Posts Tagged ‘villa vacations’

Rental Escapes: Top Summer Destinations for Luxury Villas

May 17, 2023
Chateau de Villette. Rental Escapes, a full-service luxury villa company specializing in providing unparalleled private villa rentals worldwide, has identified the top regions luxury travelers are eyeing for summer travel this year. In addition, with the increased demand for luxury villa rentals throughout 2023, Rental Escapes has added to its arsenal of villa rental options to ensure an abundance of options.

Montreal – Rental Escapes, a full-service luxury villa company specializing in providing unparalleled private villa rentals worldwide, has identified the top regions luxury travelers are eyeing for summer travel this year. In addition, with the increased demand for luxury villa rentals throughout 2023, Rental Escapes has added to its arsenal of villa rental options to ensure an abundance of options.

The top five most sought-after destinations for luxury villa rentals:

1.       Turks and Caicos

For the ultimate tropical getaway comprised of 40 low-lying coral islands, Turks and Caicos is known for their white-sand beaches, diving and snorkeling, whale watching, excellent year-round weather, and ample opportunities for watersports. Travelers can enjoy relaxing afternoons spent soaking up the sun or activities like horseback riding, parasailing, and diving.

·       Where to Stay: Sitting on a large peninsula that feels like its own island, Villa Emara provides seventeen magnificent bedrooms accommodated with the utmost privacy from a private beach. With a blend of privacy and personalized service, guests will have a luxurious experience with the feeling of home away from home. Multi-gen families can retreat to the Caribbean estate Hawksbill, which features an oversized pool and lap pool, hot tub, firepit and boat dockage. For water sport enthusiasts, paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment are available to all guests. To view all of Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in Turks and Caicos, click here.

2.    Dominican Republic

Home to a vibrant culture, rich history, jaw-dropping scenery, world renowned beaches, and a plethora of luxury villas, the Dominican Republic has been one of the most popular Caribbean vacation destinations. The dynamic country offers an arsenal of recently constructed villas, featuring modern amenities geared towards outdoor living, to experience the very best of the country. Guests can take advantage of large terraces, infinity pools, and elaborate palapas, all with scenic ocean views.

·       Where to Stay: Travelers looking to enhance their vacation cannot go wrong by booking one of the many villas in the Dominican Republic. Featured in Architectural Digest of Germany, Juanillo 2 Las Hamacas offers its guests a beachfront luxury villa with six bedrooms. Guests will have access to all resort amenities such as a golf course, spa, restaurants, bars, and tennis center. Brand new Villa Lorenne welcomes beach lovers to enjoy a short golf cart ride to two private beach clubs, an outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as games next to the outside bar. To view all of Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in the Dominican Republic, click here.

3.     Barbados

Located on the Eastern tip of the Caribbean and known for its turquoise water, sandy white beaches, colorful fish and exceptional restaurants, Barbados offers exciting experiences to satisfy every traveler. The sights, tastes, and experiences make Barbados a once-in-a-lifetime trip for all.

·       Where to Stay: One of the most prestigious villa rentals in Barbados, Greensleeves offers ten exquisite bedrooms, impeccable service, and waterfront, panoramic sea views from the four-acre property. Located in Paynes Bay, Kiko offers a beautiful oversize swimming pool with umbrella lounge chairs, comfortable living areas, and an expansive covered veranda. The nine oceanfront bedrooms boasts the ultimate in decadence along with a game room, fully equipped gym and yoga studio, spa and sauna. To view all of Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in Barbados, click here.

4.    Italy

Home to many diverse landscapes, history, and dialects, there’s no destination quite like Italy. Filled with delicious food, rich history, celebrated culture, legendary ambiance, and beautiful landscapes – there are unlimited reasons to visit. The gorgeous country offers villas with their own distinct charm, inescapable beauty, and fascinating history. Italian villas offer travelers the space they desire, with authentic locations in the countryside or by the sea, along with architecturally stunning facades. 

·       Where to Stay: Just a 15 minute walk from Piazza de Mulini, Positano, Villa Giulia boasts its spectacular view of Positano and its gulf with a stylish design offering modern, elegant décor with a white and neutral color palette reflecting current interior design trends. The elegant three-story waterfront property, Villa Lika provides its guests with a sun-kissed terrace filled with summer mood interiors and arched windows. It’s stunning views with a color palette inspired by the sand and sea set the perfect mood for a relaxed vacation. For unforgettable day trips, this villa is driving distance from preferred sites such as Positano, Amalfi, and Pompeii. To view all of Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in Italy, click here.

