From southern Italy to South Africa: Explore large villas to celebrate Thanksgiving

Spending Thanksgiving in a luxury villa rental offers an unparalleled experience of comfort, relaxation, and celebration. Imagine gathering with family and friends in a spacious, well-appointed villa nestled in a stunning natural setting or overlooking a serene beachfront. With ample space, private amenities and with fully equipped kitchens, host a Thanksgiving feast to remember.

For an extra special celebration, enjoy the convenience of a private chef or catered meal, allowing you to savour the holiday without the stress of cooking. After a delicious meal, unwind in a private pool or hot tub, take in the breathtaking views or cosy up by the fireplace. Luxury villas provide the perfect backdrop for quality time, making Thanksgiving a truly special and indulgent occasion.

The destinations of the villas suggested below spread from Tuscany, Umbria, Puglia and Sicily in Italy to France’s Provence, to Mallorca, Portugal (the Alentejo and the Algarve) and further afield, the Cape Winelands in South Africa. Some villas are set in olive groves and/or vineyards, or by the sea. The selection below is not only offering beautiful interiors and gardens, but also stunning views, and plenty of space both inside and outside. All have beautiful gardens, swimming pools and views, and some have heated swimming pools, a jacuzzi and/or tennis court.

Villa Vigneto, Tuscany, 10 bedrooms, 10-19 guests

Set in a wonderful position overlooking the Chianti hills, just 10 minutes’ drive from Castellina in Chianti, this newly renovated and beautifully designed villa is the perfect destination for an exclusive escape for up to 19 people. Outdoor amenities in the large garden include an indoor/outdoor swimming pool and a yoga platform, as well as an al fresco dining area accommodating up to 30 guests, with a barbecue area and a wood-fired pizza oven. Inside, the stylish and luxurious interiors spread over 2 levels, including a spacious living area, an impressive dining area and a large fully equipped kitchen. There is also a gym, spa and private wine cellar, as well as an indoor heated pool which flows into the outdoor space.

At the end of the day, guests can relax with a glass of wine and enjoy views from the comfortably seated amphitheatre, or the open-air cinema.  There are numerous activities available for guests, including wine tasting, especially the local Chianti Classico. Cooking classes can also be arranged, as can a truffle experience between San Giovanni d’Asso and San Miniato, best known in Tuscany for its truffle huts. There is daily housekeeping, and cooking classes and yoga classes can be arranged on request.

Villa Fonteblanda, Tuscany, 10 bedrooms, 20 guests

This beautiful historic 18th century villa is near the coast at Argentario, just 3 kms from the nearest village Fonteblanda. From its position on high land, this luxury property benefits from spectacular sunsets and magnificent views of Monte Argentario. The villa is also surrounded by large gardens and terraces, including a main terrace with a table for up to 20 people for dining outdoors. The outdoor sitting areas are perfect for relaxing during the day, as well as enjoying an aperitivo at sunset. The swimming pool is approximately 100m from the villa, with a terrace equipped with sunbeds and large umbrellas providing shade. An exterior lounge area is also available by the bar/pool house, as well as a changing room.

Inside, the villa has three floors, with the kitchen, main dining room and a sitting room with working fireplace on the ground floor. There is a small study, also with fireplace, which connects the main sitting room to the dining room, as well as a TV room. The bedrooms are on the first and second floors, and have air conditioning, heating, and interior and exterior blinds. Rates include daily cleaning, linen change every 3 days, and cook and table service for lunch and dinner (price of food and beverages is extra). Drivers, massages, yoga classes and other services can be arranged at the villa.

Villa Castiglione Ugolino, Umbria,10 bedrooms, 20 guests

This property, originally an ancient castle and an adjoining church, dates back to the XI century, and is now a beautifully renovated unique villa. It is situated in a beautiful hilltop location on an estate, with wonderful views over rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards. The accommodation is in both the main villa, which sleeps up to 12 guests, and an annex directly opposite, which sleeps up to 8 guests. Amidst the beautiful gardens there is a large infinity swimming pool, which can be heated on request. As well as wonderful sunset views, the panoramic furnished terrace is ideal for dinner under the stars.

