What would you say warrants an extraordinary villa? Is it its location, among the olive groves and Minervois vineyards, just a stone’s throw from the rising medieval citadel of Carcassonne? Is it picturesque and romantic, a charming art studio on the beautiful banks of the Dordogne? A waterfront Grecian estate complete with an infinity pool, tennis court, and marble statues?
For the guests who have travelled with us this year, it seems all these things can be true. We’ve rounded up the holiday homes that have received the most five-star reviews in 2026. Tried, tested and confirmed extraordinary.
Villa Laviniere
There are parts of France where it feels impossible to take a bad photograph; Minervois wine country is one of them. Villa Laviniere looks out across a landscape of vineyards and rolling countryside, with its own pool, shaded terrace and just the right spot for a barbecue. Carcassonne and its great medieval citadel are close enough for a day out, but we suspect the view from home has persuaded more than a few guests to stay put.
Atelier Shambhala
Atelier Shambhala is proof that extraordinary needn’t have to mean enormous. Once an art studio, its airy interiors, gallery bedroom and carefully chosen artwork reflect its former life. Outside, there’s a walled garden with a jacuzzi, while steps nearby lead down to the Dordogne for a morning swim or an afternoon beside the river. Apple orchards, vineyards and medieval villages make this a wonderfully romantic little corner of south-west France.
Villa Idyll
Villa Idyll sits among an olive grove, citrus trees and gardens, with a swimming pool looking out towards the Gulf of La Spezia. Antique pieces lend character to the contemporary interiors, while outside, a laurel tree shades the dining table and a pizza oven and pool bar stand ready for the evening. The name, we feel, is well earned.
Le Petit Citronnier
Le Petit Citronnier brings together two of Provence’s greatest pleasures: a beautiful old house and a village you can wander straight into. Its stone walls, exposed beams and original tiles were carefully preserved during the renovation, while the garden has a pool, summer kitchen and terrace of its own. A boulangerie, cafés and restaurants are just beyond the front door, with Saint-Rémy-de-Provence just ten minutes away.
Villa Des Moulins
From Villa Des Moulins, the view takes in the château of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, forested mountains and Lake Annecy just a short walk downhill. Summer means paddleboarding and days beside the water, while winter puts the ski slopes of La Clusaz within easy reach. Add fireside evenings and big family dinners, and it’s suddenly quite easy to imagine returning in every season.
Exi Estate
Exi Estate is a private waterfront Cretan estate with a Davis Cup-sized tennis court, a grand piano, an antique billiards table, olive groves and its own Greek Orthodox chapel. A staircase leads from the garden to a private platform beside the sea, while the infinity pool appears to run straight towards it. Grand, eccentric and utterly memorable, it’s easy to see why guests have fallen for it.
Apartment Teodoro
Not every holiday home requires acres of grounds; sometimes it’s enough to open the front door and find a city waiting for you. Apartment Teodoro occupies a handsome Pombaline building in the heart of Baixa, pairing its historic setting with contemporary interiors. Rossio, Lisbon Cathedral and the neighbourhood’s cafés and restaurants are all close by, making this the sort of place where days can begin with absolutely no plan and become all the better for it.
Lakehouse Annecy
There are lake views, and then there is waking up almost on the water itself. Lakehouse Annecy sits on the shores of one of France’s most beautiful alpine lakes, with a private pontoon reaching into the clear water and terraces made for watching the mountains change colour as the day goes on. Light interiors and nine bedrooms give everyone room to spread out, although we imagine most guests will want to spend much of their stay on the lake itself.
Villa Bellamare
At Villa Bellamare, Sicily seems to distil itself into its most irresistible elements – sea, sun and somewhere lovely to stay. The villa occupies a dramatic position above the coast, with the swimming pool facing an uninterrupted horizon and a little cove hidden just along the cliff. Five bedroom suites each have their own patio, while the pergola and long outdoor table are waiting for al fresco dinners. The Baroque beauty of Noto lies nearby, should anyone manage to tear themselves away.
Maison Jouas
Maison Jouas disappears down a private drive between woodland and fields, opening onto three hectares of countryside and sweeping valley views. Its interiors are refined without feeling precious, while outside, you can spend your time around the pool, cooking pizzas in the wood-fired oven and watching the landscape turn gold in the evening. There’s even a bedroom tucked into the old pigeonnier tower – the kind of detail that stays with you.
These are the villas our guests loved most in 2026, but there are plenty more waiting to become favourites. Start planning your 2027 stay and find the villa you’ll be talking about long after you’re home.
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From the Press: Our Most Loved Villas of 2026
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