Summer’s almost here, and it’s time to start thinking about vacation! Where are you going? If you haven’t already arranged your summer travel plans, why not try something different—like a villa vacation? Villa vacations are the perfect alternative to the traditional summer getaway, and they’re not as cost-prohibitive as you may think. In fact, the cost per person for renting a villa is often less than the cost of staying at a luxury resort. Also, villa vacations offer great value. From personal staffs to private pools, you’ll discover services and features not available at most resorts when you choose to stay in one of our luxurious villas.

For a unique summer vacation this year, choose from Villa of Distinction’s selection of over 5,000 villas in destinations across the globe, including Italy, France, California Wine Country, Mexico, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. If you’re having a hard time deciding on a villa and destination, our Villa Specialists can help you find one that’s right for you. Here’s an example of one of our highly recommended properties in Barbados:

Mullins Mill - Perched on a ridge overlooking the Caribbean, Mullins Mill, an historic, six-bedroom villa offers eight acres of landscaped grounds. In the 17th century, the property was home to a sugar plantation, and today it is yours to explore and enjoy. Take a dip in the lagoon-style infinity pool and dine al fresco under a poolside gazebo with sweeping views of the Caribbean. If the beach is more your style, retreat to nearby Gibbs Beach, where you’ll have exclusive access to Mullins Mill Beach House. Rental rates for this vacation home also include the use of the owner’s 17-foot speedboat. For a little exercise, take advantage of the villa’s floodlit tennis court and then, when the evening arrives, unwind in the poolside Jacuzzi. To pamper you, Mullins Mill also has a personal staff of 10, including a chef and two maids.

The villa itself consists of a main house (four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms) and a guest cottage (two double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and private verandahs). For your comfort, all of the bedrooms are air-conditioned. The two-story main house also includes a large terrace, a dining room which seats twelve, a small study, and a kitchen and butler's pantry on the first floor. A circular sitting room and a large verandah on the second floor complete the main living area. Accessible via the verandah, one of the feature attractions of the villa is a spectacular circular bedroom in the old sugar mill tower.

For more information about this incredible option for a summer vacation, visit our website or call us at 1-800-289-0900.

People world-renowned for their hospitality. Long, secluded stretches of pink- and white-sand beaches. A rich and sophisticated West Indian culture steeped in history. And some of the world's finest restaurants. This is Barbados, and what better way to discover it than by renting your very own luxury villa, where you'll be at home in paradise.

An island jewel hanging on the eastern end of the Caribbean necklace, Barbados offers a stimulating nightlife and dreamy days spent on beautiful beaches. The natural beauty and the scenic variety of the island are magnificent. You'll find dramatic natural caves, rocky cliffs with blowholes by the sea, and miles of sugarcane fields. While it has just about everything travelers look for in a tropical vacation—world-class golf courses, sea excursions, and excellent snorkeling and diving—Barbados is quite different from most Caribbean islands because of its West Indian culture. Commonly referred to as "Little England," the island nation features a strong British influence, making afternoon tea and dressing up for dinner common. So for a different kind of Caribbean experience, try Barbados, and better yet, try a villa vacation in Barbados.