If you’re seeking a truly exceptional and unique escape, Exceptional Villas, offers an exclusive selection of vacation rentals that will take your breath away.
From historic villas with timeless charm to eco-friendly treetop getaways, each of these destinations offers a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
In this blog, we’ll showcase 14 of the most remarkable properties that redefine luxury travel with a difference.
- Villa Peduzzi – Lake Como, Italy
- Lopud 1483 – Croatia
- Tree House – Punta Sayulita, Mexico
- ÀNI Sri Lanka
- Azul Y Verde – Costa Rica
- Sandcastle – South Africa
- The Great Beauty Penthouse – Rome Italy
- Esencia La Mansion – Riviera Maya, Mexico
- Windmill Villa – Santorini, Greece
- La Tosca – Bordeaux, France
- Baraka Point – Virgin Gorda, BVI
- Paradise Beach Pole Houses – Nevis
- Coach House – Jamaica
- Glin Castle – Limerick, Ireland
Villa Peduzzi – Lake Como, Italy
Let’s start our journey with a gem nestled in Lake Como: Villa Peduzzi. An exquisite villa in all aspects, perched above the beautiful Lake Como in the north of Italy.
Villa Peduzzi in Lake Como is a truly unique vacation rental, boasting a rich history dating back over a century with Liberty-style architecture inspired by the Art Nouveau movement. Its seamless blend of historic charm and modern luxury is exemplified by its meticulously restored frescoes, mosaic floors, and stunning stonework facades.
The villa’s expansive 4.5-acre grounds offer a sense of privacy and security, with elegant outdoor spaces, an infinity-edge pool, and a pool house.
Villa Peduzzi is one of the world’s most amazing vacation rentals. The villa provides a one-of-a-kind experience that allows guests to step back in time while enjoying contemporary comforts on the picturesque shores of Lake Como. Check out our blog on things to do in Lake Como.
Read what our villa experts had to say about Peduzzi when they stayed here.
Lopud 1483 – Croatia
Lopud 1483 is an extraordinary historic property located on the car-free Croatian island of Lopud. This meticulously restored 15th-century monastery, once inhabited by Franciscan monks, offers a unique and luxurious experience. The property includes 5 bedrooms, all exquisitely designed with unique artworks, providing accommodation for up to 10 guests.
Guests can enjoy stunning sea views from multiple terraces and sun decks, and have direct access to the sea for activities like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
The property comes with a private chef and full services, making it a perfect place to unwind and explore the natural beauty of the island. Lopud 1483 also boasts a world-class private art collection from the Thyssen-Bornemisza family and offers wellness experiences, including yoga and spa treatments.
It’s just 7 miles from Dubrovnik, easily reachable by boat. This living art gallery is a true haven for those seeking a harmonious blend of history, art, and nature.
Tree House – Punta Sayulita, Mexico
Tree House Punta Sayulita is a unique family vacation rental in the Nayarit region of Mexico is a 3-bedroom treehouse villa that redefines the concept of treetop living.
With a generous 4,000 sq. ft. of space and a commitment to eco-friendly architecture and materials, this unique villa blends seamlessly with the lush jungle that surrounds it.
Local materials, such as hewn tree logs and rugged stonework, contribute to the villa’s natural aesthetic, and the open-plan design of the great room and terrace seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor living.
The villa boasts a stunning wooden slab dining table, a fully equipped kitchen, and bedrooms with Mexican-inspired decor, all of which open onto a wrap-around terrace with outdoor showers.
Treehouse villa is an eco-friendly oasis that offers a captivating jungle experience with a touch of luxury.
ÀNI Sri Lanka
ÀNI Sri Lanka is a unique beachfront estate that can be exclusively booked for one group of guests, accommodating up to 30 people.
Notable features include two living salas, an elevator, wheelchair accessibility, a gym, spa treatment suite, tennis court, children’s pools with water slides, yoga and meditation pavilion, a 3-mile beach, and dedicated concierge services.
Guests can enjoy tailored dining experiences, free-flow beverages, numerous activities like spa treatments, tennis lessons, and more.
Complimentary airport transfers, daily spa treatments and a children’s activity program add to the exceptional offerings at ÀNI Sri Lanka.
Azul Y Verde – Costa Rica
Azul Y Verde, a luxurious villa in Costa Rica, seamlessly blends stunning architecture with nature.
With eight ocean-view rooms and three infinity pools, it accommodates up to 16 guests. Its modern design immerses guests in nature, while bespoke furnishings and vibrant artwork create stylish comfort.
The villa features three fully equipped kitchens, a private chef, a wine cellar, a private movie theatre, a spa room, sauna, steam room, gym, and a yoga deck. Outdoor spaces include a pool lounge deck and a rooftop area. Azul Y Verde offers a unique experience, integrating nature into its elegant design for a spirit-reviving getaway with Pacific coastline views.
Sandcastle – South Africa
Sandcastle, a luxury villa in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, offers a unique experience. Designed by architect David Mealin, it harmoniously combines organic and architectural elements, providing a tranquil sanctuary with Indian Ocean views in a nature reserve.
With two solar-heated pools, beach access, and sea-view suites for up to eight guests, its warm earthy exterior, quirky turrets, and eclectic interior design create an artistic marvel.
Guests enjoy a dedicated staff, including a private chef and field guide, making it a destination that fuses the African bush and a private beach experience, celebrating life with nature, relaxation, and personal growth.
The Great Beauty Penthouse – Rome Italy
The Great Beauty Iconic Penthouse Suite is a luxurious duplex penthouse overlooking Rome’s Colosseum, offering an exceptional vacation experience.
