We share our top five spots offering the utmost privacy and space for travellers taking their first post covid holiday.

BEST FOR… REMOTE LUXURY

The Private Residence at Velaa Private Island 

Nestled within the constellation of islands that form the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, Velaa Private Island takes remote exclusivity to the next level, especially when it comes to the ultra-luxury Velaa Private Residence.

Perfect for medium to large groups (accommodating up to 10 guests), this two-storey, palatial villa is perched on its own private stretch of beach overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean. Offering an elegant, contemporary design and 1,350 square meters of interior and exterior space, the Private Residence offers four large ocean-facing bedrooms, a private gym and spa room and vast communal spaces ideal for dining, relaxing and entertaining.

The realisation of a dream to create a ‘beyond luxury’ exclusive boutique hideaway in the Maldives, Velaa means “Turtle” in the local language – named after generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch. From a broader “bird’s eye view” which greets arrivals by seaplane, the island’s exclusive over-water villas are also constructed to resemble the head of a turtle, with the island forming the body. The resort comprises 47 private villas, houses and residences and four four-bedroom residences, while 18 are built over water.

Rates for Vella Private Island’s Private Residence start from 21,000 USD (Approx. £16,800) on a bed and breakfast basis. To book and for further information, visit https://www.velaaprivateisland.com/our-villas/beach-villas-residences/velaa-private-residence/. 

BEST FOR… WELLNESS ENTHUSIASTS

The Sanctuary at COMO Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos

Privacy is priority at the award-winning Turks and Caicos resort, COMO Parrot Cay. One of the island’s most exclusive villas, The Sanctuary, is the pinnacle of Caribbean luxury, comprising of a main house with three bedrooms, plus two four-bedroom guest villas which can be rented altogether to create one large residence for families and groups. Offering unparalleled views of the azure ocean and fenced by verdant jungle, The Sanctuary exudes peace and quiet. Warm woods and white-on-white linens blend with cool limestone interiors and one-of-a-kind worldly antiques collected by the esteemed Donna Karen, the creative mind behind the signature interiors.

Curated by renowned Singapore-based architect Cheong Yew Kuan, the villa was designed to achieve balance, tranquillity and the restoration of wellness. Perched on its own private swathe of beach, two dining areas, ample living space and an expansive, sun-dappled deck make up the main house, with a large infinity pool offering uninterrupted views of the ocean beyond. Guests will benefit from discreet COMO butler service, on hand 24/7 to assist with every need, whether it’s arranging in-villa experiences or a castaway picnic on the pristine sandbank. Exclusive experiences also include kayaking along the sparkling waterway to private candlelit dinners, sunset BBQs and private boat charters.

The resort’s internationally accredited fitness and yoga instructors are available upon request for personal training sessions on the beach and private in-villa yoga sessions to ensure guests can work out whilst keeping a safe distance from others. The award-winning wellness sanctuary, COMO Shambhala Retreat, can arrange for in-room therapies, and intimate in-room dining experiences are a given.

Rates at The Sanctuary are available upon request. COMO Parrot Cay will be reopening on July 22nd and are currently taking bookings, for any new bookings for stays before December 20th 2020, you can change or cancel your reservation free of charge. To book and for further information please visit: https://www.comohotels.com/en/parrotcay

BEST FOR… FAMILIES

The Villa Experience at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain

The ultimate getaway for families seeking upmost seclusions, the newly refurbished private villas at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain are the pinnacle of luxury and comfort in the Middle East. Set amidst lush gardens, steps from the sand and with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf and Manama skyline, the villas provide the perfect balance of discretion and privacy, whilst allowing guests to uncover the authentic adventures that await them in Bahrain.

Starting their stay in style, guests will be whisked from airport to resort in a luxury Maserati, before enjoying a fresh drink in one of the recently refurbished beachfront villas. As well as three expansive bedrooms, three opulent bathrooms, Large-screen LED TV, Bose Sound System, DVD player, private pool and sun-soaked terrace, villas are complete with a 24-hour personal butler, ensuring each and every request is catered for. Thoroughly modern in nature, each villa is complete with fine 600-thread cotton linens and plush feather duvets, its own opulent, roll-top tub with luxurious Asprey amenities and access to a personal beach, where families can enjoy the sun or master their water-sports skills.

