We’re sure, like us, at some point you’ve been flicking through the glossy pages of a magazine when – suddenly – you’re overcome by an almost unreasonable degree of longing. “What an incredible pool,” you might think. “What a beautiful beach!” “I just have to cook in that kitchen!”
We’re sorry to say that this year, Oliver’s Travels has been responsible for a fair amount of reader envy, courtesy of some truly extraordinary villas. Highlights include a contemporary stone-built retreat overlooking the island of Spinalonga in Crete, a Marrakech villa with a private heated pool, home cinema, hammam – and, apparently, the best dining in the city – and a 19th-century Sicilian villa surrounded by lemon trees and bougainvillaea, with sweeping views of Taormina.
Fortunately, these objects of envy are very much attainable. Book one, and you could find yourself swimming in that pool, sitting on that beach, or – if you’re lucky – boiling pasta water in the most amazing kitchen.
Here are the villas the press loved most in 2026.
Villa Hislop
“Wholly indulgent.” – Condé Nast Traveller With ten beautiful bedrooms, an infinity pool overlooking Spinalonga and more than a few indulgences, Villa Hislop certainly knows how to make an impression. Above the Cretan village of Plaka, this contemporary stone-built retreat has a private platform for swimming in the sea, a sauna, cinema room and two Jacuzzis. Yet, as Condé Nast Traveller discovered, there’s something wonderfully homely about its vast, light-filled living spaces. Add an enormous terrace for al fresco dinners, and we suspect you’d be cancelling your plans for tomorrow, too.
Villa Dar Saliha
“The best dining in Marrakech.” – Forbes Quite a claim in a city celebrated for its food, but Forbes found something special at Villa Dar Saliha. Here, guests can arrange for a private cook to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes to enjoy in the comfort of their own villa. Set within Marrakech’s Samanah Country Club, the five-bedroom home combines intricately carved wood and traditional zellige tiles with views towards the Atlas Mountains. There’s also a hammam, rooftop cinema and terrace for watching the sunset.
Villa Sofia
“Waking up in Villa Sofia is what I imagine dying and going to heaven must be like.” – Condé Nast Traveller High praise indeed! Above the whitewashed town of Salobreña on Spain’s Costa Tropical, Villa Sofia has floor-to-ceiling glass, bright interiors and uninterrupted views across the Alboran Sea. Outside, there’s a heated swimming pool, a terrace and a fruit garden growing mangoes, guavas, oranges and pomegranates. Condé Nast Traveller came here to celebrate a milestone birthday; we suspect waking up to that extraordinary blue horizon made the occasion all the more memorable.
Azure Isle Vista
“Enveloped by natural beauty.” – Condé Nast Traveller In a wooded hillside above Croatia’s Kvarner Gulf, Azure Isle Vista enjoys a spectacular position overlooking the Adriatic. This five-bedroom retreat cascades down the hillside, with a saltwater infinity pool and terraces surrounded by rosemary and lavender. Even the local wildlife seems to approve, with Condé Nast Traveller spotting griffon vultures circling overhead. Each bedroom opens onto its own balcony or terrace, while a hammam and cinema room offer further reasons to unwind.
The Water Tower at Sandringham
“Like an image from a children’s book.” – Tatler Built in 1877 to supply fresh water to Sandringham House, The Water Tower at Sandringham has since found a glamorous calling as a retreat for two. Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, designed the duck-egg blue interiors, while historic royal photographs and keepsakes offer reminders of its distinguished surroundings. At the top, a rooftop terrace looks out across the King’s private Norfolk estate, with some 20,000 acres of parkland beyond. And as Tatler discovered, a royal encounter isn’t entirely out of the question – theirs courtesy of the late Queen’s corgis.
Villa Boutique June
“A teen (and parent) dream.” – Women’s Health Anyone who’s attempted a holiday with teenagers will appreciate the importance of a little space. And Villa Boutique June, a beautifully designed five-bedroom retreat on the Costa Blanca, has a particularly clever solution. As Women’s Health discovered, a separate downstairs apartment gives the adults some welcome peace while the teenagers enjoy the run of the upper floor. Outside, there is an amphitheatre-style sunbathing area beside the pool, complete with fringed parasols and an outdoor kitchen for barbecues and homemade pizzas. The beach is just a short walk away, and there’s even an enormous gong to summon everyone for dinner.
Villa Taja
“Impeccably designed.” – The Times Deep in Slovenia’s Kočevje forests, Villa Taja has been thoughtfully built using local stone and timber, with interiors that feel every bit as peaceful as the surrounding landscape. There’s a sunny courtyard for morning coffee, a herb garden and a wonderful outdoor fireplace for evenings beneath the stars. Forest trails begin nearby, while the River Kolpa offers kayaking and days on the water. Back at the villa, a Finnish sauna and outdoor jacuzzi await. The Times included this characterful retreat among its chicest escapes in Eastern Europe, and it’s not hard to see why.
Villa Liberty
“A real showstopper.” – The Telegraph Built in 1860, Villa Liberty has had plenty of time to perfect its good looks. High vaulted ceilings, terracotta floors and antique furnishings give this Sicilian home its wonderful character, but the real spectacle awaits outside. Its 3,000m² Mediterranean garden is filled with bougainvillaea, lemon and almond trees, with terraces looking across Taormina’s ancient Greek theatre and the Ionian Sea. The town’s restaurants, boutiques and historic streets are just a short walk away, although breakfast overlooking that view might well become the day’s main draw. It’s no surprise The Telegraph named it among Italy’s best villas for summer 2026.
These are the villas the press loved most in 2026, but there are plenty more extraordinary places yet to have their moment in print. Book your 2027 escape now, and you could be staying in next year’s most talked-about villa.
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