Top 5 Exclusive Villas in the World

Grandeur is not just an offering in these homes, but a promise.

Nothing prepares us for the sheer extravagance, elegance, and elite amenities that beckon from corners of the world where luxury knows no bounds.

You can feel ensnared by these sanctuaries, where every detail whispers opulence, inviting us to step into a realm that guarantees to leave our jaws wide open.

We pull back the curtain on the world’s most exclusive villas, where grandeur is not just an offering, but a promise.

Villa La Leopolda

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Location: Villefranche-sur-Mer, French Riviera (France)

Year built: Early 1900s

Size: 29,000 square feet (approx.)

Worth: $750 million

Availability for tours: Private residence, not open for public tours

Bottom line: Villa La Leopolda is an ode to luxury and opulence, sprawling majestically over 18 acres of the pristine French Riviera. The historic villa, once graced by the presence of King Leopold II of Belgium, sends out shocking waves of royal grandeur and extravagance.

Initially conceived as a holiday home for the king’s mistresses, the villa has since witnessed a lineage of affluent ownership, including banking magnate Edmond Safra and its most recent owner, Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov.

The Villa is a testament to architectural brilliance, boasting an outdoor kitchen, a helipad, and a commercial greenhouse. Its lush gardens, designed by the famed landscape architect Harold Peto, are home to numerous plant species, offering a tranquil retreat amid nature’s beauty.

The swimming pool, a centerpiece of luxury, invites residents to immerse themselves in a world of relaxation and serenity.

Stepping inside, one is greeted by interiors that resonate with sophistication and style, featuring antique furniture, priceless artworks, and intricate tapestries that narrate stories of a bygone era.

The mansion, with its rich history and unparalleled amenities, provides an exclusive glimpse into the world of the ultra-rich, promising an experience that is as precious as the villa itself, a true epitome of magnificence and affluence.

Palazzo Della Felicita

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Location: Washington, D.C., United States

Year built: Early 20th century with historic influences

Size: 17,000 square feet (approx.)

Worth: $45 million

Availability for tours: Discreet showings and live video tours are available

Bottom line: Nestled in the heart of the U.S. capital, the Palazzo Della Felicita stands as a pinnacle of modern luxury infused with historic elegance. Known as the most expensive residence in Washington, D.C., this hypnotic mansion with striking Renaissance-inspired architecture offers a seamless blend of comfort and refined elegance, promising a living experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.

As you step inside, you instantly lay eyes upon a modern marvel that merges historic elegance with contemporary lavishness. The majestic entrance hall unfolds under a spectacular domed ceiling, evoking the grandeur of Rome’s famed Pantheon.

Crafted to hold lavish celebrations yet equally suited for everyday luxury living, it features expansive rooms adorned with exquisite details, from handcrafted moldings to custom-designed chandeliers that add a touch of sparkle to every corner.

The residence also boasts 11 gracious bedrooms and 17 bathrooms, each designed with utmost precision to offer a luxurious escape within the home.

The villa is a heaven for wine enthusiasts, housing a state-of-the-art wine cellar that promises to keep your precious collection in optimal condition. For entertainment, the home theater presents a cinematic experience.

But the luxury doesn’t end indoors. The mansion extends its countless luxurious details to the outdoors with a rooftop terrace providing panoramic views of the city and the evening skyline. The spa and pool area invite guests to indulge in utmost relaxation away from the bustling city life.

Xanadu 2.0

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Location: Medina, Washington, USA

Year built: 1998

Size: 66,000 square feet (approx.)

Worth: $145 million

Availability for tours: Auctioned tours and video tours available

Bottom line: In the serene locale of Medina, Washington, lies a technological wonderland that stands as a testament to the seamless integration of technology and luxury. Owned by the tech mogul and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Xanadu 2.0 offers a peak into the future, providing amenities that are simply revolutionary.

The residence is equipped with sensors throughout, allowing for a personalized environment that adjusts to the preferences of each individual, offering a futuristic and comfortable living experience.

