With their exclusive and completely personalized offerings, private villas are the ultimate escapes. Here’s our admittedly biased list of the world’s best. By, Lisa Rogak

Antigua

Jumby Bay: Frangipani Point. This villa is the newest estate home at this long-admired Caribbean resort. At 6,500 square feet, this four-bedroom villa occupies an astounding 3.2 oceanfront acres—with its own private beach, of course—allowing you to relax with friends and family in a fairy tale-like home that is as secluded as it gets without it being a private island. The villa is made for entertaining, with a huge first-floor pavilion that combines a living room,  dining room, and fully equipped gourmet kitchen. The lush outdoor courtyard fits the bill as well, with a pool and BBQ porch that contains a massive 36-inch grill, big enough to cook for up to 12 guests perched at the outside dining table. jumbybayresort.com

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Casa Bella. Three of the four bedrooms in this three-story villa have stellar views that look out onto the Sea of Cortez, but that’s only the beginning. Casa Bella indeed lives up to its Italian description; this beautiful home is custom built with 6,500 square feet of living space nestled in the exclusive community of Cabo Colorado near Palmilla. Adding to the appeal are the bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane toiletries, as well as your own personal concierge, who is on call 24/7. To get in the mood for endless days of lolling around and enjoying the ocean views, you’ll be greeted with freshly made salsa, guacamole, and margaritas upon your arrival. wimco.com

Tortola, BVI

Frenchmans Lookout. The Villa at this ultra-luxe resort on the west end of Tortola measures in at no less than 10,000 square feet, with 15 rooms in all, including five bedrooms, a state-of-the-art gym, a freshwater pool, and best of all, a nearly 360-degree view of the Caribbean. In fact, every single room in the villa is mere steps away from the wraparound deck, which has been thoughtfully equipped with eight hammocks. The Villa is extremely private, yet it’s also accessible to local beaches and the main shopping district. You’ll be in good company, as more than a few celebrities have stayed here—but our lips are sealed! frenchmanslookout.com

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

White Sands. A quick look at the numbers can tell you all you need to know about what it will be like to stay at White Sands. Aside from the four bedrooms, this oceanfront villa is pretty much hidden from public view on its two acres of tropically landscaped grounds. You’ll be able to relax on 200 feet of your own private beach or ramble around a 9,000-square-foot villa with up to 10 of your closest friends and family members. Terraces, gazebos, and a lagoon-style pool complete the picture outside. Hide out all you want, but the fact that the storied Grace Bay is only three miles away makes White Sands an easy choice. hostedvillas.com

Kalkan, Turkey

White Lodge. Sophisticated European travelers have been flocking to Turkey’s southern coast for decades for Mediterranean oceanfront splendor combined with the exoticism that is part and parcel of this ancient land. As more people around the world catch onto Turkey as a coastal vacation destination, finding an untouched, private place that still respects the sea is increasingly difficult. White Lodge is that place: a stunning eight-bedroom oceanfront villa that was built from local white stone and marble. A private garden, gourmet kitchen, and white grand piano complete the picture. Though beaches and bustling neighborhoods are a short drive away, the ocean and mountain views from the villa’s infinity pool will make it difficult to leave. holiday-rentals.co.uk/p419447

Miami, Florida

The Villa by Barton G. Stay in one of Miami Beach’s most renowned and lavishly decorated villas, the former residence of the late fashion designer Gianni Versace. Everything throughout the 19,000-square-foot mansion and its 10 custom-designed suites is over the top, from the nine-foot double-king-size bed in Versace’s former bedroom to the European continental cuisine served on Versace-Rosenthal china in the villa’s restaurant. The spa services are also personally designed for each guest and can be enjoyed poolside or atop the Rooftop Lounge. As Versace would have wanted it, a private British-trained butler is available for each suite. thevillabybartong.com

Paros, Greece

Villa Jasmine. If Greek islands are your thing, head for Villa Jasmine on the Cyclades island of Paros, where you’ll be able to imagine life as a Greek sea baron on this relatively uncrowded island of 13,000. The villa is built in the Cycladic style: plenty of swooping arches, soaring ceilings, and, of course, white marble, as Paros is renowned worldwide for its exquisite stone. Low-slung couches on the villa’s terraces are strewn with countless pillows, and no matter where you wander on the villa’s six acres, you’ll have an enviable view of the Aegean Sea. whitekeyvillas.com

