07 Jul 2014
Ditch the obligatory chimineas, blankets, fleeces and socks typical of UK outdoor dining in favour of guaranteed warmth and spectacular views for the most enviable al fresco experiences in the world's most exclusive private villas
Al Fresco dining in the UK is a precarious pastime at best, yet despite our unreliable weather, sales of barbecue products are consistently on the up. One week in June saw sales of barbecue meat ranges by Waitrose rise by 140%*. Likewise, The Garden Centre Association saw May sales of outdoor furniture and barbecues up 23.4% on the previous year**.
Villa Guru provides the solution for those looking to escape the invariably variable climate in the UK and enjoy not-quite-so-al-fresco dining this summer…
Should you dispose of a summer entertaining budget that will stretch, well, a bit further than Waitrose, and you want to find a way to truly impress your outdoor-gorging-guests, the failsafe balmy nights of the most exclusive locations, complemented by the most breath-taking views of Villa Guru properties will ensure any open-air soiree will be a sure-fire success.
And you don't even have to do the cooking. Villa Guru guests are able to book private chefs for the duration of their stay, utilising the best of local produce to create delectable dishes tailored to the tastes of their distinguished diners.
Don't let your al fresco summer feast become a damp squib (or squid, if seafood is on the menu…) this summer. Head to one of these six stunning settings to make for the most memorable of mealtime moments…
1. Villa Rica, Ibiza
Villa Rica overlooks the Bay of Calla Jondal and comes complete with a private nightclub in the basement.
The Bay of Calla Jondal is one of the most exclusive and luxurious on the island, with a range of top class restaurants and bars including the famous Club Tropicana.
Prices start from 25,000€ a week for exclusive use of the villa including concierge services, executive chef and three butlers.
2. Villa Luna, Corsica
Set on a quaint hillside and overlooking the sea, Villa Luna oozes peace and relaxation. The fashionable town of Porto Vecchio can be seen in the distance from the dining area, perched above the swimming pool.
Alongside the swimming pool is a children's play area, as well as a boules court and a the villa bar surrounded by centuries old olive trees.
Prices start from 17,500€ a week for exclusive use of the villa, including concierge services, executive chef and welcome pack of Bollinger Champagne and local delicacies.
3. Il Cocceto, Tuscany
Set within five hundred acres of arable land, the 18th century Il Cocceto farmhouse fits into the Tuscan dream seamlessly.
This rustic hideaway brings exterior dining in line with Italian traditions with an outdoor kitchen, barbecue and a dining area worthy of any Italian mamma's best Bolognese.
Prices start from 7,250€ a week for exclusive use of the villa including concierge services, daily breakfast buffet and six complementary bottles of Le Cupole from Tenuta di Trinoro.
4. Collector's Villa, Phuket
Collector's Villa in Phuket is one of Thailand's most luxurious stays and has been designed by four leading international designers and craftsmen.
The dining area can be either completely open, or completely enclosed and is complemented by an open air kitchen and barbecue area.
Prices start from $33,250 a week for exclusive use of the villa including concierge services, two meals a week per guest at Aziamendi – headed by talented chef Eneko Atxa, all drinks and meals on day trips and two meals in other Phuket restaurants.
5. Villa Palm Springs, St Barths
Breath-taking 200 degree views set Villa Palm Springs apart from others in the Caribbean and the dining area is, along with the infinity pool, the ideal place to enjoy these.
The villa is set against the imposing backdrop of volcanic stone, providing stark contrast to the colour of the palm trees and coastline that surrounds the remainder of the property.
Prices start from $25,000 a week for exclusive use of the villa including concierge services, continental breakfast and access to the Eden Rock Hotel.
6. Villa Vitti, St Barths
Views from Villa Vitti down to Shell Beach from the lofty position on Lurin hillside mean the dining area here has some of the best sea views available in St Barths. A private staircase down to Shell Beach allows for a relaxing post-dinner stroll.
Prices start from $28,000 a week for exclusive use of the villa including concierge services, continental breakfast and access to the Eden Rock Hotel.
For more information or to book these or other luxury villas or private islands visit www.villaguru.com
- Ends -
* From Waitrose http://bit.ly/1mTOfYi
** From the Garden Centre Association http://bit.ly/1m8yCf0
Notes to editors:
- Villa Guru and Alpine Guru are accommodation-only booking sites, however, Oli and Ant provide a bespoke concierge service to assist with booking flights, transfers and / or holiday extras if required.
- Villa and Alpine Guru welcome enquiries or bookings from travel agents.
- Oli Corkhill and Ant Cullen are available for interview or to provide expert comment / insight on the luxury holiday or ski markets.
For further press information please contact:
James Brooke / Julie Aguilera / Kevan Barber
Rooster PR
T: +44 (0)20 3440 8930
About Villa Guru
Villa Guru launched in April 2014 bringing together a collection of the world's most luxurious properties and private islands in the most exclusive destinations across the globe.
With first-hand knowledge of the properties and destinations they sell, founders, Oli Corkhill and Ant Cullen, offer clients the ultimate personal travel planning service, leaving no stone unturned to help clients find the perfect luxury villa, private island or resort to ensure the most memorable of holiday experiences.
A detailed, slick and easy to use website takes the pain away from online searches and comparisons, providing luxury holidaymakers with the best holiday property search experience in the market today.
Launching with 32 properties and five private islands in eight destinations, Villa Guru will add to its product and destination portfolio on an ongoing basis.
About Alpine Guru
Alpine Guru works tirelessly to find its clients the perfect luxury ski chalet or hotel for their alpine getaway. Founded in 2011 by ski enthusiasts Oli Corkhill and Ant Cullen, Alpine Guru boasts an impressive collection of over 340 luxury chalets, apartments and hotels throughout 39 of the best ski resorts across eight countries in Europe, Japan and North America; all on one comprehensive and easy to use website.
A global brand, Alpine Guru boasts clients from over 14 different countries and has enjoyed growth of over 1,000% in its first three years, with sales figures soaring from under £100,000 in 2011/12 to over £1,000,000 in 2013/14.
In line with the Villa Guru launch, the Alpine Guru brand and website will be redesigned and re-launched in 2014. Properties in the collection will be rigorously assessed and stripped down to circa 300, in order to ensure clients have access to only the very finest ski chalets, hotels, services and facilities for the 2014/15 winter season.