The heart of the home is the private library, housing a collection of rare manuscripts and books under a breathtaking dome roof, a sanctuary for the avid reader. For fitness enthusiasts, the residence dazzles with a 2,500-square-foot gym, promising a comprehensive and luxurious wellness venture.

But the pièce de résistance is the 60-foot swimming pool that comes with high-tech functions, such as an underwater music system that allows guests to enjoy their favorite tunes while taking a dip.

Finally, the outdoors complement the indoors with lush gardens and serene sitting areas for the tech-savvy elite. The Pacific-Lodge-themed property is built from seven types of stone and 500 Douglas fir trees and is filled with so many advanced displays and software that it feels like living inside a video game.

Villa Les Cèdres

French Riviera coastline at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

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Location: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, French Riviera, France

Year built: 1830

Size: 18,000 square feet (approx.)

Worth: $410 million

Availability for tours: Private tours available

Bottom line: Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the tranquil Mediterranean Sea, the historical Villa Les Cèdres is the embodiment of luxury that has stood the test of time. Built in 1830, this elegant adobe provides a means of transportation to a world of exemplary style that resonates with the whispers of history.

Housing several notable residents, including the mayor of Villefranche-sur-Mer and King Leopold II of Belgium, it is home to a magnificent botanical garden, a living museum with over 14,000 plant species, offering a relaxing getaway for nature enthusiasts.

The Olympic-size swimming pool is yet another impressive pole of attraction, while the lavish mansion also features a large stable that fits up to 30 horses, guaranteeing a unique equestrian experience. As for the chapel inside the property, it serves as a serene space for spirituality, encompassed by luxury and natural allure.

The interiors of Villa Les Cèdres are a celebration of art and history, adorned with invaluable artworks, antique furniture, and an intricate wood-paneled library holding more than 3,000 books on naturalism and flora, some of which are now worth several hundred thousand euros.

Magnum Estate

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Location: Kalo Livadi, Mykonos, Greece

Size: 4,840 square feet (approx.)

Capacity: Accommodates up to 68 guests

Worth: A premium rental retreat at 29,500 euros per night (during the high season)

Availability for tours: Video tours and private showings are available only after contacting Kinglike Concierge.

Bottom line: Magnum Estate is a heart-stopping beachfront property, just 200 meters from the pristine waters of Kalo Livadi Beach on the cosmopolitan Greek island of Mykonos. The elegant mansion boasts 34 lavish bedrooms, 34 deluxe ensuite bathrooms, 3 massive pools, and selected world-class amenities that ensure regal living.

Effortlessly blending modern sophistication with the natural beauty of its surroundings, the magnificent estate enchants with its Cycladic architecture, featuring whitewashed walls, unobstructed mind-blowing views of the shimmering Aegean Sea, and sugar-cube constructions.

The entrance floor houses a fully equipped kitchen with a spacious island and direct access to an outdoor dining area that can comfortably seat up to 30 guests. Adjacent to the kitchen is an open-plan living room with panoramic seascapes through large windows.

Step outdoors and you are instantly greeted with three pristine pools, sitting against the stunning backdrop of Mykonos. The outdoor area also boasts a heated Jacuzzi, a well-stocked pool bar, and lounging areas where guests can unwind and soak in the mesmerizing beauty that surrounds them.

For those looking to maintain their fitness regime, the estate houses a well-appointed gym, facilitating a comprehensive wellness journey.

The lower level hosts a range of amenities, including a sauna, steam room, and a massage area with a professional bed, offering a spa-like experience.

The Magnum Estate also spoils guests with a range of complimentary services to enhance their stay, including a beach club and restaurant reservations, daily housekeeping, bi-weekly change of linen and towels, dedicated guest support, and airport pickup services, ensuring a luxurious experience from start to finish.

Bottom Line: This Is Luxury Living at Its Finest

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It is hard not to be utterly captivated by the allure such properties exude. Beckoning with a siren’s call, promising a world where elegance meets extravagance, they embody luxury living at its finest.

These are the destinations that don’t just open doors to opulence but open our eyes to the wonders that wait in the world’s most exclusive corners, leaving us awestruck, time and time again.

This article is a partnership with Sinnerman Limited.