Secure your luxury villa early: 6-12 months for peak seasons, 3-6 for shoulder. Explore top picks in Amalfi Coast, Crete, Mallorca, Costa Rica, and more.
“Plans are worthless, but planning is everything” - Dwight D. Eisenhower
Every day, we receive enquiries from clients seeking to book luxury villas in the world’s most exclusive destinations. Highly sought-after spots like the Amalfi Coast, Apulia, Mallorca, Crete, and Costa Rica often book up well in advance. As a result, clients frequently need to adjust their plans, changing destinations or dates, and sometimes miss out on their dream luxury villa. To assist you, our sales team has crafted a series of insightful guides, drawing on their extensive experience to guide you through the process.
These guides will help you identify the best times to visit your preferred luxury destinations, highlighting both peak and shoulder seasons. Depending on your priorities, travelling during the shoulder season rather than the peak season may be more beneficial. You’ll gain insights into why these places are so popular and, importantly, what expectations to have for your trip. This way, we aim to bridge the gap between perception and reality.
By understanding these aspects, you can make informed travel decisions and ensure an unforgettable experience. If there are other destinations you’d like us to include, please let us know.
How Early to Book a Luxury Villa in Peak Season?
For popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Mallorca, and Tuscany, it’s essential to plan ahead when booking a luxury villa. Aim to book your villa 6-7 months in advance to have the widest selection of options. Waiting until the last minute can leave you with very limited choices. Apulia and Crete also offer a fantastic array of properties, but as with any popular locale, the best ones are snapped up quickly.
In contrast, places like Costa Rica and Anguilla require even more foresight—consider booking about a year in advance for optimal availability. These weeks are in high demand and are often claimed by repeat visitors. Securing your reservation early is key!
Remember, those who book early secure the villa! Start envisioning, start planning, and prepare to enjoy your luxurious getaway. Your perfect home-away-from-home is out there—you just need to know when to act!
When is the Peak Season?
Armed with the data we provide, you’ll be like an Olympian, expertly timing your decisions. When planning a luxury getaway, consult this heat map of peak seasons to select the perfect time to visit your dream destination. For European locales such as the Amalfi Coast and Apulia, we recommend visiting between May and late September to bask in the finest weather.
In contrast, tropical havens like Costa Rica and Anguilla see peak demand during the festive season in December. By understanding these peak times, you can plan your travels for an optimal experience, fully savouring the destination’s offerings with fewer concerns about availability.
How Early to Book a Luxury Villa in Shoulder Season?
The shoulder season has become an increasingly popular time to book holidays. During this period, you are more likely to find availability, but it’s still wise not to leave it until the last minute. For destinations that typically require booking 6 months in advance, such as the Amalfi Coast, Mallorca, and Provence, you can now secure your villa just 4 months ahead.
This trend is even more advantageous for destinations like Anguilla and Costa Rica, where you only need to book 3-5 months in advance. However, remember that availability is often contingent on the size of your group. The general rule for those needing larger villasis: the sooner you book, the better.
When is the Shoulder Season?
Are you curious about exploring the shoulder season? For the Amalfi Coast, we recommend visiting in May and October when the sea is still warm and the area is less crowded. In Apulia, May and late September to October are ideal months, offering fewer crowds and milder temperatures, perfect for beach days and exploring the area’s many charming towns and villages.
In Provence, the shoulder months (periods between the peak and off-peak travel seasons) are perfect for visiting its artistic and historic landmarks. Meanwhile, booking a trip to Crete in May or late September allows you to enjoy fewer crowds and milder weather, ideal for both lazing by the sea or exploring the island.
Destination: Amalfi Coast
Why do we recommend it?
Experiencing the iconic views of the Amalfi Coast, with its colourful houses and vibrant Mediterranean greenery, should be at the top of any luxury traveller’s bucket list. From exquisite cuisine to the fragrant scents of lemon and jasmine that fill the picturesque streets, this destination captivates all the senses.
Expectations
During the high season, expect heavy traffic and limited parking. The best way to explore the coast is by boat.
Our Top Choices among the Luxury Villas in Amalfi Coast
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Destination: Apulia
Why do we recommend it?
