Top 10: European Villas

Top 10: European Villas

Nothing says peace and luxury like a sweet European villa. These independently owned properties are located in the beautiful countryside and offer a number of lavish amenities. To spend a vacation at one of these spots is to experience "the good life" to the fullest -- imagine waking up in countries like Italy, France or Spain with a sprawling house at your disposal. Well, this is what you get when you stay at one of these top 10 villas.

Number 10

Tursac - Perigord, France

Tursac is managed like a hotel, but offers the privacy and amenities visitors have come to expect from a villa. Furnished with ornate antiques and decorated to the nines, it is truly a place to indulge in all sorts of delight. You can smoke a cigar and play snooker in the billiard room, swim in the heated pool or catch some rays on the terrace. A hammam (Arabic steam bath) also gives people the chance to relax on a whim.

Housing 13 people, Tursac's best feature is its spacious living room, where guests sink into comfortable couches with a book and a glass of wine. There are babysitting services available as well, for fathers who need a little time alone with their wives.

Must-do: Instead of going to town to dine, take advantage of a gourmet delivery service and have any of the local restaurants bring their French cuisine to your room.

Number 9

Sa Punta de S'Aguila - Mallorca, Spain

For a unique blend of modern day comforts and traditional Spanish touches, Sa Punta de S'Aguila has most other villas trumped. This establishment belongs to Virgin's Limited Edition vacation properties and sits right on Richard Branson's own estate. It boasts stonewalls, decorative wood beams and an excellent view of the sea.

In addition to a maid, cooking service and 50-foot pool, guests have full use of the neighboring La Residencia hotel. This means, that on a whim, you can visit the bar, restaurant, spa, and tennis courts. In all, this villa can accommodate 10 comfortably, with room to spare so that all can sit back on a number of terraces.

Must-do: Snorkel in a secluded cove five minutes from the villa.

Number 8

Chalet Fulsyl - Evolene, Switzerland

A perfect ski lodge, the Chalet Fulsyl keeps you warm and comfortable amid the snowy Swiss Alps. The country decor (fireplace and all) and wood furniture reflect typical Alpine hospitality, while the three bedrooms, living room area and kitchen all offer great views of the mountains as well.

With room for six, the Chalet Fulsyl provides a great launching pad for lots of Swiss adventure. Even those not into outdoor activities will enjoy their time here, as a satellite TV hookup and great local food means you can "veg out" as long as you want.

Must-do: Check out Evolene's two natural ice rinks and miles of cross-country and downhill skiing, only minutes away from the villa.

Number 7

Torres Do Colegio - The Algarve, Portugal

Want to live like a movie star in the beautiful surroundings of Portugal's Algarve? Look no further than Torres Do Colegio, which is as much mansion as it is villa. Designed like an English country house, guests will be blown away by Torres' immaculate interior design. Even the wing where the full-time chef, maintenance staff and two nannies live seems fit for a king.

Aside from being waited on hand and foot, visitors appreciate the gated swimming pool, croquet lawn (for the dignified athletes), tennis court, and most of all, nearby golf course. In all, this mansion can hold you and 11 of your friends very comfortably. Family men will also appreciate this place, as it features a playroom for the kids, and even a resident cat to keep the tikes busy.

Must-do: Sit back and relax on the huge arched patio, yet another great feature of this house.

Number 6

The Hidden Cottage - Alonissos, Greece

For a romantic getaway that offers seclusion, this small villa on the beach in Alonissos is your best bet. Imagine you, your favorite woman, sand and sun, and nothing else but sheer bliss. What the Hidden Cottage lacks in modern amenities (forget about a bar or spa room), it makes up for in simple elegance. The cottage is actually a stone building replete with Greek influences, giving it a warm atmosphere.

The Hidden Cottage, which accommodates just two guests and is ideal for honeymoons, is only five minutes away from a private cove. With no neighbors nearby, this may be the perfect opportunity to skinny-dip with your new wife.

Must-do: Take advantage of the free car to cruise up and down the beach and look for the best spot.