5.    St. Barts

The volcanic island, St. Barts, or St. Barthelemy, is one of the world’s most beautiful luxury vacation destinations, known for its stunning beaches, incredible cuisine, and plethora of luxury villa rentals. Rental Escapes boasts an arsenal of villas that will appeal to every kind of vacation -seeker, from those looking for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a worry-free vacation.

·       Where to Stay: Large groups will love Silver Rainbow, a magnificent six-bedroom villa with striking views and immediate access to the beautiful blue-green water of the Petit Cul De Sac lagoon. Beach lovers will enjoy Wake Up, a beachfront villa featuring a contemporary design with an infinity pool, jacuzzi, hanging chairs, a sauna, steam room, and gym. To view all of Rental Escapes’ luxurious villa rental options in St. Barts, click here.

In addition to sharing the top trending destinations for summer 2023, Rental Escapes has added to its inventory of luxury villa rentals to meet demand. The company has seen unprecedented desire for luxury villa rentals in destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and the U.S. and has reported a record number of sales to kick off the year as travelers increasingly look to book with an industry leader who is dedicated to crafting customized villa experiences. As a result, Rental Escapes has expanded its offerings and added over 300 villas to its arsenal to ensure all travelers are able to find the perfect villa in their dream destination.

Rental Escapes is a full-service luxury villa company that prides itself in providing top-notch personalized service and unforgettable villa experiences. The company offers a hand-picked selection of more than 5,000 carefully vetted and curated luxury villa rentals in 70 destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, the United States and beyond. Its team of highly trained villa specialists assist guests and travel advisors in planning and booking the ideal villa stay. In addition, every reservation is provided with a concierge service to take care of arranging everything from private chefs to boat charters.

For more information on Rental Escapes, visit RentalEscapes.com.

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

Going Places @ theisland360.com

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near/

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/KarenBRubin

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

5 Ways a Villa Vacation Can Ignite Romance

February 11, 2015

Villas of Distinction offers stays in a luxurious, private villa, with vacation experiences planned by a concierge.

Villas of Distinction offers stays in a luxurious, private villa, with vacation experiences planned by a concierge.

Wilmington, Mass.– Villas of Distinction®, a full-service premier luxury villa provider with an extensive portfolio, is revealing the reasons why staying in a private, luxurious villa can ignite romance and make memorable vacation experiences.

Unlike online vacation rental companies, Villas of Distinction® provides a full-service, top-of-the-line experience, and in addition to reserving a premier luxury villa, clients have an entire experiential vacation planned by a private Villa Concierge from start to finish.

The company, which is part of World Travel Holdings, offers five reasons why a villa stay can rekindle the romance:

  1. Stress-Free Planning. Whether traveling for a honeymoon, couples getaway, an anniversary celebration or just to reconnect, Villas of Distinction provides clients with their own personal villa concierge that plans every aspect of a vacation from the time you leave your house to the time you return. The Concierge can recommend some of the most romantic spots in a destination; make reservations for a candlelight dinner; or arrange a couple’s excursion like a wine-tasting or a guided morning yoga/meditation session on the beach.
  1. Not Just A Stay, But An Experience. When you book your romantic retreat with a Villa Specialist, you are not only booking the villa, but you are planning an entire, unique and customized vacation. Want a favorite wine or food upon arrival? It will be pre-stocked in the villa. What about rose petals on the bed and candles throughout. A Villa Concierge can make it happen. Couples massages by the pool or on the beach, a private chef, fireworks on the beach, a private yacht charter for dinner and champagne — these are just some of the unique experiences a concierge can make happen.
  1. Private Pool. Rekindling the romance means enjoying quality time together … alone. Privacy is something that is not offered at a resort pool with other guests crowding you. Villas offer privacy for alone time including private pools and most villas even have private beaches.
  1. Chef-Prepared Candlelit Dinner. A dinner by candlelight is the ultimate in romance, but a dinner by candlelight with a meal made by a couples’ own private chef to their liking is even more romantic. How about the morning of the romantic dinner, accompanying the Chef to the water’s edge, where the local fisherman arrives in the morning, with his evening’s just-caught fresh fish and having that prepared for dinner? Or, picking fresh fare from the villa’s gardens and using the herbs in cooking class together to learn how to make local dishes — how romantic does that sound?
  1. Quality Time To Reconnect. Being in a beautiful, luxurious and private locale is the perfect setting to reconnect with one another — this is the cornerstone of what a villa vacation offers. From a private pool or beach and couples massages to an excursion or cooking class together and enjoying the breathtaking views villa destinations provide, couples will find a villa vacation that can be customized to fit their relationship personality and vacation desires.

