5 exceptional Italian villas for your next escape

18 September 2026

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic Amalfi Coast, Italy offers plenty of memorable settings for a villa holiday. These five homes combine characterful architecture, private pools, spectacular views, and easy access to some of the country’s most-loved towns and landscapes. Whether you’re travelling with family or friends, each villa brings its own take on relaxed Italian living, with plenty of space for long lunches, lazy afternoons, and exploring beyond your front door.

5 exceptional Italian villas for your next escape

Tenuta Marilù in Puglia

Set among olive groves, almond trees, and 15,000 square metres of private grounds, Tenuta Marilù offers a memorable take on a Puglian stay. At its heart is a historic trullo, complete with a distinctive cone-shaped roof, joined by a contemporary annexe that makes the property well suited to families or groups of friends. The saltwater pool has its own Jacuzzi section, while the roof terrace and covered outdoor seating provide relaxed spots for everything from morning coffee to evening drinks. When you’re ready to head out, Cisternino is just seven kilometres away, with Martina Franca, Ostuni, Alberobello, and the beach at Torre Canne all within easy reach.

Villa Tirelli in Tuscany

Villa Tirelli feels made for unhurried days in the Tuscan countryside. This converted farmhouse in the Val d’Orcia sleeps up to ten guests, combining original stone walls, beamed ceilings, antique furnishings, and a working fireplace with modern touches, including air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The outdoor spaces are just as inviting, with a heated pool, olive groves, a shaded pergola, and room for long lunches overlooking the surrounding hills. Its position near San Casciano dei Bagni also makes it easy to venture further afield, whether you fancy a wine-tasting visit to Montepulciano, a stroll through Pienza, or a day exploring Siena.

Dimora Ronzini in Eastern Sicily

On the slopes of Mount Etna, Dimora Ronzini brings together striking scenery and a wonderfully individual interior. The four-bedroom villa sleeps six guests, with each room adding something different through colourful furnishings, mosaic details, bold wallpaper, and carefully chosen artwork. Outside, the tiered garden leads down to a saltwater pool with views across the countryside towards the sea, making it an appealing place to spend an afternoon between excursions. The location is equally well suited to exploring, with Catania, Taormina, nearby villages, local markets, and the slopes of Mount Etna all within reach.

Villa Della Torre on Lake Como

Villa Della Torre makes the most of its setting beside Lake Como, with a lakeside terrace offering wide-reaching views towards Bellagio, Varenna, and the surrounding mountains. Sleeping up to 12 guests, the five-bedroom home works particularly well for families, with an attic bedroom containing five single beds, a private pool, board games, and plenty of space to gather over meals. The interiors retain a traditional Italian feel, while the grapevine-covered balcony adds another lovely spot for enjoying a glass of wine. In Rezzonico, the lake shore, local restaurants, a pizzeria, and a supermarket are all within walking distance, so you can enjoy the peaceful setting without feeling removed from everyday amenities.

Villa Ruesignore on the Amalfi Coast

Villa Ruesignore is all about its coastal setting, with terraces looking across the sea, a Jacuzzi pool, and a charming mix of indoor and outdoor spaces for up to eight guests. The main villa includes three bedrooms, a traditional kitchen, a reading room, and a dedicated study, while the separate guest house offers extra privacy for one couple or family member. A stairway leads directly down to the beach, although there are 300 steps to manage, and the famous towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Praiano are easy to reach by car or boat. With daily breakfast, maid service, and porter service included, this is a particularly comfortable base for enjoying the Amalfi Coast.

To book your Italian villa escape, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.

3 different ways to experience Malta on a city break

09 October 2026

A city break in Malta can look very different depending on how you like to travel. You could check into a five-star hotel and build your days around art, architecture, and Michelin-starred dining. You could slow everything down, wandering through neighbourhoods, stopping for pastizzi, and exploring historic towns. Or you could use the city as a base for hiking, kayaking, diving, and days spent discovering Malta’s coastline. Here are three ways to make a short break in Malta completely your own.

The perfect guide to a Valletta city break

09 October 2026

For a city break with plenty to see, eat, and experience, Valletta makes a wonderful choice. Malta’s compact capital is easy to explore on foot, with honey-coloured streets leading to grand palaces, historic churches, and harbour viewpoints. From its impressive fortifications to its lively restaurant scene, Valletta brings together centuries of history and a distinctly Mediterranean way of life, making it ideal for visitors who want more from a short break than simply sightseeing.

Travel Counsellors experience the magic of Bhutan

02 October 2026

Bhutan offers a rare sense of stepping away from the familiar. On a recent eight-night journey, a group of Travel Counsellors travelled from Thimphu to Gangtey, Punakha, and Paro, experiencing mountain passes, riverside valleys, ancient monasteries, local communities, and peaceful highland landscapes along the way. The itinerary combined significant landmarks with hands-on experiences and quieter moments, offering a thoughtful introduction to a country that still feels wonderfully untouched.

5 exceptional Italian villas for your next escape

3 different ways to experience Malta on a city break

The perfect guide to a Valletta city break

Travel Counsellors experience the magic of Bhutan

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