The south of Italy evokes wonderful emotions with its seasonal food to die for, landscapes in a thousand shades of green and blue, perennial sun, silent and uncontaminated places, and stunning sunsets. Book your mini-break in one of these lovely villas for a relaxing retreat of a week (or more) and leave feeling refreshed. These are heavenly vacation destinations in places of timeless beauty. You will thank us for introducing them!
Casa Vera, Sicily
The impeccable contemporary design of Casa Vera reveals a delicate artistic soul, where the stylized chiaroscuro effects evolve with the passage of the sun and the proportions evoke Leonardo da Vinci’s golden ratio. You will find the gray concrete, fresh and relaxing, inside and outside the house, in perfect contrast with the vibrant colors of the surrounding countryside, the dark cobalt pool, and the sparkling sea on the horizon.
A large rectangular open space in one of the courtyard walls leads to another shaded terrace above the annex by the pool, from which views are arguably the best. With furnishings for sitting and relaxing, this is the perfect spot for a nice aperitif or a drink under the stars. Rent a 4x4 car to reach the property, since the last part of the road is rugged but worth doing.
Villa Doxi Stracca, Puglia
Puglia’s name derives from the Latin phrase “a pluvia”, meaning without rain, and this southern region in Italy receives 300 days of sunshine each year. In the past, it was one of the most impoverished lands in Italy. Today, wealthy buyers are turning this region into one of Italy’s hottest home markets, willing to spend millions of dollars on historic farmhouses and noble villas.
Turin architect Paolo Genta has spent 11 years and over $ 1.8 million to renovate a noble old villa near the enchanting Baroque city of Lecce in the heel of Italy’s boot. This dreamy getaway is located in the unspoiled town of Alezio, just a few miles inland from the Gulf of Taranto on the Salento peninsula.
Villa Doxi Stracca is nestled in five acres of grounds with vineyards, olive groves, formal gardens, and even a private chapel. The lush grounds are set back from the villa, accessed through an impressive arch from 1800 bearing the inscription “Villa Valentino” after the Naples-based noble family who inherited the property in 1800.
Positano, Campania
Viewing this retreat on handsomepropertiesinternational.com you will enter paradise on Earth: a getaway that sits on nearly 11,000 square feet of garden by the bay of Positano, Amalfi Coast. The details are breathtaking: majolica tiles, frescoed walls, and ivy-wrapped pillars on the outdoor terraces. Natural sea light glows through the home, and the al fresco dining area has an astonishing view overlooking the vista.
Every bedroom steps out onto a terrace, while another, larger landscaped communal terrace is home to an olive-shaded solarium and an infinity pool that spills out over the bay. Wineries, beaches, and Michelin stars are all just a few steps away from this magical Mediterranean destination.
Trulli dei Limoni, Puglia
Trulli Dei Limoni is surrounded by idyllic gardens in a quiet part of the Puglia countryside, close to the town of Ceglie Messapica in the province of Brindisi. This traditional trulli has undergone a tasteful transformation into a comfortable holiday home, less than a one-hour drive from the coast. As described by UNESCO, trulli are dwellings built with a prehistoric drywall technique and “characteristically feature pyramidal, domed, or conical roofs built up of corbelled limestone slabs.”
Lovely sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters can be enjoyed at popular spots such as Lido Morelli and Rosa Marina. Just a short drive away is the town of Ceglie Messapica, where many restaurants serve delicious, local cuisine that has given the town a reputation as a gastronomic hub as well as a historic center. Other fascinating towns to visit nearby include those of the famous Valle d’Itria, such as Alberobello, home to Italy’s most famous and numerous trullis, and Martina Franca.
Villa Splendida, Sardinia
This contemporary private estate is the most prestigious and luxury compound located on the Emerald Coast, close to posh Porto Cervo. Surrounded by lush greenery, the site is perched high on a peaceful hillside setting in one of the most exclusive areas of Sardinia. The villa is not far from some of the most splendid beaches in the region, just one of the many attractions to this wonderful vacation rental. The property respects its local environment, using a sustainable building approach to its luxury design.
All of the structures have been rebuilt using stones from the estate that were originally on the property. The interiors feature vernacular architecture of dry-stone walls, consisting of just over 4,305 square feet of living space. The interior consists of a spacious living and dining room, a gourmet kitchen, a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, and two guest suites. The terrace offers sweeping views over the swimming pool, not to mention breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. From the unforgettable scenes of rugged mountain tops to the serene neutral tones of the lovely interiors, what’s not to love?
Barbara Benzoni
Barbara Benzoni was born in Milan and lives between Rome and Tuscany. She is devoted to USA, the land of courage and innovation. She’s Peter's super-lucky mum and Ale's wife. Cinema, art, good food and only beautiful things are the themes of her existence. With a degree in Italian literature and a Masters in Sports Management she can both enjoys books and basketball matches. In 25 years she has been organizing sport events all over the world and she’s been lucky enough to meet the greatest champs ever. Curiosity in everyday life and people are her drivers. Her personal icon is Mohammed Ali : "It's not bragging if you can back it up".