Although excitement reaches fever pitch when a holiday is planned in advance and you have something to look forward to, nothing beats the thrill of a last-minute trip. Summer might be coming to an end but there are still plenty of fantastic deals on luxury villa rentals to be found as we edge into autumn; and with temperatures still soaring at the hot end of pleasing, there is no better time to book your dream getaway. If you want to give in to spontaneity by jetting off at a moment’s notice, you’ll want to consider these 10 last-minute special offers on luxury villa rentals.
1.Villa Pearl, St Tropez.
The stunning 5-bedroom Villa Pearl is located in beautiful private gardens, yet sits close to St. Tropez’s finest beaches. This high-class villa brings a touch Provencal living to the glamorous coast with its tranquil grounds, which are studded by olive trees and pines and surrounded by vineyards. The terrace offers alfresco dining and the interiors are sumptuously decorated in a classical style. A 15% discount is offered during the first two weeks of September. Alternatively, enjoy an even bigger discount for five nights at the end of September.
2. Villa Rhea, Kefalonia.
Discover the mesmerising Greek island of Kefalonia while staying at this luxurious villa, which perfectly emulates the island’s charm. Villa Rhea has a typically Greek exterior but the inside is the epitome of ultra-chic luxury with spa-style decor, vibrant African art and high-end facilities. It even has its own chapel and a stone amphitheatre with lights and a sound system – perfect to entertain groups of up to 50. This one-of-a-kind property has unbelievable offers for September and October.
3. Villa Zia, Ibiza.
Villa Zia is a cutting-edge hilltop retreat that, once experienced, will never be forgotten. Designed by a renowned architect in a modernist style, the light-flooded, airy interior exudes artistic sophistication. The rooftop offers some of the best sea and sunset views on the island and the grounds contain a private infinity pool and boules pitch. The huge panoramic windows ensure that guests always feel close to nature. However, if they prefer outdoor activities, guests can enjoy a free day out on a race boat if they book the villa during the last week of August or the beginning of September.
4. La Fraissinède, Languedoc.
Become the master of your own manor at La Fraissinede, a stunning property near the fairy tale town of Carcassonne. Sitting amid 120 acres of land, this unique conversion of an 18th-century winery combines original features with contemporary architecture. It accommodates 12-14 guests spread across the main house and a garden wing. Enjoy a 25% reduction and complimentary chef with stays from the end of August through September.
5. La Bergerie Terre Blanche, Provence.
La Bergerie de Terre Blanche is a majestic villa situated within the grounds of a five-star golf and spa hotel. Located in the heart of Provence, this classic villa enjoys spectacular views across beautiful landscaped gardens. It sleeps 12-16 guests in six ensuite bedrooms and has a luxurious home cinema for rare rainy days. It offers easy access to the beaches and glamorous nightlife of the French Riviera, though you will probably never want to leave its elegant grounds. La Bergerie has some fantastic deals from mid-September until November.
6. Villa Valentina, Ibiza.
You’ll have to be quick for this 15% discount offer since Villa Valentina is hugely popular and only has three remaining weeks of availability in September and October. This spacious and laid-back villa can easily accommodate 12 people in its lush and verdant grounds, which positively encourage outdoor living with an outdoor kitchen, dining area and a bar. The interior is equally well designed with rich and vibrant colours that evoke the image of a Moroccan souk without the bustle.
7. Beach Front Villa, Crete.
Hurry if you want to book a summer beach holiday in one of the most fantastic locations in Greece; bookings made before 31st August get a 10/15% discount. As its name suggests, Beach Front Villa is just steps from the beach and near to Elounda Gulf Villas’ beach club on the northeastern coast of Crete. It’s your own private paradise, complete with a sociable open-plan living area and plenty of quiet chill-out areas both indoors and out. The terrace around the spectacular freshwater swimming pool provides views out over the Gulf of Mirabello.
8. Casa Biondi, Tuscany.
Casa Biondi is an idyllic Italian retreat set amid the rolling hills of Tuscany. The 5-bedroom property is part of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, a 5,000-acre estate immersed in the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia Natural Park, just outside of Siena. The interior decor features original, terracotta vaulted ceilings, wooden beams, antiquities and luxurious modern amenities, as well as a library. For those who prefer advanced planning, this secluded haven is also available in spring with discounts of up to 40%.
9. Sa Terra Rotja, Majorca.
Sa Terra Rotja is a new addition to the luxury scene on the Spanish island of Majorca. It forms part of the Son Bunyola Estate (700 acres) in the rugged northwest of the island, which is home to a large 19th-century manor house. The 4-bedroom property comes with a private heated pool, surrounded by a spacious sunbathing terrace from which guests can enjoy the idyllic scenery of vines, fruit and olive trees, and the sea beyond. In August and September, you can pay for six nights and get an extra night free.
10. Leobo Private Reserve, South Africa.
Return to nature at Leobo Private Reserve in the heart of South Africa’s wilderness. This magnificent property is set in a private 12,000-acre game reserve within the malaria-free Waterberg Mountains. Everything about this place is state-of-the-art and offers a combination of comfort and adventure. It even has a research-grade observatory tower to view the night’s sky in world-class conditions. Free helicopter activities are offered on selected dates in September, November and January.
