The world’s most luxe private villas for families

Private villas are the perfect solution for families seeking space and luxury, along with unparalleled exclusivity.

There’s nothing quite like having your own space on a holiday, and these residences guarantee family bonding in utter seclusion.

Imagine having one of the world’s most spectacular private villas to yourself on your next holiday. Living like an A-lister in a large and luxurious self-contained space inhabited by only you and your kids, or extended family, with privacy to relax (or live it up) how and when you want. Now add all the staff and services of a hotel, without trying to squeeze your family into a small room or spending your days battling it out for an empty lounge by the pool. It’s an alluring picture, right?

Not only does a luxury villa stay allow your little ones the freedom to be kids without you having to run interference to avoid disturbing other people, but it also provides an opportunity to really get to know a place as you live like a local, albeit lavishly.

Dairy Flat Lodge by Lake House

Daylesford, VIC

Dairy Flat Lodge has privacy and exclusivity that appeals to families, multi-generational and ‘skip-gen’ gatherings (grandparents and grandchildren). The standalone private villa is a short drive from the revered Lake House in Victoria’s Daylesford spa country. This exclusive-use property suits groups of up to 12 guests and is attended by the team from Lake House, with six luxury suites, kitchen, bar, reading, sitting and dining rooms surrounded by extensive formal gardens. The layout allows for flexibility for special-occasion events and casual gatherings, along with the opportunity for private retreats, multi-generational get-togethers and families travelling with children.

Burrawang House

Southern Highlands of NSW

Tucked away in one of Australia’s most beautiful villages, Burrawang House is a luxurious new holiday home to relax in with 14 of your loved ones. The architecturally designed home is ideal for friends and family with five bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, three wood fireplaces and a stunning pool and spa. The property overlooks the countryside and towering 100-year-old trees. Bathed in north-facing sun with plenty of spaces for the family to eat, drink and play – including open plan living, a nine-metre pool, an eight-person spa, games room, snooker and pool table and outside ping pong table – Burrawang House is country life at its best.

Château de Villette

Île-de-France

Add your names to the star-studded guest list – from Thomas Jefferson to Tom Cruise – of Château de Villette. The extraordinary French estate is located 40 minutes from Paris.

The 17th-century château, set in a sprawling woodland park with a parterre garden created by the designer of the gardens of Château de Versailles, is an exclusive 16-bedroom sanctuary strewn with antiques and shimmering chandeliers. It’s surrounded by nature, so kids can run barefoot in the gardens, row and fish in the lakes, take to the tennis court, swim in the pool or enjoy horse-riding lessons – while your private chef whips up fine French cuisine for dinner.

Chalet N

Oberlech, Austria

Make winter magical at Chalet N, the most extravagant chalet at Lech Zürs Ski Resort in Austria’s Oberlech region.

With stunning views over the mountains, this place leaves nothing to chance. Everything is for the asking, led by your personal butler and chef. From the indoor pool, private cinema, and expertly stocked wine cellar to the in-chalet wellness area with hay sauna, Finnish sauna and salt-cave steam bath, you’ll want for nothing after a day on the slopes.

Available exclusively, the ski-in and out chalet sleeps 20 with 11 suites and a kids’ area with four bunks and toys to keep little ones occupied.

Villa Palmeraie

Marrakech, Morocco

Experience the vibrancy of the Moroccan city of Marrakech from your own estate, Palmeraie. A recherché retreat chosen by real royalty such as the Emir of Qatar and fashion royalty, Yves St-Laurent and the Hermès families.

Just 10 minutes from the spice and textile-lined maze of the medina, Villa Palmeraie is an eight-bedroom, two-storey luxury estate with a personal chef, butler and gardener. The property is a traditional Moroccan-styled residence. Grand gardens with ancient olive trees and date palms surround the property and enormous swimming pool. The basketball area and games room will keep the kids occupied while adults enjoy a massage or a visit to the estate’s hammam.

Villa Kalyana

Koh Samui, Thailand

Set on a secluded white-sand beach on Koh Samui, the 26-room Villa Kalyana is the largest private villa in southeast Asia. A lounge pavilion, and light-filled luxury bedrooms are spread across a range of bungalows, pavilions and apartments. It is perfect for big celebrations or getaways with family and friends. There are multiple bunk rooms for young beach bums, complete with games.

