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Whether you’re hoping to feel sand between your toes, looking for a room with a view, a city stay or an idle escape, there’s a villa for you. Issy D’Arcy Clark scouts out the finest locations around the globe and throws in some quirky alternatives to boot

THE WORLD’S BEST VILLAS

REMOTE STAYS…DESIGN VILLAJack’s Point Lake House, New ZealandSleeps eight, in four roomsFrom £8,000 per weekGolfers should swing by this spectacular setting in Jack’s Point Championship Golf Course and overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Bringing a sleek and urban feel to this most rural of settings, Jack’s Point Lake House comes kitted out with a Jacuzzi, wood-burning fires and private cinema.Jack’s Point Lake House is available through Touch of Spice, a member of UltraVilla, ultravilla.com

MOST CURIOUS Mandela House, South AfricaSleeps 12, in six roomsFrom £26,558 per weekDeep in the heart of the Shambala Private Game Reserve, you can experience a place that was once home to Nelson Mandela. Amid the buffalo, elephants, lions and a river teeming with fish, it has been converted into a luxury villa, opening up this fabulous spot for all to enjoy the country’s natural beauty.centreforreconciliation.co.za

THE CONVERSION The Cartshed, SuffolkSleeps eight, in four roomsFrom £4,620 per weekThis is a superb rural retreat for adults as much as children. The feel is modern country charm; think copper baths and exposed wooden beams, as well as a huge open plan kitchen. Staying in the converted barn in the Wilderness Reserve also gives guests access to all the fantastic activities on offer, including hot-air balloon rides, rowing boats and a teddy bear’s picnic. wildernessreserve.com

Explorations Villas

The hills are aliveJack’s Point Lake House is close to the Remarkables mountain range in New Zealand, meaning it’s also ideal for skiiers; the entrance to Mandela House, once home to the former president of South Africa

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Northern delights From top: Machiavelli Villa in Tuscany was designed by Michelangelo; the Pier House at Musha Cay, The Bahamas, belongs to magician David Copperfield; Eliassen Rorbuer is perfect for spotting the aurora borealis

FOR BIG SPENDERSMusha Cay, The BahamasSleeps 24, in 12 roomsFrom £270,308 per week If you’re looking for somewhere remote to bask in the sun, Musha Cay has it all: 11 private islands (with boats waiting to take you between them), the central of which is home to five guesthouses, curated by the owner, illusionist David Copperfield. Activities including diving and scavenger hunts can be arranged by the staff, while dinners of local lobster and sumptuous wines from the 500-bottle cellar can be set up on the beach for the perfect Tiki party.edgeretreats.com

GO LARGE Machiavelli Villa, TuscanySleeps 24, in ten roomsFrom £31,302 per weekWith a sun-warmed pink exterior and tremendous views over the Italian winemaking region of Chianti Classico, this 14th-century villa has a history every bit as impressive as it looks. It was designed by the celebrated sculptor Michelangelo for the Machiavelli family, and the villa has recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, restoring it to its original glory. The refurbishment incorporates the comforts of modern life – including both indoor and outdoor pools. edgeretreats.com

THINK SMALL Eliassen Rorbuer, NorwaySleeps two, in one roomFrom £476 per weekTeetering on the shores of the tiny island of Hamnøy, which is just off the coast of mainland Norway, this miniature rustic retreat is an ideal getaway for two. Your days can be filled with a refreshing mix of fishing, hiking and kayaking, while you can spend your evenings on the private deck, perfectly positioned to scour the skies for the northern lights.coolstays.com

Explorations Villas

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Explorations Villas

stunning artistry and high calibre design. Decidedly the quirkiest conversion since Zeus became a swan, the interiors of this 12th-century palazzo were redesigned by famed designer Ilaria Miani to create a modern oasis of cool. All just a few steps away from the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery and the Piazza della Signoria.Palazzo Bartolo is available through Unique Properties and Events Abroad, a member of UltraVilla, ultravilla.com

ON A BUDGET Beautiful Riad, Marrakech Sleeps five, in three roomsFrom £490 per weekIn a city like Marrakech, the quiet courtyard of a traditional riad is a safe haven from the hustle of the city. But, though many of these luxury homes are at the top end of the financial scale, this riad has all the luxury without breaking the bank. Located in the ancient medina, it’s at the centre of a wide selection of souks and restaurants. It’s even equipped with a dip-in pool and topped with a big roof terrace, where you can have your bed moved to, so you can sleep under the stars.airbnb.co.uk

