News Article

The Best Of The Best: Private Villas

19 June 2025

If your idea of a dream holiday includes an exclusive setting with your closest family or friends, in some of the most beautiful places in the world, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up the best of the best private villas across Africa and the Indian Ocean, and they really are the kind of places you’ll never want to leave.

These villas aren’t just beautiful (though they seriously are), they’re all about experiences that will make your stay extra special. Think game drives with your private guide in the middle of the African bush, yoga with a view of the Indian Ocean, cocktails on your private terrace as the sun dips behind the palms, and dinner cooked just for you by your private chef. No buffet queues. No fighting for sun loungers. Just you, your people, and the trip of a lifetime.

Whether you’re planning a big celebration, a multigenerational getaway, or just craving space to relax and recharge, these villas offer privacy, style, and service that make everything effortlessly easy. Ready to start dreaming? Here are a few of our favourite private villas, from wild safari stays to castaway beach escapes.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Villas

South Africa 

Set within renowned Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, these exclusive-use villas (with either 4 or 6 bedrooms) offer a luxurious escape along South Africa’s wild southern coast. Designed with sleek contemporary style and expansive glass-fronted living spaces, each villa frames sweeping views of the fynbos.


Fully serviced and exceptionally well-staffed, stays include all meals, drinks, and personalised service from a private chef, guide, and vehicle throughout. Days are tailored entirely up to you with an impressive number of activities included, from wine tastings and guided nature walks to 4x4 botanical drives, beach excursions, and curated day trips in the region.


Whether you're enjoying a family breakfast with a view before exploring the reserve’s rare biodiversity, or unwinding by the fire with a glass of local wine and friends to celebrate a special trip, the Grootbos villas combine an exclusive stay with an exceptional experience in one of South Africa’s most unique settings.

Grootbos

Wild Hill, Kenya

Kenya 

This stylish five-bedroom villa sits high on a hill in a private conservancy overlooking the Masai Mara, offering breathtaking views from the moment you arrive. Wild Hill feels special from the moment you enter through a secret hillside doorway into a vast lounge, sweeping terrace, and infinity pool.


Guest rooms are set across individual cottages, including one two-bedroom cottage, all with panoramic views, private decks, and indoor/outdoor bathrooms. Warm, welcoming interiors and spacious living areas make each one feel like a retreat.


Beyond game drives with expert guides, Wild Hill offers a range of wellness activities — from rooftop yoga and guided meditation to salt baths, cold plunges, and treatments at the intimate spa.


A dedicated team, which includes a host, chef, guide, housekeepers, and therapists, delivers exceptional service. Whether it’s a visit to the rhino sanctuary, time in the photographic hide, or learning about conservation projects, every stay is tailored for an unforgettable experience.

Jabali Private House

Tanzania 

In the heart of Ruaha National Park, Jabali Private House offers an exclusive safari experience in one of Tanzania’s most remote and spectacular landscapes. With just three stylish bedrooms, this private villa is perfect for families or small groups seeking personalised service and exceptional wildlife.


Guests enjoy a private safari vehicle and dedicated guide throughout their stay, tailoring each day’s adventures to their pace and interests. Back at the house, a private chef and butler ensure everything is taken care of, from sundowners on the deck to beautifully prepared meals under the stars.


Just 200 metres away, the main Jabali Ridge lodge offers access to a spa, library, and bar, which allows you to dip into its facilities while maintaining complete privacy if you would prefer. With its stylish accommodation, beautiful setting, exemplary service and diverse wildlife experiences, Jabali Private House is a truly elevated safari escape.

Jabali Ridge

Lengishu

Kenya 

Set in the heart of the Borana Conservancy in Laikipia, Lengishu is a beautiful six-bedroom private home that blends luxury with a deep commitment to sustainability. As a Long Run member, Lengishu supports conservation and community through every aspect of its operations, from its eco-conscious design to its farm-to-fork philosophy.


Though undeniably elegant, Lengishu feels like a welcoming family home, with warm interiors, expansive living spaces, and spectacular views. Meals are a highlight, with seasonal produce from the garden served in stunning locations, from bush breakfasts to candlelit hillside dinners.


Days here are rich with adventure: Big Five game drives, horse riding, mountain biking, and bush dining are all part of the experience. A guided walk to Pride Rock offers breathtaking views and a touch of Lion King magic.

La Cigalle

Seychelles

Set on the soft sands of Praslin’s Côte d’Or, La Cigale is a private beachfront escape with a  timeless elegance. This fully staffed property centres around a five-bedroom plantation-style house, with the option to add four private garden pool suites, making it ideal for larger families or groups. 


Seychellois artwork and handpicked antiques make for a curated feel, while manicured tropical gardens, a private tennis court, and direct beach access are lovely additions. Guests can unwind with yoga, Pilates, and meditation, or indulge in treatments at the in-house spa, all in total privacy.  For those looking to explore the island, you are just minutes from the UNESCO-protected Vallée du Mai. 


La Cigale offers effortless island living, with warm hospitality at its heart.

The Last House

Sri Lanka

Designed by the legendary Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa, The Last House is a beautiful beachfront villa set on a secluded 2km stretch of southern Sri Lanka’s coastline. Available for exclusive use and as a boutique hotel, this fully staffed retreat blends distinctive tropical modernism with laid-back charm in a truly serene setting.


The villa features five airy bedrooms, each with direct access to a terrace or garden, and sweeping sea views. The in-house chef specialises in fresh, flavourful Asian-fusion cuisine, best enjoyed al fresco with the sound of the waves nearby.


Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, walking along the deserted beach, or heading out on a day trip to Yala or Udawalawe National Parks, or Mirissa for seasonal whale watching, The Last House is a perfect base for coastal exploration. 

Muse Villas

Mauritius

Muse Villas is a curated collection of unique private villas located across some of the most sought-after spots in Mauritius. Ranging from four to seven bedrooms, each villa offers its own distinct character, most with direct beach access and all with private pools.


Every stay includes a dedicated villa team, with a permanent host providing 24/7 concierge service. Daily housekeeping and a private chef are also part of the experience, with flexible dining options available, from full board to half board or breakfast only. Families travelling together will appreciate the dedicated kids’ club team, who can arrange child-friendly activities, water sports, babysitting, toys, and all essential equipment.


A standout feature of Muse Villas is privileged access to the nearest five-star hotel, where guests can enjoy facilities such as the spa, golf course, or boathouse, all easily arranged by your villa host. For those keen to explore further afield, the Muse team also offers a range of exclusive, tailor-made experiences across the island.

Kalkudah Beach House

Sri Lanka 

Set on the unspoiled east coast of Sri Lanka, Kalkudah Beach House offers laidback luxury on one of the country’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Available either as a fully private villa or as two separate villas (a three-bedroom and a two-bedroom) as well as a boutique hotel, it’s perfect for families and groups seeking space and relaxation. 


With direct beach access, a 22-metre swimming pool, and a large tropical garden, this relaxed, contemporary retreat is perfect for slow days and barefoot living. The five airy bedrooms open onto shaded verandas and breezy indoor-outdoor living spaces.


Guests are looked after by a warm, welcoming team, including in-house chefs who serve fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by local flavours. With calm waters and excellent snorkelling spots a short boat ride away, Kalkudah Beach House is an ideal base for exploring Sri Lanka’s quieter coast. 

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