Top Private Experiences Around the World
As luxury travel continues to evolve, affluent travelers are increasingly choosing private villas, chalets, and charters over traditional hotels, driven by a desire for privacy, personalization, andtogetherness.Thegloballuxuryvilla rental market is projected to grow at over 7% CAGR through 2030 (Allied Market Research), with platforms like Airbnb Luxe and Marriott Homes & Villas reporting double-digit growth in bookings for high-end private stays. These properties offer the kind of fivestar, immersive experiences travelers can’t find on conventional booking platforms,andthat’sexactlythepoint.
Post-pandemic shifts have only accelerated this: nearly 60% of U.S. luxurytravelersnowprefervillasor
private residences over hotels (Virtuoso), and group travel is up 21% year-over-year as families, friend groups,andmulti-generationaltravelers reunite. Villas are no longer fringe, they’rethenewgoldstandardforluxury.
Read on for a curated list of exceptional properties around the world, each reflecting this shift Whether it’s a 12bedroom beachfront estate in Barbados,afloatingsuiteintheAmazon, or an alpine hideaway above Verbier, theseescapesaretailor-madeforthose seeking luxury travel, design-forward hospitality, and the rise of shared, meaningfulexperiences.
Laughing Waters, an elegant 12-bedroom residence set on a four-acre estate just steps from the prestigious Sandy Lane Beach, has redefined lavish,luxurylivinginBarbadossinceitsrentaldebutin2023.Renownedas the island’s largest and most expensive private villa, Laughing Waters is tailored to discerning guests seeking a unique property with unmatched privacy, security, and world-class amenities. Guests of Laughing Waters enjoy exclusive entry to a members-only beach club and a AAA Five Diamond resort featuring three championship golf courses, high-end dining, and spa experiences. The 32,000 sq. ft. residence accommodates up to 24 guests and offers an unparalleled range of services, including concierge, butler, kitchen, housekeeping services, and private security. With design features by renowned local architect Larry Warren and interiors by London-based designer Emma Pearson, Laughing Waters draws inspiration from the iconic Oliver Messel, offering a truly opulent experienceforthoseseekingthepinnacleofCaribbeanluxury.
Perchedhighabovethemillennia-oldTortinGlacierat9,500feet,Cabane Tortin is a private alpine retreat suspended between sky and snow.
Nestled in Switzerland’s iconic 4 Vallées region, this exclusive sanctuary offers direct access to pristine powder fields and the world-renowned ski domain of Nendaz/Verbier. Cabane Tortin blends extreme seclusion with five-star hospitality. Guests are cared for by a dedicated private chef, expert ski guide, and discreet house staff, all committed to delivering an unforgettable mountain experience. Panoramic views, architectural elegance,andimmersiveprivacymakeeverystayextraordinary.
Hale ‘O Ka La – Big Island, Hawaii: Following an $9 million renovation, this 5,358-square-foot estate within the Mauna Kea Resort was completely rebuilt after the 2023 coastline fires. The reimagined Hale ‘O Ka La now featuresfivelavishbedroomssurroundedbytropicalfloraandasaltwater pool, waterslide, swim-up bar, and waterfall grotto that complete the private resort-style experience. Managed exclusively by LUVA, Hawaii’s premier villa management company, guests can enjoy full-service cleaning,privatechefs,andaccesstoresortamenitiesuponrequest.Hale ‘OKaLaispartoftheDestinationsinParadiseportfoliowhichisacurated portfolio of privately owned luxury villas located in some of the world’s most coveted coastal destinations offering unparalleled, one-of-a-kind experiencesforguestscenteredaroundeachuniquelocation.
The newly reimagined Delfin I of Delfin Amazon Cruises in Peru features four oversized suites with private panoramic terraces, two of which include private whirlpools for an indulgent retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows immerse guests in the rainforest, creating a seamless connection with nature. Enhanced features include remodeled bathrooms, three-times-daily personalized cabin service, and an upgraded exterior with an air-conditioned observation deck and observatorybalconies Onthetopdeck,guestscanunwindinanewlydesigned lounge area, savor handcrafted cocktails at the bar, and stargaze under some of the world’s clearest night skies These enhancements reflect Delfin’s unwavering commitment to offering elevated, intimate experiences in harmony withthenaturalenvironment.
The private floating villa offers a serene retreat that combines privacy, authenticity, and sustainability. This boutique and exclusive experience is reflected in every detail, from ship design to onboard rituals. The newly reimagined Delfin I, launched this April, is a floating expression of the brand’s ethos: handcrafted Amazonian elegance, sustainable innovation, and serene intimacy. Refined finishes include locally sourced hardwoods, artisanal textiles, andbespokefurniturepiecescreatedincollaborationwithAmazonianartists.
Opened in 2018, Cheetah Plains is home to the exclusive-use luxury villa and sustainable safari experience nestled in South Africa’s most celebrated wildlife area, the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. The eco-luxe experience includes three private villas with four guest bush suites that accommodate up to eight guests each with its own formal lounge, living and dining areas, expansive swimming pool, and outdoor deck that operates off-grid. Each villa comes with a complete hospitality team consisting of an accomplished host, butler, culinary team, and spa therapist,aswellasanexpertfieldguideandtrackerdedicatedtoyoufor thedurationofyourstay.
Families and children of all ages are welcome to experience their own personalized safari, guided bush walks, wellness offerings, fitness gym, and tailored activities for kids Cheetah Plains sets the standard in South Africa for zero-emission game-viewing utilizing its own fleet of solarcharged Land Cruiser Electric Safari vehicles. A luxury sustainable safari thatisbeyondexpectations.
A solar-powered oceanfront villa with room for 20 guests across eight bedrooms, Casa Bellamar on the East Cape of Los Cabos boasts a beachfront pool, private tennis court, butler and chef service, and direct beach access. Spanning approximately two acres and over 400 feet of oceanfrontage,thevillacomprisesamainhouseandfourseparateguest casitas. Guests can enjoy spectacular ocean views, epic sunsets and indulge in al fresco dining.Perfect for destination weddings and extended family stays, the villa is managed by Cabo Luna, ensuring seamless serviceandpersonalizedattention.
For those seeking a breathtaking beach wedding venue in Los Cabos, Casa Bellamar can accommodate up to 100 guests and a fully equipped beautysaloninthemasterbedroomservesasaspaciousareaforbridal hairandmakeupservices.