A successful year for Seychelles luxury villa rentals

Art de Vivre has seen an unprecedented 20% increase in bookings from our luxury private villas in the Seychelles this past year. We began in 2003 as Villas de Maitre Ltd and evolved into Art de Vivre a decade later, after huge success in the Indian Ocean. Whilst we have expanded our property rental portfolio internationally, we are proud to continue our success in the Indian Ocean. 

We have three high-end properties in the Seychelles:

Li Al Do Maison

Residence on the Rocks

Villa Praslin

The first two are located in the south of main island Mahé. Whilst the third, Villa Praslin, is a rare beachfront property on the second-largest island, Praslin.

Each of the three villas are unique and offer guests privacy and stunning views. They are fully-staffed with house managers who organize clients’ entire stay.

The villas are first and foremost second homes and are owned by investors from Switzerland, Italy, U.K. and Mauritius. Potential clients who appreciate the architectural beauty and locations of the villas rent them from 1,500 to 5,500 Euros per night.

We have built strong relationships with our villa and chalet owners around the world but we have known and worked with the owners of the Seychelles villas since Villas de Maitre’s debut in 2003. Li Al Do Maison’s owner has kindly offered the villa, as a grand prize in the Princess Alexandra NHS Trust Charitable fund – Breast Unit raffle prize draw at the London Boat Show 2016 this week. We love bringing business to such charitable and congenial owners that we have known for over a decade.

Read our feature written on Art de Vivre's success in the Seychelles

If you are interested in renting a designer villa in the Seychelles, we encourage you to make an enquiry or call us on +44 (0) 1296 334138.

James Bond's Top International Villas

James Bond knows a thing or two about the high life. With box office smash Spectre seeing Bond travelling the globe once again, we take a look at the villas that would most please the silver screen’s most stylish secret agent.

SPECTRE
CASA TRES SOLES, MEXICO

One of the most talked about scenes in Spectre is the action-packed opening sequence set at the Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Mexico City. Bond has a hard time in the film, barely getting a chance to soak up the scenery. But if he did, we are sure he’d feel right at home at Casa Tres Soles. Situated just an hour and a half’s flight from the capital by private jet, Casa Tres Soles is the kind of beautiful, secluded villa that meets all the needs of the original international man of mystery. There are endless coves nearby to explore by boat, and a wraparound pool for soaking up the sun with martini in hand. When Dia de los Muertos comes around, make sure you have a mask ready.

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DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
LEOBO OBSERVATORY VILLA, SOUTH AFRICA

Sean Connery’s final official appearance as 007 saw him jetting off to South Africa to stop Ernst Stavro Blofeld building a giant laser out of diamonds. If you want to follow in Connery’s footsteps, Leobo Observatory Villa might be the place for you. Built into the bush, Leobo Observatory is full of genius design that would make even Q proud. On top of the research-quality observatory for midnight stargazing, Leobo Reserve offers countless Bond-style activities to engage in. Sky diving, helicopter flying, rock climbing and quad bike safari are all readily available for those who want to live fast and die another day.

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GOLDENEYE
VILLA C-VIEW, COTE D’AZUR

In GoldenEye, Pierce Brosnan can be seen spending time in the luxury casinos of Monte-Carlo, and surveying the port of Monaco after dark. If you would like to pull up in this port and try your hand at baccarat, Villa C-View is the perfect place for you to retreat to. With minimalist modern decor and unrivalled views of the Riviera, this villa is a contemporary spin on the traditional James Bond glamour.

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THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN
INIALA BEACH HOUSE RESIDENCE, THAILAND

The Man with the Golden Gun saw Roger Moore facing off with Christopher Lee in several Asian locations. The film takes place primarily in Thailand, which is also the location of the wonderful Iniala Beach House Residence. This complex is a collection of three villas and one utterly unique penthouse. Designed by people almost as well-travelled as Bond himself, the complex features a gourmet restaurant, a fantastic bar/games room and, of course, brilliant views of the Thai coast. It is right on the beach, after all.

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ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE
CHALET ZERMATT PEAK, SWITZERLAND

George Lazenby only played James Bond once, but he still managed to appear in one of the most iconic scenes in the entire franchise: the Alpine ski chase in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The ski chase has since become a staple of the Bond film, with several subsequent entries in the series (including this year’s Spectre) seeing 007 get into various ski-related scrapes. For those who want to create their own ski chase, Chalet Zermatt Peak in Switzerland is the perfect place to stay. Built into the side of a mountain with private tunnel access, walk-in wine cellar and luxurious wellness spa, Chalet Zermatt Peak has everything you need after an edge-of-your-seat ski scenario.

