It might be the height of summer, but it’s not too soon to plan your festive season getaways. Whether your ideal holiday haven includes surf and sand, or a country dwelling warmed by a blazing fire, Haute Retreats and its collection of 1800+ villas in 83 destinations worldwide can make your yuletide travel dreams come true.
Haute Retreats provides not only the best in accommodations the world over but also the best in service. Having spent more than 22 years within the luxury hospitality sphere, Haute Retreats founder and CEO Sabrina Piccinin possesses a remarkable ability to assess the needs and desires of the world’s most affluent and experienced travelers. “We are very strict about which villas make the Haute Retreats list,” said the Italian-born and raised Piccinin. “Our vetting process, which focuses on appearance, amenities, locations, and service, is what makes our name worth something, and we work hard to constantly uphold and increase the trust that people put in the Haute Retreats name.”
That trust extends to Haute Retreats partners, such as ONEflight International, the ultra-luxury jet provider that allows Haute Retreats clients easy and sumptuous access to villa properties worldwide. Haute Retreats guests can book private jets for parties of any size, from smaller jets (six to seven passengers) to mid-sized (up to nine passengers) to large cabins (up to 15 passengers).
With such easy access, those with winter wanderlust are encouraged to plan ahead. Here are seven recommended Haute holiday havens at which to celebrate the holidays:
La Dacha Cabo San Lucas
La Dacha Cabo San Lucas is located on the Pacific Coast at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. This luxury mansion is ideal for those needing to escape wintery gray days. This brightly colored villa is a reflection of its sunny location (350 sunny days annually) and is the perfect holiday gift for fans of offshore fishing and water sports. Featuring plenty of room for the entire family, this posh home with 10 bedrooms is steps from the beach where you’ll gather nightly to watch the setting sun, and possibly sing a few Christmas carols.
Casa del Faro Punta Mita
Casa del Faro Punta Mita is designed for entertaining. This classic Mexican estate features 18,000 square feet of space and is ideal for family reunions. Located within the private gates of Punta Mita, Casa del Faro’s full staff will make every holiday wish come true. Enjoy chef and butler services and premier access to Punta Mita resort amenities such as the St. Regis Resort Beach Club, Kupuri Beach Club, and Pacifico Golf Course, to name just a few. Make sure to request your kitchen be pre-stocked with your holiday favorites….egg nog goes just as well with a sandy sunset as it does enjoyed fireside.
Chateau de Villette, France
Chateau de Villette, France is located just 40 minutes outside Paris. The 17th century, classic French chateau is a holiday fantasy come to life. One of the most important historical homes in all of France, Chateau Villette (featured in The Da Vinci Code film) was designed during the same period as the Palace of Versailles. It sits within the center of a massive woodland-style park and features lakes, stables, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a chapel. Ask your 24-hour concierge service to schedule a shopping excursion to Paris. He/she will lead you to the most ideal Parisienne boutiques, allowing you to elegantly mark off everyone on your holiday gift list.
Chalet Pearl Courchevel, France
Chalet Pearl Courchevel, France is for those whom ‘holiday’ signifies snowy slopes. Just 50 meters from the chair lifts, this gorgeous villa features jaw-dropping mountain views and room for 14 guests. Celebrate the festive season under vaulted ceilings that can easily accommodate the largest of Christmas trees. Pamper yourself and your guests with one of the vast array of Chalet Pearl spa treatments, and afterward, bask in the large heated swimming pool with cascading waterfall. A top-of-the-line BOSE music system allows you to pipe your favorite holiday tunes throughout the nearly 10,000 square feet of living space on five levels.
Chateau Serra, Malibu
Chateau Serra Malibu is offering the best of town and beach and features a mix of luxurious French, Italian, and Spanish designs to create an ‘old-Hollywood’ vibe that makes its guests feel like film stars. Erect your Christmas tree in the large foyer, or equip each of the eight bedrooms with their own. Comb the nearby beaches for sand dollars and shells and string your own sea-inspired holiday decorations. Leave any last-minute holiday shopping to the funky Santa Monica boutiques. Your 24-hour concierge service will gladly lead you to the best. This property features an outdoor kitchen, swimming pool, large lawn, movie room, fireplace, and tennis court.
Villa Hawksbill, Turks & Caicos
Villa Hawksbill, Turks & Caicos is a private beachfront villa set along the white sands of Grace Bay that features varied buildings and is ideal as a multigenerational retreat. Ten suites accommodate 20 guests. Featuring activities for every interest (kite surfing, snorkeling, scuba, and golf), this villa comes with a professional private chef who will gladly make you a Caribbean Croque en Bouche or your favorite holiday cookies. An infinity swimming pool, hot tub, and balcony with fire pit are the perfect spots from which to enjoy the ocean views.
Castello di Vitigliano, Tuscany
Castello di Vitigliano is one of Tuscany’s most exclusive properties, featuring authentic, elegant charm. It’s an ideal spot for a Thanksgiving family reunion. Hire a local chef to prepare an indulgent Thanksgiving feast to be enjoyed within one of the multiple dining venues, and accompany the meal with local Chianti wines made within a stone’s throw of the villa. This luxury estate features a wellness center, an on-site chapel, and a stylish contemporary design within each of its 9 bedrooms. At just 18 miles from Florence, you’ll be able to get a jump on holiday shopping with a jaunt to the city’s many luxury boutiques.
For more information, visit hauteretreats.com. Questions? Email: info@hauteretreats.com