THE HOUSEBOAT Cheyne Walk II, LondonSleeps two, in one roomFrom £1,610 per weekKeeping your London city break dreams afloat is this riverside retreat, Cheyne Walk II. The gorgeous pale wood interiors and large light-filled rooms are almost enough to make you forget that you’re moored on the Thames near to Chelsea Embankment. Wake up to the sound of water lapping all around before enjoying breakfast on the private terrace while watching the world float by. onefinestay.com

THINK SMALL The Diagonal Apartment 1, BarcelonaSleeps two, in one roomFrom £2,255 per weekFor a chic city stay, Diagonal Apartment 1 is the perfect Barcelona bolt hole. Small but expertly appointed, its decor is historic with trendy twists. Park Güell and La Sagrada Família are within walking distance, while the long stretch of beach can be easily reached via the neighbouring metro station. Diagonal Apartment 1 is available through El Sol Villas, a member of UltraVilla, ultravilla.com

Villa people From top: Palazzo

Bartolo, in Florence was reimagined by

designer Ilaria Miani; the exterior of Ellerman

House, Cape Town, with views over Bantry

Bay; a houseboat in Cheyne Walk, near London’s Chelsea

GO LARGE Palazzo Di Pietro, VeniceSleeps 12, in six roomsFrom £9,324 per weekEnjoy the wonders from the Palazzo Di Pietro, right between the two major exhibition centres of Giardini della Biennale and Arsenale. Despite being in the city centre, it has a pool, a waterfront deck and outdoor dining area overlooking the canal. oliverstravels.com

DESIGN VILLA Villa Two at Ellerman House, Cape TownSleeps six, in three roomsFrom £14,686 per weekHigh in the hills over Bantry Bay, this addition to Ellerman House takes in all Cape Town has to offer; dramatic mountains, views of the Atlantic and a bustling city. As it is part of Ellerman House there is also a cinema, infinity pool and 24-hour chef.ellerman.co.za

MOST CURIOUS Palazzo Bartolo, FlorenceSleeps ten, in five roomsFrom £3,656 per weekPalazzo Bartolo could be a microcosm of Florence’s

CITY STOPOVERS…

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THINK SMALL The Mirror House, DolomitesSleeps two, in one roomFrom £1,045 per weekSurrounded by the Dolomites of South Tyrol, which make for the perfect winter escape, and orchards filled with apple trees in early autumn, the Mirror House is one of two extraordinary villas that stand side by side. Designed by Milan-based Peter Pichler Architects, the mirrored surfaces of these two contemporary houses reflect the surrounding mountainous landscape that awaits your exploration.edgeretreats.com

GO LARGE Casa le Mimose, UmbriaSleeps 12, in six roomsFrom £3,163 per weekThis secluded luxury villa could only be found deep in the heart of The Murlo Estate, one of the most exclusive country retreats in Italy. Cookery courses and wine-tasting sessions in nearby Assisi will immerse you in the authentic Italian experience, while the pretty garden filled with lavender and cypress trees will help you relax. If you can bear to leave the landscaped pool, the surrounding estate is open to be explored, either via the 18-hole golf course or on a guided hike through the rolling Umbrian hills.akvillas.com

HIGH IN THE HILLS…

Hideaway up high From top: Eos 139 is a super-modern

structure in the Costa Rican rainforest;

Truffe Blanche, in Verbier, Switzerland, has its own hammam

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BEST FOR DESIGN Eos 139, Costa RicaSleeps ten, in five roomsFrom £9,219 per week High above the canopy of the Costa Rican rainforest, this luxury villa will take you as close to heaven as can be. With interiors made up of polished concrete floors, rustic wood features and 24-foot ceilings, the space feels urban and light, while the endless view from the infinity pool leads your eye over the treetops and all the way to the sea beyond. luxuryretreats.com

MOST CURIOUS Chateau de Baloigne, FranceSleeps 15, in six roomsFrom £2,155 per weekCreated within the ruins of a medieval castle, Chateau de Baloigne is one of the most unique stays to be found worldwide. Historians can marvel at the 12th-century dungeons and romantics can dream up their very own fairy tale – while modernists will approve of the 21st-century features that have been tastefully incorporated. oliverstravels.com

