The Luxury Travel Book (TLTB) is a curated luxury villa and apartment rental company specialising in handpicked private properties across Europe and beyond. Founded on a desire to travel with genuine taste and discernment, we source only those exceptional properties — private villas, lodges, city apartments, and private islands — that meet our exacting standards for architecture, interiors, location, and personal service. Every property in our collection has been personally reviewed by our team before it is offered to our guests. 

Our portfolio spans some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, including Italy Sardinia, Tuscany, Lake Como, Rome, Florence, Venice, Lucca, Sicily, Lake Garda, Umbria, Puglia, Amalfi Coast, Paris, Côte d’Azur, Provence, Castile-La Mancha, Mallorca, Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Costa Del Sol, Menorca, Ibiza, Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Nature Reserve, Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Overberg Region, Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Hydra, Antiparos, Kea, Porto Heli, Zakynthos, Folegandros, Sifnos, Naxos, Syros, Corfu, Comporta, Douro Valley, Lisbon, Alentejo, Algarve Spain, Greece, Portugal, Croatia, and South Africa. We are continuously adding new destinations and exceptional properties. Whether you are searching for a fully staffed Tuscan villa, a clifftop Greek island retreat, or a contemporary Portuguese estate, our team can help you find the perfect match.  

We are a boutique company, and that is our greatest strength. Every enquiry is handled personally by a member of our team who knows our properties intimately — many of whom have stayed in them. We do not chase volume. Instead, we curate with restraint, guided by taste, judgement, and a commitment to considered personal attention. Unlike large platforms with thousands of listings, we offer a tightly edited selection of properties we genuinely believe in, supported by unhurried, expert service from enquiry through to the moment you check out. 

The warmest way to reach us is by email or telephone — details are at the top of every page on our website. Our team is available Monday to Friday during business hours (UK time), and we aim to respond to all enquiries within one working day. For complex or time-sensitive bookings, we always recommend calling us directly so we can begin finding the right property for you right away. WhatsApp Our Experts  

You can browse our collection by destination, travel dates, number of guests, and property type using the search and filter tools on our website. Each property has a dedicated page with full photography, detailed descriptions, amenity lists, pricing, and availability. If you are feeling overwhelmed by choice — or simply prefer a more personal approach — contact our team directly. We will ask you a few thoughtful questions about your group, preferences, and what makes a holiday feel special, and then shortlist properties we genuinely think will suit you. 

Absolutely — and this is where we excel. Our team travels regularly to our destinations and has visited or stayed at the properties we recommend. If you are torn between two or three options, reach out to us. We will share honest, first-hand insights about each property, ask about your group dynamics, travel style, and priorities, and help you make a confident decision. There is no pressure, and no obligation to book. 

This varies significantly by property and is clearly stated on each villa’s individual page on our website. Most of our properties accommodate between 6 and 20 guests, though some smaller apartments are perfect for couples or small families, while others — particularly in Italy and Greece — can accommodate larger house party groups. If you need a property for a large group or a special occasion such as a wedding, please contact us directly as we can help coordinate multi-property bookings in the same area. 

Yes. Many of our properties are well-suited to families, though some are better suited than others depending on the ages of your children and your priorities. For properties with pools that are not fully fenced, or that have stairways, uneven terrain, or other features requiring extra care with young children, we note this clearly on the property page. Please tell us the ages of your children when you enquire and we will flag anything relevant and find properties our family guests have loved. 

Accessibility varies significantly from property to property, and many of our villas — particularly older Italian estates and hilltop properties — have challenging terrain or multi-level layouts. However, we do have a number of properties that are well-suited for guests with limited mobility. Please contact our team with your specific requirements and we will identify the most suitable options honestly and carefully. 

Yes, and we love helping guests plan these kinds of stays. Whether you are hosting an intimate family gathering or a larger celebration, many of our properties are perfectly configured for special occasions — with generous entertaining spaces, outdoor dining areas, pools, and proximity to local caterers and event support. Please contact us early when planning a special occasion booking, as the best properties for these purposes tend to fill quickly, particularly in peak season. 

Once you have found a property you love — either independently or with our guidance — the booking process is straightforward. Contact us by telephone or email to confirm availability and pricing for your chosen dates. We will then send you a booking form and our Terms & Conditions. A deposit of 50% of the total rental value secures your reservation, with the balance due approximately 8 weeks before your arrival date. We accept payment by bank transfer and major credit cards. 

