The collection:
Far-Flung Villas
When you’re travelling with family or as a group, having a villa means the ultimate in freeing flexibility. We’ve sourced a selection of stunning houses in fabulous parts of the world
Even better, many of them come with butlers, staff and housekeepers. Although the villas are located in secluded settings, they’re also attached to hotel hubs providing restaurants, pools and activities, so you can really have the best of both worlds.
SECLUDED SRI LANKA
COLONIAL MANSIONS AT HARITHA VILLAS AND SPA - SRI LANKA
Clasped in overflowing greenery with a surround sound of squawking jungle life, the Colonial Mansions at Haritha Villas and Spa are a vision of modernity. Grass-topped roofs peak out from behind palm fronds and on closer inspection you’ll find the airy bedrooms and vast outdoor bathrooms to be stylish, sleek and contemporary with use of teak, stone, marble and polished concrete. A topaz-blue blue wraps around the villas, rimmed by padded loungers.
Set back from Sri Lanka’s south west coastline amid wild, untamed nature, the Colonial Mansions are a gorgeous place to hide away. Whether you’re a family or a couple occupying the one- or two-bedroom mansions, you’ll have everything you need – when you want it. Your day is created around you, whether that’s a late breakfast on your veranda with jungle views, a rice and curry lunch at the communal lounge and pool or a treatment at the Jungle Spa with the on-site Ayurvedic doctor, who will also tailor your meals to a specific diet if required. Tempting though it is to stay put, let Haritha Villas show you Sri Lanka including a day trip to moonstone mines located deep in the jungle or whale watching in Mirissa.
“We think Haritha Villas and Spa marks a new chapter of Sri Lankan hospitality with contemporary styling and flexible service in glorious get-away-from-it-all scenery.”
MUST DO
Fans of diving and snorkelling should arrange a trip to nearby Hikkaduwa for a trip to the Marine Park. The flourishing corals are some of Sri Lanka’s finest and there are some interesting wreck dives to explore including old oil tanker SS Conch.
Soul-Searing Sea Views
SIX SENSES YAO NOI - Thailand
The beauty of the villas at Six Senses Yao Noi is the unfettered access they give to one of Thailand’s most sensational views. The thatched wooden villas seem to cling unfeasibly to the verdant hillside facing a wholly uninterrupted panorama of the Phang Nga Bay – the iconic karsts that rise magically up from the Andaman Sea. Your perfectly placed infinity pool will allow all-day gazing at this meditative scene.
For the ultimate romantic treat, book The View – a huge one-bedroom villa that comes with a large pool, hammock-style seating, a pool bar, an outdoor cinema and two waterfalls that flow around the villa. And if you ever tire of gazing at the karsts, head out to get up close to the limestone wonders. We recommend a late afternoon boat ride with champagne and nibbles on a deserted beach for sunset.
“We know how hypnotic Six Senses Yao Noi’s cinematic scenery is. It makes an unashamedly romantic setting for a relaxed holiday with a loved one.”
Insider Tip
Although the view steals the show, make time to explore laid-back, undeveloped Yao Noi. Bike ride through coconut groves and discover how rubber is produced from rubber plantation trees. You can even learn the art of Thai boxing with a local Muay Thai fighter.
Luxe Lakeside Living
Matakauri Lodge Owner's Cottage - New Zealand
Whether you’ve come to New Zealand for adventure and nightlife in the South Island’s Queenstown or perhaps you’re on your way to unique wildlife-spotting on Stewart Island, you will find the spacious Owner’s Cottage at Matakauri Lodge, just seven minutes’ drive from Queenstown, to be a luxe lakeside stopover.
Located on Lake Wakatipu, the Owner’s Cottage has four generously sized bedrooms, each of which have their own private balcony which is the perfect place to soak up serene views across the water to the majestic mountain ranges of the Remarkables, Cecil and Walter Peak. Elsewhere the communal areas are simultaneously spacious and cosy, with a bright décor, deep sofas and throws, open fireplaces, a BBQ deck and a hot tub. For a sense of your environment and to explore the nearby feathery coastline and hilly fjords of Milford Sounds lift off on a heli-safari or explore the spectacular wine region with tastings at specialist producers.
“With daily breakfast, lunch, drinks and canapes and a multi-course dinner included in your stay at the Owner’s Lodge, you’ll be introduced to the finest fresh produce from New Zealand.”
Insider Tip
If you’re traveling with family, a trip on Lake Wakatipu on an iconic century-old coal fired steam ship makes a fun way to explore the area. TTS Earnslaw will cruise around the lake, offering prime opportunities for taking in the stunning Queenstown scenery.
SECRET CARIBBEAN
Gingerlily Mansion House, The Liming - Bequia
We call Bequia the Caribbean’s best-kept secret. Located within St Vincent and the Grenadines, this undeveloped island has all the charm of the Caribbean without the crowds. If you’re travelling with family or as a group of friends, Bequia is the ideal spot to experience the real Caribbean.
We’d recommend staying at Gingerlily Mansion House, part of boutique hotel The Liming, located in the tranquil area of Baie de Sucre, on the southernmost tip of Bequia. With five bedrooms, an infinity pool, the beach a few steps away, and panoramic sea views of Admiralty Bay and the bobbing boats, Gingerlily is a fabulously stylish and spacious place to stay. A housekeeper comes with the mansion, who will prepare breakfast and any other meals you’d like or you can dine at the on-site restaurant which has a gorgeous terrace that stretches out over the sea, where boats can moor up at will, to enjoy fresh seafood with a Caribbean twist. Make time for exploring pretty Bequia. Hike to the top of Mount Peggy for glorious views over the Caribbean or discover the famed beach of Princess Margaret.
“From the comfort of Gingerlily Mansion House you can arrange for a masseuse to come to your room, or order a rum punch at sundown for a true taste of the Caribbean.”
Must do
Have a day on the calm Caribbean Sea aboard a schooner. Glide around the beautiful aquamarine waters of the uninhabited Grenadine Islands spotting flying fish, dolphins and even whales. Jump ship to snorkel in the clear-as-gin sea.
The collection
Villas for Multi-Generation Families
We are regularly challenged with your family holiday conundrums – from the wacky to the wonderful. Here are a few of our favourite long-haul villas sure to keep the whole family happy.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
The collection
Europe’s Best Villas for Families
The collection
Cast Off Into The Big Blue
