Heavenly villas A place in the sun
If you' re searching for the perfect overseas getaway spot this year, who better to ask than those really in the know? Alice Cooke gets the inside track from industry experts about their favourite villas around the world
The Mediterranean
`Corsica is one of the Mediterranean' s best-kept secretsÐ astonishing natu- ral beauty combined with a fiercely independent spirit. My favourite villa is in the Porto Vecchio regionÐ Le Domaine features five individual bergeries with private pools set within an 110-acre estate, less than 10 minutes' drive from the island' s beautiful, Caribbean-like beaches.' Graham Simpson, owner of Simpson Travel Simpson Travel has villas in Corsica, Greece, Turkey, Mallorca and Morocco (020± 8392 5858; www.
simpsontravel.com)
Italy
`A luxurious and elegant home on an estate in the heart of Chianti, Villa Rignana is definitely one of my top choic- es, with so much on offer. There' s an array of animals
France
`One of my favourites has to be Gallo PastreÐ a charming, spacious bastide near the picturesque, pastel-coloured village of Collobrières. This character- ful rural villa is full of soul inside, and set in 20 acres of wonderfully peaceful private landÐ the only sounds are the cicadas. The views are breathtaking, and the telescope in the master bedroom is perfect for those who, like me, enjoy looking at the stars, after a delicious alfresco dinner on the terrace.' Francis Torrilla, managing director of CV Travel CV Travel offers villas and hotels in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and beyond (020± 7401 1010;
www.cvtravel.co.uk)
62 Country Life International, Spring 2011
Ð including ponies, dogs and ducksÐ a trampoline and a tennis court, as well as a sauna and croquet for the more sedate. It' s the perfect place in which to enjoy a luxury holiday with a large gathering of friends and family, and, of course, there' s lots of delicious local wine to try.' Merrion Charles, founder of Merrion Charles Travel Each of the villas in the Merrion Charles Travel portfolio is a home with its own particular style and charm (020± 3326 1213;
www.merrioncharles.com)
www.countrylife.co.uk/international
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