A hotel, a resort, or a private villa?

Where to stay is the first question we ask ourselves when planning a vacation. Choosing the right one can transform a regular holiday into an unforgettable dream vacation. Especially when the question that arises is: a hotel, a resort, or a private villa? And, which one is best for me? To help you decide which option is best, we bring you this guide to help you choose the perfect place to stay in your next luxury retreat. 

First, let’s understand the difference between a hotel, a resort, or a private villa.

A hotel is usually just a lodging option that mostly offers accommodations. In some hotels, it is possible to find amenities such as a conference room, a gym, and a restaurant/bar, but you will need to leave the location to find everything you might be looking for on a vacation.

Alternatively, a resort can be seen as an all-in-one destination that can provide you everything you are looking for in just one location: food, drinks, entertainment, shopping, and recreational facilities like a swimming pool, sports courts, and other various activities. But one thing they have in common are guests; you will find other people enjoying their vacations and using the common amenities.

On the other hand, a villa is a private residence that, as the name states, offers you complete privacy. They take the comfort of a resort and kick it up a notch by offering you privacy, peace, and several exclusive amenities that you can’t get from a resort,  and not even from the most luxurious hotel.

Now that we have a clear picture of what they are and their main differences, we need to understand which one matches our travel needs best.

Second, let’s see the pros and cons. 

Probably the biggest advantage of a private villa vacation is the privacy it gives you. While you can book spacious and beautiful rooms in hotels and resorts, there will also be people staying in the same location as you. In a private villa, you don’t need a do not disturb sign.

Even though hotels and retreats can be very accommodating and can offer you multiple amenities, you will always be aware of other guests around you. In a private villa, you have the freedom and liberty to decide when, how, and especially with whom to enjoy your stay. Either swimming in the pool all by yourself, sipping drinks with someone special while watching the sunset without disturbances, or having a lazy Sunday brunch with your family on your private terrace. On vacation villas, you decide the pace and plan for each day.

We cannot deny that luxury hotels are carefully designed around your comfort, with their spa facilities right there for you, and delicious restaurants with famous chefs. And that’s without mentioning all that exclusivity they already have for you in the rooms: Egyptian cotton sheets, 24 hours room service, and reception on call for any additional need you may have. 

Challenging them, many private villas and luxury rentals can offer you levels of exclusive luxury that surpasses resorts and hotels. Starting from designer decorations, high tech entertainment, well-equipped kitchens, and everything you might need and wasn’t even thinking about it. Likewise, they include an exclusive villa staff that will be there exclusively to take care of you. Want a massage? Already booked and will come to you. A private chef? It’s on its way with all the groceries. In other words, villas take things to new levels. 

What about resorts?

As for resorts, they are probably the first option for people that are planning a beach vacation. And, we cannot deny that they might be close to paradise in the sense that they have everything in one place including exclusive access to the beach.

But luxury villas probably will have their private beach, just for you! And that’s not all. Since villas are individual properties, they can offer more exclusive and incredible locations. So for example, you could choose between staying in front of the beach or on top of a cliff with the most amazing views. 

Moreover, vacation villas can offer complete personalized experiences that hotels and resorts can’t match. Staying in a luxury villa means being able to set your schedule and customize your experiences to your taste.

Traveling to unwind and relax? Choose a luxury villa with a state-of-the-art bathroom and Jacuzzi. Planning a family trip? Choose a private villa with a garden and a pool where your children can play safely. Booking a Girls Trip? Choose a vacation villa with an infinity pool, multiple sunbeds, and an on-call waiter for nonstop margaritas. That is to say, villas can offer you a completely personalized stay. 

And third, let’s see which one is the best for you.

If you are still not sure, try to answer these questions: With whom are you spending your vacation? Do you mind or want people around you? Are you looking for an escape from the world? Do you like to do things by yourself and on your time? You don’t want to be subject to schedules in your vacations? What are you looking for exactly?

Maybe these questions can help you narrow down your best choice. Hotels are easygoing but a little predictable and impersonal. Resorts sound like a lot of fun, especially for singles and families. And private villas, well they are something else. You can make it your perfect vacation by designing it your way with your own unique experiences.

As we have seen, each option has its advantages, and, for sure, there are multiple beautiful and luxury hotels and resorts from which to choose. But if what you are looking for is more a home away from home kind of vacation, that can give you privacy, exclusivity, and 100% commodity, a private luxury villa is your right choice for you. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next dream vacation right now.