With privacy and seclusion still at the front of traveler’s minds, here is a roundup of the most elegant suites and exclusive-use residences in the world – from a whitewashed villa in Turks & Caicos, to the London suite in which Oscar Wilde was arrested.
The Sanctuary, COMO Parrot Cay (pictured) Turks & Caicos
Privacy is priority at the award-winning Turks and Caicos resort, COMO Parrot Cay. 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 altogether to create one large residence suite for families and groups. Offering unparalleled views of the azure ocean and fenced by verdant jungle, The Sanctuary exudes peace and quiet. Perched on its own private swathe of beach, two dining areas, ample living space and an expansive, sun-dappled deck make up the main house, with a large infinity pool offering uninterrupted views of the ocean beyond. Guests will benefit from discreet COMO butler service, on hand 24/7 to assist with every need, whether it’s arranging in-villa experiences or a castaway picnic on the pristine sandbank. The award-winning wellness sanctuary, COMO Shambhala Retreat, can arrange for in-room therapies, and intimate in-room dining experiences are a given.
Website: comohotels.com Suite: https://www.comohotels.com/en/parrotcay/residences/sanctuary
Heritage Suite, COMO Castello Del Nero Tuscany, Italy
Hidden in the waves of terraced hills in Tuscany lies COMO Castello Del Nero. At the heart of the this historic 740-acre estate is a twelfth-century castle layered with Renaissance frescoes and contemporary design, Michelin-Starred Le Torre restaurant and signature COMO Shambhala Retreat. The romantic Heritage Suite is filled with whispers of the castle’s centuries old history, with carefully preserved 18th-century frescoes, beautifully vaulted ceilings and a queen-size bed draped in Egyptian cotton. An original fireplace creates a striking centrepiece in the expansive lounge, where traditional red terracotta flooring is offset by cool-toned furniture and white-on-white linens. Windows are framed by billowing white curtains, with views out onto the estate – it’s towering turrets of vines, olive groves and feathery cypress trees.
Website: comohotels.com Suite: www.comohotels.com/en/castellodelnero/accommodation/heritage-suites
Signature Royal Suite, Fairmont Windsor Park Surrey, UK
Elegantly set beside the 4,800 acres of Windsor’s Great Park with its historical monuments and ancient forests, Fairmont Windsor Park’s Signature Royal Suite, apartment style suite with panoramic park views boasts two luxurious en-suite bedrooms – each with spacious walk-in dressing rooms, a grand dining room and a magnificent living area ideal for private receptions. This Suite has been designed to offer a truly unforgettable and exceptional guest experience and is accessible via a private lift and floor of the hotel. The Royal Suite offers private access via a lift to the VIP spa – the Salutaris Suite. Here all spa services can take place in utmost comfort and seclusion, including therapy, aesthetic and wellness treatments. The suite features a hot tub, steam room, day beds, changing rooms and private access to the hammam.
Website: fairmont-windsorpark.com Suite: https://www.fairmont-windsorpark.com/rooms/signature-royal-suite/
CAYO's Grand Villa, CAYO Exclusive Resort & Spa Crete, Greece
Set in the quaint village of Plaka, near the charming Elounda Bay, CAYO Exclusive Resort & Spa is perfectly positioned for families looking to experience the beauty of Crete and immerse themselves in rich Cretan culture. CAYO's Grand Villa sits on the highest spot of the resort overlooking the Cretan archipelago's azure waters. Stepping from the Villa’s luxurious interiors to its elegantly designed private exteriors, a spacious private pool awaits to inspire guests with an unparalleled view, here guests can enjoy a in-room breakfast courtesy of the resort’s 24-hour room service. The Villa’s bedrooms are arranged in 3 different levels connecting through an elevator and staircase. Gym training equipment can be found at the lower level. A couple of minutes’ walk away on Plaka Beach, guests can enjoy exclusive access to a collection of plush daybeds, parasols and towels.
Website: cayoresort.com Suite: https://www.cayoresort.com/accommodation/cayo-grand-pool-villa-premium-sea-view/
Royal Suite, The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel London, UK
Experience true romance, combined with dramatic history, at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel nestled in the heart of Chelsea, one of the city’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. The hotel’s largest suite, The Royal Suite, is marked bedroom 118 – the famed room where Oscar Wilde was arrested, and was known to have had romantic encounters with his lovers on occasions prior to his arrest. Today, the suite honours this past while offering every modern indulgence; from the expansive marble bathroom and immaculate lounge, complete with roaring fireplace, in-room library and cosy reading corners, to the dedicated butler service. High ceilings frame large windows, washing the suite in natural daylight, while views of Cadogan Place Gardens, to which guests have exclusive access, can be seen from the noble bathtub.
Website: belmond.com Suite: https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/uk/london/belmond-cadogan-hotel/speciality-suites
The Villa, Thanda Island Thanda Island, Tanzania
Nestled within Tanzania's Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, Thanda Island , the world’s only exclusive-use private island surrounded by a protected marine reserve, is probably the most reclusive island escape out there.The ultimate escape for families and groups, this unique off-the-beaten-track destination boasts an extraordinary beach house, The Villa. Here guests can expect relaxed living and sleeping areas as well as everything you’d expect from an extraordinary beach house, such as an indoor aquarium, a variety of musical instruments, a magnificent wine collection, a glass rim-flow swimming pool, an air-conditioned gym, a library with an extensive Ernest Hemingway book collection, and a wraparound dining area with a 180-degree view of the ocean.The five en-suite bedrooms are air-conditioned with king-size beds, and an idyllic island feel.
Website: thandaisland.com Suite: https://thandaisland.com/accommodation/luxury-villa/
Romantic Pool Residence, Velaa Private Island Velaa Private Island, Maldives
Accessible only by boat and suspended above a lagoon with uninterrupted views of the ocean, Velaa Private Island’s Romantic Pool Residence takes the aspirational escape to an entirely new level. Of course, not without its own private chef and butler, as well as a Jacuzzi, pool sundeck and sunken bath; the one-bedroom villa also plays host to its very own personal gym and spa treatment rooms tailored to a unique experience beyond expectations.
All rooms open onto terraces, where the Jacuzzi, pool, sundeck and sunken bath offer varying aspects towards the horizon. Dine inside or over the water in a dining gazebo on its own jetty at sunset, or enjoy sundowners on the sumptuous daybeds. The interiors are designed with natural materials and neutral colors with occasional ikat accents or animal prints. With in-room dining direct to the ocean, a ratio of 1:8 villa to staff and dedicated butlers, it is privacy personified.
Website: velaaprivateisland.com Suite: https://www.velaaprivateisland.com/accommodation/villas.html
