As winter approaches and the pandemic situation continues, summer holidays feel like something in the very distant future. Many of us are now working from home, which does have its comforts, but being confined to the same four walls every day can also feel a little tedious. Whether you are a couple, family or group of friends, there is nothing like getting away from time to time to boost morale and enjoy a change from our current seriously limited day to day lives.
For those wanting some positive re-charging, and a change of scene, it is the perfect time to spend a few weeks or months working, or just experiencing a different culture, in one of our European destinations. We have researched our portfolio of properties and the facilities they offer for working from abroad, such as desk or table space and high speed Wi-Fi – there are too many to mention all of them, but a mixture of examples below will give a good idea of possible properties suitable for longer rentals on the Amalfi Coast and Capri, Puglia and Sicily.
THE AMALFI COAST Villa Furore6 – 10 Guests | 3 – 4 BedroomsSituated 18 kms south of Positano, this beautiful historic property is just a short walk from the town of Furore on the Amalfi coast, with its restaurants, shops and bars. Dating back to the 16th century, the external features of the property include the original fortifications and a small lookout tower. The garden surrounding the villa is on several terraces all facing the sea, with olive trees, lemon trees, herbs, and an organic garden.
One of the property’s terraces features a large salt water swimming pool with hydro massage, open from April to October, which can be heated on request. The interiors of the villa are decorated and furnished in an elegant and Baroque style, with antique furniture, and modern amenities include heating and air conditioning, Smart TV with viewing of satellite channels and all Internet TV services, DVD player, Hi-Fi system and an internal and external Wi-Fi system.
Piano di Sorrento8 Guests | 4 BedroomsIn a stunning Amalfi coast location this property features an infinity pool, in a wonderful position, with views of the sea and the Li Galli Islands. Surrounded by nature, a path leads down to Sant’Elia village, via a valley full of Mediterranean trees, including oaks, carobs, and wild olives.A large garden surrounds the villa, also with outdoor kitchen, gazebo, hammock and BBQ area.
Outside the master suites on the lower floor, there is a wide wooden terrace facing the sea, with a hot tub seating up to 5 people. The hot tub can be used all year round and can be heated up to 40°. Indoors, guests can also choose from hundreds of international channels on Sky TV, or use PlayStation 2 on the 42” plasma television with a home theatre system.
La Terrazza del Giardino4 – 5 Guests | 2 BedroomsThis charming apartment is ideal for one or two couples, or a family looking for a quiet location, yet easy access to Positano, just a short walk away. The property benefits from stunning views over the coast and sea, to the Galli Islands. It is also possible to walk down steps (about 200 steps) to the small sandy beach below.
The five properties here are within a private garden complex amidst four acres of terraced gardens and orchards, including olive, lemon and pomegranate trees, bougainvillea, jasmine and plumbago, as well as a herb garden. The living room opens to a furnished terrace which benefits from beautiful unobstructed views over the sea.
CAPRIVilla Tiberio10 – 14 Guests | 5 BedroomsFor the perfect escape, we also recommend this beautiful Mediterranean style villa on the beautiful island of Capri. From its hillside position, there are wonderful views of the entire Gulf of Naples, Mt Vesuvius and the Sorrento Peninsula. Moreover, Capri town can be reached by foot in around 16 minutes. Other local enticements include Villa Jovis, house of Emperor Tiberius Claudius Nerone, the special Arco Naturale and the ancient Grotta di Matermania. The Bosco delle Noci is the perfect place to admire the sunrise and, also nearby, is Villa Lysis where concerts and other events can be enjoyed.
The villa features original Caprese architecture and interior design, with its majolica tiled floors, high ceilings, white walls, columns, patios and huge terraces. Moreover, the bookshelves are filled with a collection of thousands of art, culture and fiction books. All the rooms have air conditioning, and there is satellite TV and Wi-Fi. Outdoors, the Mediterranean garden features olive, lemon and fig trees.The large swimming pool overlooks the sea, and the property also offers an outdoor games area with table tennis and football games. A furnished terrace on the rooftop offers magical views while enjoying a romantic dinner under the starry sky.
PUGLIAVilla Savelletri di Fasano6 Guests | 3 BedroomsSituated just 200m from the sea, this beautiful property is also just a short drive from the historic city of Fasano, dating back to Greco-Roman times. Golf courses are nearby, and guests at the villa also have complimentary access to a beach club, as well as use of bicycles provided at the villa.
Set within over five hectares of gardens, outdoor amenities include a heated swimming pool, a covered outdoor dining area and bar, and a wood fired pizza oven. There are also two rooftop terraces. The interiors have been beautifully furnished including three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a living room with fireplace, a dining room and a well equipped kitchen. Further amenities at the property include Sky TV with international channels, air conditioning and heating, and Wi-Fi.
Villa Ostuni18 Guests | 8 BedroomsThis fabulous architect designed property is perfect for an extended family or group of friends. The accommodation is spread out over four buildings, set around a magnificent swimming pool, and surrounded by five hectares of olive groves. Moreover, it is just five kms from the “white city” of Ostuni and a mere 15-minute drive away from the beautiful beaches on the Adriatic coast.
Outside, there is plenty of room for relaxing by the swimming pool, as well as a pizza oven, barbecue and table tennis. Indoors, the rooms have been beautifully designed in natural stone, and there is air conditioning throughout. There is Wi-Fi, Hi-Fi stereo with wireless speakers both inside and outside the villa, and amenities indoors include high definition TV, PC and a printer.
SICILYMonte Tauro16 Guests | 8 BedroomsFrom its position on the ridge of Monte Tauro, directly below the town of Taormina, there are wonderful views from every room of the villa, as well as the swimming pool and the panoramic terrace. The centre of Taormina can be accessed via a flight of 100 steps leads or a ‘funivia’ (cable car) which connects the town with the sea. It is the perfect location for those looking for peaceful surroundings and incredible views, as well as the proximity of the town and beaches without having to drive.The accommodation is in a main house with the main living areas and kitchen, and 3 bedrooms. In addition there is one studio with direct access to the pool, and another 4 studios with direct access to the jacuzzi.
LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICEWhen you arrive in Italy from the UK, you must show evidence that you tested negative for COVID-19 within the 72 hours before your travel. Do not use the NHS testing service for a test to travel to Italy. You should arrange to take a private test.Alternatively, you can get a free test on arrival at some airports, or at a testing facility in Italy shortly after you arrive. If you test positive in Italy, you will be required to quarantine. Your quarantine may last from 10 days to 3 weeks, so you should be prepared in case you test positive.
In case you have stayed in or transited through a small number of listed countries in the 14 days before you enter Italy, you’ll also need to self-isolate. If you cannot do that for any reason, you may be refused entry to Italy.You should download and complete a self-declaration from the Ministry of Interior before you travel to Italy and inform local authorities of your presence. Follow the latest updates here.If you prefer Tuscany or Lake Como regions, explore more of our workcation retreats in the latest journal entry.