To learn more about the destinations and villa options Villas of Distinction offers, and how a Villa Concierge can help plan a one-of-a-kind vacation filled with romance, visit www.VilllasofDistinction.com or call 800-289-0900.

Villas of Distinction®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is a full-service premier luxury villa provider with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 50 luxury destinations including the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Belize, Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Thailand, Croatia, the Continental United States and many private Islands. For nearly 25 years, Villas of Distinction and its team of expert concierges have been helping travelers find their perfect vacation home without a membership fee. The company takes pride in offering customized vacations to meet every need, with most villas featuring private pools, butlers, maids and chefs. www.VillasofDistinction.com.

 

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

New: Moral Compass: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

moralcompasstravel.info

Check out our newest travel site for special deals, insiders’ tips at tidbitts.com: http://www.tidbitts.com/karen-rubin/where-in-the-world

Ski in Style at Villas of Distinction’s Luxurious Vacation Homes in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming

December 23, 2014

Northside Villa in Deer Valley, Utah,. one of the vacation homes in Villas of Distinction's portfolio.

Northside Villa in Deer Valley, Utah,. one of the vacation homes in Villas of Distinction’s portfolio.

Wilmington, Mass. –Villas of Distinction® provides travelers looking to hit the slopes this winter with luxurious, private villa vacation homes in some of the hottest ski destinations — Utah, Colorado and newly added Wyoming. And, with a vast array of upscale amenities, plenty of space, privacy, personalized attention, and full-service vacation planning including unique and customized experiences, visitors will fall in love with the perks of vacationing in a villa as opposed to staying in a resort.

Newly added destination and villa — Gray Wolf in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is the perfect location for the avid skier because it sits at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and is just 3/8 of a mile from the ski lifts in the Teton Village area. After a full-day of outdoor adventures, visitors will enjoy Gray Wolf’s rustic charm and contemporary luxury setting with an array of amenities including a fireplace in the great room and master suite, private outdoor hot tub, full concierge service and more. More villas will be added to Jackson Hole soon.

Northside Villa in Deer Valley, Utah gives skiers access to the perfectly groomed runs of Flagstaff Mountain just off of its quiet cul-de-sac. This 6,600 square-foot ski chalet features five bedrooms, seven baths, spacious living areas, a projector screen theater, gourmet kitchen and game room making it perfect for two families who want to travel together and have room to spare. Guests will be spoiled with daily housekeeping and on-call shuttle service in the winter months, concierge service and a private outdoor hot tub … and all of this is included at no extra charge.

Travelers who may have had trouble finding a large luxury home in the downtown area of Park City, will be happy to find this gem —  Woodside Villa, which is just one block from historic Main Street and only 50 yards from ski access to the Town Lift. The stunning 5-bedroom Old Town ski home offers a private bath for each bedroom, a wet bar, two-way fireplace, private hot tub and a heated garage. During the winter season, daily housekeeping and complimentary in town shuttle service is available, and the villa always offers a personalized check-in and a private concierge giving the guests a top-notch experience.

In addition to skiing, both destinations in Utah have other fun snow activities including Heli-ski and Snowcat tours, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, jet or helicopter charter and Utah Olympic Park where visitors can ride the official bobsled track of the 2002 Olympics.

