The most luxurious villas for hire in Europe

If you've spent any time online recently, you might have noticed the growing trend of travel articles carving out niche holiday ideas for a post-pandemic world. Whether it's recommending the best private island escapes as a means of avoiding coming into contact with strangers or rounding up the finest UK staycation properties in case the lifting of international travel restrictions is suddenly reversed, it is now perhaps a given that all holiday research will be touched by pandemic-era framing and bizarre caveats.

But what if you want your return to the world of globetrotting to simply be as luxurious as possible without all these addendums? After all, to hole up in a hotel or villa purely because of its applicability to post-pandemic travel is to literally house yourself in a constant reminder of the last two years of misery, boredom and upheaval. So for those looking to put the past behind them and go for some straightforward, all-out luxury this summer, Tempus has teamed up with The Luxury Travel Book to bring you the most exclusive, extraordinary villas in Europe.

VILLA SUPER CANNES

Despite being just 15 minutes from the centre of the iconic French city of Cannes, this mammoth luxury villa remains secluded enough to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet with stunning views over the hills and ocean beyond. With five hectares of land featuring a large outdoor pool, terrace and landscaped garden, this is perhaps the archetypal idea that one might have when thinking of a luxury villa completel with gorgeous modern fittings featuring state-of-the-art technology and delightful living areas in which to relax.

And that's not the half of it; further facilitie include a fully equipped gym, spa, hamman, wine cellar, cinema, heated swimming pool and an exceptional outside dining area.

MELISSONIA ESTATE

If Bond villains had a better eye for interior design, Melissonia Estate might be the result. This ultra-luxurious seven-bedroom villa is split across multiple layers clinging dramatically to the cliffs on the Greek island of Corfu, but has all amenities and comforts one might expect from a vibrant five-star hotel. A stay at Melissonia includes breakfast, afternoon tea, concierge, housekeeping, soft drinks, chef, airport transfers and driver service within the destination.

Up here, guests can choose from a number of different locations from which to bathe in the Greek sun overlooking the Ionian Sea, from the infinity pool and terrace at the top, to the multiple split level gardens further down for a bit of downtime away from the family.

MAGLIANO IN TOSCANA

Few villas anywhere on Earth can boast a pool quite like Magliano. Appearing to stretch out into the sky from the terraced area, the farthest end of it hangs high above the rolling hills of Tuscany below, offering views out to the islands of Giglio and Montecristo. And when you're done, swim back to the "home" end and hop out for a go in the sauna or steam room nearby.

Just 20 minutes from the coast, this indulgent property is surrounded on all sides by olive groves, vineyards and woodland – staples of central Italy – and features a private stable from which one can explore the enormous grounds on horseback.

MEGALOCHORI CALDERA

It seems implausible that the overcrowded tourist hub island of Santorini would be home to one of the most exlusive and secluded villas in southern Europe. But it most certainly does in the form of Megalochori Caldera, a rather regal property perched atop an enormous cliff face in the southern portion of the island, away from the bustle of Pyrgos, Thera and Imerovigli.

Just 10 minutes by car from the main port and 15 from the airport (if you don't want to make use of the property's private helipad), this villa has it all; beautiful Cycladic architecture, stunning minimalist interiors, five gigantic bedrooms, a pool and spectacular views out over the caldera, formed after the Minoan eruption which forged the island itself almost 3000 years ago.

VILLA AZURE

It is hopefully common knowledge by now that Ibiza is not just parties and drunk English tourists – it's home to some of Spain's most dramatic landscapes and luxurious properties, one of which is Villa Azure, a glorious seven-bedroom rental home in the south of the island.

This brand new villa features wonderful views over the Mediterranean Sea toward the island of Formentera and has direct access to the beach, along with a spacious outdoor area complete with a garden, large terraces, a chill-out area and a 200 m2 heated infinity pool and jacuzzi. 

Furthermore, although being just six miles from an airport would usually mean heavy noise pollution, Villa Azure is remarkably quiet meaning that guests will experience only the benefits of being so close.

LE MAS DES POIRERS

This exceptional luxury villa to rent in Provence has a truly breath-taking setting amidst pear orchards and sunflower fields on an island in the Rhone River. The impressive holiday rental is an 18th century farmhouse which has been immaculately restored and features designer furnishings alongside beautiful original features.

Guests staying at this luxury Provençal home are within 10 minutes’ drive of the Michelin Star restaurants in Avignon and Villeneuve-les-Avignon and are within easy reach of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gordes, St Remy and Aix-en-Provence.

CASA ESPORLES

This luxury villa to rent in Mallorca is located in the charming mountain village of Esporles, set within the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountain Range. Esporles is a real hidden gem unknown to most tourists- a traditional village which retains much of its character with original stone buildings and maple tree lined frontage.

It has been immaculately designed and furnished throughout with contemporary furniture, authentic Mallorcan details and all mod-cons; Bluetooth sound system, underfloor heating, filtered tap water, well-stocked gym and USB charging points etc. The villa rental accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 double bedrooms. Each bedroom is en-suite and 4 have their own terrace with loungers and parasol.

The exterior of this luxury holiday rental in Mallorca is just as impressive with a spacious pool deck where guests can enjoy the panoramic views and a peaceful manicured garden and orchard on a lower terrace. There is an outdoor kitchen with BBQ and pizza oven, a poolside bar with Estrella beer tap, glass washer and fridge, a children’s playground and a hot tub which can be used for an extra cost.

VILLA LENKA

Built in 1624, Villa Lenka is set in a valley in the southern hills of Lucca and was once summer residence to Count Cosimo Bernardini. Surrounded by beautiful parkland, it is an aristocratic 17th century villa offering the discerning traveller Tuscan living at its finest in a sophisticated ambiance with 7 luxurious guestrooms for up to 14 guests.

There are six other villas on this huge estate, all offering the very highest standard of luxury accommodation and services. There is a private chapel on the estate, and the property is very suitable for weddings and other special events, as well as conferences. The large and spacious frescoed rooms filled with antique furnishings offer an air of elegance throughout, and modern conveniences blend in with the rich heritage of this ancient family home.

The villa is nestled in the midst of tranquil Italian gardens, through which flows a fresh water brook into two small lakes, overlooked by shady weeping willow tree. The Grand cypress trees and fragrant lemon and herb gardens create the perfect backdrop to the large floodlit swimming pool (20 x 10m) with depth from 1.5m to 3m). The property has several outdoor dining areas and a barbecue. Every villa on the estate will have access to the shared tennis/football/volley fields as well as balls and rackets. 

VILLA KOUNDOROUS

This minimalist, luxury villa to rent on Kea is located in the beautiful south-east part of the island, just a 5 minute drive from Koundouros, and Koundouraki Beach – arguably the best beach on Kea. The villa also benefits from direct access to the sandy beach of Varkakia.

This impressive luxury Greek villa sits right on the water's edge, appearing to be carved within the rocks of Koundouros, and blends in harmoniously with the surrounding scenery.

CASA DOS CEDROS

This brand-new luxury villa to rent in Comporta is located between Carvalhal village and Pego and is walking distance to both Praia do Carvalhal and Praia do Pego.

The villa rental is surrounded by similar vacation homes and looks onto a pine forest beyond its garden walls. Guests staying at this contemporary holiday rental will also have private access to the secluded Brejos beach which is only 3kms away.

For more information and rates visit theluxurytravelbook.com