When it comes to travel, the word “luxury” is thrown around with abandon. If a property is described as a “luxury villa”, it might simply mean that it has four walls and maybe a swimming pool.
In reality, there are villas… and then there are VILLAS. To be a mega villa – the very tippy top of the accommodation pyramid – certain criteria need to be met. Here is the ultimate checklist for scouting out the best of the best.
Designed to Inspire
A luxury villa is so much more than four walls and a roof. Rather than providing basic accommodation, a bona fide mega villa is designed for ultimate comfort and amazing aesthetics. It’s the kind of design that’ll leave you feeling inspired – the polar opposite of generic cookie cutter style.
Many of the finest villas were created by celebrated architects, with design worthy of a glossy magazine spread. Soori Estate in Bali was designed by its owner Soo K Chan, the head of SCDA Architects who also designed W Hotel Seminyak and Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa.
The design can also reflect a deeper connection with the villa’s surroundings. At Permata Ayung, each of the wooden pavilions which dot the lush estate were imported from Java, while Bora Bora One features original art by Teva Victor, a noted local artist known for his volcanic stone sculptures.
Stunning Setting
The design of a mega villa reaches far beyond its walls. Whether set amid lush gardens or gazing over a private beach, the best villas in the world offer a setting that will leave you speechless.
Villa Nag Shampa and Permata Ayung are positioned in the lush heart of Bali, where the latter sits on the border of two Balinese kingdoms and gazes over dreamy paddy fields and a sacred river. Both of these villas also have their own organic gardens which provide much of the produce for the villas’ private kitchens. Properties like Bora Bora One, Soori Estate, Ani Sri Lanka and its sister property Ani Thailand offer direct access to a paradise beach.
The thing all of them have in common? Absolute, blissful privacy. There are no noisy neighbours, no eyesores to block the view – and no one you have to share the pool with.
High End Amenities: Private Tennis Courts, Boxing Rings, Private Cinemas…
The best villas in Asia come with all the bells and whistles you could ask for… and then some. These villas were designed to be your own private playground, a place to delight and relax to the fullest. Lavish living areas are a given and private spa facilities a standard feature. Beyond them, every villa has its own unique highlights.
If arriving in style is a priority or you’d prefer to view the Island of the Gods from above, Soori Estate has its own private helipad – no wonder the Kardashians chose to stay here. When it comes to staying active and energised, Bora Bora One comes with a US Open standard tennis court; Praana Residence has its own Muya Thai boxing ring; and Villa Nag Shampa features a 20-person yoga shala that seems to float on water. And who could resist the waterslides at Ani Sri Lanka and Ani Thailand?
Room for an Entourage
The most exclusive villas were designed for hosting a full entourage, making them ideal for marking a special occasion – maybe a big anniversary, a family reunion or even a corporate retreat for the ages. It’s the greatest luxury to have everyone under the same roof and to have the living, dining and entertainment areas and swimming pools (most mega villas have multiple pools – Villa Nag Shampa has five) all to yourself. There’s no need to worry over logistics or race to the pool to secure a sunbed for the day. Instead, you can come and go as you please.
And when we say room for an entourage, we really mean it. Ani Thailand and Soori Estate both have 10 bedrooms, while Permata Ayung boasts 12. Ani Sri Lanka has a whopping 15 bedrooms, including seven suites with private plunge pools. And it’s not just the number of bedrooms that counts – it’s also the sheer amount of space you and your crew have all to yourself. Take Bora Bora One, which sits on a private 7.5-acre estate – that’s roughly four football fields of prime beachfront land all exclusive to you and your group.
Highly Trained Staff and Flawless Service
In today’s landscape, it’s very typical to book a “villa” that comes with little, if any, service. If you’re lucky, maybe the sheets are changed, and the garbage is cleared every two days. Not so in mega villas where you have a full army of staff to anticipate and fulfil your every need. In these villas, nothing – absolutely nothing – is too much trouble.
The sheer number of staff at these villas is staggering. Villa Nag Shampa has 20 full-time staff excelling in Balinese hospitality, while Ani Sri Lanka has a team of 30 to look after your every need. And it’s not just the numbers that count- it’s also the level of service. Take Samui’s Praana Residence. Not only is the villa staffed with a boxing instructor, but the instructor is actually one of the best boxers in Thailand. Ani Sri Lanka’s Executive Chef Cyril Human has previously worked at Aman and Soneva Fushi, while Ani Thailand’s Kanawat Ladnuch previously served as a private chef for one of the Thai princesses. It’s very telling that even at these incredible mansions, guests often credit the staff as the very best part of their stay.
Spotless Maintenance
This point might not sound quite as exciting as a private helipad or a personal boxing coach – but it is just as important. When a villa is impeccably looked after, you can feel it as you move through the property: perfectly polished floors beneath your bare feet; silky soft sheets against your bare skin.
The tropical climate in particular can be very harsh, even on the most stunning property. This is something we unfortunately saw a lot during the pandemic when some villas scaled back on maintenance. The lack of attention was immediately visible and very hard to recover from. To see a villa that’s kept in immaculate condition really speaks volumes. That incredible attention to detail will be reflected on every aspect of your stay.
Unforgettable, Bespoke Experiences
Most villas offer inspiring and entertaining activities for guests to choose from, including cooking classes, cultural arts and crafts, immersive local tours, in-villa yoga and more. But it’s the mega villas that really go the extra mile.
When a luxury villa organises a day trip to an ancient temple, they’re not only arranging a car and driver. They’ll also be calling ahead to arrange a traditional dance performance, immersing you in the local culture in a whole new way. These villas take activities and excursions and add a je ne sais quoi which turns them from fond memories into once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
We have inspected and stayed in the best villas in Asia. If you’d like expert assistance when planning your next holiday, contact us.
