Bored of staying in boring hotel rooms when you travel? Love the concept of holiday home rentals but are sceptical about the credibility of information provided?
A group of friends, all frequent travellers and passionate about their own homes, faced these challenges whenever they travelled. All this while, their own lovely homes lay empty, for fear of renting it out to unknown strangers. Until one trip to New Zealand, where they decided to rent only from friends and friends-of-friends. With the trust-factor firmly established, they realised that this was the perfect solution for people who liked to live in houses with character, and yet liked to connect with the owners beforehand, to appreciate the property better.
Thus was born Stay One Degree, a social networking site that helps you find holiday homes via people connected to your network. A property that is ‘vouched for’ by a friend, thus you’re not going in blind-folded. The network connects home owners and guests to friends within the community based on trusted relationships and mutual connections.
To get you started, your trusted friend, Expat Choice Asia has handpicked five properties just perfect for that Easter break vacation. From luxury chalets in France to island villas in Bali, we have your holiday plans sorted.
Short-Haul Sunshine in Sotogrande, Spain
Contemporary estate, sleeps 12, for SGD 26,000 for the week or SGD 2,781 per night
Sunshine and the rolling countryside, what else can one ask for? This luxury estate offers the perfect balance between a hotel and holiday home with a live-in housekeeper with daily service as well as a local cook to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner and grocery delivery. Rebuilt by the renowned architect, Valentin de Madariaga and landscape architect Prince François d’Orléan, there is a definite sense of ‘bringing in the outdoors’ in the designing of the villa. Interiors are clean and modern, with pops of colour throughout the villa, which comprises six en-suite bedrooms (the master with an open-air shower), a stylish kitchen, dining room, living area and games room. Outdoors, there is a beautiful swimming pool, pool house, hammock and dining space. Children will love the croquet kit, water polo equipment and table football provided. Perfect for a large group of friends or a vacation with the extended family.
Last Blast of Snow in Chamonix, France
Chalet, sleeps 15, for SGD 17,039 per week which includes breakfast and dinner or SGD 12,171 per week with breakfast only
Think snowflakes and ski slopes. One of the most beautiful properties in the region, this Savoyarde farmhouse has been elegantly restored and offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. Perched at the edge of a nature reserve, the chalet is a few minutes’ drive from the local ski lift, for quick and easy access to the slopes. With four double-bedrooms and a hayloft dormitory, this holiday home is ideal for a group of families or friends who love to hit the slopes by day and come back to a cosy wood-panelled living room by night. There is also an open-plan kitchen, cinema room and winter garden for the tenants to enjoy. The chalet comes complete with a host seven day a week, providing daily breakfast and housekeeping.
Escape to a Moroccan Oasis, Marrakech
Moroccan villa, sleeps 9. For any additional guests an extra SGD 50 /person/night is added
Lush gardens surround this contemporary Moroccan villa which offers an authentic experience in Marrakech. Take a dip in the private heated pool having spent the morning playing tennis on the red clay court or enjoy an afternoon snooze on the outdoor bed. The villa is comfortable and includes four en-suite bedrooms, indoor and outdoor dining areas and the ‘b’h’ou’ – a traditional Moroccan-style seating area around the fireplace. Your daily needs are taken care of with housekeeping, 24h security and concierge services available as required.
Private Sanctuary Overlooking the Basdio Marine Sanctuary, Bohol, Philippines
Bohol Villa, sleeps up to 10 adults and 6 children, SGD 1,242 per night
Closer to Singapore, the pristine waters of Philippines are regarded with awe. Plan a vacation to the exclusive island of Bohol, Philippines and stay in this fully serviced luxury villa for an unforgettable island experience. Not only does the villa overlook the Basdio Marine Sanctuary, but also has a private staircase which allows you to jump right into the inviting waters. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy like snorkelling tours where you can explore marine life living along the reef, including various species of fish, beautiful corals, and giant clams. The fully-staffed villa means you can sit back and enjoy being pampered with help from your private chef and wait staff, housekeeper and villa manager.
Luxury Family Friendly Villa in Bali, Canggu
Family Villa, sleeps up to 12 guests, SGD 1,512 per night
Love Bali for its culture but can do without the crowds? This six-bedroom luxury villa estate has close access to many restaurants and cafes, allowing you to dip your toes in the town’s local life, while enjoying privacy in this serene retreat. Children and adults alike will keep busy with the many activities and features provided such as table tennis, a floodlit tennis court, basketball hoop, soccer net, and gym. After a fun-filled afternoon, gather around in the outdoor dining area which comes alive at night with tea candles and lights, especially when the villa manager does one of his magical poolside BBQs. In true Balinese style, the rooms have warm wooden flooring as well as large en-suite bathrooms, TVs with cable channels and DVD players, air conditioning, and private outdoor terraces overlooking the garden.
