Getting away from it all and escaping into nature doesn’t have to mean leaving the comforts of home behind. Many travelers are trading city getaways for chic countryside or jungle escapes where they can revel in the vastness of the outdoors and immerse themselves in gorgeous, remote landscapes.
These seven luxurious private home rentals are the perfect getaways for those who want to get up close with nature while also unwinding in an immaculately designed home. Enjoy the best of both worlds.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
A Secluded Architectural Masterpiece in Arizona
Nestled against the desert hills of Paradise Valley’s Phoenix Mountain Preserve, this modern, five-bedroom masterpiece embodies luxury. High ceilings, marble floors, natural wood details and an in-home bar invite you to settle in, while massive windows meld inside with outside no matter where in the house you’re standing.
Feel the breeze from the outdoor kitchen, upstairs balcony or infinity pool. On cool nights, gather around the fire pit.
Immerse yourself in the stunning landscape by navigating ATVs around the Sonoran Desert or hiking on Camelback Mountain. Sunrise is best enjoyed from a hot air balloon.
Find Tranquility in Casares, Spain
A private oasis for you and 19 of your closest friends, this 10-bedroom villa in the south of Spain features three separate living units.
And that’s just the start: The Villa Dante estate is surrounded by fruit and avocado tree–dotted gardens; the heated swimming pool and jacuzzi are shaded by verdant local fauna (there’s a heated indoor pool, too); and terraces off the comfortable, wood-beam-topped bedrooms provide every guest with around-the-clock access to Mother Nature.
Hop in your car to explore traditional Spanish villages and some of the region’s top restaurants (opting for seafood, of course), as well as hiking trails and area beaches
A Lush, Beach-Town Abode in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
With old-world, Tuscan-inspired detailing (hand-hewn walnut floors, hand-laid tile, wrought iron railings) and surrounding native foliage and succulents, this four-bedroom, two-bath getaway is an inviting beachside abode in the small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
From grilling in the private, lush backyard and unwinding on the master bedroom patio to watching sunlight stream through the kitchen’s bay windows, the outdoors is always within arm’s reach here.
Outside your door, the Monterey Peninsula awaits. Split your time between wine tasting in Carmel Valley, observing clusters of monarch butterflies at the volunteer-run sanctuary in Pacific Grove (known as Butterfly Town, U.S.A.), and relaxing on the beach (everything you need, including chairs and towels, is provided). Guests are assigned a concierge vacation house manager who can share even more local tips.
Stay on a Working Farm in Carpinteria, California
No, you don’t have to do any heavy lifting, but this three-bedroom, Spanish-style home overlooking the Pacific Ocean is located on an operating avocado and citrus ranch, which means you get the benefit of orchard, ocean and mountain views.
Your home away from home was built by a master adobero, and the wood fireplace and Spanish antique furnishings give the impression that you’re in the Mediterranean. Sliding glass doors and an ocean-facing pool and patio create a connection with the ocean and Los Padres mountains
In Carpinteria, between Ventura and Santa Barbara, the ocean calls to Rancho Mesa Escondida’s guests. Take a dip or rent a surfboard at Rincon Beach Park, dive among the kelp forests in Channel Islands National Park, or look for harbor seals from the trails that wind through Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve.
When you need a break from tanning, point your car toward Ojai’s art galleries or Ventura’s inviting Main Street.
An Oceanside Oasis in Costa Rica
The ocean is rarely out of your eyesight at this deluxe, four-bedroom home in the Bahía Ballena district of Costa Rica.
From your vantage point soaking in the infinity pool, getting some sun on the expansive deck or lounging in the outdoor living room, the unobstructed views are seemingly endless, stretching from Dominicalito Bay to Manuel Antonio National Park. If you fancy a dip in the ocean, white sand beaches sit just minutes away by car.
Tropical birds frequent the lush landscape that surrounds the (air-conditioned) property. Get closer to the local fauna with a visit to the nearby Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, which rehabilitates injured and orphaned animals before returning them to their native environments.
Escape to Paradise in Perugia, Italy
Nestled into the Umbrian countryside, Casal Parro is a three-bedroom retreat surrounded by more than 3.5 acres of olive groves, rose bushes, and walnut, fig and cherry trees.
But you don’t have to wander the gardens to feel at one with Mother Nature: Casal Parro’s sitting room opens to a wisteria-covered portico; the swimming pool is surrounded by fragrant flowers; and outdoor dining areas afford views over the hills of Val Tiberina.
When you need a break from the sun, retire to the primary bedroom and its spalike amenities — a Jacuzzi tub, Finnish sauna and Turkish bath.
Though Casal Parro feels miles away from it all, it’s an easy drive to the artcentric villages of Tuscany. Wander winding streets and taste the local culinary delights, including olive oil, polenta, and of course, pasta.
Escape to the Hills in Southern France
Settle in like a local at this four-acre, six-bedroom estate near St. Tropez. Large windows, numerous terraces and a shaded, alfresco dining area connect the indoors with the surrounding scenery.
You’ll want to spend plenty of time exploring the lush landscape. The private grounds encompass beautifully maintained gardens speckled with olive trees and fragrant lavender shrubs. There’s a gated pool, too, when you need to cool off.
The charming, medieval village of Grimaud (and its 11th-century castle) is within walking distance of the home. Or take a quick drive to dip your toes in Pampelonne Beach’s turquoise waters and indulge in the gourmet cuisine of St. Tropez.
Homes & Villas by Marriott International vacation rentals offer travelers access to entire homes in destinations around the world. Explore thousands of private beach villas, country cabins and urban flats in 250 global destinations.
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