Sponsored by
Your own private Mediterranean retreat, with The Thinking Traveller
If you're seeking out an extraordinary Mediterranean villa for your holidays in 2026, The Thinking Traveller is the perfect place to look.
Traditionally January is a chance to set the agenda for the entire year ahead, crystalising your intentions and focusing on outcomes. That said, the best memories you make this year won’t be at work — they’ll be the golden weeks spent on holiday, enjoying time with those you love, so it’s worth choosing somewhere unforgettable to stay.
In the summer there is nowhere better to be than the Mediterranean, and nobody knows the region better than The Thinking Traveller, an exclusive villa rental company specialising in blissful private rental homes in Tuscany, Puglia, Sicily, Greece and Corsica.
Domaine Saint Jean in Corsica has magnificent views.
Every property on The Thinking Traveller’s books has been handpicked for its unique story, taking into account its situation, architecture, history and design. The villas differ hugely in style but are all best in their class, ranging from romantic retreats for two to coastal estates complete with guesthouses, multiple pools, private beaches and acres of fragrant gardens.
In your own villa you live in a world of unhurried luxury; no alarm to set, no end time to breakfast, and no rush for a spot at the pool. You have the freedom to design your time entirely as you want it. And, for those who don’t enjoy hosting, some villas are fully serviced while many come with an optional private chef.
Don Arcangelo all'Olmo in Sicily is available exclusively through The Thinking Traveller.
As well as ravishing coastlines and glorious beaches, the Mediterranean boasts a rich cultural history, and The Thinking Traveller’s local teams often organise daytrips based on guests’ interests, from watersports days to cooking classes, shopping trips or private tours of ancient historical sites.
The Thinking Traveller also offers a ‘villa matchmaking service’ which clients use to save time: all you have to do is explain what sort of property you’re looking for and your ideal location, and your matchmaker creates a shortlist of options, and advises on your final selection.
One caveat, however: much-loved properties book up well in advance, so to find your perfect Mediterranean escape for this year, visit www.thethinkingtraveller.com.
Oikos Nostos is an exquisite retreat on the Ionian Island of Lefkada.
-
‘The pair drove to Belgium in their Mini and returned with the chair wrapped in duvets’: The mother-and-daughter duo that brought a converted Cotswolds barn back to lifeArabella Youens speaks to Laura Berkeley-Hawkes and her daughter Gracy about working together and breathing life back into a converted Cotswolds barn.
-
Make sure you don't skip these South of England art and history highlightsIn our final instalment of Charlotte Mullins' fifty treasures series she journeys to the South of England and the Isle of White.
-
Space, seclusion and indulgence: Arranging a luxury villa experience with One&Only and CarrierVillas and private homes offer privacy, peace, space and top-end resort facilities when you want them — particularly if you opt for one of the choices within the One&Only collection, as curated by the experts at Carrier Luxury Holidays.
-
Great garden getawaysDiscover some of Britain’s finest gardens with a PoB Hotels break
-
Queensland: The destination where you'll get several holidays in oneFrom golden beaches to ancient rainforest, Queensland is full of wonder — and Turquoise Holidays are the perfect agents to help you book a dream trip.
-
The Benmore Estate: Part Treasure Island, part adventure playground on the Isle of MullTraditional charm meets outdoor adventure on the Isle of Mull’s Benmore estate. Here's what you can expect from a visit.
-
The perfect way to go island hopping in the HebridesThe natural beauty of Mull and its surrounding islands is beyond compare — and the ideal way to enjoy them is in a boat of your own.
-
Knock House, the perfect Highland lodge once owned by Queen Victoria's daughter, in one of the most beautiful spots on MullThe Benmore Estate is a '32,000 acre adventure playground' — as the owners describe it — on the Isle of Mull, at the heart of which is a quite beautiful property: Knock House.
-
Six unforgettable Highland holidays to get in your diary to help you follow your passions in 2021The Benmore Estate is running six luxury breaks in the spring and summer of 2021 to help people further the passions that they've been pursuing during the lockdown of 2020.
-
Five genuinely unforgettable honeymoons from the travel experts who've doubled down on romance and glamourNo holiday you'll ever book is more important to get right than your honeymoon. Here, honeymoon experts Turquoise share some suggestions for holidays which you'll remember as much as the big day itself.