During the day make use of the snorkelling gear, kayaks, beach volleyball and badminton for when the kids want to get active, and a ‘hammock island’ in the middle of one of the two beachside swimming pools for when you don’t. Or indulge in a muscle-melting massage in the sala.

A discreet in-villa team oversees housekeeping, and your own Thai chef is on hand to tantalise tastebuds with organic cuisine and sublime fresh seafood. You won’t want to leave.

Greek Villas

Multiple locations

The specialist team at Five Star Greece offers a personal service to match your family with a handpicked luxury Greek villa that ticks every box.

From island estates with private jetties to sprawling family homes and hilltop villas with big blue views over the Aegean Sea, Five Star Greece will bring your Grecian dream to life. Relax and indulge with your own butler, island concierge, and food crafted by a local chef. Or live like a local getting to know your neighbourhood taverna owner. For the ultimate in luxury island living, Five Star Greece can even match your villa with its own yacht.

Read: Dream villas in Greece the whole family will love

Sungai Jungle Villas

Cepaka, Bali

Choose from two stunning private villas in Bali. Both private villas have luxurious pools.

Tranquil, tropical and sufficiently remote, Sungai Jungle Villas in Bali are the last word in discreet spoiling and relaxation, taking the 5-star hotel experience to the next level. Tailored equally for couples, families or friends holidaying together, at these two exclusive villas there’s nothing but endless privacy and personal space for 1-6 guests at each villa.

The private Bali villas offer culinary experiences from a team of chefs and dining staff who go above and beyond to cater for every age group and every occasion in exclusive dining pavilions. 

Villa Lisa

Zanzibar, Tanzania

With its white-sand beaches, heady spice-filled markets and old stone medinas, Zanzibar makes for an exotic family getaway.

Located along the cove of Fukuchani on the main island’s northwest coast, Villa Lisa is a large and luxurious African-style three-bedroom home with its own small beach and swimming pool. The features a rustic African-inspired design, facing the pool and sea beyond.

There’s a personal butler and private car rental included, and plenty to keep the kids busy with bikes and kayaks, a volleyball court, snorkelling, cultural tours and more. Added bonus? One child aged up to 15 stays free of charge per paying adult.

Koh Jum Beach Villas

Krabi, Thailand

Koh Jum Beach Villas set a luxurious and sustainable benchmark for Thai villa holidays. The tranquil resort, located on an island just 30 minutes from Krabi, is home to 19 eco-villas with three-, four- or five-bedroom pool villas ideal for families. Nestled on a 700-metre-long beach or amid jungle and lush tropical gardens, villas boast elegant art and antiques, and large rooms that provide sanctuary for guests.

A chef is on call to prepare meals for you to enjoy poolside, perhaps, using ingredients from the resort’s organic garden. Or, enjoy in-villa cooking classes so you can DIY in style.

Arijiju, Laikipia County, Kenya

Head off on a safari adventure unlike any other at Kenya’s most inspiring new private home, Arijiju. This exclusive-use five-suite lodge allows young explorers to get up close with the lions, buffalo, elephant and cheetah of the Borana Lewa Conservancy on game drives, guided bush walks and horseback rides, while spoiling parents with wholesome cuisine inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi and a wellness retreat surrounded by the peace of the wilderness. The architecture is also something new on the safari scene; the newbuild home features floor-to-ceiling arched windows and rock-hewn walls reminiscent of Ethiopia’s stone churches.

Invisible House

Blue Mountains, NSW

Talk about a home among the gum trees. This ‘invisible house’ was designed to showcase the scenery of the Blue Mountains, and it certainly hits the mark. The private villa harnesses light effects and waterfall features to create a welcoming home with the mountains’ best views. Cosy up around the fireplaces in winter, cook with your mini master chefs in the kitchen and head out on an expedition to nearby Jenolan Caves.

Casa Kimball

Cabrera, Dominican Republic

Casa Kimball is a sprawling eight-bedroom villa perched above the north coast near Playa Grande. You’ll soon learn why it is Dominican Republic’s most popular beach.

