Whether conceptualised for a full-time residence or tourism, villas wholly and utterly define the word ‘luxury’. And the luxury property market offers some of the fascinating projects for architects and developers. Here are the top 10 most luxurious villas in the world to inspire your next build or purchase.
1. BEL AIR SPEC MANOR, LOS ANGELES
The most expensive residential property to have ever been listed in the United States is at a staggering price of $250 million in 2017. It beats the $100 million Playboy Mansion to the top spot in the Curbed ’25 Most Expensive Homes’ list the year previous. This vast 380,000 square foot villa features an outdoor poolside movie theatre, a bowling alley, a helicopter landing pad, plus a $30 million car portfolio that comes with the sale.
2. R SECTOR VILLAS IN EMIRATES HILLS, DUBAI
This extravaganza of 70 exclusive villas with views over the Montgomerie golf course in the Emirate Hills. The typical price of around AED 129 million for an 8-bedroom property. Plus, all bedrooms feature their en-suite bathroom, and the stunning landscape outdoor space is topped off with a heated pool. There is also an entertainment space with a retractable cinema and a bar.
3. OVER YONDER CAY, BAHAMAS
Set on a private island, this villa is one of the most expensive holiday rentals globally. Costing around $730,000 for a week’s hire for up to 28 people, but full of perks such as a day sail on a 114-foot superyacht, scuba diving and snorkelling, access to a 9-hole golf course, and a spa with treatments.
4. ELLISON ESTATE, CALIFORNIA
A $200 million mansion villa, spread across ten separate buildings and 23 acres of land. It’s currently home to the third richest man in the world, Larry Ellison, and the estate even has its teahouse and bathhouse.
5. FROND SIGNATURE VILLA IN PALM JUMEIRAH, DUBAI
The Frond Signature Villas in Palm Jumeirah are some of the city’s most luxurious and exclusive homes. With a high price tag to match. As an example, the 5-bedroom Frond M property is around AED 85 million. These villas boast the most incredible views of the ocean, as well as the Palm Jumeirah crescent and the Dubai Marina. Plus, there’s a massive private beach for occupiers.
6. OL JOGI VILLAS, KENYA
Another prolific holiday home, this time on a private ranch in the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy. Costing around $229,600 for 14 people for a week’s holiday. While luxury features run through the villa’s interior story (such as Hermes fabrics and polished Buccellati silver), this estate’s main selling point is the surrounding wildlife, making it a truly unique destination. All profits from the rentals go to fund Ol Jogi’s black rhino conservation projects.
7. SKI DREAM HOME, UTAH
The world’s ultimate ski escape, located in Deer Crest and built by Resorts West. CEO Joseph Ballstaedt describes the fantastic 360-degree view, one of the property’s core USPs: “You can see storms gathering. You can see everything.” The ski villa is entirely custom made, with a ski-in bar, DJ booth, heated pool with grotto, 14-seater cinema and golf simulator.
8. VILLA GAJAH PUTIH, BALI
This beauty is located in the resort village of Canggu, less than an hour away from South Kuta (yet worlds away in ambience and style). Prices start from $6000+ per night to stay at this private rental, and guests will have access to their own beachfront and enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens, the private pool and the private tennis courts.
9. VILLA LEOPOLDA, FRANCE
Valued at €500 million, this villa is one of, if not the, most expensive residential homes in the world. Unlike many millionaire luxury villas being built, this property comes with a rich history spanning the entire century. It was initially built in 1902 by Belgium’s King Leopold II as a gift to one of his mistresses. The current owner is Lily Safra, widow to Lebanese banker Edmond Safra who bought the villa in the 1980s.
10. PALAZZATE, BARBADOS
One of the most luxurious Caribbean properties, built to palatial style and elegance. Palazzate is a lavish $125 million beachfront villa commissioned for the super-rich and an important real estate asset for the island’s Speightstown area. The build stretches 75,000 square feet and erected into four tiers, each with its own balcony pool.
