Online searches for villa accommodation have soared as holidaymakers prioritise privacy and lesser-travelled destinations
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As borders open and restrictions are lifted, the pursuit for privacy will entice travellers toward villas and residences in quieter, lesser-visited destinations. Peppered across the portfolio of luxury properties – from the Kingdom of Bhutan to a private island in the Caribbean – COMO Hotels and Resorts’ secluded villas and residences offer a harmonious balance of escapism, privacy and space – without paring back on five-star service and authentic experiences.
Andaman Pool Villas
Perched at the tip of Cape Yamu on Phuket’s peaceful east coast – overlooking the cyanic sea and captivating limestone formations of Phang Nga bay – the Andaman Pool Villas at COMO Point Yamu provide a bucket-list beautiful escape, with ample peace and tranquility. Each villa accommodates up to six adults and two children, complete with a private 55sq meter infinity pool, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, state-of-the-art kitchen and a laundry room – meaning residents need not see another guest.
Conceived by esteemed Italian designer, Paola Navone, interiors are an expression of contemporary Thai luxury – sleek whites are accented with splashes of deep blue, framing the panoramic views of Phuket’s rugged east coast. Famed as one of the best places to watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea, the sun-soaked deck can be transformed to cater to a number of in-villa experiences – from family BBQ’s and intimate candlelit dinners, to a pop-up COMO Shambhala therapy and yoga session.
The Sanctuary
Effortlessly cool, the award-winning Turks & Caicos resort COMO Parrot Cay prioritises privacy. One of the island’s most exclusive villas, The Sanctuary, is the pinnacle of Caribbean luxury, comprising of a main house with three bedrooms, plus two four-bedroom guest villas which can be rented together to create one large residence. With sweeping views of the ocean and flanked by verdant jungle, The Sanctuary exudes peace and quiet; warm woods and white linens blend with cool limestone interiors and one-of-a-kind antiques collected by Donna Karen, the creative mind behind the signature interiors.
Perched on a private swathe of beach, two dining areas, large living space and an expansive, sun-dappled deck make up the main house, with an infinity pool offering uninterrupted views of the ocean beyond. Guests benefit from discreet COMO butler service, on hand to assist with every need, whether arranging private in-villa experiences or a castaway picnic on the pristine sandbank. The resort’s internationally accredited fitness and yoga instructors are available for personal training sessions, and wellness sanctuary, COMO Shambhala Retreat, can arrange for in-room therapies.
Wanakasa
Immersed in dense Balinese flora, the Wanakasa Residence – meaning ‘Forest in the Mist’ in the local language – is an ultra-luxe treehouse promising to provide a blissful balance of privacy and adventure. Situated in the esteemed COMO Shambhala Estate, the rustic residence is supported by the towering trunks of Bingkjari trees, with white teak floors and an ironwood-shingle roof across its spacious living areas and Instagram-worthy infinity pool – shaped like the winding Aung River 100 meters below.
Housing a sprawling COMO Shambhala Suite, two Terrace Suites and two Garden Rooms, Wanakasa is an ideal hideout for families and groups exploring the culture-rich Indonesian island. With relaxation and rejuvenation at its heart, COMO Shambhala Estate offers a physical, mental and emotional escape, with a selection of exclusive wellbeing programmes. Targeted therapies, nutritious menus, tailored COMO Shambhala treatments and consultations with world-renowned experts are at guests’ fingertips for a completely bespoke wellbeing journey.
COMO Villa
Set in the picturesque Paro Valley, COMO Uma Paro is an intimate 29-room hillside retreat, housing the most exclusive private villas in Bhutan. The stately COMO villa provides the perfect base from which to explore the culture-rich Kingdom, its religion, culture and cuisine. A large living area opens to panoramic mountainous vistas, an alfresco hot stone bathtub and an open-air courtyard with fire pit – the ultimate relaxation spot after a day of Himalayan exploration.
Artisan-crafted woodwork, hand-painted walls and local textiles nod to Bhutanese culture, and guests can fully immerse themselves in local life on a range of excursions, from the infamous ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery walk to archery lessons. Back at the villa, arrange an in-room treatment from the COMO Shambhala menu in the COMO Villas’ own dedicated spa room or a sunrise yoga session in the courtyard, before feasting on local delicacies in Bukhari, a pavilion-style restaurant with sweeping valley views.
For more information on COMO Hotels and Resorts, click here or visit comohotels.com