The 180-degree view of the ocean blends into the infinity pool, perfect for entertaining the family – or perhaps hosting a scuba diving introductory class. Kids will find endless hours of fun in the Entertainment & Media Centre, complete with table tennis, music system, Xbox and karaoke. An eco-farm with horse riding, kayaking, cycling and crabbing adventures is just 25 minutes away, or take a private snorkelling charter. 

Talalla House

Dikwella, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a heavenly family escape, with lush jungles, beautiful beaches and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, and Dikwella, on the southern coast, offers one of its most idyllic beaches. Talalla House has direct access to this long stretch of sand, protected by headlands and reefs, and wonderful views from its infinity pool (with shallow kids’ area) and the garden roof terrace. There’s room for up to 14 across five bedrooms in the main beach house and two garden rooms. Enjoy the services of a house manager, chef and staff to cater for your every desire.

The Dacha

Wanaka, New Zealand

The vast natural beauty of the South Island is on your doorstep at The Dacha. Wake up to Lake Wanaka views each day at the incredible lake-view property.

Mesmerising views and impressive spaces designed for entertaining and family bonding make this luxury villa a must-visit. A pool, Jacuzzi, library, board games and bunk rooms will make little ones feel right at home. The villa has geothermal water heating and passive solar design.

It’s also perfect for kids and parents looking to embrace the outdoors. Venture out to explore a range of mountain bike tracks and walking trails right from The Dacha’s doorstep. The concierge can organise mountain climbs, water sports, skiing, helicopter adventures and wine tours.

Puggiestone House

Devon, UK

Picture a manor in the English countryside, and you’re probably imagining Puggiestone House, located within Dartmoor National Park. While its exterior is quite traditional, inside the seven bedrooms are chic and modern, and ideal for families. Escape chilly days in the indoor pool, with a kids’ corner, and embrace the natural beauty of the region on country walks. The estate has its own stretch of the river Teign where little anglers can cast a line, and hectares of woodland and beautifully tended gardens. Visit in warmer months to make the most of the ‘shed’, a treetop retreat with wraparound balcony to soak up the scenery.

Villa Mali Raj

Mali Lošinj, Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Villa Mali Raj is a sumptuous 10-bedroom villa on the Dalmatian Coast. Bask in Croatian sunshine on your private beach pier and sun deck. Play the day away in the seawater pool, complete with whirlpool and views of the bay. Your butler is on hand to create your dream escape: transforming the bar into a teens’ games room; arranging a boat excursion to Mljet National Park, renowned for its lake; or making a booking for the spa at the nearby five-star hotel.

Casa Olivi

Treia, Le Marche, Italy

Casa Olivi is in Italy’s Le Marche (The Marches) region. Its exterior is a rustic farmhouse façade while the interior has a sleek, modern design.

The five-bedroom haven an an infinity pool and 1.2 hectares of gardens. Active families can discover both seaside Monte Conero and hikes and biking trails in the Monte Sibillini National Park. Both destinations are an hour away. Head out on a truffle-hunting expedition or learn the art of cheese-making with Samuele. Then take in the stunning countryside on horseback, with stables just two kilometres away.

Supreme Lakefront

Queenstown, New Zealand

The spectacular Supreme Lakefront is a private villa is perched above Lake Wakatipu. A glass masterpiece with floor-to-ceiling windows to showcase the views of the water and mountains from open-concept rooms. Warm days will see you making the most of the al fresco dining, outdoor lounges and sleek barbecue. Then the cold is the perfect excuse to get the fire pit going or soak in the outdoor tub. Prise yourself away from the villa’s private jetty to be entertained with endless outdoor adventures around Queenstown.

Antilles Mustique Island

Endeavour Hills, Mustique, Caribbean

The island of Mustique proves its the pinnacle of family-friendly Caribbean chic with Antilles, a four-bedroom haven perched high in the hills. Enjoy spectacular views towards Bequia and St Vincent from the curving 18-metre pool terrace, complete with Jacuzzi. Kids have their own perfect hideaway with a gorgeous bunk room and courtyard garden. When you’re not relaxing at home, head out on your buggy to explore the island and its quirks.