In one of the most sought out ski destinations, Colorado, skiers will find The Colorado Lodge, a 3,250 square foot private penthouse offering dynamic ski mountain and valley views. This is the perfect place for a couples retreat with friends as it accommodates eight guests with traditional bedding and up to 10 with the use of a trundle bed and twin pullout. Located on the 11th floor this 4-bedroom, den, 4.5 bath penthouse features a fully-equipped commercial kitchen, dining area, family room with moss rock fireplace, wine cave, and an outdoor terrace with seating and a commercial gas grill. The most valuable amenities of this winter vacation haven are its definitive ski-in/ski-out location with full access to The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch’s five-star services and amenities including daily housekeeping and turndown services, overnight laundry service, private chef available upon request, babysitting services, 24-hour in-room dining, complimentary Wi-Fi and more.

Arrabelle 655 at Vail Square in Colorado brings the warmth and character of the European Alps indoors with its imported French and Austrian antiques. Being located at the base of North America’s #1 ski resort and just steps from the Eagle Bahn Gondola coupled with providing Arrabelle Resort’s high-end in-suite services provides one-of-a-kind appeal to die-hard skiers. This luxurious 5-bedroom boasts striking ski mountain views from every window, two master suites and a wraparound 270-degree terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the spectacular views or use the commercial gas grill to prepare a meal. After a long day on the slopes, visitors will want to warm up in the rooftop hot tub while taking in the Vail Mountain scenery.

In addition to value-added amenities at the villas, Villas of Distinction’s expert concierges provide every client a personalized encounter planning every aspect of the trip from the time they leave until the time of their return. A villas concierge customizes every vacation to the client’s needs from home to airport transfers; pre-stocked groceries; and villa yoga and massages to booking tours and excursions; ski lift tickets; chef services and restaurant reservations, customers won’t need to lift a finger or waste precious time planning the vacation.

So, get friends and family together to start planning the next big ski vacation. You can’t beat the value of quality time with family and friends, space, privacy and the chance to be spoiled with personalized service and high-end amenities that a hotel room doesn’t offer.

The villa experts at Villas of Distinction want to spoil you with a full-service villa vacation experience. For more information or to book a luxurious villa rental, call a Villa Specialist at 800-289-0900 or visit VillasofDistinction.com.

 

Villas of Distinction®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is a full-service premier luxury villa provider with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 50 luxurious destinations including the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Belize, Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Thailand, Croatia, the Continental United States and many private Islands. For nearly 25 years, Villas of Distinction and its team of expert concierges have been helping travelers find a vacation home without a membership fee. The company takes pride in offering customized vacations to meet every imaginable need, with most villas featuring private pools, butlers, maids and chefs. www.VillasofDistinction.com

 

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

New: Moral Compass: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

moralcompasstravel.info

Check out our newest travel site for special deals, insiders’ tips at tidbitts.com: http://www.tidbitts.com/karen-rubin/where-in-the-world

 

Win a Villa Vacation in Provence, France with Villas of Distinction

May 15, 2014

Villas of Distinction®, one of the world’s premier villa rental companies, is giving away a bucket-list villa vacation rental in one of the most sought out destinations — Provence, France at the breathtaking Villa Fleurs de Provence.

From now through May 30, 2014, consumers who enter will get the chance to win a 5-night stay and bring up to 13 of their closest friends and family with them to experience this luxurious 10-bedroom, 19th century mansion.

This villa offers ultimate privacy with two security gates at the entrance. With access to cars for airport transfers with the house manager as the chauffeur, the winner of this contest is sure to feel like a star. And, with a cleaning service five hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, guests can bask in the sun, relax in the sauna or pool, or take advantage of the many on-site activities including biking, Ping-Pong, soccer and more. If the winner is traveling with children, the tree house is sure to be a big hit.

“Coming together with our villa partners to offer our customers such an amazing giveaway is the ultimate way to give people the opportunity to experience a villa vacation,” said Steve Lassman, vice president & general manager of Villas of Distinction. “Once a consumer experiences a villa, they realize that it is an amazing value and really look forward to what a villa vacation provides – more space, privacy and personalized attention so you won’t need a vacation after your vacation.”

This villa estate is located a little over a mile from the village of Cabannes, a charming village with narrow streets which wind around the church with old cottages, some of which have been restored. Other nearby sites include St Rémy de Provence, a town associated with famous artists including Vincent Van Gogh, and St Remy is also the birth place of Nostradamus; and the historic center of Avignon with several things to see and do including Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge, a group of late medieval buildings linked to the Papacy.

