The World’s Best Villas & Unique Holiday Homes in 2021

Are you one of those people that feel like you’ve been there and done that already? Then this list is for you. We’ve put together a list of the best villas around the world to help you get inspired. Explore new places, or revisit familiar places in a new and exciting way with our list of the 5 most unique vacation rentals around the world.

Amazing things can happen when a vision comes to life, and these 5 properties are a testament to that. Each one embodies creativity, design and luxury, set in some of the world’s most beautiful and inspiring travel destinations. From mountain lodges overlooking the Andes, to tropical getaways in Southeast Asia, each of these properties are more than a place to stay, they are an experience unto themselves.

Whether you like to get out and seek adventures, or simply are looking for a place to relax with loved ones, this list has something to suit your needs. Luxurious, private and with all the comforts and modern conveniences you could desire, here are the 5 best villas for your next escape.

Dar El Sadaka – Marrakach

Dar El Sadaka

Marrakech

If you’re rubbing your eyes in disbelief, you’re not alone. It’s rare to see something completely new that stops you dead in your tracks. Dar El Sadaka is a feast for the senses, and one of the main reasons it’s on our best villas list.

Available exclusively for private parties and intimate events, Dar El Sadaka is a passion project launched by french artist Jean-François Fourtou. Originally the villa was built as a vacation home for family and close friends to come together and be inspired. As demand grew and word of mouth spread, Fourtou decided to open the doors and share his vision on a limited basis with the world. As you explore the property, Fourtou’s playful animal themed artwork appears in truly magical and unexpected ways. An experience unlike any other, guests are invited to daydream and allow their imaginations to run wild.

Celebrate life with your loved ones in Morocco.

Author: Al MacDonald Editor: Fritz Lekschas License: CC BY-SA 3.0 ID: ISO 3166-1 or "_[a-zA-Z]" if an ISO code is not available

Features & Amenities

• 25 acres in the heart of the Palmeraie of Marrakech
• Available for private hire only
• 600m square indoor space, fully air-conditioned
• Stunning interiors and artwork from Jean-François Fourtou
• Nine individually themed suites and bedrooms for up to 20 guests
• Fully staffed
• High-speed internet
• Living room with fireplace
• Dining room with lounge area & fireplace
• Library with TV (satellite channels)
• Home cinema room / meeting room
• Rooftop sun terraces and squishy sofas under olive trees
• Daily fine dining and creative family-style meals
• Organic vegetable and herb garden
• 170m square outdoor swimming pool
• Traditional hammam & spa treatment room
• Tennis court, ping-pong table, and French bowls court
• Fitness room & private running track
• Languages spoken: Moroccan Arabic, French & English

bedroom suite at Dar el Sadaka in Marrakech, with large camel figure by the window
Dar el Sadaka bedroom suite at sunset, one of the most unique villas in the world
doorway in an outside wall with an elephant trunk art installation. surrounded by trees and plants, at dar el sadaka in Marrakech
beautiful garden and pool at the house designed by French contemporary artist Jean-François Fourtou

Awasi – Patagonia

Awasi

Patagonia

Strictly for the adventurous, Awasi Patagonia is a spectacular experience from start to finish. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more enchanting setting anywhere on earth. Situated on the doorstep of Torres del Paine National Park, each of the 14 villas and 1 main villa overlook dense forests, mystical lakes, and imposing mountains. To make the most of this otherworldly setting, each villa is accompanied by a 4×4 and driver so that you can explore at your own pace on your own timeline. Return from a day of adventure and rest your bones in your hot tub, enjoy a drink by the fire and patiently await your meal prepared in the world class kitchen. This is simply one of the most incredible places on earth and we can’t think of a better way to enjoy it.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Features & Amenities

• Situated in a private reserve overlooking Torres del Paine National Park
• 14 villas and a main lodge inspired by old Patagonian shelters and ranching outposts
• One Private Guide and a 4WD are assigned to each Villa
• Views over the Torres del Paine Mountain Range, the Patagonian Steppe and Lake Sarmiento 
• Incredible gastronomy at the Relais & Chateaux restaurant
• Wood burning stove and your very own hot tub
• Craft your own adventure 
• Carbon neutral 
• Access to off-the-beaten-path hiking trails
• Perfect digital detox: wifi available in the main lodge only

Author: Al MacDonald Editor: Fritz Lekschas License: CC BY-SA 3.0 ID: ISO 3166-1 or "_[a-zA-Z]" if an ISO code is not available
med ride horses through open fields in Patagonia
inside a wooden cabin with log fire burning, at Awasi Patagonia, one of the best villas in the world
brown and white alpaca stands in a large area of grass with wooden lodges in the background at Awasi Patagonia
round wooden hot tub with mountain views at Awasi Patagonia, one of the most unique properties in the world

The Riverhouse – Bali

The Riverhouse

Bali

When you think of tropical paradise, it’s probably not long before Bali comes to mind. A popular destination with idyllic beaches and a rich and vibrant culture, Bali brings people back again and again. Whether you’ve been to Bali, or are thinking about making your first trip, there may be no better way to experience it than staying at one of the best villas, and private getaways at the Riverhouse. A luxury oasis in the rice fields of Perenenan, The Riverhouse is a peaceful escape allowing you to recharge and get inspired by your surroundings. Large bedrooms, floor to ceiling windows and outdoor dining are just a few of the luxuries you’ll enjoy in this cool and chic space. Every aspect of the property has been thoughtfully considered, from the architectural design to the furnishings and art collection. Whilst the main house is perfect for groups, the Riverhouse Studio offers a smaller but equally stunning option for couples.