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THUNDERBALL
VILLA TAGOMAGO, PRIVATE ISLAND, THE BALEARICS

A lot of the action in Thunderball takes place on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. This island has its own appeal, but for a real island paradise of your own, Villa Tagomago is the place to go. Perhaps the most Bond-like villa in our collection, Tagomago is close to the glamour of Ibiza’s exclusive private bars, but entirely secluded at the same time. Reachable by its own private mooring, the island comes with access to two boats and two jetskis. Several more ‘toys’ are available, including the Mangusta 108 yacht that can reach 40 knots; and a Boston Whaler 320 with an electric grill.

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THE NEXT BOND FILM
VILLA AQUA, AUSTRALIA

Whether or not Daniel Craig reprises his role, we are promised in the end credits of Spectre that JAMES BOND WILL RETURN. But where will he go this time? Our suggestion is a country that, surprisingly, 007 has never visited: Australia. Specifically, he should go to the Great Barrier Reef, where no doubt he can find some nefarious underwater activity on a scuba diving expedition. If you want to beat Bond to it, you should consider staying in Villa Aqua. With its own helipad, library, cinema and private marina, this villa is truly fit for a globe-trotting super-spy.

If much like James Bond, you are all about the details, you can read further information on our Worldwide Villas, European Villas and Alpine Chalets. When it comes to experiencing James Bond-level glamour for your stay, nobody does it better than Art de Vivre.

Room for Everyone: Large Family Villas for Rental

Large Verbier Chalet, Summer Breakfast in the Alps

Private Designer Cinema in Large Phuket Villa

Bali Designer Villa, Family Dining

Horse riding with Family in Africa

Learning golf with your children, Mauritius

Cosy Bunkbeds in the Swiss Alps, Verbier

Dining in style surrounded by family, Alpine Chalet

Alfresco Dining with family in French Countryside, Cote d'Azur

Written by Julie Gauthier, Founder & Director, Art de Vivre

We are often approached by clients to find a villa for a large family get together. With grandchildren, son-in-laws and distant cousins, all needing enough space and activities, what seemed like a good idea initially can become a stressful task for the host. Sound familiar?

Pleasing everyone and finding the perfect balance of location and property is where our expertise is invaluable. Luckily many of our private properties are made for large gatherings with vast areas of space in the gardens and living areas, separate sleeping areas, as well as many different areas for dining around the property.

While some guests will prefer a quiet relaxing time around the villa, the little guests may like to be on the beach and the active ones, be they teenagers or aunts and uncles, may want water sports, cultural trips, golf, hiking, snow sports or cycling nearby. We take pride in getting to know the complete makeup of each of our guest parties, using our experience and imagination to ensure each guest's priorities and interests are fulfilled during their stay.

Our portfolio and contacts have large villas and chalets around the world located in Mediterranean, Majorca, Ibiza, Italy, Cote d'Azur, Dubrovnik, Bali, Thailand, Caribbean, South Africa, Indian Ocean, Central America, South America and the Alps.

Whether you are searching for a villa or chalet for a family celebration, wedding anniversary, milestone birthday, family get together, special occasion or group of friends staying together, send us a request with your family's unique requirements and we will be happy to aid you in finding the perfect property for rental.

“Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life.”

— Albert Einstein

Classical French Design in Cote d'Azur: Country Villa for Rental

Villa Côte d'Azur 226, Terre Blanche
Located in Large Country Estate
Close to Terre Blanche Golf Resort
Stunning Landscaped Gardens

This classical country villa nestled in the Terre Blanche estate lets you live in grand French style through its manicured gardens and beautifully spacious and airy rooms. The furnishings and artwork throughout the property are a subtle blend of the contemporary and the antique.

Despite its new construction, the fully serviced villa has been able to reuse the stone from a pre-existing ruin of an early 18th century sheep barn in the outside living areas and wine cellar to a stunning effect. In the past, the estate was owned by Louis Sauveur, Marquis de Villeneuve and French ambassador to the Ottoman Empire and is now home to Terre Blanche Golf Resort & Spa.

The villa has a dramatic two-story entrance in which the decor fuses contemporary and antique design and furnishings in muted tones. A well conceived pool house with barbecue kitchen and expansive outdoor living and dining areas surround the spacious swimming pool.