To enter to win a 5-night stay at Villa Fleurs de Provence, a premier villa rental in Provence, France and for terms and conditions, visit the Villa Fleurs de Provence contest page on VillasofDistinction.com.

About Villas of Distinction®

Villas of Distinction®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is a premier luxury villa provider with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 50 luxurious destinations. For nearly 25 years, Villas of Distinction and its team of expert concierges have been helping travelers find their perfect vacation home without a membership fee. The company takes pride in offering customized vacations to meet every imaginable need, with most villas featuring private pools, butlers, maids and chefs. www.VillasofDistinction.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

In Celebration of Valentine’s Day, Villas of Distinction® Names its Top Five Most Romantic Villa Vacations

February 14, 2014

Leamington Cottage in Barbados is one of the five most romantic places for a villa vacation.

Leamington Cottage in Barbados is one of the five most romantic places for a villa vacation.

Love is in the air and the villa experts at Villas of Distinction®, the world’s premier villa rental company as part of World Travel Holdings, are sharing five of the most romantic villa vacations.

Count them down …

5. Leamington Cottage in Barbados – Couples can relax, sit back and enjoy each other while a cook prepares their favorite meal for a romantic dinner on the spacious terrace with breathtaking views of the beach and sea, and a housekeeper takes care of the cleaning — what’s more romantic than that? This one-bedroom, one-bath self-contained cottage has its own private entrance and is located on the beachfront in front of a reef, which is ideal for swimming and snorkeling with your sweetie.

4. Les Palmiers in St. Martin – Extreme privacy is what makes this villa a dreamy location for adoring couples looking to spend time beachfront. Les Palmiers, a one-bedroom villa with a king-sized bed sits on Baie Rouge Beach with spectacular views of Anguilla. Couples will enjoy sipping a drink in the daybed on the marble pool terrace just feet from the beach. Les Palmiers was also named the prime honeymoon location in St. Martin by “L’Art de voyager.”

3. Bali Hale Cottage in Maui – Covered patios surround this cozy hideaway for the best of outdoor living along with spectacular ocean and mountain views. If passion in a relationship equals adventure … this is the right getaway. Bali Hale Cottage is located near Launiupoko Beach Park, which offers adventures such as whale watching, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking and more. This elegant one bedroom allows guests to enjoy the tranquility of peaceful sunsets while being just minutes away from the action — fine dining, theater, shopping, parasailing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, championship golf courses, Hawaiian Luaus, and dozens of white sand beaches.

2. The Loft in Tuscany – Italy is considered one of the most romantic destinations and a stay at The Loft, a completely renovated apartment just a few steps from Piazza Santa Croce, in the historical center of Florence is the perfect setting to fall in love all over again. A couple who enjoys the rural chic feel will relish in The Loft’s features including hardwood floors, high original beamed ceilings and two large luminous windows facing a narrow street, typical of old Florence. The dining area and fully-equipped kitchen with all the modern finishes is the ideal room to create a romantic meal together.

1. Tremoille in Paris – Paris … the city of love, a favorite destination for couples enjoying their honeymoon, renewing their wedding vows, or just wanting to rekindle their love. Tremoille oozes love with its early 19th-century setting, large windows overlooking a quiet courtyard and its contemporary elegance with a beige leather sofa and glass coffee table. Exploring one of the most seductive cities in the world is sure to spice up any relationship.

Of course the definition of romance is different for everyone and the villas offered by Villas of Distinction offer something for all types of romantics. To find a villa vacation that fits your relationship, visit www.VillasofDistinction.com or call 1-800-289-0900 to speak to a Villa Specialist who can customize a romantic adventure.

Villas of Distinction®, part of World Travel Holdings, is a premier luxury villa provider with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 50 luxurious destinations. For nearly 25 years, Villas of Distinction and its team of expert concierges have been helping travelers find their perfect vacation home without a membership fee. The company takes pride in offering customized vacations to meet every imaginable need, with most villas featuring private pools, butlers, maids and chefs. www.VillasofDistinction.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Villas of Distinction Celebrates New Website with Chance to Win 7-Nite Stay at Villa Aquamare

January 28, 2014

Villas of Distinction®, a premier villa rental company that is part of World Travel Holdings, is celebrating the launch of its redesigned, mobile-friendly website with a 7-night stay giveaway at the beautiful Villa Aquamare, in Virgin Gorda.