Nassau, Bahamas

Plantation Beach Estate. Nestled within a private club on the west side of New Providence, Nassau, Plantation Beach Estate charms visitors with gardens that overlook the water. Guests are welcomed to the 14,000-square-foot three-acre estate through large antique wooden doors, behind which is a quaint courtyard that doubles as an alfresco dining space. Amenities at the eight-bedroom villa include a gourmet kitchen, a bar, an infinity pool, a gym, a game room, and an “Ocean Terrace,” which features two glass-bottom openings for easy viewing of sea life below. Should you be inclined to venture off site or sample beach activities, be sure to ring your dedicated butler. villasofdistinction.com/villas/bahamas/plantation-beach-estate/

Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

Castle Sol de Oriente at Costa Careyes. It’s not easy to reach Castle Sol de Oriente at Costa Careyes—fly into Puerto Vallarta and drive for a couple of hours, or fly into Manzanillo and drive for an hour—but once you settle in at one of several luxuriously appointed villas, it’ll be more than worth the effort. Each villa offers six bedrooms, with two in separate bungalows connected by an electric gondola. The lemon yellow exterior of the Castle presents a striking picture against the cobalt blue sky. The Castle is fully staffed with a chef, housekeeper, and butler, so all you have to do is focus on the task at hand; that is, taking in the ocean view. careyes.com

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Hacienda Kukulkan. This oceanfront retreat is named after Kukulkan, a Mayan god in the form of a feathered serpent; indeed, just outside is a stone mural with a carving of the fierce god. Kukulkan must have been quite a fitness buff, because the villa comes equipped with a wealth of activities to keep you and up to 16 guests in shape. The villa boasts a full-size tennis court—in fact, it’s the only villa in Riviera Maya to have one—as well as a fully equipped gym that overlooks the ocean and beachfront putting green. Need something? A concierge, a gardener, and housekeepers are on call.
puertoaventurasrentals.com/hacienda-kukulkan.aspx

Virgin Gorda, BVI

Villa Aquamare. Choose from one of three oceanfront villas at this private resort on Mahoe Bay; better yet, rent them all to create an extensive and elegant retreat for you and 35 of your closest friends. Each 8,000-square-foot villa has five bedrooms, and with the Concierge House unobtrusively situated nearby on the compound, whatever you desire is within your grasp. Bulgari toiletries, Frette linens, and a large gourmet kitchen are part of the package; each villa is situated on slightly different levels, providing varied views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. villaaquamare.com

St. John’s

Isla Vista. On a private gated hillside on Caneel Bay, everything about Isla Vista is top of the line, from the mahogany four-poster bed to the ice cream maker in the kitchen. Adjacent to the Virgin Islands National Park, the villa takes full advantage of its location, from the private garden overlooking the sea to the outdoor pavilion where you can rinse off the sand while birds nest nearby. With just two bedrooms, the villa’s size and secluded location make it the perfect romantic retreat. wimco.com/villas/villa.aspx?pid=902586

St. Barts

Le Sereno: La Villa du Pecheur. This villa with a French accent is small—it has just one bedroom with 900 square feet—but it’s perfect for a private romantic stay where it’s easy for the rest of the world to fade into the background. You’ll have your own garden, a pool, and a 600-square-foot deck all to yourself, as well as a solitary stretch of beach with your name on it. With the daybed on the deck looking out onto the lagoon, it’ll be hard to resist spending every minute outside. If you want to expand the hospitality, you can add a few suites from the adjacent Grand Suite Plage to create your own oceanfront villa complex. lesereno.com

Galapagos Islands

Villa on Santa Cruz Island. The luxury tour operator International Expeditions offers guests a rare chance to indulge in the glorious natural world of the Galapagos while doing it in utmost luxury and style. The Villa’s five bedrooms provide an unmatched view of the water and is the only villa on the list to provide a staff naturalist, which means that a veritable expert will lead you on a variety
of hiking and biking excursions. You’ll also enjoy personal introductions to the giant tortoises that are the trademark of the Galapagos Islands. ietravel.com/galapagosvilla/home.asp

