Don't rent any private villa until you read this…
The Truth About Luxury Villa Rentals
In the March 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure magazine, Airbnb’s CEO made this shocking admission:
“The single largest complaint we get every single day is, ‘This is not what I expected.’“
It’s one thing when a $300 weekend cabin doesn’t match its photos. It’s entirely another when you’ve spent months planning a $30,000 family reunion in Sicily, only to arrive and find…
- Bedrooms smaller than advertised
- A “short walk to town” that’s actually a 45-minute hike
- A pool that’s more pond than paradise
- A villa that looks nothing like those carefully-angled website photos
With limited vacation time and three generations counting on you, there’s zero room for “not what I expected.”
That's Where Villa Match Comes In
With 25 years of experience arranging villa stays across five continents, I know just how to find that special place that will delight every generation – whether you’re planning a family reunion, a holiday escape, or a milestone anniversary celebration.
Every villa in our collection has been meticulously vetted 60 different ways.
More Than Just a Villa
I believe the best travel experiences happen away from the crowds, and I want the same for you. That’s why every villa comes with your own personal concierge – a local expert who speaks English and knows how to make things happen. It’s like having a well-connected friend in town who shares their favorite coffee shop, introduces you to the local fisherman’s wife who makes the best paella in Valencia, and reveals hidden beaches where tourists never venture.
From steering you away from tourist traps to handling special requests, your concierge smooths the way to experiences you simply can’t find on Google or in guidebooks. It’s these insider moments that turn into family stories told for years to come.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Villa (and extraordinary experiences)
Fill in your information and we’ll hop on a call to discuss your dream trip. Or drop us a line at info@travelvillaguide.com – whatever works best for you.
What Makes Villa Match Different?
TRUE SPECIALISTS
While others try to be everything to everyone, we focus solely on exceptional multi-generational villa experiences. It’s not just what we do – it’s all we do.
VETTED VILLAS
Properties are inspected through a rigorous 60-point checklist. If we wouldn’t stay there with our own family, we won’t recommend it to yours.
YOUR PERSONAL CONCIERGE
Each villa comes with an English-speaking local expert who becomes your personal “fixer” – handling everything from dinner reservations to last-minute special requests.
INSIDER ACCESS
Want to learn pasta-making from a nonna in her centuries-old kitchen? Skip the line at the Vatican? Or have a private after-hours tour of normally crowded museums? We make the impossible possible.
We get mail
Is Villa Match right for your family?
You’ll love working with us if . . .
- You want to hear, “OMG, this villa is even better than the photos!” instead of “This isn’t what we expected…”
- You’re too busy to spend countless hours researching villas and reading questionable reviews.
- You value insider knowledge over TripAdvisor’s top 10 lists.
- You’d rather go where the locals go than where the tourist buses go
- You want your family talking about this trip for years to come (for all the right reasons).
- You’d rather spend your precious vacation making memories, not managing logistics.
This ISN’T the right fit if . . .
- You love the thrill of booking unknown properties online (and don’t mind a few surprises).
- You prefer following crowds to discovering hidden gems.
- You’re planning a last-minute trip during peak season.
- You’re working with a tight budget (our carefully vetted luxury villas typically start at $1,200 per day).
Ready to start planning?
Fill in your information and we’ll set up a chat time to discuss your trip. You can also write us at info@travelvillaguide.com.
I recommend you start this process at least 6 months prior to your trip.
*** Important Note About Availability ***
To ensure each family receives the attention they deserve, I work with just 2-3 new clients each month. If you’re ready to start planning your dream villa vacation (and have a rough idea of dates), let’s talk. If you’re still in the early dreaming phase, I recommend bookmarking this page and returning when your plans are more concrete. This allows me to focus on families who are ready to begin their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age ranges are appropriate for your trips?
We’ve designed successful trips for families with toddlers to 90-year-old great-grandparents. Each villa is carefully chosen to accommodate your specific group’s mobility needs and comfort requirements.
How do you handle different ages and interests in one trip?
Picture this: While grandparents enjoy a private wine tasting on the villa terrace, parents might be taking a cooking class, and kids could be learning traditional crafts with a local artisan. We create flexible daily plans where family members can choose their perfect mix of together time and individual adventures.
What makes these truly luxury experiences?
