North Africa
`It' s got to be Dar el Kamalia (company reference number 69), close to Marra- kech, the quintessence of beautiful architectural design, with accom- modation for 12 in superb ensuite bedrooms. The grounds are filled with exotic plants and fountains, there' s a beautiful pool with an underwater
music system and a jet stream, a marble hammam, a fitness complex, a clay tennis court and even a home cinema. Then, of course, there's Marrakech itself to explore nearby.' Pamela Nicholson, managing direc- tor of Private Properties Abroad Private Properties Abroad has villas in France, Greece, Italy, Spain, North Africa and Thailand (01423 330533;
www.ppaproperties.com)
The Caribbean
`Bird of Paradise in Anguilla is the jewel in our crown. Balinese in style, it' s set up on a hill, with incredible sea views. The pool runs right through the middle, creating a waterway, and a bridge allows access to the master suite, which has a gorgeous, spacious living area, looking out across the ocean. As if all this isn' t enough, the chef is outstanding and will even give you cook- ing lessons, so you can learn some tricks of the trade.' Michelle Sephton, managing director of Elegant Resorts Elegant Resorts has run tailormade holidays for more than 22 years, with properties around the world and a dedicated concierge service (01244 897505;
www.elegantresorts.co.uk)
Britain The Balearics
`My personal favourite is El Sueño, set in a secluded area near Artà, in north-east Mallorca. It' s the gardens I really loveÐ the villa is surrounded by a sprawling six-acre private estate, with fruit trees and a vegetable gardens. Despite its amazing seclusion, terrific beaches and several golf courses are only a short drive awayÐ it' s the very definition of having your cake and eating it, too.' Charlie Stephenson, managing director of Abercrombie & Kent Villas El Sueño is available through Abercrombie & Kent Villas, which specialises in hosted and tailormade holidays in properties in France, Spain, Italy, Greece and the Americas (0845 618 2205;
www.akvillas.com)
www.countrylife.co.uk/international
`Goddards is a sublime Lutyens house with a Gertrude Jekyll garden, amid ancient countryside in the Surrey Hills, yet within sight of Canary Wharf. Its charm is that it' s a place to do lots or very little, as the mood takes you. It' s perfect for family events and celebrations in its atmos- pheric dining room or for more informal socialising, with skittles in its own alley, walks and rides in the woods. Surrey is our most wooded county, and this is the perfect place from which to explore it in style.' Peter Pearce, director of The Landmark Trust The Landmark Trust is a building-preservation charity that rescues interesting buildings and lets them as holiday rentals (01628 825925;
www.landmarktrust.org.uk)
Country Life International, Spring 2011 63
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