Where to stay

The Mediterranean is wonderfully diverse, offering everything from vibrant coastal hubs to peaceful corners where life moves to a hypnotic tempo. Among its many treasures are a smattering of quiet Mediterranean islands, shaped by small populations, limited ferry links and terrain that never quite suited large-scale development.

Rising serenely above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Villa Talamo is an 18th-century former monastery that has been lovingly restored to create an enchanting, character-filled Tuscan home. Set in a private, 10-acre coastal estate with a 19m-long infinity pool, direct sea access, and extensive, luxuriant gardens, Villa Talamo comes with 10 bedrooms, full service, including a chef, a long-standing reputation for entertaining in style, and a little black book of contacts that means nothing is off the menu when it comes to transforming a great villa holiday into an extraordinary event.

Rising above the cobalt waters of the Ionian Sea, Michaela is a glamorous Lefkada retreat for sophisticated groups of friends and couples looking to celebrate somewhere truly special. Sleeping up to 16 guests across eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, the contemporary villa combines crisp architecture with subtle colonial influences, spectacular sea views and a distinctly chic atmosphere. The accommodation is arranged between the main house and two independent guest apartments, giving everyone a degree of privacy while bringing the group together around the villa’s extraordinary outdoor spaces. With a 22m heated infinity pool, private sea access and a highly attentive team, Michaela is particularly well suited to milestone birthdays, anniversaries, reunions and stylish celebrations with friends.

At the top of one of Spetses’ most coveted hills, Cleonice is an impressive private estate made for bringing family and friends together. A long, cypress-lined driveway leads through 5.5 acres of gardens to a collection of beautifully designed buildings, with panoramic views across the island and sea. Sleeping up to 14 guests in seven en-suite bedrooms, it is an especially appealing setting for milestone birthdays, anniversaries and multi-generational celebrations. Just a 20-minute walk from Spetses Town, it offers the rare combination of a secluded estate and easy access to the island’s restaurants, beaches and harbour.

Originally built as a summer pied-à-terre for the socialite Lady Sarah Spencer-Churchill, Villa Aetos was conceived with entertaining, high-society soirées, and festive celebrations in mind. Privacy is guaranteed by the 60 acres of pine woods that seclude the property in a veil of greenery, and with nine fabulously spacious bedrooms, a pool, a virtually private beach at the bottom of the grounds, and a team of staff including cook at the ready, the scene is set perfectly for memory-making moments.

Set among the olive groves of Salento, a few kilometres from Puglia’s Ionian coast, Masseria Palaci is a beautifully restored former agricultural stronghold with the character, space and service to bring a large group together. Sleeping up to 18 guests in nine double bedrooms, all en suite, its accommodation is thoughtfully spread between the main house, an independent guest wing and the original two-storey tower, creating the feel of a private estate rather than a single villa. Original tuff stone, barrel-vaulted ceilings and pale limewashed walls sit alongside refined contemporary interiors, giving the property a distinctly stylish yet welcoming character. There is also a strong connection to the land. Fruit trees, orchards, herbs, vegetables and free-range hens provide produce for the kitchen, while the property's own beehives supply honey. Combined with the exceptional ingredients of Salento, this gives meals at Palaci a wonderfully local, seasonal quality.

Set above Kalo Livadi on the southeastern coast of Mykonos, Villa Theros offers a sophisticated take on the island’s unmistakable style. Sleeping up to 16 guests in eight bedrooms, the villa is arranged across a main house, a separate master suite and three independently accessed guest bedrooms, creating a sense of space and privacy that works particularly well for families and multigenerational groups. There is a distinctly bohemian spirit to Theros, but one that feels considered rather than clichéd. Rich fabrics, natural materials, contemporary art and carefully chosen furnishings give the interiors a warm, highly individual character.

Gazing out serenely over the blue waters of the Aegean Sea, Koralli is an immaculate villa in a truly magnificent location. It offers 9 en-suite bedrooms, manicured gardens, terraces galore, an 18m-long infinity pool, and garden gate access to a pebbly beach with a private jetty - perfect for carefree days exploring the coastline and the neighbouring island of Spetses by boat. A full staff, including cook, discreetly attend to guests needs, and when it comes to celebrating those milestone occasions, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Dashingly handsome and imbued with a warm, noble soul, Casina Cinquepozzi has a long history of welcoming distinguished guests in inimitable style. Today, with its 10 beautifully decorated bedrooms, a dedicated chef (all meals are included), a full team of staff, an atmospheric bar, a choice of convivial spaces for dining and gathering, and a roster of extra-special services, this ravishingly renovated property has taken its tradition of pampering, celebratory hospitality to new levels. Toasting life's great moments in such a place could hardly be sweeter.

Located in a prime position between the sparkling Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, and veiled by acres of fragrant lemon groves, Don Arcangelo all’Olmo is a villa with soul, heritage, and a timeless sense of elegance. Sleeping 24 in 12 en-suite bedrooms, and boasting a superb 18m-long heatable pool, this glorious property been an integral part of our portfolio for over 20 years. In that time it has welcomed innumerable groups of family and friends from all over the world. Some have come simply to spend quality moments with all their loved ones; many others have chosen the villa and its magical gardens to celebrate life’s great events, from significant birthdays and anniversaries to intimate weddings.

Perched above Sicily’s Ionian coast, Rocca delle Tre Contrade is an exceptional setting for bringing everyone together. A former aristocratic estate, the villa has been thoughtfully restored to combine its historic character with contemporary comfort, while its panoramic position looks across the sea towards Taormina and Mount Etna. Sleeping up to 24 guests in 12 bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, Rocca has hosted innumerable celebrations over the years, from milestone birthdays and anniversaries to large family gatherings and special events. Its combination of space, privacy and exceptional hospitality means that no two celebrations need ever be the same.

Western Sicily has a way of drawing you in gradually. Ancient temples stand alone among wheat-coloured hills, salt pans glow pink in the evening light, and vineyards run almost to the sea. Between them lie fishing harbours, hilltop towns, nature reserves and stretches of coastline that feel remarkably untouched by modern tourism.