Private European Escapes for 2021
At BBB we pride ourselves on not only having great relationships with some of the leading hotels and travel companies in the world, but also that we have some lesser known incredible gems up our sleeves. As 2020 draws to a close and we look with hope towards the arrival of New Year, one thing is certain – the way we travel has changed. This year, unsurprisingly, we have seen a huge increase in UK breaks and for those who can afford to, in luxury private travel. With that in mind, we’re continuing to source the best locations we can, at home and abroad, that we hope will inspire you both when booking personal holidays or trips for principals.
For this blog, we’re focusing on private stays around Europe. We have delved deep into our black book and come up with 6 places that we think will take your breath away….
Be Peaceful in Provence
Featured in Vogue, the private and beautiful Provencal Hamlet has been lovingly and artistically restored to provide an excellent destination for larger groups. This interconnected complex of suites and houses are perched high above the Luberon boasting stunning views. At 2,600 feet above the sea, with almost zero humidity, the nights are cool and days mosquito-free.
The property is spread throughout several houses, each having their own simple and eclectic style. The interiors combine a wealth of wonderful paintings, objets d’art and furniture predominantly from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s eras. The Grand Banc can sleep up to 32, but 24 is the preferred maximum. The different arrangements of the bedrooms, such as twins, doubles and a dormitory style room mean that your needs are sure to be met comfortably and in style.
The property has everything you could possibly need, with its own restaurant, bar and nightclub. Spend time in the games room, playing petanque in the car park or relaxing by the pool. Set in 400 acres of farmland, scrub oak, lavender and orchards, one of the highlights is the stunning outdoor dining room seating up to 30 guests.
As well as the in-house chef, caterers can provide special dinners and picnics around the grounds can be organised in a variety of stunning spots.
Guests love this house for its magical setting and history. An abandoned French village transformed into a charming family hamlet with amazing views and works of art.
In Search of Captain Corelli
Featured in Conde Nast Traveller as one of Europe’s best villas, The Cassiopeia estate enjoys spectacular views, with beautiful landscaped grounds surrounded by sea. Cassiopeia House and Atolikos House can be taken together for larger parties or rented separately. Both have a strong Venetian influence complementing their traditional Corfiot features with the ultimate in contemporary comfort. Both offer privacy, luxurious accommodation and stunning pool areas with much sought after sea access.
There are 8 elegant bedrooms, sleeping 16. The open-plan dining/living area enjoy french doors that open on to a terrace offering stunning 180 degree wrap around sea views. Stairs from the spacious sitting room leads towards a fabulous retro style cinema room with huge pink sofas and a 52 inch TV. The rooftop is the perfect location for relaxing and lounging with friends while watching the sunset.
Pathways weave their way through the estate’s beautiful indigenous flora and woodland to a private jetty, a small pebble beach and Atolikos point where guests can swim from sun drenched rocks. The dramatic view provides a sublime backdrop to the estate.
Cassiopeia enjoys a 20m salt water pool and there is a second pool designed for small children. Guests love the classy, neutral decor and direct sea access which Cassiopeia House offers. Fully staffed, this house has everything you need for the ultimate Corfu experience.
Unbelievable Umbria
Grand, noble, imposing… Palazzo has the feel of a traditional Italian palace, whizzed up to date with stylish Reschio interiors.
It has 5 spacious bedrooms sleeping 10 guests and natural stone bathrooms with stunning views. All bedrooms come with fully equipped ensuites and dressing rooms, completing the feeling of opulence and luxury.
Inside, the spacious rooms have high, vaulted ceilings, floors laid with reclaimed terracotta tiles and beautifully hand-painted wallpapers, blending seamlessly with stylish modern furnishings, all centred on a spectacular cantilevered staircase.
Outside, there’s a breezy loggia with three huge arches that perfectly frame the large, heated infinity pool and the uninterrupted views of the valleys beyond.
Palazzo has plenty to keep guests busy, including a wine cellar, tennis court, gym and games room. It is also part of the Castello di Reschio Estate, which has other spectacular properties available to rent, so perfect for larger families or groups of friends.
Find Calm in Comporta
Carvalhal recently featured in Elle Decor and is only a 12 minute walk from Carvalhal beach. This inviting yet stylish villa in Comporta is the perfect summer getaway for families or groups of friends. With its beach-washed cottage style, clean lines and warm bohemian touches, Carvalhal House is the definition of ‘Comporta Calm’. The layout also means it’s perfect for family holidays.