Highlights of the interior design are the owner’s wine cellar, private cinema and the spacious, superbly equipped kitchen. The property houses the owner's art collection, including works by Bernard Saint, Arina Gordienko, Lisa Lindqvist, Alexis Gorodine, Didier Caudron, Bella Pieroni and Jef Aerosol.

Key facts

• French Country Villa in Cote d'Azur for rental

• Sleeps 12 adults and 4 children

• 6 Bedrooms ensuite

• Beaches of Cannes & St Tropez, 30 mins

• 1000m² of living space including cinema room

• Spacious outdoor living & dining areas surrounding magnificent swimming pool

• Pool House

• Dedicated Concierge

• Live in chef, two live in hostesses & daily housekeeping included

• Set in 1.4 hectares of beautiful gardens

• Large Provence Villa for rental

• Perfect for Privacy & Security

• Within the estate of The Terre Blanche Golf Resort with spa, kids club and golf

Elegance in the Cote d'Azur: Designer Oceanfront Villa

Villa Côte d'Azur 232,
Rayol-canadel-sur-mer
Stunning views across golden islands
Restored elegance & beautiful garden
Classical French interior desig

With its maritime pines backdrop, perfectly manicured garden and prime location overlooking the Mediterranean, the villa is a great location for a family holiday or special celebration. Just 25km from St Tropez, this restored villa has pride of place in an exceptional setting across from the Golden Islands, Levant, Porquerolles and Port Cros.

The owner and his wife have lovingly restored the elegant villa with style and refinement.  The interior is classically French with soft neutral fabrics and antique-style furnishings.

Most of the rooms face the bay and most have their own sea-facing outdoor terrace or balcony. The four bedrooms in the main house (with an additional 4 bedrooms in the guest wing) are furnished with an eclectic mix of period and modern classics. They are decorated with a light and airy touch and each room is unique in style and ambiance, featuring eye catching furnishings and striking art.

A great selection of dining areas are available from the formal dining room, to the alfresco dining by the pool house or more informal spaces on the terraces or courtyard. There is a relaxed family kitchen with a beautiful island piece, top quality equipment with subzero fridge, four oven aga and large Gaggenau oven.

The pool house is a highlight with its natural Burgundy stone floors and its open exposure. Its fully equipped kitchen is perfect for entertaining alfresco-style. An island bar separates the kitchen from the living area with its large open log fireplace, oversized cushions and a music system. This opens out with a large dining table & chairs for 20 people.

The grounds are across an acre of walled garden of rose bushes, plants and shrubs. Local plants include extensive areas of Lavender, an agapanthi walk and beds of iceberg roses with Arboussier and Mimosa trees. An ideal villa for you to spend quality time with family and friends for birthday celebrations, special dinners, wedding anniversaries and family reunions.

Key Facts

• Elegant French Villa for rental

• Sleeps 20 guests

• 8 Bedrooms

• Main House + Guest Wing

• An Acre of Private Manicured Gardens

• Cote d'Azur Villa with exceptional sea views

• South of France Villa for rental

• Beautiful Ocean Vista Villa with Private Chef

• Beach Nearby

Wildlife Fantasy: South Africa Nature Villa in Private Reserve

South Africa Villa 309,
Private Reserve, Architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens
Research-grade Observatory Tower
12,000 acre private estate

Leobo is an award winning bush villa located on a completely private 20,000 acre estate in the Waterberg Mountains. One of the most stunning safari homes in Africa, not only from an architectural or style perspective as it is a truly private home great for families and small groups.

This Africa luxury villa for rental is a fantasy holiday home for nature and wildlife lovers as it is truly a nature villa surrounded by its own private reserve.

Designed by award winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens (notable creations include North Island), the property is a state-of-the-art masterpiece with breath-taking views across the private reserve.

It can’t be compared to any other bush camp, as all the furniture pieces are bespoke and handmade specifically for the house, such as the 3D crochet cactus cushions and the wildebeest hide ceiling in a recessed lounge.

Art de Vivre loves the sheer size of the rooms and the incredible feeling of space. There is also ample space to eat both inside and out as well as a spectacular sunken fire pit. Best of all is the automated professional standard observatory.

 

Key facts

• South Africa luxury villa for rental

• Sleeps 6 adults plus children

• Malaria free zone

• Rented on an exclusive basis

• Abundance of activities for you to enjoy