You can check  pricing online for all our properties; however, all enquiries and bookings are handled personally by one of our travel experts. 

Our Villa properties are generally rented on a weekly basis, typically from Saturday to Saturday, though some properties offer mid-week arrivals or flexible durations — particularly in low season. Our city properties generally have a minimum stay of 3-5 nights depending on the property. Full details of our booking terms and conditions are provided before any booking is confirmed and are also available on our website. We recommend reading them carefully, as they cover everything from deposit and balance schedules to cancellation policy and damage deposits. 

Most properties require a refundable security deposit, which is held to cover any damage or additional costs incurred during the stay. The amount varies by property and is clearly stated in the booking information. The deposit is returned in full following the end of your stay, provided the property is left in good order and no additional costs have been incurred. For city or apartment properties, your credit card details are held on arrival. We will outline the process clearly before you confirm your reservation. 

Cancellation terms vary by property and are set out clearly in each booking’s Terms & Conditions. In general, the closer to the departure date a cancellation is made, the greater the proportion of the rental cost that is retained. We strongly recommend that all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, as this is the most effective protection against unforeseen circumstances. Please contact us directly to discuss your specific situation if you have concerns. 

• We take a 50% deposit to secure the booking, and then the remaining balance is due two months before arrival. Both are non-refundable.  

• If guests have to cancel the reservation for any reason, we will also endeavour to work with the owner to allow a rescheduling of the stay, however we cannot guarantee this. 

Yes — we strongly recommend it, and for most bookings it is a condition of reservation. Comprehensive travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, interruption, medical expenses, and personal liability. Many credit card providers include some level of travel cover, but we recommend checking the policy limits carefully and taking out a dedicated policy if additional cover is needed. Please refer to our booking terms for more information. 

Every property is different, and inclusions are detailed fully on each property’s page and in your booking information. As a general guide, most rentals include exclusive use of the property, all utilities (electricity, gas, water, Wi-Fi), linen and towels, a welcome clean, and in many cases a mid-stay or daily housekeeping service. Some fully staffed properties include a resident housekeeper, gardener, and/or pool attendant as standard. Additional services — such as a private chef, daily breakfast, or airport transfers — are available on request at most properties. 

Yes. All of our properties have some form of internet access, and the majority offer fast broadband or fibre Wi-Fi. In more remote or rural locations, connectivity speeds may be lower, and we will note this clearly on the property page. If reliable high-speed internet is a priority for your stay — for example, if you plan to work remotely — please let us know when you enquire and we will identify the most suitable options. 

At minimum, all properties are professionally cleaned before your arrival. Most of our properties include a mid-stay clean, and many — particularly at the premium end of our collection — include daily housekeeping. Full details are shown on each property’s page. If you would like additional housekeeping beyond what is included, this can usually be arranged locally for a supplementary fee. 

Yes. All beds will be made up on arrival and towels provided for all guests. Pool and beach towels are also provided at most properties. Linen and towels are changed at least once during a week-long stay, and more frequently for longer stays or where daily housekeeping is included. Please check the individual property page for full details. 

Yes — this is one of the most popular additions our guests request, and one we are always delighted to arrange. Private chefs can be engaged for anything from a single special occasion dinner to full-board daily catering. We work with a network of trusted local chefs in each of our destinations who specialise in using the finest local produce to create extraordinary meals at your villa. Costs vary by destination and chef, and we can provide a full quote on request. Please mention this when you enquire so we can factor it into our recommendations. 

Absolutely. Through our network of trusted local partners, we can arrange private airport transfers, car hire, private drivers, boat charters, wine tours, guided excursions, in-villa massage and wellness treatments, babysitting, and much more. The range of services available varies by destination. We recommend discussing your requirements with us when you enquire, and we will build a clear picture of what is possible at your chosen property. 

Standard check-in time is from 4:00pm on the first day of your stay, and check-out is by 10:00am on the final day. These times allow the property to be thoroughly prepared between guests. Depending on the property and availability, an early check-in or late check-out may sometimes be possible — please ask our team in advance if this is important to you and we will do our best to accommodate. 

Full arrival instructions, access codes or key arrangements, and GPS directions to the property will be provided to you in the lead-up to your stay. At many of our properties a caretaker, housekeeper, or the owner’s representative will be present to welcome you on arrival, show you around the house, and ensure you have everything you need. For properties where there is no in-person welcome, we will ensure you have all the information and contacts you need before you travel. 

