Five of Europe’s Best Luxury Villas

By Richard Jones

Throughout the pandemic, many of us turned into budding architects, designers, landscape artists and interiors experts, as we made the most of our spare time to turn our homes into our own personal oases.

But are you now getting bored or your own all-too-familiar property and seeking alternative inspiration and tranquillity?

Purple Summer was launched in 2021 with a mission to deliver the holiday of a lifetime.

From exceptionally secluded multi-bedroom villas in the French Côte d’Azur, to palatial structures on Spanish islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, each of their gorgeous dwellings offers first-class facilities with a distinctive personality.

Outstanding food and wine prepared by private chefs is at the heart of the concept.

Guests can delight in BBQ feasts featuring grilled king prawns with garlic, piri-piri chicken and grilled Mediterranean vegetables, sharing-style lunch dishes such as pear prosciutto goats’ cheese pizza and spiced couscous salad, and indulgent desserts including gin-and-tonic cheesecake.

And those staying at a Purple Summer villa have plenty of options when it comes to activities, which the concierge will gladly arrange.

Groups can enjoy water sports including scuba diving, jet ski hire, kayaking and paddle tours, as well as golf trips, VIP spa days, wine tasting, hot-air-balloon rides, supercar tours and helicopter flights.

If you fancy some indulgence at the end of the summer, here are five stunning villas.

Honeymoon hideaway: Can Tramuntana, Mallorca

Enjoying unrivalled seclusion and exclusivity, the stunning Can Tramuntana in northern Mallorca sits atop a mountain with its own private valley. Once couples have climbed the short, winding road up to the villa, they will be greeted with a true oasis of luxury and spectacular views that are interrupted only by birds circling overhead or the occasional wild mountain goat. Although it can sleep up to 10 people in five en-suite bedrooms and a separate cottage, the most sumptuous way to enjoy this estate is à deux. The villa was built in a traditional style from local, natural materials and featuring white-washed walls, large windows, elegant décor and wooden touches. But its real jewel is the heavenly private swimming pool set against the mountainous backdrop of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A seven-night stay starts from €24,320 based on 10 people sharing.

Fun for all the family: Villa Rêve de Lumière, St Tropez

Commanding an enviable position on the sun-soaked hillside above one of the most exclusive destinations on the Riviera, guests at Villa Rêve de Lumière will love the magnificent views of the glistening bay and town. Sleeping 12 in six spacious en-suite bedrooms, there’s something for each member of the family. Teens will love the indoor-outdoor sound system and movie room upstairs, while little ones can splash about in the infinity pool. Meanwhile, parents can kick back and enjoy the on-property hammam and hot tub, before the whole family reconvenes to enjoy a gourmet culinary experience on the palm-tree-lined terrace. The fun doesn’t stop there – there’s a wine cellar, a boules court in the private garden, and a fire pit to toast marshmallows.

A seven-night stay starts from €40,480 based on 12 people sharing.

Multi-generational magic: Bastide des Virettes, South of France

Perched high in the hills overlooking the historic walled village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Bastide des Virettes is ideal for multi-generational families. With a showstopping pool built into the hillside, antique furniture, quaint turquoise-hued shutters and views of the Mediterranean, this gorgeous Gallic getaway is sure to delight grandparents, grandkids, and everyone in between. The property sleeps eight in four lovingly restored bedrooms with marble en-suite bathrooms, including a large main bedroom for older parents and plenty of space for families to spread out. Two main living spaces, including a play area fully stocked with toys, provide ample opportunity for relaxation and a safe, contained garden provides little ones with the freedom to roam while adults enjoy the hot tub, boules court and outdoor terrace with BBQ. Just 30 minutes from Nice, the property is a 10-minute drive from artsy St-Paul-de-Vence and 15km from the beach.

A seven-night stay starts from €14,555 based on 8 people sharing.

In the thick of the action: Villa Can Alma, Santa Gertrudis, Ibiza

Nestled in the centre of the island of Ibiza – a mere kilometre from the picturesque village of Santa Gertrudis – sits Villa Can Alma. Encircled by pine forest, olive groves and with views stretching out to the sea and the town, Alma is ideal for those seeking the tranquillity of a secluded location, while also having easy access to Ibiza’s galleries, eclectic restaurants and artisan boutiques. Impeccably designed in stylish neutral colours – with beautiful sculptures and artwork reflecting the spirit of the island – Alma comprises six bedrooms, multiple dining areas and elegant terraces featuring Balinese beds, an outdoor kitchen, barbecue area, infinity swimming pool, outdoor hot tub and sauna.

A seven-night stay starts from €36,035 based on 12 people sharing.

Tee time before teatime: Villa Llenaire, Pollença, Mallorca

Located in the heart of the beautiful Mallorcan countryside – between the rustic town of Pollença and the beaches of Port de Pollença, Villa Llenaire is the perfect destination for families. Built in the traditional Mallorcan style, but with stylish modern touches, Llenaire offers four en-suite bedrooms each with private bathrooms and a living area opening out onto the terraces and garden. This exceptional villa also offers an outdoor barbecue and dining area, swimming pool, gym, and a playroom stocked with plenty of toys and games for children to enjoy. There is also a choice of two nearby golf courses –Pollença Golf Club and Club de Golf Alcanada.

A seven-night stay starts from €18,610 based on 8 people sharing.

For more information about Purple Summer visit purplesummer.com or e-mail Joanna Laforge jlaforge@eurogroup-vacances.com