Every year, our destination experts find truly extraordinary places to add to our collection; from lighthouse-like hideaways to conical-roofed trulli and even a chateau built into medieval ruins! After all, our motto is Why Do Ordinary? So it makes sense for us to have a wild and wonderful collection of one-of-a-kind holiday homes up our sleeves. This is our list of 10 quirky places to stay this year.
1. Casa Coyote, St Lucia
Sleeps: 4
A true tropical paradise, Casa Coyote will surely delight those seeking a totally private hideaway with elevated views over the striking cerulean sea below. Inside is a blend of gorgeous dark-wood furnishings and cooling white tones with a distinct Indonesian style which goes hand in hand with the swaying palms outdoors. But it’s exactly there, the outdoors, where you’ll spend your days relaxing in the Caribbean heat, going for cooling dips in the pool and gazing out on endless views from the clifftop gazebo. Beautiful white sand beaches and an 18-hole golf course are just minutes away too. Bliss.
2. Castillo de Arena, Costa Blanca
Sleeps: 6-10
Perched on a clifftop overlooking the beach and ocean, this lighthouse-like stunner is Castillo de Arena, a superb spot for 6-10 people to enjoy a sunny holiday near the lovely town of Villajoyosa. The inside is warm and homely with chunky furniture and calming places to relax, but it’s the outside that makes this place special. The beautiful terrace area with pool, palms and a bar is perfect for enjoying beneath the sunshine and becomes even more beautifully atmospheric when the sun sets. Fire up the barbie and enjoy dinners al fresco.
3. Villa Il Faro, Amalfi Coast
Sleeps: 12
This artistically designed villa wouldn’t look out of place on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces! Sitting on the hillside of Cala Vadella and overlooking the stunning countryside views, Villa Il Faro has a main villa and two separate bungalows, so everyone can get a bit of privacy. Popping with bright colours inside and out, and full-length windows in the rooms, you can fully appreciate your surroundings! Let’s be honest, you’ll struggle to find another villa like it (and that’s before mentioning the tree trunks in some of the rooms!).
4. Trulli Peppe, Puglia
Sleeps: 8
Now, we couldn’t write a blog about some of our most quirky places to stay without including at least one of our gorgeous Trullis. Conical shaped and overflowing with character, if you wanted to experience a traditional, authentic Italian holiday then, Trulli Peppe is the place to do it. The interior of this stone-walled delight is filled with chic furnishings, making it even more charming; outdoors there’s a private swimming pool and dining terrace surrounded by nature… seriously photo-worthy.
5. The Brick House & Annexe, Hampshire
Sleeps: 12
Rising impressively through the trees of the New Forest National Park, The Brick House & Annexe is the perfect spot for a break in southern England. This former brickworks is chock full of character with original wood beams and that fantastic brick chimney, all the while containing modern comforts. Its enviable position beside the river Beaulieu means outdoor pursuits are in abundance too, which is sure to please 12 nature-loving guests.
6. Paradise, South Africa
Sleeps: 8
This thoroughly unique home is really something. Paradise is an architectural gem that will leave you agog both inside and outside, with plush furnishings, lashings of terracotta and artisan pieces, as well as those striking ant-hill-like structures, you’ll probably find yourself just staring at the home during your stay! What’s more, it’s set on a 275-hectare nature reserve where animals roam freely, including a herd of giraffes. Enjoy the stunning ocean vistas that are totally uninterrupted… except maybe by your long-necked neighbours!
7. Chateau de Baloigne, Rhone-Alpes
Sleeps: 15-18
Set within the ruins of a medieval castle and dating back to the 12th century, you’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale at Chateau De Baloigne. Surrounded by pine trees, with French decor, 21st-century touches, and a pretty river below, there’s everything you need for a comfortable stay while being immersed in the incredible history of the building. Don’t miss the original dungeon below!
8. Riad Gypsum, Marrakech
Sleeps: 6-14
Perfectly nestled in the heart of Marrakech, traditional meets uber luxe at Riad Gypsum. From decorative interiors and intricate touches to the dazzling courtyard and enchanting roof terrace, every aspect of this quirky villa is utterly beautiful. Relax in the hammam and enjoy treatments in the spa, star gaze on the terrace or take a trip to the breathtaking Atlas Mountains with your own tour guide.
9. Villa Krystal, Turkey
Sleeps: 6-8
Villa Krystal, a four-bedroom luxury retreat in Dalyan, Turkey, is the perfect quirky retreat for families, with its large circular pool, extensive gardens, and stunning mountain views. Its traditional Mediterranean exterior contrasts with the modern, light-filled interiors, while the grounds play host to an outdoor kitchen and shaded terrace. This blend of tradition and modernity makes for a quirky and luxe design, and the interiors are tastefully decorated with contemporary artwork and neutral-hued furniture. The setting is equally characterful, with the villa located directly in front of a magnificent, rugged mountain in the small town of Dalyan.
10. Inara Camp – Suite Nineteen
Sleeps: 2
Suite Nineteen at Inara Camp gives the quirky villa brief a desert turn. In the Agafay Desert, just outside Marrakech, this private tent swaps walls for canvas, corridors for sand and the usual swimming-pool view for something a sweep of pale dunes, hard light and very large skies.
Inside, it has a king-size bed, private bathroom with hot water, a cosy lounge area and reversible air conditioning. Breakfast is included, the camp’s pool waits after dusty excursions, and evenings are best kept simple – dinner under the stars, and the particular quiet that only the desert seems to be able to manage.
Feeling a one-of-a-kind villa stay this year? We’ve got hundreds more quirky villas in our collection! Check out the whole portfolio of homes around the world on Oliver’s Travels and get in touch with our friendly concierge team, who will be happy to help you book all manner of fabulous extra services.
