Centurion IDC Summer 2023

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|Places| Privacy Please These seven superlative hideaways showcase everything that private villas have to offer, from stunning locations to five-star service Quintana Roo ESENCIA MANSION Set on 20 oceanfront hectares midway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Hotel Esencia occupies a rare niche in the Mexican region: it’s close enough to the rollicking action of the two tourist hubs yet far enough removed to feel splendidly remote. Last year, the self-contained hideaway took the concept even further with the addition of its 930sq m mansion with four bedrooms (each with its own en-suite bathroom and separate entrance), a well-appointed kitchen (where a private chef works his magic) and a decked-out private gym. It’s all crowned by a spectacular rooftop terrace, where a sunbed-lined pool area overlooks the jungle canopy and the ocean ahead. hotelesencia.com PHOTO TANVEER BADAL 16 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM

Bali ULUWATU ESTATE The first Asian property to join Mandarin Oriental’s swiftly expanding portfolio of Exclusive Homes, this dreamy clifftop estate with eight suites on Bali’s southeastern tip makes a beguiling first impression with open-air architecture that melts into the tropical theatre that surrounds it. An infinity pool with truly endless ocean vistas; a meticulously manicured Japanese garden for afternoon tea; a spa amid a garden with its own carp pond, and the “Monsoon Retreat” (which finds particular use during the rainy season) all offer points of perfection in this rarefied sanctuary. Nearby off-campus destinations include the New Kuta Golf Club, a clutch of stellar surf spots and a network of hidden nature trails. mandarinoriental.com Corfu ORTHOLITHI ESTATE PHOTOS FROM TOP: © MANDARIN ORIENTAL (2), © VILLA COLLECTIVE The Greek isle of Corfu is once again nabbing a spot on jet-set itineraries, and there may be no more beautiful place to spend a week on the Ionian island than this 120,000sq m estate, which is newly available to hire. Set on the island’s less-developed west coast, the property encompasses six timber houses (sleeping up to 22 guests across 11 bedrooms); landscaped gardens; a beach with a private pontoon and full complement of water toys, including the estate’s private yacht; two pools; and golf carts for you to navigate the expansive, tree-shaded grounds. With an understated design style, the estate is well suited to both families and groups of friends. Days away from the beach can be spent on the tennis court or recovering in the massage cabin, while others will head for the well-equipped gym or children’s playground. An on-site concierge ensures everything is perfect, and two chefs are available for both Greek and international dishes, complemented by wines from the estate’s extensive cellar. villacollective.com CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM 17