On a scale of one to 100 million trillion, how badly do you want to get away right now? Here’s an even better question: How desperate are you for a piece of paradise you own—one you can stay in forever or steel away to for an undetermined amount of time whenever you choose?
The coronavirus may have put some travel plans on pause, but one thing it hasn’t stopped people from doing is dreaming about where they want to go next. And about where they’d like to buy next.
It probably won’t come as a huge surprise that luxury real estate buyers are targeting international properties where they can hunker down for a week, a month, or a lifetime with loved ones. And they’re targeting spots that are both within easy reach of favorite attractions and off the beaten path.
That’s our focus this month. From the seaside splendor of Ibiza to the unspoiled environs of Cavallo to the luscious locale of East Phuket, Thailand and the shores of Montecito where we can at least “pretend” to live the French Riviera lifestyle, we’re circling the globe from $7 million to $9 million.
4 Bedrooms
6 Baths
7,535 Square feet
Ibiza’s claim to fame may be its raucous nightlife, but this Mediterranean archipelago is also well known for its quiet residential areas like coveted Cala Jondal, home to this exceptional property.
Minutes from the exclusive Blue Marlin beach club and the historic old town, the five-acre property is quiet, scenic, and secure behind gates. Rich wood windows frame hillside and sea views. Step through one of the many sets of French doors to enjoy outdoor living at its finest, with a pool, covered dining and lounge space, and a tennis court.
This property is listed for sale for $7,197,852 by Coldwell Banker Blue Moon Property.
4 Bedrooms
4 Baths
Not a bad way to rough it, no? Spread out in your own private Thai villa, stroll seamlessly between the airy interior and poolside luxury or lose yourself on the private beach soaking in panoramic views of the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay.
Located in Cape Yamu on the peaceful East Coast of Phuket, where expansive mangrove forests greet tranquil beaches and turquoise waters, this home offers modern architecture and amenities, with open living and entertaining areas and pristine bedroom suites, each boasting sunrise and sea views.
This property is listed for sale for $7,969,489 by Norbert Witthinrich of Coldwell Banker Sea Property.
La Colle-sur-Loup
Provence Alpes Côte D’azur, France
5 Bedrooms
5 Baths
8,611 Square feet
Perhaps you’d rather retreat to the Côte D’azur. This sprawling, completely renovated estate exudes French elegance, with arched doorways, rich wood beams, and special touches like a fireplace in the gourmet kitchen. The property also features a sauna, swimming pool, and lushly landscaped grounds.
The setting is equally unforgettable, in a quaint French Riviera village that has charmed the likes of Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, and James Baldwin. From the 15th-century walls, to the allure of the main road, Rue Grande, to the prestige of the private art foundation/cultural institution, Fondation Maeght, this medieval town about 15 miles from Nice will surely seduce you, too.
This property is listed for sale for $8,495,826 by Vanda Demeure of Coldwell Banker PREVIEWS Demeure Prestige.
IIe du Cavallo
Bonifacio, Corse Du Sud, IT
5 Bedrooms
4 Baths
4,844 Square feet
If it’s privacy you’re seeking, it doesn’t get much better than this. Welcome to the island of Cavallo, an exclusive, unspoiled haven of remarkable natural beauty in the Mediterranean Sea between Corsica and Sardinia. A French territory that lives as though it were part of Italy, Cavallo is the only inhabited island of the Lavezzi archipelago.
Cars are forbidden and guests are limited; in their place, expect to find: transportation via golf cart; a harbor; the tony (and tiny) Hôtel & Spa des Pêcheurs; protected wildlife; massive granite rocks that jut out of the landscape and punctuate the crystal-blue sea; and gorgeous villas, like Atlantis. This enticing seaside property includes two main structures oriented so as to take in the views of the Mediterranean and rocky outcroppings, as well as a swimming pool and a private tennis court.
This property is listed for sale for $8,849,819 by Coldwell Banker Barbera Group International Real Estate.
4 Bedrooms
3 Baths
5,441 Square feet
Bonjour! This Montecito beauty offers the unique opportunity to luxuriate in the French lifestyle…without having to dig up your passport. Embrace the joie de vivre, with 2.18 private acres in the exclusive enclave of Birnam Wood, the only gated residential golf course community in Montecito. From the welcoming, entertainment-ready floorplan to the sculpted moldings, millwork, and built-ins, to the manicured gardens and mountain views, this estate will transport you.
This property is listed for sale for $7,995,000 by Maurie McGuire and Kenneth Westlotorn of Coldwell Banker Realty in Montecito, CA.