Our definition of luxury goes beyond thread counts and infinity pools (though we ensure those details too). True luxury means:
- A villa that becomes your private sanctuary, perfectly matched to your family’s needs
- The freedom to create your own schedule, away from tourist crowds
- Space for everyone to come together or find quiet moments alone
- Access to exceptional experiences most travelers never discover
- Peace of mind knowing every detail has been thoughtfully arranged
- Most importantly: unhurried time with the people you love most
Do we really get our own personal concierge?
Absolutely – it’s standard with every booking. Your attentive and caring concierge is your local expert, there to help you navigate your travels with ease and make your stay more interesting.
Need a kid-friendly restaurant that grandmother will love too? They’ll guide you to those special spots that locals usually keep to themselves – the kind of places where they take their own friends when they visit.
Want help with transportation or translation? Looking for authentic local experiences? They handle it all. You’ll discover hidden gems that guidebooks miss, avoid overpriced tourist traps, and feel more connected to your destination – experiencing it like a welcomed guest, not an annoying tourist.
How do you choose your villas?
Out of 15 million vacation rentals online, we work with fewer than 500 properties worldwide. We start with beautiful family villas in stunning locations. Next we look for a WOW factor. Whether it’s a stunning view, unique décor, manicured gardens, gourmet kitchen, infinity pool, rare art — or a combination — we look for standout qualities.
Then each must pass an exhaustive 60-point inspection process covering everything from bed comfort to kitchen equipment to Wi-Fi strength. Including:
Location Verification
- Actual walking times to amenities
- Noise levels at different times
- Local area safety assessment
- Accuracy of “view” claims
Comfort & Quality
- Bed comfort and linen quality
- Kitchen equipment completeness & functionality
- Wi-Fi speed in all areas
- Pool temperature and maintenance
Service Standards
- Response time testing
- English-speaking staff availability
- Emergency procedures
- Local support network
We verify every property in collaboration with PlumGuide, creator of the world’s most meticulous villa vetting system. Only properties that pass three rounds of quality control make it into our exclusive collection.
What kinds of exclusive experiences can you arrange?
A few recent examples:
- A private after-hours visit to the Sistine Chapel
- Helicopter flight for a quick round at an exclusive golf course
- A sunset yacht cruise with a marine biologist
- Exploring hidden Paris with a professional photographer
- Living on a working farm and participating in the olive harvest
The possibilities are endless, and every experience is tailored to your family’s interests.
What about practical matters like transportation and logistics?
While we don’t book flights, we handle everything else: private drivers, local guides, restaurant reservations, activity scheduling, and any special requirements. Your villa’s concierge is available to handle unexpected needs or last-minute changes.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Absolutely – and we’ll connect you with providers who specialize in high-value villa vacations. Their comprehensive policies cover everything from trip cancellation to medical emergencies, giving you complete peace of mind.
How far in advance should we start planning?
For prime properties and peak seasons (especially summer and holidays), we recommend starting 9-12 months ahead. This ensures you get the perfect villa and allows time to arrange those special experiences that make your trip extraordinary.
What’s your cancellation policy?
We offer seven levels of flexibility, from fully refundable to discounted non-refundable options. We’ll help you choose the best fit for your comfort level.
Any tips for successful multi-generational travel?
After 25 years of planning family trips, here’s what works:
- Plan one special group activity each day
- Build in plenty of downtime
- Include some meals at the villa
- Keep flexible about who does what
- Create opportunities for different generations to bond one-on-one
We’ll guide you through all of this during the planning process.
What’s the investment and next steps?
Our carefully vetted luxury villas typically range from $1,200-$15,000 per night, depending on location, season, and size. Most families invest $20,000-$60,000 in their villa vacation (not including flights).
Your Villa Match Fee Includes:
- Personal consultation and villa matching
- Detailed planning of your custom itinerary
- Local dedicated concierge service
- Access to our network of trusted local experts
- Emergency support throughout your stay
- Priority booking for high-demand properties
Ready to Start Planning?
- Fill out the brief request form above
- Schedule your personal consultation
- Receive custom villa recommendations
- Begin crafting your perfect family experience
Important: Limited Availability
To maintain our high service standards, we accept just 2-3 new clients each month. Currently scheduling consultations for trips 6+ months out.
The best villas book 9-12 months in advance for peak seasons (June-September, Christmas, New Year’s). If you’re considering a trip during these times, we recommend starting the planning process early.
Contact us at info@travelvillaguide.com or fill out the form above to begin.
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