The property has three separate units. The Main house has a master bedroom and adjacent bathroom, an exceptional kitchen, with a ‘La Cornue’ stove and cosy dining area. There is also a spacious and bright living room with a fireplace.
There are 2 further guest houses, each with 2 suites with comfortable double beds, plus a small kitchenette in the second guest house. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and have private terraces.
Even though all areas of the house are equipped with modern amenities like AC and Wi-Fi, the owners have chosen not to install TVs in the house, emphasizing the natural and relaxing setting of both their home and this pristine part of Portugal. After a warm day at the beach you’ll find yourself laying down on one of the many spacious (covered) lounge areas outside, or cooling down in the private swimming pool. There is also an outdoor dining table allowing for alfresco lunches and dinners, and a BBQ grill.
Guests love Carvalhal House for its enviable location and its stylish, calm interiors exuding peace and serenity. It is a short 80 minute drive from Lisbon airport.
Get away to the Guadalmina River
Furnished with Spanish and European antiques and set at the foot of the mountains, this peaceful spot offers plenty of picture-perfect scenery to savour while relaxing or exploring.
The property is split into 3 parts that can be rented separately or together – the main house, Tramares, the smaller luxury villa Casa del Rio, sleeping 10 and a smaller guest house. In total the property can sleep up to 30 people.
The villa is surrounded by verdant gardens gently sloping down to the Guadalmina river. The huge manicured lawn is ideal for the odd ball game, while the many shady terraces are perfect for eating al fresco or enjoying the stunning gardens. A large roof terrace with huge lounging day beds also gives rise to great views, while you can cool off in the private large pool tucked away at the rear of the house and surrounded by lush gardens and lawns.
The staff at the villa can also arrange all manner of days out on request, such as days on chartered yachts, tours to the Alhambra, Seville, Ronda, Cordoba, Gibraltar, Morocco etc, and all manner of sports activities and beauty treatments. Casa del Rio is roughly a 50 minute drive to Malaga airport.
Inimitable Ibiza
For the ultimate in Ibizan chic luxury, look no further. Tagomago is one of the most beautiful private islands in the Mediterranean. It offers everything you could possibly dream of, making it the ideal location for high-end clients looking for a unique family vacation or to celebrate an unforgettable event. It truly has it all!
Situated approximately 900 metres off the coast of Ibiza, the island is easily accessible by boat or helicopter. The busy cosmopolitan town of Ibiza and the international airport are only a few minutes by car away from the nearest port.
The whole private island of Tagomago has a plot of 600.000 m2 in a breath-taking natural environment, offering you absolute privacy, high security, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, as well as its own private jetty for mooring. Almost any kind of water sport is available, including activities such as jet skis, 2 tender-boats, water skiing, wakeboarding, paddle surfing, canoeing, fishing, snorkelling and sailing. By land, guests can also enjoy the long trail to Tagomago’s lighthouse, various nature walks, hiking, the private pool and the amazing outdoor fitness area. The beautiful beaches and turquoise waters of Formentera can be reached by motor yacht in less than 30 minutes.
The only mansion on the island, the accommodation is situated right in the middle of Tagomago and has 5 double bedrooms with bathrooms en suite, a customized designer Kitchen with professional equipment, floor heating and air conditioning, a magnificent 17m x 8m outdoor swimming pool with a spacious sunbathing area and various spacious sunrise and sunset chill out areas. The property is fitted to a high standard throughout, including SONOS Media-System, modern Samsung-TV, fast WIFI, LED light system etc.
The entire estate is surrounded by magnificently spacious terraces with breath-taking views in all directions. The Jacuzzi is also located on the vast pool terrace. A barbecue offers wonderful alfresco dining, to fully appreciate the views. The villa is fully staffed, but those wishing to bring staff are also well catered for – separate staff accommodation is provided.
Tagomago is located at only 5 minutes away (by Tender-boat) from the well-known bay of Pou des Lleo, situated in the North-East coast of Ibiza. The Tender-boats are 24 hours at the disposal of the guest, so that these can move in and out of the Island with zero struggle. This truly is one of the most desired private islands in the world.
If these 6 beautiful properties have inspired you for next year and you’d like to discuss one of them, or any other travel, please get in touch with the BBB team. We do our best to secure special prices as well as other exclusive perks for BBB Members, just another bonus to being part of the club…
222 Kensal Rd,
London,
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T: +44207 138 3556