BIG SPENDER Truffe Blanche, SwitzerlandSleeps 18, in nine roomsFrom £50,733 per weekYou get astronomical bang-for-your-buck at Truffe Blanche. There are the little things (nine different spa treatment rooms, a hammam, indoor pool, home cinema and private nightclub) and then there are bigger things (daily heli-skiing, tailors flown in from Milan, feasts on top of distant glaciers with tables and benches freshly carved from ice). But if you want to keep it simple, just admire the sumptuous interiors and Verbier’s world-class skiing.hautemontagne.com

THE GLAMPERVAN Ruby, Lake DistrictSleeps two, in one roomFrom £200 per weekend Technically, Ruby can be taken anywhere, but the Lake District is one of her favourite destinations. With all the luxury of a boutique hotel, the glitzy former-ambulance comes with a drinks cabinet, king-size bed, a wood-burning stove – and an all-important pop-up loo. christabels.org

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Explorations Villass

BY THE SEA…

THINK SMALL Villa Lava, SantoriniSleeps two, in one roomFrom £8,380 per weekCarved into the rock face of the caldera cliff outside the scenic village of Oia, from the outside Villa Lava couldn’t look more quintessentially Greek – but it’s another story inside. Minimal lines, offset with sleek grey marble, and a floor-to-ceiling window that opens out on to a private pool make this the chicest choice imaginable for a couple escaping the crowds.edgeretreats.com

GO LARGE Casa la Vista, IbizaSleeps 12, in six roomsFrom £5,650 per weekCasa la Vista is a world away from Ibiza’s dancing-till-dawn clubs. It has two Ibicenco-style Rolf Blakstad-designed houses, on the quiet northern coast. Set next to pretty Cala Xuclà bay, the villa channels East-meets-Med chic with vintage Sri Lankan doors, an Islamic-style courtyard garden and sea terraces galore. Fancy that dance after all? As well as private hire, the owner also runs week-long retreats here with tuition from top London professionals.casalavistavilla.com; santhoshretreats.com

DESIGN VILLAAlila Villas Uluwatu, BaliSleeps six, in three roomsFrom British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at Alila Villas Uluwatu from £2,099pp*On a limestone cliff, the Alila Villas Uluwatu blend Indonesian

inspiration doesn’t strike, there’s The Glen Affric whisky bar and a private screening room too. edenrockhotel.com

THE TREEHOUSE Mamole at Nihiwatu, IndonesiaSleeps six, in three roomsFrom £28,840 per week, full-boardOn Sumba Island, the Mamole treehouse is enough to make Tarzan jealous. With three raised bedrooms, linked together with bamboo bridges and complete with a private infinity pool, this is the epitome of barefoot luxury. nihiwatu.com

architecture and minimal design. Guests of the resort can catch the surf of the Bukit Peninsula or sip cocktails in the Sunset Cabana that daringly (and terrifyingly) overhangs the cliff. mrandmrssmith.com

MOST CURIOUS Villa Panacea, RhodesSleeps six, in three roomsFrom British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at Villa Panacea from £679pp with flights**Villa Panacea wraps around its quirkily shaped pool for a unique setup. It’s a short walk to the beach, with a selection of shops and restaurants nearby.jamesvillas.co.uk

BIG SPENDER Villa Rockstar, St BarthsSleeps ten, in six roomsFrom £41,895 per weekFor those moments when a tune springs to mind, Villa Rockstar has a recording studio – including the mixing console John Lennon used to record Imagine. But if

GO ON THEN… DESTINATION: THE WORLD

FIND IT AT BA.COMBA flies to Newcastle, Lyon, Santorini (resuming May 2016), Oslo, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Nassau from London Heathrow; to Rhodes (resuming May 2016), Verona, Marrakech, St Kitts and San José from London Gatwick from 27 April; to Florence from London City; to Rome, Barcelona and Venice from Gatwick and Heathrow; to Geneva and Ibiza from all three. BA also flies to Surabaya and Jakarta from Heathrow on a codeshare basis via Hong Kong and to Queenstown from Heathrow on a codeshare basis via Sydney.

COLLECT THOSE AVIOSJoin the Executive Club and collect and redeem Avios for every flight.

FOR MORE GETAWAYS...Discover more at highlife.ba.com/villas

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Cliffhanger From top: the Sunset Cabana at Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali, hangs over a limestone cliff; while the Villa Rockstar comes kitted out with a recording studio