Despite its growing popularity in recent years, Apulia (or Puglia) has managed to maintain its traditional charm, characterised by vast olive groves, quaint white villages, and a long stretch of coastline. From the artisanal produce to the breathtaking Zinzulusa cave, Apulia offers a whole vocabulary of discovery, with delights from A to Z.
Expectations
Be aware that many attractions are not within walking distance of one another. It can be very hot in summer, and beaches and restaurants can be incredibly busy in July and August.
Our Top Choices among the Luxury Villas in Apulia
Masseria Lamacoppa
Trullo delle Dame
Tenuta Castione
Dimora Biancarancio
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Destination: Mallorca
Why do we recommend it?
Mallorca’s rugged countryside, dramatic mountains, and breathtaking coastline make it one of Europe’s most coveted summer holiday destinations. The vibrant capital, Palma, boasts a diverse array of nightlife and shopping options, while nature enthusiasts can indulge in watersports, hiking, or horse riding in the picturesque countryside.
Expectations
As with many islands, Wi-Fican be spotty in some areas.
Our Top Choices among the Luxury Villas in Mallorca
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Destination: Provence
Why do we recommend it?
Bathed in enchanting Mediterranean light, Provence is filled with the fragrance of lavender in summer and the rich aroma of must from its numerous wineries in autumn. The seamless blend of natural beauty and architectural charm has drawn artists and tourists alike for centuries.
Expectations
While Provence boasts stunning countryside, be prepared for some driving to fully explore the region.
Our Top Choices among the Luxury Villas in Provence
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Destination: Tuscany
Why do we recommend it?
Tuscany offers a wealth of enchanting experiences, from exploring world-renowned museums and towns with stunning Renaissance architecture to savouring wine tastings featuring some of the finest wines in the world. Its rolling hills and cypress-lined streets lead to a scenic coastline that attracts luxury travellers from around the globe.
Expectations
Walkable areas are limited, so a car is necessary to fully explore the region.
Our Top Choices among the Luxury Villas in Tuscany
Dimora Ghirlandaio
Argentaia Estate
Castello del Monsignore
Villa La Encina
Villa Il Santo
Destination: Ibiza
Why do we recommend it?
From its bohemian allure in the ’70s to its current status as a playground for celebrities, Ibiza has long captivated socialites and VIPs. The opening of its nightclubs heralds the start of the summer season, when luxury yachts crowd the stunning bays, and this Mediterranean gem transforms into a hedonistic paradise.
Expectations
While undeniably beautiful, Ibiza can become extremely busy during the high season. It is highly recommended to book all extras—such as transfers, chefs, boat rentals, and club reservations—well in advance, ideally at least 3 months ahead.
Our Top Choices among the Luxury Villas in Ibiza
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Destination: Crete
Why do we recommend it?
Consistently featured on “Best Beaches in the World” lists, Crete offers a stunning array of sandy expanses caressed by turquoise waters, enchanting lagoons, and the largest palm forest in Europe, all adjacent to crystal-clear seas. History enthusiasts will also find Crete alluring, with renowned sites such as the Palace of Knossos and the unique Matala Caves.
Expectations
Crete is a large island, so renting a car is recommended to explore its many attractions. However, some villas are within walking distance of the beach.
Our Top Choices among the Luxury Villas in Crete
Destination: Anguilla
Why do we recommend it?
The Caribbean is the ultimate destination for beachfront villas, and Anguilla stands out as a particularly exclusive and relatively undiscovered gem compared to other Caribbean islands. Its pristine shores and serene atmosphere make it a perfect choice for a luxurious escape.
Expectations
As an island, Anguilla’s weather conditions can occasionally impact electricity supply, Wi-Fi, and the delivery of goods.
Our Top Choices among the Luxury Villas in Anguilla
Destination: Costa Rica
Why do we recommend it?
Costa Rica is becoming a top choice for nature enthusiasts. Its pristine rainforests and expansive oceanscapes reveal an impressive array of flora and fauna, offering a deep connection with the planet’s natural wonders.
Expectations
While the beach is often within walking distance of your villa, a car is necessary to reach other attractions.
Our Top Choices among the Luxury Villas in Costa Rica
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