Thanda Island Private Marine Reserve

Tanzania

Thanda Island in the turquoise waters of Tanzania comes with its own island and marine reserve. Dive with whale sharks, snorkel with turtles and embark on a new watery adventure every day of your stay. The five-bedroom beach house is complemented by two traditional bandas with two bedrooms each

Chateau Tralee

Beaver Creek Village, Colorado

Chateau Tralee may look like an elegant Vail Valley ski chalet, but it’s been designed to entertain kids every minute they’re off the slopes. The children’s wing is spread out over two levels. With a play area complete with a fireman’s pole and a slide, it might even make the adults jealous. There are six additional suites, plus a massage room, media room and bar. Beaver Creek resort is just a five-minute drive away, known for its daily cookie time.

Villa Perla

Xàbia, Valencia, Spain

This seaside town, known as Xàbia in local Valencian and Jávea in Spanish, is a family favourite. Its mountainous and coastal location offers a huge range of active adventures.

Explore cycling routes, golf courses galore, snorkelling, sailing, hiking, climbing, kayaking and diving. Villa Perla offers all this and more for groups. Fresh wood-fired pizza is a must after a day exploring the beaches. For its four Norwegian hosts, this villa really is a pearl.

Hacienda Sac Chich

Yucatán, Mexico

Delve into your own Mayan jungle at Hacienda Sac Chich. This lush estate is located on the Yucatán Peninsula. There’s so much for little explorers to discover, from the walled garden to the star-viewing platform. Six bedrooms are spread over two residential buildings plus a pool and rooftop lounge. The layout has been preserved from the days when the hacienda was run like a plantation. Be sure to dive into Mexico’s crystal-clear cenotes during your visit.

Château Gaillac, Gaillac, Midi-Pyrénées, France

This grand castle at the centre of an ancient wine-growing region is a peaceful countryside retreat. Sparkling chandeliers light the opulent interiors (including nine bedrooms and the main salon), but it’s the outdoors that will entrance little ones. Early risers will soon discover wild deer emerging from the rural idyll to drink at the fountains. Kids can explore the surrounding landscape on complimentary bikes and dive into the elegant mosaic pool, set within a walled sun terrace.

Hidden Bay By The Sea, Runaway Bay, Jamaica

This six-bedroom villa on Jamaica’s coveted North Coast was designed with multigenerational adventures in mind. Sunset cocktails for adults and lawn games for kids are a must around the freshwater pool and terrace, before sitting down to Chef Chad’s mouth-watering cuisine. Jump into the bay from the private deck or gather shells on your own slice of beach. Be sure to venture into town; Runaway Bay is a historic village with plenty of local charm.

Villa Syros I, Syros, Greece

Picture your family’s dream modern villa and it probably looks a lot like Villa Syros I. With both big blue views over the Aegean Sea and maze of terraces around an endless swimming pool, the property embodies the best of contemporary Greek architecture. This is a space for relaxing. Kick off your shoes and soak up the scent of olive trees and herbs on the breeze. Owners Ilektra and Georgios can suggest a range of activities for all ages on this unspoiled, off-the-beaten track isle. Try kayaking around the beaches, having a game of tennis or sitting back at the open-air cinema.

Jacaranda, L’ansecoy Bay, Mustique

The Caribbean hideaway of Mustique is a fascinating destination. It has a relaxed vibe created over decades of private ownership and car-free streets (everyone gets around on buggies). With a kids’ cottage added in 2016, Jacaranda numbers among the best villas for families. The newly renovated six-bedroom retreat sits on L’Ansecoy Bay, offering direct beach access. Pavilions are set around a tropical courtyard complete with pool and kids’ playground.

Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has unveiled a new Private Collection, a curated selection of 76 private villas and accommodations. Each offers the privacy of a standalone villa with all of the perks and services of a boutique hotel. Spanning Japan, Thailand, Australia, Europe, Africa, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean, these spacious, deluxe villas encourage longer stays, a slower pace of travel and the growing demand for private multigenerational travel. A standout is the newly opened Viesca Toscana, the former summer home of the Ferragamo family. The Florentine estate incorporates a 16th-century manor with 14 rooms and suites and a family cottage tucked into the rolling hills of Tuscany. Plus, private freshwater pools, gardens, wellness offerings and authentic Italian cuisine created by Tuscan-born-and-bred chef Andrea Campani.