Maui, Hawaii

Island Palace. At this 12,000-square-foot palatial villa on a whopping 10 acres of Maui’s best beachfront in Kapalua, it’s easy to think you’ve died and gone to heaven. Absolutely nothing is overlooked here, from the Chinese courtyard complete with a lotus pond to the game room and wine cellar. There are five well-appointed bedroom suites, plus a media room, yoga and exercise room, and freshwater pool and Jacuzzi perched directly over the ocean.  Don’t forget about the killer view of mountains that loom in the distance. hawaiihideaways.com

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

Turtle Breeze. Situated on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos islands, Turtle Breeze villa comprises five bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, and is surrounded by sugary white beaches and turquoise waters. The villa, each of whose bedrooms has its own private outdoor entrance, occupies two beautifully landscaped acres along Grace Bay beachfront, providing easy access to water-based activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and fishing. The climate on Provo, as it’s known to locals, is practically perfect all year round, meaning guests can partake in activities like golf or enjoy alfresco dining. Perfect for those who plan to bring along private staff, Turtle Breeze also offers a separate one-bedroom suite with its own kitchenette. Feel like taking a dip but without going far? Turtle Breeze boasts its own private swimming pool that’s surrounded by waterfalls and lagoons and is outfitted with a swim-up bar. turtlebreeze.com

Great Exuma, Bahamas

Bougainvillea House. Bougainvillea House comprises two beachfront homes, available weekly either individually or combined. A separate garden cottage can host a couple, a nanny, or private staff. All told, the property features six bedrooms with private baths, plus three suites with shared baths for a total capacity of 18 adults. Interiors are given an island-chic feel thanks to Tommy Bahama furnishings and linens, but the major draw here is its beachfront location and outdoor deck, which comprises 8,000 square feet of space in which to relax or to host friends, family, or the ultimate special function. When it comes to leisure, guests can enjoy boating, fishing, shell collecting, snorkeling, and scuba diving, plus activities like tennis and golf at the nearby Four Seasons Emerald Bay. bougainvilleahouse.com

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Noble House. The sprawling beachfront Noble House on Jamaica’s Montego Bay clocks in at 15,000 square feet, which includes four bedrooms and six baths, all on five acres of waterfront. Guests of Noble House can lounge on 500 feet of private beachfront, bob in its free-form swimming pool, or explore their surroundings in two single-seat sea kayaks. When they’re not taking advantage of the villa’s natural surroundings, guests can laze on the villa’s verandah (it’s outfitted with its own TV), take up a game of ping pong, or sample the amenities at nearby Round Hill (think tennis, gym, heated pools, jogging trails, bars, restaurants, and a salon and spa). However, with its breathtaking setting and its unique architecture and grounds, which comprise a series of airy pavilions that are connected by water gardens and bridges, guests just might not want to leave.
jamaicavillas.com/villa-listing/noble-house-on-the-beach

Eustatia Island, BVI

Villa Far Niente & Casa de Playa. Until recently, the only way to snag a stay on this private island was by invitation from its owner. Now, travelers can book the island’s two villas at their own volition. Perched on a hill 117 feet above the Caribbean, Villa Far Niente comprises three bedrooms, a professional-grade kitchen, outdoor living areas, a pool, a hot tub, and panoramic sea views. At the water’s edge, Casa de Playa consists of two bedrooms and is outfitted with up-to-date amenities, appliances, and fixtures, and, best of all, offers direct access to the beach and sea. A third, discreetly situated villa is dedicated to service staff, who will see to it that guests have their pick of activities—from yacht charters and windsurfing to kayaking and paddle boarding—during their villa vacation. eustatia.com

Hill Bay Beach, Anguilla

Bird of Paradise. On Anguilla’s Sandy Hill Bay Beach, Bird of Paradise features lagoon-style pools, carved rock walls, and art from Papua New Guinea. Guests can stay in the four-bedroom suite equipped with three king beds and two queen beds, or rent the villa as a one-, two-, or three-bedroom unit. Four flat-screen TVs, a gourmet kitchen, wireless Internet, and two whirlpool tubs and outdoor showers are among its creature comforts. Fold-back walls transform indoor living space into an outdoor experience, and an outdoor living room has a fireplace, lounge chairs, a wet bar, and a treetop deck. Guests can take in spa treatments on daybeds overlooking the ocean or enjoy a sunset cruise or fishing on the villa’s privately chartered boat. anguillabird.com