By Emily Gray
Published 24/05/21
Now that the green list of countries has been announced we spoke to Listique partners, The Sun Secret Collection, Icon Private Collection and My Private Villas to find out the luxury villas and boutique hotels that are still available to book this summer.
Villa Monte Rei, Eastern Algarve Portugal
Set in the exclusive The Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in the eastern Algarve region, Villa Monte Rei, is a four bedroom villa which is ideal if you’re looking for independence whilst still having the facilities and services of a luxury resort. Spend your days relaxing by your private pool or dining al fresco on the terrace or head out to use the resort’s tennis courts, spa and wellness centre, gym and golf course. The North Course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and has been awarded accolades such as the Number One Golf Course in Portugal and Number Four Golf Course in continental Europe.
Villa Mar a Vista, Salema Portugal
Villa Mar a Vista sits atop a cliff overlooking the beach in the Algarve’s Praia de Salema, meaning if you want to wake up and see the sea, this is the villa for you. Set across three floors, the three bedroom villa features modern decor with African-inspired details and floor to ceiling windows, which not only gives you those spectacular ocean views but they also flood the villa with natural light. First stop though has to be the infinity pool.
Vila Joya, Albufeira Portugal
Moorish architecture, views of the Atlantic and a sunny garden filled with palm trees, cypresses and flowers create a little slice of dreamy paradise at boutique hotel ‘House of Joy’ Vila Joya. Made up of twelve rooms and eight suites, the hotel is home to a spa, wine cellar, bar and a two Michelin star restaurant headed up by chef, Dieter Koschina. For those looking to play golf you’ll find 36 golf courses within 5 and 40 minutes of the hotel.
www.thesunsecretcollection.com
Vila Vita Parc, Algarve, Portugal
Ultra luxury meets a lush seaside setting at the five star resort of Vila Vita Parc. Made up of rooms, resorts and villas, each with their own unique charm and character, the hotel celebrates the best of Portuguese culture and hospitality. Whether you want to make the most of the experiences available, work your way through the restaurants or just spend time being pampered, Vila Vita Parc will create the perfect bespoke stay for you.
www.thesunsecretcollection.com
ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir, Iceland
Leave the bustle of Reykjavik and head to the ION Adventure Hotel, less than an hour's drive away. Set against the majestic, mountainous lava fields, the hotel may look as hardy as the landscape, but step inside and you'll find an award-winning sustainable hotel, restaurant an bar. Soak beneath the Northern Lights in the Lava Spa outdoor pool, trek across an ancient glacier or head out for a day of fly-fishing. It's also close to the 'Golden Circle' route making it ideal to explore the rest of Iceland.
www.thesunsecretcollection.com
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Hotel Húsafell, Húsafell, Iceland
If you're planning a stay in the second half of the summer, then look to Hotel Húsafell which is in a prime location to spot the Northern Lights. Most viewed between mid-August and mid-April, during winter they have on average three sightings a week and even offer guests a Northern Lights wakeup call. When you're not trying to glimpse the aurora borealis you can dine in the restaurant that serves seasonal menus using local ingredients or make the most of the scheduled day tours and activities that they can arrange.
www.thesunsecretcollection.com
Eagles Nest, Russell, New Zealand
New Zealand is on the green list, but that doesn’t mean you can necessarily go there, the borders are still closed to almost everyone apart from citizens, residents and visa holders but if you are able to get in or you’re already there, then take a look at the luxuriously eclectic Eagles Nest in Russell in the North island. The multiple-award winning hotel and retreat is set in a 75 acre estate atop its own private ridgeline meaning it has spectacular views across the Bay of Islands. In four of the five incredible villas you’ll find private heated horizon edged lap pools and all of them offer private Jacuzzis, home theatre systems, Ecostore amenities and a fully equipped gourmet kitchen where personal chefs can cook you a tailored menu served with a glass of New Zealand wine from the estates extensive cellar. The retreat also has its own resident personal trainer and spa therapists!
www.thesunsecretcollection.com
Thousand Lakes Lodge, Liawenee, Tasmania, Australia
If you're looking to get away from it all and truly escape then let us introduce you to Thousand Lakes Lodge in Tasmania. Barren, rugged and unique, the alpine environment can go from being serene to cold and raw in minutes, but the lodge always provides comfort, with their stylish, understated rooms. It makes the perfect base to explore the surrounding area whether you're looking to fish, walk, bird watch, just take in the fresh air and try the fresh stream water or look our for wombats, possums and quolls. Like New Zealand, Australia is also on the green list but not easiest to visit at the moment, (see the entry requirements here).
www.thesunsecretcollection.com
El Zafiro, Ibiza, Spain
This stunning villa is almost fully booked this summer but there is some availability to book in July so if you’re interested then you’ll want to move quickly. It’s easy to see why it’s booked, the six bedroom villa is just 4km from Ibiza town and 5 minutes from the airport. Orientated south, it has spectacular panoramic sea views overlooking Playa den Bossa, Salinas, Cap des Falco and Formentera as well as having a fantastic pool, courtyard, landscaped gardens and private gym.
Spain is currently listed as an amber country - full information about travelling to amber list countries can be found here.
More of Listique's luxury travel concierge and accommodation partners can be found here.
