Ultra wealthy seek private luxury residences
Today, true luxury is not about visibility, but about distance and discretion. There’s a desire for authentic experiences away from mainstream circuits, and not being recognized in the lobbies of multi-starred hotels. Privacy as a destination is the main status symbol for ultra-wealthy individuals, families, or groups.
For them, travel designers plan luxurious and authentic trips to private residences, complete with full hospitality. Villas, residences, and Italian palaces are available for a select few. One example is Palazzo Musmeci in Sicily, a 17th-century noble residence that has been restored and reopened as a luxury residence for private stays and events.
Luxury Residences
Palazzo Musmeci is one of the last extraordinary homes to join The Thinking Traveller’s collection of over 300 historic properties. The palace has two floors, covering 2,000 square meters, plus an additional 1,000 square meters of external courtyard and tropical vegetation. It features intimate salons surrounding a courtyard illuminated by natural light.
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The heart of the palace is the internal courtyard and the hidden pool, a surprise for guests. Another example of extreme luxury is Villa Beatrice, located between Paraggi and Portofino, which has been revamped and added to the Belmond portfolio. The majestic villa was designed by Art Nouveau architect Gino Coppedè in 1913 for Ligurian entrepreneur Attilio Odero.
Exclusive Villas
Villa Beatrice can accommodate up to 10 guests exclusively, with four suites in the main villa and one in the dépendance La Casetta. The villa features a private terrace that can host up to 30 people, as well as private access to the sea. Guests also have access to a 24-hour concierge, private chef, personal trainer, yoga instructor, and services from the nearby Splendido and Splendido Mare Hotel, including the Dior Spa.
Villa Porto Felice, built in the early 20th century and renovated in 2000, is located in Tremezzina on Lake Como. It represents l’ospitalità che verrà, with a focus on maximum privacy and longevity stays. The villa can accommodate up to eight guests at a time, with each couple having a dedicated suite and a private area for treatments.
Private Estates
Among the villa’s guests are members of European royal families, who are treated to a tailored service that is almost invisible, comparable to that of the best five-star hotels. The Masseria Pistola, located in the heart of the Valle D’Itria, is another example of a luxury villa that offers exclusive services, including a dedicated chef who prepares traditional Pugliese dishes.
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The villa is part of the Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes collection and features 10 bedrooms, some of which are located in trulli, as well as an independent cottage with a pool. La Réserve, a brand of exclusive residences founded by Michel Reybier, has debuted in Florence with a Renaissance palace in the Oltrarno district. The idea is to create a unique hospitality experience that differs from traditional resorts or boutique hotels.
The palace features six apartments, a secret bar, and common areas such as a lounge, billiard room, library, and gym, with coffered ceilings, and an art collection that reflects the Medici spirit. There is also a Green Court for relaxation. Room service is provided by the historic Camillo trattoria in the neighborhood.
Borgo Pignano Volterra, a country estate near San Gimignano, is another example of a Tuscan retreat, immersed in 300 ettari of bosco and colline.