Please contact our team or the local property contact as soon as possible if you are delayed. We will have provided you with an emergency contact number before you travel, and someone will be on hand to assist with your arrival regardless of the time. We always ask guests to share their flight details in advance so we can anticipate any likely delays and plan accordingly. 

Your booking confirmation will include an emergency contact number for our local representative or the property’s caretaker. For non-urgent matters, you can also reach our UK team by phone or email during office hours. We take any issues during a stay extremely seriously and aim to resolve them swiftly. If anything is not as expected when you arrive, please contact us immediately so we can address it before your stay is under way. 

A number of our properties do accept pets, though this is subject to owner approval and varies by property. Please mention this at the time of enquiry — do not assume pets are permitted without prior written confirmation, as this can affect the security deposit and housekeeping arrangements. We will always check with the property owner and confirm the position clearly in writing before your booking is finalised. 

Smoking is not permitted inside any of our properties. Guests are asked to smoke outdoors, and we ask that all ash and cigarette ends are disposed of responsibly. Failure to observe this rule may result in deductions from the security deposit to cover additional cleaning costs. 

Our properties are priced per week (or per night for shorter durations at city properties), with pricing varying by property, season, and the number of bedrooms. Prices are stated on each property’s page and reflect the cost for exclusive use of the entire property, regardless of the number of guests (up to the stated maximum). Some additional services — such as private chefs, airport transfers, and in-villa experiences — are priced separately and can be arranged on request. We are always transparent about what is and is not included in the rental price. 

Luxury villa rental almost always represents exceptional value compared with hotel accommodation for groups and families, particularly when the cost is shared between guests. A private villa offers exclusive use of a unique property, private pool, full kitchen facilities, and a level of space, privacy, and flexibility that no hotel can match. When you factor in the cost of multiple hotel rooms, restaurant meals, and the absence of private outdoor space, a luxury villa rental is frequently more cost-effective — and infinitely more memorable. 

We are transparent about costs from the outset. The main additional costs to anticipate are the security deposit (refundable), any optional services you choose to add (private chef, transfers, excursions), and occasionally a tourist tax charged locally at the destination. Some properties also charge separately for pool heating, air conditioning, or additional cleaning. All known additional costs will be clearly outlined in your booking information before you confirm your reservation. There are no hidden fees. 

From time to time we do have special availability — particularly for properties with short-notice gaps in the calendar, or during shoulder season. We also occasionally feature selected properties at promotional rates. The best way to hear about these opportunities is to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media. You are also very welcome to contact our team directly if you have flexible dates and are looking for the best available rate for a particular destination. 

Tuscany and the Algarve are perennial favourites for families with children, offering a combination of beautiful landscapes, excellent local food and restaurants, reliable sunshine, and easy access from the UK. Greece — particularly Corfu, Zakynthos, and the Ionian islands — is also wonderful for families. South Africa is increasingly popular for multi-generational family trips. Mallorca is a diverse region offering something for everyone, beaches restaurants, scenery, hiking, cycling etc. Our team will always match your family’s ages, interests, and travel style to the most appropriate destination and property. 

We do not arrange flights directly, though we can point you in the right direction for the best routes and airports for each of our destinations. We can, however, arrange everything once you arrive: private airport transfers, car hire, private drivers, ferry bookings, and local logistics. Our aim is to make the process of getting from the airport to your villa as smooth and enjoyable as possible. 

This depends on the property and destination. Many of our rural villas — particularly in Tuscany, Puglia, and the Algarve — require a car to explore the surrounding area comfortably, and we will always advise this clearly. Some of our properties, particularly city apartments and coastal villas near towns, are more accessible without a car. Our team will always tell you honestly whether we think a car is necessary or advisable for your chosen property, and can help arrange car hire or a private driver if preferred. 

Yes. We believe that luxury travel and responsible practice are not in conflict — and increasingly, the most thoughtful travellers expect both. We actively seek to work with properties and local partners who share our values: respect for the natural environment, fair employment practices, and a genuine commitment to the communities in which they operate. We encourage our guests to support local businesses, engage respectfully with local culture, and leave the places they visit in at least as good a state as they found them. 

We encourage guests to consider the environmental impact of their travel and to explore carbon offset options as part of their trip planning. A number of reputable organisations offer flight and travel carbon offset programmes — our team is happy to point you towards trusted resources. We are also exploring ways to deepen our own sustainability commitments across our portfolio and will share updates with our community as these develop.