Inside, the rooms feature vaulted ceilings, reclaimed terracotta tiled floors, XIII century frescos, and travertine marble stairs, creating a unique ambience which combines traditional materials with modern comforts. A concierge team is available to arrange everything from in-villa spa services, cooking lessons, wine tastings, biking trips, truffle-hunting excursions, day trips to nearby hill towns, or a round of golf at the adjacent 18-hole Antognolla course. With a small grocery store just a 2-minute drive away, and the village of Pierantonio, a 10-minute drive, guests can purchase local produce to cook at the villa, or request a private chef, or enjoy delicious typically Umbrian dishes at the estate’s restaurant, Il Caldaro. A shuttle service to the restaurant for dinner can also be provided. The property can also be rented for smaller groups of up to 12 people (please check with us for prices). If required, there is also additional accommodation for guests in the various other villas and apartments on the huge estate.

Masseria Petrarolo, Puglia, 9 bedrooms, 18 guests

Dating back to the 17th century, this historic villa sits amidst more than 50 hectares of olive groves and fragrant lavender fields, on the east coast of Puglia, and a 50-minute drive from Bari airport. As well as benefitting from stunning sea views, the villa is also just a 10-minute drive from the nearest beach in Monopoli. For visitors interested in the region’s rich history, Castellana Grotte is 20 minutes away, and the world-famous Alberobello just a 30-minute drive. The charming hilltop towns of Ostuni, Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Martina Franca are also reachable within an hour. The Canale Di Pirro valley, home to some of the region’s finest wines, is just 20 minutes away, and private visits can be arranged. The estate also has a private helicopter landing pad, offering the convenience of helicopter transfers from Rome airport if required. 

Beautiful walled gardens encircle the house, including Mediterranean plants and a lemon grove, as well as a large swimming pool with a shallow end for young children. Next to the pool is an outdoor dining area, with poolside kitchen and a barbecue. Moreover, there is a rooftop dining area, also with a dipping pool, and loungers for relaxing. Inside, the villa there is a lovely living room upstairs with vaulted ceilings, a working fireplace and TV. There is also a beautiful dining room which can seat up to 20 guests, and meals can be served from the well-equipped open-plan kitchen.

Villa Scordia, Sicily, 11 bedrooms, 28 guests

Situated between Mt Etna and the sea, this beautiful villa in the east of Sicily is surrounded by gardens, hillsides, pastures and orange groves. Within one hour’s drive you can visit Mount Etna, and also the city of Catania with its numerous archaeological  sites and museums. A bit further, and you can enjoy the Greek theatre and good shopping in Taormina, or head south to the Valle dei Templi in Agrigento, yet another World Heritage site. The main house of the villa has 8 bedrooms, all with private balconies and direct access to the gardens.  They are equipped with Wi-Fi, heating, air conditioning and colonial ceiling fans, and the en-suite bathrooms feature traditional Sicilian ceramics, as well as hand-made scented soaps and the finest toiletries.

A short walk away through the garden is the Orangerie, where there is a cosy living room and dining area, with beautiful stone fireplace. For cooler evenings guests can enjoy board games, satellite TV and stereo with iPod connection. There is also a large music and film library and a bar, and a home cinema. Adjacent is the dining-room where guests can enjoy either intimate meals, or as many as 60 people for special occasions. Within the garden, close to the Orangerie, is a lovely swimming pool, and a and a grass and sand tennis court, with a lighting system for also playing tennis at night. There is also an elegant Finnish sauna which can accommodate six people, and professional massages can be arranged on request.

Casa Nossa, Alentejo, 10 bedrooms, 19 guests

Situated by a riverside with breathtaking views, this expansive 65-hectare estate offers exclusivity and unrivalled comfort. Just a 15-minute drive from the beautiful medieval village of Monsaraz, the property also has direct access to the Alqueva Lake, one of the most beautiful in Europe. The large grounds have trees, as well as aromatic herbs and a vegetable garden with seasonal produce. There is also a swimming pool, as well as one with hydro massage which is warmed to about 30 ºC, as well as Turkish bath, massage hut, yoga pavilion and gym offering stunning views of the lake. There is a small river beach with a private moorage for the estate’s boat, which offers the opportunity to enjoy many nautical sports with the presence of a professional skipper.

Casa Nossa offers timeless traditions combined with contemporary elegance, including three sitting areas inside, ideal for relaxing in a cosy ambience, with two large fireplaces. There are also games’ tables with several games to choose from, as well as a piano, a television, sophisticated sound system, and a classic record player. There is a large wine cellar in the villa, with around 800 bottles, with more than 120 of the best Portuguese wines. Moreover, there is a cinema and showroom indoors, including a large 2x3m screen, ideal for enjoying a film, karaoke or a concert. In the sitting room is a bar to enjoy cocktails, and a library with a selection of books.