Number 5

Bubaqra Tower - Zurrieq, Malta

The island nation of Malta boasts more than a great collection of ancient architecture and medieval lore. It is here that you can find one of the most eye-catching villas in Europe. Originally built for the Knights of Malta, the Bubaqra Tower is a looming castle that combines mystical allure with a pampered lifestyle. And the fact that it once served as a brothel always intrigues would-be travelers.

Three floors house enough bedrooms (nine, to be exact) to sleep 14 people, and there are balconies and a rooftop gazing point where guests can enjoy the scenic Maltese landscape. Walk down the stone spiral staircases and out of the limestone castle, and you'll be led into five acres of gardens that even guys will appreciate. This land holds a Roman swimming pool and Moorish common area, perfect for relaxing on a hot day.

Must-see: The nearby beaches, just outside of Zurrieq. It is here that you'll find Maltese hotties who would love to see if you really are king of the castle.

Number 4

Villa Seccarille - Anghiari, Italy

Built in the 16th century, Villa Seccarille has been recently renovated to serve guests in only the most luxurious fashion. Still, it maintains a special Tuscan feel, reflected in its farmhouse-like exterior and classically designed rooms. As the villa sits on the slopes of the Apennine Mountains, visitors get an amazing view of the countryside, whether they're in the large pool or relaxing on the bedroom balconies.

The five-bedroom manor is designed to accommodate up to eight people but, with a full bar, sound system and built-in barbecue area, you might consider holding a party here. Also worthy of mention are the private tennis and basketball courts, as well as the table tennis facility.

Must-do: Stroll through the 57 hectares of land that Villa Seccarille sits upon; the gardens are really impressive and there are several private areas perfectly set up for some "romping."

Number 3

Laird - Stirling, Scotland

This expansive manor set in the glens of central Scotland may set you back a few thousand bucks, but the memories will last a lifetime. At Laird, you'll soon realize that a life of luxury awaits, as the house is truly fit for a king. The five sprawling bedrooms, entrance hall and dining room all reflect this regal air.

The 9,000-square-foot home boasts a drawing room with full bar, a bathroom in each bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and more living room space than you can shake a Scottish stick at. The surrounding grounds, which cover 1,000 acres, feature all sorts of outdoor sporting possibilities -- just don't get lost.

Must-do: A trip to the battle sites and historic castles in the area, followed by an afternoon of golf on one of 30 courses.

Number 2

Villa Floriana - Hvar, Croatia

You'll find this amazing Croatian villa on the island of Hvar, just off the Dalmatian coast. With the Adriatic Sea and a wildlife reserve as a backdrop, Floriana rivals any other villa on this list in terms of setting. What's more, the absolute pampering that you will receive here is unequaled: a chef, maid, gamekeeper, handyman, and resident manager are all at your beck and call.

The house itself is quite large, with four bedrooms capable of holding eight people. A large outdoor terrace can accommodate a dinner party of up to 40 people, and as an added bonus, the beach is less than a mile away. When you want to get out of the house, a jeep and driver are at your disposal.

Must-do: Take advantage of the private jetty and resident boat and go scuba diving, fishing and water-skiing.

Number 1

Torre Castelvetrano - Sicily, Italy

An hour outside of Palermo, this 200-year-old converted farmhouse is downright impressive. The villa, built around a preserved lookout tower, sits atop a hill, providing a great view of the cypress and olive tree-filled garden. At first one may think that Torre -- with its large stonewalls -- has a cold atmosphere, but it is in fact quite the opposite. The house seamlessly changes from an indoor haven to an outdoor summerhouse.

The main house contains, among other things, five bedrooms, a sitting room with a massive fireplace, and a kitchen, which leads to an outdoor dining area. The guesthouse adds two more bedrooms and two full bathrooms. A palm tree-lined path leads to the sea in front of the villa, while a terrace opens up to a large swimming pool out back.

Must-see: The ancient ruins of Selinus and the castles in Ericeare, which are within walking distance.

have a thrilla in a villa

Grand or quaint, modern or medieval, these European villas all impress with their unique style and luxurious features. For a week or two of relaxation and pampering, you can't do better than renting a room in one of these babies. Just don't get too sucked in to the easy life...