This spacious 280-square-meter penthouse accommodates up to six guests, offering a blend of contemporary luxury with historical elegance. It features a large reception room, a private terrace with unobstructed Colosseum views, and modern amenities like a state-of-the-art sound system and smart TVs.
Located in the heart of Rome, it provides easy access to the city’s attractions and dining, making it an ideal base for an unforgettable Roman adventure. Guests can also opt for a private chef to enjoy meals with captivating skyline views from this superb penthouse.
Esencia La Mansion – Riviera Maya, Mexico
Esencia La Mansion is a luxury villa rental in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, offering a unique blend of private, serene living and access to Hotel Esencia’s exclusive services.
This villa spans four levels, offering four spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms for ample personal space. The master suite is a highlight, featuring abundant natural light and an indoor/outdoor plunge pool.
The property also boasts a private fitness studio, an office, and a 360-degree rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
A unique ceramic pool by artist Marcel Dzama adds to the serene atmosphere. Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Hotel Esencia, guests can enjoy both a private home and access to top-notch hotel amenities, making it an unforgettable destination for luxury and relaxation.
Windmill Villa – Santorini, Greece
Windmill Villa, a charming one-bedroom retreat in Santorini, Greece, just a short stroll from Oia, offers a serene and romantic getaway.
With a rich history and an ideal location for exploring Oia’s markets and restaurants, it’s perfect for couples and honeymooners.
The 45-square-meter villa spans two levels with a well-equipped kitchenette, seating area, and a bathroom featuring a rainfall shower.
The winding staircase leads to a cozy bedroom with double bed and views of Oia and the Aegean Sea.
La Tosca – Bordeaux, France
La Tosca Villa, an eight-bedroom luxury estate from 1903, graces Bassin d’Arcachon with Italian-influenced “Arcachon Architecture,” offering an exquisite venue for gatherings.
Meticulously refurbished, it harmoniously blends classic Italian architectural elements with contemporary design.
Guests can partake in various activities from truffle hunting to water sports. La Tosca features fully equipped kitchens, a home cinema, and well-appointed rooms, along with an ecological swimming pool and diverse entertainment options for an unforgettable stay.
Baraka Point – Virgin Gorda, BVI
Baraka Point, a stunning 6-bedroom villa on Virgin Gorda, offers a serene escape on a headland surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and iconic volcanic boulders. Virgin Gorda is one of the best islands in the Caribbean for families.
Fully staffed with a private chef and concierge services, it’s a paradise for large families, groups, weddings, and special celebrations. The elegant pavilions accommodate up to 16 guests, with tastefully decorated interiors and picturesque outdoor terraces.
Baraka Point provides relaxation and personalized services, including spa treatments and yoga, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable stay in this exclusive beachside hideaway.
Paradise Beach Pole Houses – Nevis
This luxurious 2-bedroom Beachfront villa in Nevis, part of the exclusive Paradise Beach resort, offers an authentic Caribbean vacation experience with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and Nevis Mountain.
Nestled amid lush tropical greenery and palm trees, this villa offers ultimate privacy and direct beach access for sunny days and refreshing swims. Guests can dive into vibrant underwater sea life through snorkeling and swim with giant Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles.
A beach bar nearby serves enticing island cocktails. The villa features a sun deck terrace with a plunge pool and thatched Cabana, perfect for enjoying sunrises and sunsets.
Inside, contemporary open living spaces showcase a unique blend of Caribbean and Asian furnishings, an Indonesian thatched roof, and inspired design, making this one of the nicest Villas in Nevis.
Coach House – Jamaica
The Coach House at Good Hope is a magnificent 7-bedroom private villa located within the lush and historic Good Hope Estate in Jamaica.
This villa sits on a 2,000-acre plantation near the Cockpit hills, offering a tranquil retreat with period design and spacious, modern-equipped bedrooms. Outdoor spaces include an infinity pool and an outdoor movie projector.
The Good Hope Estate features a private beach, complimentary water sports, and a dedicated staff for a delightful stay. The estate also offers cultural experiences and adventures, including Appleton Rum Tasting and zip-line adventures. Jamaica is a wonderful island full of fun and adventure. Be sure to check out our blog on the best things to do in Jamaica.
Glin Castle – Limerick, Ireland
Glin Castle, nestled on a 400-acre estate by the Shannon River, exudes grandeur and history. The castle’s majestic presence is complemented by vibrant gardens offering year-round color and riverside views.
Inside, historic charm mixes with antiques and artifacts in cozy sitting rooms. The castle has 15 ensuite bedrooms with unique styles and views. Guests can choose their level of service, from self-catering to full hospitality.
The estate boasts Neo-classical plaster ceilings, 18th-century furniture, and a rare flying staircase. Idyllic gardens, a tennis court, hot tub, and a 5-kilometer “Knight’s Walk” offer outdoor adventures. Glin Castle is a place where history, grandeur, and natural beauty come together to offer a truly exceptional experience.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the most unique vacation rentals on the planet, one thing becomes abundantly clear: travel is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about embarking on a journey filled with wonder, adventure, and personal enrichment.
The vacation rentals we’ve explored are not just places to stay; they’re gateways to unforgettable experiences.
So, the next time you plan your vacation, consider stepping off the beaten path and embracing the extraordinary. These vacation rentals are a testament to the beauty and diversity of our world, offering a chance to explore, learn, and be inspired.
Your journey awaits, and it begins with the unique vacation rental that captures your imagination and beckons you to a world of unparalleled experiences.
About Linda Browne
Linda is the General Manager for Exceptional Villas and has an in-depth knowledge of the travel industry. Linda's qualifications are in the area of business, marketing and tourism. Linda travels for much of the year inspecting all of our luxury villas; the majority of her time is spent in the Caribbean and Europe.