An exquisite city resort situated just three kilometres from the bustling souks and style of Manama city centre, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain brings to the country the signature sophistication of hospitality brand, imbued with an effortless coastal vibe.

BEST FOR… SCENERY

The Ultimate Private Villa at D-Maris Bay, Turkey

Perched above a picturesque cove offering breath-taking views of the Datça Peninsula in Turkey, where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, D-Maris Bay is as secluded as it is luxury with a sleek, minimalist design. Having reopened on the 1^st June this year, D-Maris Bay provides an idyllic post lockdown spot for groups of families and friends alike, and is home to an exclusive, luxury private villa for groups of up to five people to relax with the utmost privacy and comfort.

At 310-sqm, the villa boasts its own 450-sqm garden and patio with a private swimming pool, with incredible views of the turquoise waters, towering mountain ranges and lush forests ahead. Guests can also enjoy the picturesque view of the peninsula from their private sun loungers or al fresco dining table, and inside, the villa boasts a fully equipped Gaggenau kitchen, wine cooler and extensive living and dining area. The two guest bedrooms and private bathrooms are decorated in chic white Calacatta marble with walk-in closets and floor-to-ceiling windows, and there is even a private hammam and sauna area for the ultimate private spa experience.

When it comes to dining, guests can order in-room breakfast from their 24-hour butler service, ensuring they never have to leave the comfort of their villa, and for those that would rather experience the atmospheric gourmet restaurants and bars of the hotel, villa guests will receive priority reservations at restaurants such as the award winning, contemporary Japanese restaurant Zuma. Beyond the villa, there are five private, white-sanded beaches where the appropriate social distancing measures have been put in place, a number of indoor and outdoor pools, a tranquil D-Spa and gym and for those looking to truly escape the ordinary, D-Maris Bay’s own motor yacht invites exploration of beautiful surrounding islands and hidden beaches.

For more information please visit www.dmarisbay.com

BEST FOR… ADVENTURERS

The Exclusive Villas at D-Resort Šibenik, Croatia 

For those looking to avoid tourist traps, Šibenik –Croatia’s oldest city with 950 years of rich history – is a lesser-known spot on the Dalmatian Coast and boasts the perfect option for travellers looking for an adventurous, crowd-free escape. Arguably the most luxurious and stylish spot to stay on the island, D-Resort Šibenik is a five-star resort with a laid-back luxury feel. Sleek and minimalist in design, each of the rooms, suites and Exclusive Villas boast pure white interiors and quality materials which blend seamlessly into the natural Mediterranean landscape, offering mesmerising views of the Adriatic Sea. Each villa hosts a maximum of 4 guests and offers true luxury with California king-size beds, an open plan and contemporary kitchen, lounge area and private decking space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the marina.

With crystal-clear waters, quaint streets and unique architecture of the Old Town combined with cascading waterfalls and cultural sites, Šibenik is rich in natural beauty and a true hidden gem of Croatia. For bucket list worthy experiences, guests can head to the nearby Krka National Park to admire the 200m deep river cannon, magical waterfalls and gorges or visit the National Park of Kornati Islands. This is the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean with 140 uninhabited islands and cliffs within just 70 square meters, and the numerous coves, underwater cliffs and crystal-clear sea make this the perfect spot for diving and island-hopping. Back on land, travellers are invited to spend the day exploring Croatia’s oldest medieval town which has become a distinctive feature of the Adriatic Coast with high-stone houses, cobbled streets, four fortresses and churches such as the UNESCO listed St. Jacob Cathedral.

Just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, D-Resort Šibenik provides an elegant and peaceful retreat for both families and couples alike with a D-Spa and D-Gym, three á la carte restaurants and bars, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the marina and a Kids Club. As well as this, active guests can take advantage of the rooftop running track, cycling, a variety of water sport activities and for those looking to make their holiday truly memorable, guests can rent yachts and sailing boats from the nearby D-Marin Mandalina marina.

For more information please visit www.dresortsibenik.com/en