Relax and recoup in the holiday homes of the rich and famous with new luxury online rental platform, The Villa Collective
Words Tamar Vanderhoek
Have the holiday of a lifetime with The Villa Collective
Treat yourself to a vacation in the homes of the rich and famous, including Torre de Tramores, which hosted Princess Diana of Wales, through the hottest new rental platform.
“That day, as we stood on the terrace, looking out to the mountains at the astonishing view, with no other sign of human habitation, and at nature at its most simple and dramatic, Jimmy fell silent. And in the spring of 1986, it became ours.”
The words of Lady Annabel Goldsmith reflecting on the moment she and her late husband Sir James Goldsmith fell in love with their Spanish holiday home Torre de Tramores. Just over 20 years later, the villa is now one of the many lavish holiday rentals available on the new online platform The Villa Collective.
Not to be confused with Airbnb, The Villa Collective is an exclusive service founded by Nick Cookson with the idea to bridge a gap in the luxury rental market. Where discerning travellers can book holidays directly with property owners and managers, who have first-hand knowledge of both the property and destination on offer.
The website allows holidaymakers to search and compare a curated selection of villas and holiday homes across multiple countries and book direct. It currently hosts a collection of private villas and estates across Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, France and Morocco with plans to expand further afield to winter sun hot spots like Barbados, with prices ranging from £4,000-£100,000 a week.
What sets The Villa Collective apart from other online accommodation platforms is the strict set of criteria that need to be met before being offered a membership. Every property and its owner are screened for authenticity and must have a house manager as a minimum requirement. Providing potential renters flexibility, added security and ease of mind, an offering which its competitors have yet to match.
Like many of the properties on The Villa Collective, Torre de Tramores comes fully staffed with a house manager, chef and housekeeping services. Despite being set on 600 hectares of Andalusian countryside, near the town of Benahavis, the Tramores estate is only a short 15-minute drive from the madness of Marbella and an hour from Malaga airport. It has been a regular holiday spot for the Goldsmith family since the late 80s and seen both celebrity and royal guests visit over the years, including Princess Diana who’s suite is now dubbed the ‘Princess Room’ since her stay.
The original Andalusian farmhouse has been beautifully extended and converted into an eleven bedroom accommodation which cascades over different levels on its hillside setting. Finished with an exceptionally high-standard while retaining its country-home charm, the villa is decorated in Andalusian and Moorish antiques, Spanish textiles, artwork, books and family pictures of the Goldsmiths.
The property not only boasts amenities including a tennis court, swimming pool and games room but also features stunning grounds with gardens and water features, powered by a natural stream system from the Guadalmina River. At the base of the villa lies an organic farm and kitchen garden which grows a range of fresh produce all year round.
Guests have a choice of numerous terraces and lounges to relax on throughout the property. Breakfast and lunch are usually served on the outside deck where beautiful views of the mountains and landscape can be savoured. While the evenings are slightly cooler, the Goldsmiths have been known to have a formal dinner in the dining room, where favourite dishes served includes a delicious chicken and prawn paella, while a nightcap is best enjoyed by the fireplace.
As rented accommodation continues to increase in popularity with holidaymakers around the world, The Villa Collective provides quality, luxurious and safe properties to its clientele and giving villa owners the power to make the most out of their properties by being a member of this elite platform.
Torre de Tramores is available to book direct via The Villa Collective from €22,500 per week. Visit villacollective.com or call 020 3950 1588
