private villa

DESIGN FEATURE \ Villa La Semilla

The open living/dining plan allows for unobstructed views of the turquoise waters of Soliman Bay.

The open living/dining plan allows for unobstructed views of the turquoise waters of Soliman Bay.

Upon visiting this beautiful villa, I realized one thing right away. They get it. They clearly understand what people are looking for, and they know how to package it in the most remarkable way. By ‘they’, I am referring to Alexis Scharer and Angie Rodriguez, the lovely owners of Villa La Semilla and sister property, Hotel La Semilla, in the nearby town of Playa Del Carmen. The brand of La Semilla, the Spanish word for seed, is rooted in simple beauty and simple pleasures, and both properties are representative of that in both the design aesthetic and tranquil feel. With extensive global experience as hoteliers, they created both properties with the specific intention of allowing their guests to take a break from the fast-paced world, encouraging the slow approach to life while reconnecting with the earth, each other and themselves.

The calm, crystal water of Soliman Bay are a nice alternative to the freshwater infinity pool.

The calm, crystal water of Soliman Bay are a nice alternative to the freshwater infinity pool.

All five suites have their own terraces as well as an indoor sitting area.

All five suites have their own terraces as well as an indoor sitting area.

Tucked behind layers of lush palms on a pristine beach in Soliman Bay, Villa La Semilla, is the perfect place to do just that. With 5 private suites, a rooftop pool and panoramic observation deck, a tropical garden with a fountain and pond, lounge and veranda with an infinity pool that unfolds onto a private beach, the secluded villa has everything, and more, that you could want in a vacation home.

The large outdoor dining area is perfect to enjoy long dinners with family and friends.

The large outdoor dining area is perfect to enjoy long dinners with family and friends.

Each of the 5 uniquely designed suites feature a terrace, sitting area and large en-suite bathroom. Some rooms cater to guests needing 2 beds, which is ideal for children, while others play host to king size beds.

Each of the 5 uniquely designed suites feature a terrace, sitting area and large en-suite bathroom. Some rooms cater to guests needing 2 beds, which is ideal for children, while others play host to king size beds.

Rustic wood beams, polished concrete and large open windows create a space that feels luxurious and inviting at the same time.

Rustic wood beams, polished concrete and large open windows create a space that feels luxurious and inviting at the same time.

The feel is bright and airy with light interiors and simple, well-made furnishings, and features a common cooking, dining and living space that is perfect for long, convivial evenings with family and friends—often centered around the outdoor wood-fire oven and grill. An in-house chef is also on-hand to ensure that guests can sample an array of Mexican dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Large, comfortable couches are the perfect place to relax when you need a time-out from the sun.

Large, comfortable couches are the perfect place to relax when you need a time-out from the sun.

The third-floor Master Suite also has its own plunge pool and large terrace with private outdoor sitting area with incredible views of the turquoise Bay.

The third-floor Master Suite also has its own plunge pool and large terrace with private outdoor sitting area with incredible views of the turquoise Bay.

The design is reflective of Mexican heritage fused with organic forms; sourcing vintage furniture from Mexican haciendas and handmade mosaic tiles, paired with locally sourced stone and polished concrete. But the real wow factor unique to this villa is the large open floor plan that extends through the living and dining spaces to the sprawling terrace and infinity pool all the way to the crystal blue waters of Soliman Bay.

I loved the beach and pool at Villa La Semilla, but one of my favorite things was to listen to the wind lightly blowing through the palms as I swayed in the hammock...

I loved the beach and pool at Villa La Semilla, but one of my favorite things was to listen to the wind lightly blowing through the palms as I swayed in the hammock...

The view from the panoramic rooftop deck. The perfect place to enjoy sundowners!

The view from the panoramic rooftop deck. The perfect place to enjoy sundowners!

From carefully curated vintage finds from flea markets to custom made furniture and soft linens, no detail was overlooked when choosing the furnishings for each room. 

From carefully curated vintage finds from flea markets to custom made furniture and soft linens, no detail was overlooked when choosing the furnishings for each room. 

Go ahead, indulge, slow-down, disconnect from your busy life and reconnect with those around you. The moments you spend here, the memories you create, will last a lifetime.

For more info on Villa La Semilla and special hideaways around the world, check out The Perfect Hideaway, a curated collection of design spaces for the savvy traveler. Follow us on instagram and Bloglovin'.

*all photos by The Perfect Hideaway

Villa CP \ Girona, Spain

Redesigned by a renowned Barcelona architect, this beautiful 5 bedroom villa harmoniously juxtaposes old and new styles in line with the surrounding nature and environment. Located on a hill in National Park outside Girona, this stunning sustainable home is surrounded by landscaped gardens with endless views extending towards the Mediterranean sea. Inside, a mix of clay, steel and wood are balanced together creating a unique atmosphere with the stone facade and large openings with rusted steel-framed windows. The upper floor opens out onto the garden, terrace and infinity swimming pool, filtered by plants and gravel. Remote enough to elicit the utmost peace and serenity, yet only 20 minutes to the nearest town, this architectural delight is ideal for families, groups and nature lovers that want to escape with all the modern conveniences.

See the full listing here.

*images courtesy of Villa CP

Slow Private Pool Villas \ Gili Air, Indonesia

Slow Private Pool Villas is a boutique island resort consisting of 10 contemporary luxury one and two-bedroom private pool villas. Built in the middle of a tiny island off Lombok, Gili Air is the epitome of relaxation, and Slow Villas are no exception. Based on the concept of slow spirit (slow cooking, slow moving, slow stretching), here, it is encouraged to get back to the essential value of life. All villas enjoy the comforts of a terrace, private swimming pool, kitchenette, office space, comfortable sunbeds and a coconut garden.

What more could you ask for on a tiny island hideaway?

Click here to see the full listing.

Photos via our contributor, Nicola Easterby (@polkadotpassport), and Serge Anton

Nomina Villas \ Pecatu, Bali

Perched high on the cliffs overlooking the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, this unique complex of 4 beautiful villas is a luxurious retreat away from the hustle and bustle. The villas are minimalist in design, with modern comforts and quality furnishings. Each villa consists of 2 air-conditioned bedrooms with spacious en-suite bathrooms, a large outdoor living area and kitchenette, an enclosed entertainment room and a private pool and jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. See the full listing here or visit their website for booking info!

The Modern Chateau \ Bonnieux, France

Having seen photos beforehand, I knew this was a unique place, but nothing could truly prepare me for experiencing this home. The rotating floor to ceiling windows allowed the surrounding environment in, with soft breezes carrying throughout the home. I love how the vegetation was left in its natural state, as if the house was literally placed from above. Yes, this is a special place indeed. Click here to see more photos of this stunning home designed by Studio Ko.