About us
Extraordinary Villas
Lifelong Memories
Life is fleeting and time is precious, that’s why we believe in the importance of creating lifelong memories - with family, with friends, with those who matter most. Memories that are priceless, that evoke joy, deepen connections, and give us meaning.
The best villa holidays are the ones where nothing is too much trouble - where you arrive somewhere truly exceptional and step into a world of unhurried luxury, where time is completely your own and you can surrender to the here and now. At The Thinking Traveller, our passion is to provide an extraordinary villa experience, leaving you to create lifelong memories with loved ones.
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Created and Run by Locals
Originating over 20 years ago, our founders began with a simple idea: to share their deep love and intimate knowledge of their homelands through a collection of exceptional homes and unique experiences, giving discerning travellers the opportunity to live like a local.
24 years on, The Thinking Traveller continues to curate a collection of exceptional homes and villas in the Mediterranean that are exclusively available with us, giving a stamp of quality that you can trust. We don’t aspire to have the biggest collection of villas, because we still personally and regularly visit every one of our homes, only villas imbued with heart, soul and an inimitable sense of local magic make it into The Thinking Traveller family.
The Thinking Traveller Story
2002
Our Beginning in Sicily
Inspired by spending a night on Stromboli, Huw and Rossella Beaugié found what will become The Thinking Traveller, launching with seven exclusive Sicilian villas and pioneering our "quality through exclusivity" philosophy.
2009
Discovering Puglia
In response to loyal clients asking us to expand beyond Sicily, we unveil a collection of Puglian villas, serendipitously timing our entry as travellers begin to discover the heel of Italy's boot. Our gorgeous properties fill a gap in the market for high-quality villa experiences.
2011
First Global Accolade
Readers of Condé Nast Traveller vote us 'Best Villa Rental company in the world' for the first time.
2013
Across to the Greek Islands
Captivated by the beauty of Greece, we cross the Ionian Sea to start Think Ionian Islands in Lefkada and Meganissi. Corfu, Paxos and Antiparos soon follow.
2014
The Thinking Traveller
As our presence flourishes throughout the Mediterranean, we unite our regional collections under one distinguishing name, The Thinking Traveller. We launch online booking.
2016
Setting a New Standard
We add a range of villas in the Greek Sporades Islands and are named Best Villa Rental Company in the World for a second time.
2017
Bonjour Corsica
We introduce a carefully selected Corsican collection, bringing our signature standard of excellence to this unspoiled Mediterranean treasure. We are voted Best Villa Rental Company in the World for the third time.
2021
A Powerful Partnership
We join forces with White Key Villas, founded by Dimitris and Anna, and significantly expand our Greek portfolio with villas in the Cyclades, the Saronic Islands and more. We open an office in Athens and win our seventh world-class accolade.
2023
B Corp Certification
Achieving B Corp status affirms our unwavering commitment to sustainability and to safeguarding the exceptional destinations we curate, principles embedded in our foundation from inception.
2023
Ninth World Title
We celebrate winning our ninth award as Condé Nast Traveller's Best Villa Rental Company in the World, another reaffirmation of the trust our clients place in us.
2024
The Tuscan Coast Unveiled
In anticipation of the 2025 season, we launch our Tuscan coastline collection, offering an entirely fresh perspective on this storied region.
2026
We launch Sardinia
We unveil a handpicked collection of villas in Sardinia, a destination that our clients have been asking us about for several years.
Industry Recognition
We are proud to have been voted ‘Best Villa Rental Company in the World’ for a 10th time this year at Condé Nast Traveller's Readers’ Choice Awards.
Thoughtful service to create memorable trips
Our local teams craft experiences that open secret doors into the soul of each region: whether wandering through sun-drenched vineyards, sailing into the horizon on a private boat, or rising above it all in a helicopter. You might master the local cuisine with a cooking class, view an under the radar exhibition or snorkel in crystalline waters.
Responsible Business
We believe in travelling thoughtfully and sustainably. We’re a proud B Corp company and through our work with organisations such as the Conservation Collective we continue to support vital environmental projects across our regions.
Browse our Exclusive Villas
With every extraordinary villa and meticulously crafted experience, we invite you to step beyond the ordinary - where the Mediterranean is not just seen, but truly lived in the most memorable way, just as our founders intended.
Villa Matchmaking service
Because our local experts have personally visited each of our destinations, we know exactly what makes them special. Tell us what your ultimate villa holiday looks like, and allow us take care of the rest
