There will always be a time and place for the beloved hotel waffle maker, but travellers are beginning to lean away from structured stays in favor of the personalised experience of private villas.
Since the pandemic, privacy and flexibility have become increasingly important to vacationers. Adjoining rooms and pre-made itineraries no longer make the cut. Travelers are also looking for a memorable experience with meaningful connections to culture. Staying in a private villa at an island destination is checking off those boxes, making them an idyllic blend of tourism and R&R.
A New Era of Island Travel
Islands are rich in culture, with charming communities, untouched nature to take in, and some of the tastiest food on Earth. Island getaways are not new, but new travelers are finding them the perfect places for relaxing or exploring.
In the spirit of a true getaway, vacationers are veering away from the hustle and bustle of all-inclusive resorts. Instead, they’re booking a villa holiday in St Barts where they can wake up early to enjoy the peaceful hours while watching the sun rise over pristine, white sandy beaches, or sleep in until noon and unwind with some windsurfing later in the day.
The Private Villa Advantage
This year, people are turning to vacations as an opportunity to detox from the digital world and focus on stillness and peace. These “Calmcations” are difficult to achieve with a rowdy group in the room next door, but luxury villas in Ibiza are giving seekers of tranquility some control over their atmosphere when they need it.
Long honeymoons are also on the rise. Rather than the traditional immediate honeymoon trip, couples are saving up and holding off until they can make the most of their time away. Villas give these couples privacy over family-frequented resorts, enjoying romantic ocean views and spontaneous nightlife adventures.
As accommodating as a private bungalow in Bali can be for a couple, an authentic Italian villa can do the same for a large family. Travelers are more likely to bring along extended family as an opportunity to spend quality time together. When they book a family villa in Italy, they get a real-life view of vineyards from the terrace and a private pool with no curfew.
Local Economic Impact
A growing concern around tourism is the impact travelers have on local communities. Generations are becoming increasingly aware of their footprint and paying closer attention to environmental practices.
These conscious wanderers are looking for opportunities to enjoy the culture and give back to it. Villa tourism often supports the local economy, especially through complimentary concierge services. Beyond having rentals located in the heart of community shops and markets, guests can have their villas stocked by local staff with groceries before their arrival and have local chefs prepare meals in their villa’s full kitchen.
Travelers can also bypass typical options to find environmentally friendly spaces. Sites like Villa Finder vet their properties and have dedicated lists of sustainably certified villas at popular island destinations.
The Future of Travel Is Flexible
The structure of cruises, built-in amenities of resorts, and convenience of hotels all still have their day, but travelers are becoming more intentional in their trip planning, and that’s opening up new doors to villas. Whether getting away from it all, such as avoiding shoulder-to-shoulder elevator rides with strangers, or looking for adventure after finishing remote work under a privately shaded garden, villas are a trending option to consider when booking your next trip.
By Felysha Walker
