Private Villas vs. Resorts: How to Book and Travel to Your Dream Luxury Villa Vacation
Let’s Talk About Private Villas (a.k.a. Your New Favorite Way to Travel)
Imagine waking up in your own beachfront oasis. No noisy hallway, no pool chair battles at 7 a.m.—just you, your people, and a whole lot of peace. That’s the beauty of a private villa vacation.
If you’ve ever stayed at a resort and thought, “This is great, but I wish it was just… quieter/more personal/more ‘me’…” — a villa might be exactly what you’re looking for.
What’s the Difference Between a Villa and a Hotel or Resort?
I get this question all the time, and it’s a great one! Here’s the short version:
Feature | Private Villa | Hotel/Resort |
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Privacy | Yours and yours alone | Shared with hundreds of guests |
Space | Think: a whole house, not just a room | Usually just a room or suite |
Vibe | Quiet, relaxed, super personal | Social, sometimes busy or crowded |
Food | Cook your own meals or hire a private chef | Restaurants or room service |
Service | Personalized—think: concierge, chef, cleaner just for you | Great, but not always one-on-one |
Experience | Tailored to you from start to finish | More structured and scheduled |
In short? A villa gives you freedom, space, and luxury on your terms.
Where Can You Find These Dreamy Villas?
So glad you asked. Some of my favorite villa destinations include:
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Fiji – Perfect for honeymoons or unplugged romantic escapes
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Bali – Gorgeous and surprisingly affordable luxury
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Italy (Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, you name it) – Rolling hills, wine, and charm for days
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St. Lucia & Turks & Caicos – Caribbean beauty and breezy vibes
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New Zealand – Adventure and seclusion, all in one trip
Pro tip: villas book up fast, especially for holidays, summer travel, or weddings. So if you see one you love—grab it!
Things to Know Before You Book a Villa
Booking a villa is a little different from clicking “reserve” on a hotel website. Here’s what to keep in mind:
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What’s included? Some villas come fully staffed (chef, cleaner, concierge), while others are self-service. Always check!
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Getting there: Villas can be tucked away in amazing locations—but that means transfers, rental cars, or private drivers might be needed.
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Pricing: Villas might look more expensive upfront, but if you’re traveling with a group or staying longer, they can actually be more budget-friendly.
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Cancellation policies: These can be stricter than hotels, so I always recommend travel insurance.
So... Why Not Just Book a Villa Online?
You can, of course—but working with someone like me means:
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You get vetted, high-quality villas (because not all listings are as dreamy as they look)
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I’ll help with all the details—contracts, transfers, chefs, excursions, and more
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You’ll often get extras: early check-in, welcome gifts, or upgrades
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And if something goes sideways while you’re traveling? I’ve got your back
Let’s Find Your Dream Villa
Whether you're dreaming of a honeymoon hideaway in the Maldives, a clifftop villa in Santorini, or a Tuscan farmhouse for your whole crew—there’s a villa out there waiting for you.
And I’d love to help you find it. Set up a consultation to plan your villa getaway!