Not Your Average Airbnb

I’ve recently been getting more and more interest in villa rentals, especially as I start getting more requests for milestone birthday celebrations in beautiful destinations.

Villas are a perfect option for a celebration and for a group, but when you hear “villa” you’re probably thinking expensive, right? Well, not exactly - instead of picturing some estate perched high on the cliffs in Amalfi, think elevated vacation rental.

While we do not work directly with all of the well-known home rental websites (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.), we do have a vast network of vetted industry partners that specialize in villas, private residences, and unique accommodation stays to match our clients’ needs. Many of these partners have access to the same or similar inventory you see on the well-known sites. We only work with accredited and trusted partners that vet each and every property to ensure quality-control and a positive client experience.

Have you been duped by photos or reviews on Airbnb and realized your rental wasn’t all it was made out to be? Or did you have a lot of hassles getting the keys or communicating with your host? It happens. But when working with a travel advisor (and their preferred partners), we can help mitigate some of the risk that comes with these rental homes. The properties are vetted by the partners and there is 24/7 support staff available to assist you with any issues that arise while on the property.

These partners can offer:

• Access to some of the finest villas, each of which has been fully vetted and inspected

• Ample space, amenities, and extras for the whole group

• Dedicated villa staff to anticipate, serve, and meet all guest needs

• Personalized Villa Concierge to help craft a remarkable escape from start to finish

Why should I rent a villa?

A luxury villa is more than just an escape - it's a fully tailored experience for you and your fellow travelers and your home away from home.

Villas are perfect for celebrating - whether it’s a milestone anniversary or birthday, bachelor or bachelorette party, or just a group of friends traveling together. Villas are also great for multigenerational family trips - consider finding a large rental home for your next Spring Break, summer vacation, or to celebrate the holidays somewhere new!

One reason clients love villas is that they aren’t staying in separate hotel rooms - they have one space for all guests to get together and hang out, there is privacy, and special amenities are available that you wouldn’t have in a set of hotel rooms booked together (Read on for more about the amenities!).

Where can I rent a villa?

Anywhere! With a variety of partners to assist with these bookings, there is coverage across the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Central America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.  Imagine stunning homes in the mountains in Colorado, a golf & beach retreat in the DR, or charming Tuscan farmhouses and chic Parisian apartments. 

One of the benefits of having vetted properties is that you can rest assured that the property is safe. For example, many of the villa rentals available in Caribbean countries are located on resort grounds - not only will you have access to resort amenities, but you can also feel more secure with your rental selection. I can also work directly with my partners to make sure we select the best property to meet your needs rather than just going by gut feeling and some photos.

Is a villa a good idea for a honeymoon or anniversary trip?

It's an exceptional idea and a great value. Villas are private and spacious, and most come with private pools and hot tubs or Jacuzzis. Many of the partner listings are incredibly romantic and offer packages and reduced rates for two guests or honeymooners.

Aren't villas more expensive than a hotel?

During the research phase, you’ll see that many villas are often much less than prices at hotels of the same quality standard. When you factor in all the benefits and amenities of a private villa, you'll quickly realize that villas offer a superb value. For example, three rooms at a high-end hotel may run you $690/night per room, while one 3-bedroom luxury villa with the same amenities and services could cost you $990/night. That's a savings of $1,080/night!

My partners offer a range of villas at different price points so we can find the one that best suits your group’s budget and needs.

I hate cooking and cleaning at vacation rentals. Did you say something about dedicated staff?

One of the best features of these rental homes is the dedicated villa staff. Some homes are staffed with cooks included in the price; cook service or private chefs can be arranged at additional cost if not already included. Maid service is included for most rentals and butler service may also be available (which means you’ll have someone to fix your afternoon cocktails!). Since buying groceries is always a pain, we can arrange grocery service so that your kitchen is fully stocked upon your arrival.

What are these amenities you keep talking about?

In addition to the staff, the homes may offer a variety of amenities for you to enjoy during your stay. Villas that are located on resort properties (popular in the Caribbean) may allow you to access resort amenities and restaurants. Some homes come with golf carts to get around or have rental cars bundled into the price, and transportation to/from the airport and other local destinations can be easily arranged.

There is also a Concierge service that you will have access to leading up to and during your stay to coordinate logistics, staff, and provide you with recommendations for your stay. The Concierge team can assist you with booking reservations, providing access to exclusive events and activities, and securing unique experiences to make your stay extra memorable. Private catamaran charters, spa packages, ATV rentals, private hiking and biking tours, theater tickets, and more are available.

If there’s any question I didn’t answer about villa rentals, message me and I can share more with you about why a villa rental might be perfect for your next getaway. And if you have a celebration or group experience in mind, I would love to help you find the perfect home to rent for your trip.