Spring is in the air and summer is almost upon us: it’s high time to start plotting that Mediterranean escape you’ve been daydreaming about all winter-long. When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of top-notch hotels to bed down in, but discerning types craving seclusion or quality time with family and friends may want to consider a private villa.

Elige entre una espectacular selección de alojamientos de nuestra cuidada lista de las mejores villas para alquilar este verano en el Mediterráneo.

Diseñada por el prestigioso arquitecto francés Marc Held, esta elegante villa situada en lo alto de un acantilado es el sueño de cualquier amante de la belleza. Si a ello le sumamos unas amplias vistas al mar, acceso a una playa privada y una piscina climatizada, tenemos el refugio definitivo en una isla griega.

Embrace the tranquility of the Tuscan countryside at Villa Vinci. Despite being situated only a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Florence, this eight-bedroom hillside retreat feels worlds away from civilisation. Spend your days swimming in the outdoor swimming pool and lolling about in the shade of ancient olive trees, before gathering with your nearest and dearest for dinner under the stars.

Perfect for smaller groups of up to six guests, Villa Robert Graves at Belmond La Residencia in Deia is a Mallorcan dream. Having recently been redesigned by the award-winning Studio Ashby, the villa – named after the poet Robert Graves who resided in Deia for 50 years – retains the spirit of an artist’s residence, with locally made artworks, ceramics and linen pieces. The villa is located a short walk from the main hotel and guests have access to all the hotel facilities, including restaurants, tennis courts and spa.

Cuando quieres pasar tiempo de calidad, pero no tanto tiempo juntos, elige tres villas en lugar de una. Treis Villas es un conjunto de tres casas contiguas en la auténtica isla griega de Paros, cada una con su propia piscina, terraza e impresionantes vistas al mar. También hay amplias zonas comunes para cocinar, comer y relajarse, lo que garantiza lo mejor de ambos mundos.

La recién renovada Villa Maçakizi es un rincón paradisíaco en la Riviera Turca. Combina el auténtico encanto rústico con el lujo contemporáneo y ofrece un ambiente marcadamente mediterráneo. Entre sus principales atractivos se incluyen las comidas diarias preparadas por el chef Carlo Bernardini, un servicio de mayordomo las 24 horas y un revitalizante spa privado con hammam turco.

This former 18th century farmhouse on the understated Balearic island of Menorca has been meticulously restored and reimagined by Vestige Collection. The result is a private rural estate complete with six thoughtfully designed rooms, state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, a library, outdoor swimming pool, gym and fire-pit. Take a short stroll down the hill to discover two of the island’s best beaches, Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta – perfect for a morning dip.

For more travel inspiration, read our pick of the best art hotels...