Looking for a little luxury in Bali?

Author: Al MacDonald Editor: Fritz Lekschas License: CC BY-SA 3.0 ID: ISO 3166-1 or "_[a-zA-Z]" if an ISO code is not available

Features & Amenities

• Main villa has 5 bedrooms (sleeps 10-12)
• Sleeps 14 people w/ the studio
• 7 bathrooms
• 2 kitchens
• Double height living area
• Open plan kitchen, dining room and living room
• Outside dining area
• 25m pool
• Daily staff – butlers and cleaners and a chef on request
• Massage room with 2 beds
• Fine finishing details
• Designer furniture and art throughout
• Rice field and river views

Long wooden dining table in the living area at Riverhouse Bali, one of the best villas in the world
pristine garden with a large pool and tall palm trees
wooden staircase in the centre of a living space with high ceilings and a glass wall with swimming pool outside, at Riverhouse Bali
large bedroom with wooden ceiling at Riverhouse Bali, one of the best villas in the world

Ataahua Lodge – New Zealand

Ataahua Lodge

New Zealand

A sprawling property with seemingly unlimited possibilities, this holiday home is the stuff of dreams. Contemporary design with playful accents invite you to be free and enjoy life to the fullest. Decorated with artwork, antiques and venetian furniture, this luxurious property is nothing short of a masterpiece. Perfect for a family getaway or to celebrate a special occasion with those close to you, there is more than enough to keep you busy. Tantalise your taste-buds with a visit to the wine cellar, or relax and unwind in the cinema room. Fancy something more active? The swimming pool, tennis courts and and basketball courts are ideal for group activities, all surrounded with lush greenery. Work up a sweat in the hot yoga studio and adjoining gym, or take a stroll in the fresh air with soothing sea views. There’s a world of adventures waiting for you at Ataahua Lodge. It’s easy to see why Ataahua Lodge is one of the best villas in the world.

Prepare to be blown away.

Features & Amenities

• Italian inspired: Family, food and beauty form the heart of the home
• Five bedrooms in the main house, and one bedroom in the guest pavilion
• Fully equipped gym and yoga room
• Extensive wine selection 
• Cinema
• 25 metre lap pool
• Two spacious dining rooms
• In-house chef preparing breakfast, lunch, pre-dinner drinks, canapes and dinner
• Champagne & cheese platter upon arrival
• Premium bathroom amenities
• Impeccable landscaping & outdoor spaces
• Outdoor pizza ovens and gas & charcoal BBQ
• Underground man cave & fully equipped bar

Author: Al MacDonald Editor: Fritz Lekschas License: CC BY-SA 3.0 ID: ISO 3166-1 or "_[a-zA-Z]" if an ISO code is not available
Ataahua lodge covered in green ivy, with a stone water fountain in front of the entrance
bedroom at Ataahua Lodge with open doors leading out to the garden and pool
dining room with high ceilings and feature red ceiling light, at Ataahua Lodge one of the best villas in the world
venetian decor in the lounge at Ataahua Lodge, with high ceilings and elegant chandelier

Treehotel – Sweden

Treehotel

Sweden

This collection of fun and unique treehouses has been aptly described as “a childhood dream with a touch of luxury and flair”. The Treehotel is the brainchild of Kent and Britta, who combined their love of their beloved home village in Northern Sweden with their intense desire to create something special. They happened to be friends with three of Sweden’s foremost architects – Bertil Harström, Thomas Sandell and Mårten Cyrén, and when Kent mentioned the idea of building unique designer hotel rooms they were keen to get involved. This spontaneous collaboration led to something spectacular. It resulted in a UFO, a bird’s nest, a cabin, a mirror cube and a blue cone which changed colour to orange. A large Dragonfly conference building and The 7th room were added later. It’s a truly unique experience to live among pine forest, surrounded by nature in such a thoughtfully designed, contemporary space. Definitely one for the bucket list!

Experience it for yourself.

Author: Al MacDonald Editor: Fritz Lekschas License: CC BY-SA 3.0 ID: ISO 3166-1 or "_[a-zA-Z]" if an ISO code is not available

Features & Amenities

• 7 totally unique rooms set among the pine forest of Northern Sweden
• Inspired by the surroundings and experiences of the local area
• Activities are designed to reflect the time of year, and capture the beauty of nature in this part of the world
• A highly-skilled chef preparing delicious meals with local produce
• Offering Swedish delicacies from the northern pantry, from wild game to hand-picked berries
• Day hikes and  picnics
• Kayaking and fishing
• Northern lights natural phenomena

wooden walkway leads up to a mirrored cube suspended in the trees at Treehotel Sweden
a cuboid hotel room suspended in tall trees at Treehotel Sweden
a UFO shaped hotel room suspended amongst tall trees at Treehotel Sweden
a large mirrored cube suspended amongst trees, reflecting the trees at each side. A room at the unique Treehotel in Sweden

 5 best villas in the world at a glance

Dar El Sadaka

Planning a group trip to Morocco?

Awasi

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

The Riverhouse

Looking for luxury in Bali?

Ataahua Lodge

Prepared to be blown away?

Treehotel

Need to experience it for yourself?