Through March 12, consumers who visit the newly enhanced Villas of Distinction website can enter for a chance to win a 7-night stay in the luxurious Villa Aquamare. One lucky winner can bring up to nine guests to stay in one of Aquamare’s 8,000 square foot, 5-bedroom beachfront villas with unobstructed sunset views over Sir Francis Drake Channel and experience Virgin Gorda, one of the most breathtaking islands in the Caribbean.

From a private stretch of Mahoe Bay Beach, a private heated pool and outdoor showers to complimentary kayaks and snorkeling equipment, signature spa treatments and daily maid service, this is an ultimate vacation in a stunning location that some only dream of.

Villas of Distinction’s new website that launched today, is mobile-friendly, has updated search capabilities, streamlined navigation and larger images making it easier for consumers to find and select the villa that best fits their vacation wishes.

To enter to win a 7-night stay at Villa Aquamare, a premier rental villa in Virgin Gorda and for terms and conditions, visit the Villa Aquamare contest page on VillasofDistinction.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

HouseTrip has over 100,000 private holiday rentals to choose from

July 17, 2012

HouseTrip.com has over 100,000 private holiday rentals to choose from.  Here are five options:

1. A ROMANTIC HIDEAWAY IN SHIMMERING SANTORINI FROM £62/NIGHT
Enjoy Greece’s most picturesque island from the comfort of a cave house, tucked into the hills and a five-minute walk from the island’s capital, Fira. This elegant little gem has one double bedroom and can accommodate up to four guests. The house features a private sea-facing sun terrace, complete with loungers, from which guests can relax and soak up the glittering views of the Caldera and volcano from just £62 per night. Book through HouseTrip.com on www.housetrip.com/en/rentals/64428 or by calling 0203 463 0087.

2. BASK ON THE BEACH IN BARCELONA FROM £69/NIGHT
Barcelona is a key sunshine destination for those who want to combine sightseeing and great nightlife with lounging on the beach. This stylish apartment is located mere moments from the beach, while remaining within easy walking distance from the heart of the lively city. It has two bedrooms, a spacious living area and can comfortably accommodate up to five people. Guests can enjoy the Barcelona sunrise on the charming terrace that looks down towards the sea, and all from just £69 per night. Book through HouseTrip.com on www.housetrip.com/en/rentals/68173 or by calling 0203 463 0087.

3. PEACE AND PRIVACY ON PRINCE’S ISLAND IN ISTANBUL FROM £86/NIGHT
The island of Buyukada, the largest of the Prince’s Islands, is just a stone’s throw away from the city of Istanbul. There are no cars allowed on the island so peace and tranquility are guaranteed for those who want to get away from it all and explore the lush forest and beaches. This two-bedroom apartment costs from £86 per night and can accommodate up to four people. It features a balcony with stunning views of the Marmara Sea and the neighboring Heybeli Island. Book this apartment through HouseTrip.com on www.housetrip.com/en/rentals/87619 or by calling 0203 463 0087.

4. SIGHTSEE IN THE SUNSHINE IN ROME FROM £288/NIGHT
Live like a Roman Emperor in this luxury apartment superbly located in front of the famous Pantheon temple. The apartment was fully renovated in 2010 and can accommodate up to six people. It includes a modern fully fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, two bathrooms as well as a large lounge and dining room, and all the amenities a modern traveler would expect. This typically Italian apartment has been authentically decorated with antique touches, and is perfect for culture vultures that want to be right in the center of Rome’s incredible history. Book through HouseTrip.com on www.housetrip.com/en/rentals/97819 or by calling 0203 463 0087.

5. RELAX IN A RIAD IN MARRAKECH FROM £959/NIGHT
Get lost in a luxurious Riad in Morocco’s most exotic city. This beautiful house accommodates up to 23 guests, with ten exquisitely decorated bedrooms, an indoor pool and various hidden-away nooks for pure relaxation. It’s the perfect oasis from which to explore the Souks of Marrakech or take a camel ride through the desert. When the heat gets too much, retire up to the Riad’s vast sun terrace and take shelter under the draping canopies. Book through HouseTrip.com on www.housetrip.com/en/rentals/18874 or by calling 0203 463 0087.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

http://www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures