The Founder
About Paul Partridge
Paul Partridge is a writer, photographer, and family travel expert whose work has appeared in Forbes.com, International Living, and The Washington Post. For nearly three decades, he has explored five continents in search of travel experiences that create real connection — between people, and between travelers and the places they visit.
After organizing countless reunions for family, friends, and relatives — complete with missteps, wins, surprises, and the occasional curveball — Paul has learned exactly what makes group travel, villa stays, and celebration vacations truly work.
His background and on-the-ground research help families choose the right villa and shape experiences that encourage deeper connection: shared time that feels natural, meaningful, and easy rather than over-planned.
Why Paul does this
"Because the best memories happen when people come together in a beautiful place — and when they feel genuinely connected to each other and to where they are."
WARNING: Our villas have
no hormetic stressors.
Have you noticed the latest wellness craze?
Apparently, our lives have gotten too comfortable. So now people are intentionally making themselves uncomfortable “for health.”
“Hormetic stressors” I believe is the trendy name.
Fasting (also known as starving). Cold plunges. 105-degree hot yoga. Marathons. Triathlons. Ultramarathons. All very . . . invigorating.
But here’s the thing:
While some people choose discomfort on purpose, we believe special-occasion vacations should create space – for conversations, laughter, shared meals, and unhurried time together. Connection doesn’t come from endurance tests. It comes from being present.
Our hand-picked villas don’t have stressors. They’re cushy. With comfy beds. Gorgeous gardens. Spectacular views. Fully equipped kitchens. In-home cinemas and game rooms.
You may have to tolerate lounging by a private pool or sipping Prosecco in a jacuzzi. Consider yourself warned.
If you’re committed to the hormetic lifestyle, you can always:
- Do burpees in the private gym
- Meditate at sunrise on the balcony
- Fast while everyone else enjoys the chef’s spectacular meals
- Walk to town instead of calling a car
And if you absolutely must have your cold plunge, your concierge can pull cubes from the ice machine and draw you a bath. Although we recommend saving the ice for cocktails.
Are We a Good Fit for Your Celebration?
- You’ll love working with Travel Villa Guide if…
- You want a Celebration Vacation that brings everyone together in one place without the stress.
- You like saving up to 50–55% vs. luxury hotels when traveling as a group.
- You prefer vetted, curated villa recommendations instead of sifting through thousands of listings.
- You’d rather hear “This villa is even better than the photos!” than risk a disappointing surprise.
- You want authentic, local experiences —hidden beaches, family-run wineries, and moments that help you feel connected to the place, not just entertained by it.
- You value quality time together and want a milestone trip your family or friends talk about for years.
- You’d rather spend your trip making memories, not managing logistics.
- We might not be the right fit if...
- You enjoy booking unknown properties and don’t mind rolling the dice.
- You prefer crowds, tourist hotspots, and rigid group itineraries.
- You’re planning last-minute travel during peak season.
- You’re working with a tight budget (our recommended villas typically range from $1,500–$50,000+ per night).
- You want a self-service platform without personal guidance.
A Few Fun Facts
About Paul
- 01 Struck by lightning. Explains the hair situation on humid days.
- 02 Strawberry Twizzlers = road-trip fuel.
- 03 Once worked with Walter Cronkite.
- 04 Karaoke incident in Australia. Never again.
- 05 Got a handwritten compliment from Liz Smith.
- 06 Separates bananas because he swears it slows the ripening.
- 07 Once got locked inside a Zurich bell tower while shooting photos.
- 08 Tears up at The Voice, Wicked, and sometimes airline commercials.
- 09 Everything he knows about life, he learned as a teenage caddy.
