Updated Jan 2017
When I’m not traveling, I’m usually dreaming about travel. Or planning for our next trip(s). Actually, my husband usually laughs at how much I research for our travel adventures. But who cares? It’s joy for me, and I love looking at images of beautiful places and imagining ourselves there. So this post has been my favorite thus far to create.
We’ve used rental sites like homeaway.com several times now, and each time has been better than expected. So I decided to perused some listings for luxurious getaways. There were many, but here are some of the top international rental homes listed…and several are going on my bucket list!
Caribbean
St. Bernard’s Hill House – St. John, Virgin Islands
This private 8-acre hilltop estate showcases a 300-degree bird’s-eye view of the beautiful Virgins and azure blue sea. A stay in this 5-bedroom property includes a heated infinity pool, a garden, a guest cottage separate from the main house, large verandas, a full staff, as well as a gourmet chef. Starting from $3,873 per night.
–
Crystal Springs Beach Front Villa – St. James, Barbados
This 10-bedroom beachfront villa rests on 1.7 acres with panoramic views of the beach and gorgeous blue ocean. The villa offers a private beach cove, fountain pools and waterfalls with a pool house, a movie theater, gorgeous al fresco dining terraces, and access to an 18 ft speed boat. Starting from $4,980 per night.
–
Casa Kimball – Cabrera, Dominican Republic
Casa Kimball is a private 8-bedroom villa on the north coast of the island in a gated community. This villa offers uninterrupted 180 degree views of the Atlantic with an infinity pool overlooking the water. Fully staffed, this villa is the ultimate in modern luxury with floor to ceiling windows that open to bring the ocean right in to the villa. Gorgeous. Starting from $3,000 per night.
–
Mexico
Casa Yvonne – San Jose del Cabos
This 5-bedroom villa is idyllically set overlooking the ocean as well as an 18-hole golf course in an exclusive resort development. This place is truly about relaxation, with an infinity pool with waterfall feature, tequila bar, pool table, a rooftop terrace with fire pit, and a fitness room for when/if you feel like putting the margarita down to get a workout in. This all en suite villa has two master bedrooms and three courtyard bedrooms with private entrances. Great for a group or multi-family stay. Starting from $4,500 per night.
–
Europe
Castello Villa – Venice, Italy
This waterfront 6-bedroom, 4-story palazzo is absolute Venetian perfection. The villa boasts three kitchens, a gym with small pool/hot tub, a private waterfront deck, a rooftop terrace, three living areas, five dining areas, and stunning views. In the midst of history, this palazzo stands right beside a 16th century church and a 15th century bell tower. In addition, a stay here offers two private water taxis provided for guests.The bedrooms are spacious with modern en suite bathrooms. Starting from $2,668 per night.
–
Le Vignoble Villa – Vernegues, Provence, France
Le Vignoble is a private, “rustic” estate nestled at the foot of the Luberon Mountains. Offering a unique vantage point of French countryside, the 6,000 sq ft, 9-bedroom villa has a small private vineyard, large outdoor terrace, a private pool heated upon request, a beautiful al fresco dining patio covered in vines, and tons of comfortable social gathering space throughout the estate. I am in love. Starting from $725 per night.
–
Silverfield Villa – Granada, Spain
Silverfield Villa is a brand new vacation rental property completing in July 2015. Over 14,000 sq ft with 6 floors and 7 bedrooms provide spacious and luxurious accommodations with spectacular views through floor to ceiling windows of Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The villa boasts a game room with pool table and table tennis, a home theater, private bar, infinity pool, indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, glass elevator, a 4-car garage, and tons of outdoor spaces and balconies. Each bedroom has an en suite, desk and sitting area. Starting from $1,355 per night.
–
Thailand
Reunan Thai Villa – Phuket
This 11-bedrooms villa looks like heaven in a place I’ve been dying to visit – Thailand. The property is located on Patong Beach and offers an infinity pool, jacuzzi, pool bar, outdoor shower. The villa also boasts ample space, with 2 living rooms, 2 kitchens, a gym, a large dining room for up to 30 guests, and a pool table to boot. Of the 11 bedrooms, 9 are large en suites – perfect for multiple couples or a group trip. If all of that isn’t enticement enough, there is also a full time staff of 5 and a chef for 24 hour luxury service. Starting from $900 per night.
–
Brazil
Joatinga House – Rio de Janeiro
The Joatinga House is a 5-bedroom villa in an exclusive gated community, offering 5 levels of luxury, with a massive terrace, a home theater, a home office (but really, why work?), a jacuzzi, a garden, large sauna, pool, and barbecue area. Each bedroom also has a private en suite. I am in love with the fabulous appointments and decor of this home. Starting from $5,690 per night.
–
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
The Luxe Lookbook 
Wow! This is a super informative post for people like us who have been hit by the travel bug. Thanks of sharing the information.
[…] rentals I found while digging on homeaway.com, this time focused on the United States. As I said in the international post, we’ve used rental sites like this several times now, and each time has been better than […]