Villa Ria Formosa, Algarve, 7 bedrooms, 14 guests

Located on the east coast of Portugal on the edge of Ria Formosa Natural Park, this villa sits within 4 acres of land, offering both nature and wonderful sea views. The property is close to the beautiful fishermen village of Santa Luzia and also the historical old town of Tavira, which is just a few miles away. The beautifully preserved park stretches along 60kms of the Algarve coast and, as well as being a sanctuary for more than 200 species of birds. There is direct access from the villa to the pier, as well as running and cycling trails. The villa also has a private boat which will take you from the pier to an incredible secluded white sand beach.

The accommodation is in two adjacent houses, so an ideal holiday choice for groups of family and/or friends looking for a beautiful and private location. Each house has its own private furnished terraces, garden, a barbecue and a heated pool. With views of the park and the sea, the grounds also feature a variety of trees and plants, where guests can relax in the outdoor lounging areas and enjoy the views. The two houses have a total area of 500m2, as well as terraces with panoramic sea views from all the rooms. Well furnished and equipped throughout, there is also a library filled with books. Outdoor activities at this luxury villa to rent include hiking, cycling, bird watching and water sports. There are also two stand-up paddle-boards and three kayaks available for guests’ enjoyment.

Mas Maussane, Provence, 8 bedrooms, 16 guests

This beautiful 18th century property is situated just a 4-minute drive, or an easy walk from the centre of the charming village of Maussane les Alpilles.  In the garden, as well as mature plane trees and olive trees, there is a large heated swimming pool with a surrounding terrace and a pergola providing shade. There are also mountain bikes available for adults and children, as well as two electric bikes, perfect for exploring the surrounding countryside. Other activities in the area include hiking, horse riding, and golf. Day trips can also be arranged to local markets, wineries and neighbouring villages.

Renovated by renowned architects, the interiors are a very tasteful mix of authenticity and modern design. There are spacious living areas and 8 large air-conditioned bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms. Four of the bedrooms have direct access to a large bar-cinema-lounge, with table football, and drinks available. The bedrooms all have flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee makers and a minibar. The property also has a tennis court, and a new spa and fitness room is also available for use by guests.

Franschhoek Residence, Cape Winelands, 6 bedrooms, 12 guests

Located at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains and in the heart of the Cape Winelands in South Africa, Franschhoek Residence was built in 2009 on a farm which dates back to 1688. The large property is surrounded by vineyards, weeping willows and a scenic dam, with incredible views of the Franschhoek mountains in the distance. This beautiful and comfortable 6 bedroom home is ideal for a family or a group of friends. Guests can enjoy the large pool and also benefit from a small gym, equipped with a treadmill, exercise bike and weights, as well as a treatment room with 2 massage beds, where a therapist can be arranged to provide massages and beauty treatments. This space also lends itself well to yoga sessions. For children, there is a playground area.

As well as a cosy living room with a large open fireplace, there is an open plan fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar adjacent to the 12 seater indoor dining space with fireplace. The villa is perfect for an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, and guests will enjoy the easy access to the pool area as well as beautiful views of the golden evening light on the Franschhoek vineyards.

Son Fuster, Mallorca, 10 bedrooms, 20 guests

Set on a large estate at the foot of the Alaró twin mountains, 31 kms east of the beautiful town of Soller, this 13th century manor house offers a wonderful experience for a group of friends or families. As well as a relaxing holiday, guests can partake in a number of outdoor activities, including hiking, bicycling, and horse riding. There is also a large swimming pool at the property (heated on request), surrounded by sun loungers and Moroccan Berber tents for relaxing outdoors. The estate also offers a paddle court, volleyball, a pool table, boules and badminton for guests.

Inside, the 10 bedrooms each have a private bathroom, and guests can also enjoy the cinema, a well-equipped gym and a wellness Spa area offering a sauna, steam bath facials and massages. Offering a special experience for guests, this unique property in Mallorca has a team of staff 24 hours a day. Full board is provided with a professional chef preparing fresh breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with ingredients from the property’s organic gardens. There is also a bar with a selection of soft drinks, beer, wine, champagne, spirits and cocktails. A state of the art sound system by Bose u0026amp; Sonance, is both indoors and outside. Services on request include massages and beauty appointments, yoga training, personal training, laundry and cleaning service, childcare and babysitting. On arrival, guests will be met at the luggage area and take you to the waiting Mercedes E-class, with Viano which offers a 24h service anywhere on the island. A helicopter service can also be arranged.