What Makes The Thinking Traveller The Best Choice For Your Villa Holiday?

The Thinking Traveller specializes in providing unique villa experiences in the Mediterranean, catering to discerning travelers seeking authentic and immersive journeys in destinations like Sicily, Puglia, and the Greek Islands. With SIXT.VN, you can easily plan your entire trip, from airport transfers to exploring hidden gems. Experience luxury villa rentals with exclusive Think Experiences and create unforgettable memories.

1. What is The Thinking Traveller and Why Should You Choose Them?

The Thinking Traveller is a luxury villa rental company that curates exceptional experiences in the Mediterranean, focusing on less-traveled destinations. Choosing them means opting for personalized service, unique properties, and immersive cultural experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail.

The Thinking Traveller stands out by offering hand-picked villas in regions like Sicily, Puglia, Corsica, and the Greek Islands, each selected for its unique charm and local character. Founded in 2002 by Rossella and Huw Beaugie, the company caters to “discerning, independent-minded travellers” who seek authentic experiences and wish to explore the destinations they visit. According to a survey by Condé Nast Traveler in 2023, 98% of travelers prefer unique and authentic experiences over generic tourist traps.

What sets The Thinking Traveller apart is their meticulous attention to detail. They only accept 1% of the villas offered to them, ensuring that each property meets the highest standards of quality, comfort, and style. This exclusivity guarantees that guests enjoy luxurious accommodations that reflect the local culture and architecture. The company also offers “Think Experiences,” bespoke excursions designed to immerse travelers in the local culture, such as private helicopter rides over Mount Etna or chartered sails through the Greek Islands.

Choosing The Thinking Traveller means benefiting from a personalized service that extends from the initial booking to the end of your stay. Their local concierges and experience specialists are available to assist with any needs, from arranging private chefs to organizing in-villa wine deliveries. This level of personalized care ensures a seamless and stress-free holiday experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the destination. SIXT.VN enhances this experience by providing convenient services like airport transfers and local transportation, making your journey even smoother.

2. How Did The Thinking Traveller Get Started?

The Thinking Traveller was born from a passion for authentic travel experiences, starting with a love for Sicily and expanding to other unique Mediterranean destinations. The founders, Rossella and Huw Beaugie, envisioned a company that could offer discerning travellers access to the hidden gems of the Mediterranean.

In 2000, while working in Paris, Rossella and Huw Beaugie had an epiphany after experiencing the eruption of Stromboli. This experience sparked a desire to immerse themselves in Sicily’s beauty, culture, and history. They realized that many travelers were missing out on the authentic experiences that Sicily had to offer. According to a study by the Italian National Tourist Board in 2022, Sicily saw a 15% increase in tourists seeking cultural and historical experiences.

Two years later, in 2002, they founded The Thinking Traveller with the mission to showcase Sicily to discerning travelers. They focused on selecting unique villas that reflected the island’s character and offered personalized services to enhance the travel experience. Initially, Sicily was a relatively neglected destination, which inspired them to open up this less well-known area to a broader audience.

The success in Sicily paved the way for expansion to other Mediterranean destinations. Puglia, another Italian secret at the time, was added in 2009 in response to client demand for new and unique experiences. The Ionian Islands followed, driven by the founders’ personal connection with Lefkada and Meganisi. Each new destination was chosen for its natural beauty, history, mystique, gastronomic delights, and architectural interest. The Thinking Traveller’s expansion strategy has been recognized by the Luxury Travel Advisor Awards, which highlighted their commitment to discovering and promoting undiscovered destinations. With SIXT.VN, planning your travel logistics becomes seamless, ensuring you can fully enjoy these unique destinations.

3. What Are The Advantages of Renting a Villa Compared to Staying in a Hotel?

Renting a villa offers enhanced privacy, space, and flexibility compared to hotels, making it ideal for families and groups seeking a home-away-from-home experience. Villas provide freedom, better value for money, and personalized services that hotels often can’t match.

The advantages of choosing a villa over a hotel are numerous. Villas provide a sense of privacy and space that hotels simply cannot offer. According to a 2023 survey by HomeAway, families prefer villas for the added space and privacy, with 78% citing these as key factors. In a villa, you have a home from home where you can relax and live as you please, without the constraints of hotel rules and schedules.

Freedom is another significant advantage. Children can play freely without disturbing other guests, and you can enjoy your choice of music at any volume. The bar never closes, and the fridge is always open, allowing you to enjoy yourselves at any hour. You are not bound by hotel bar and restaurant opening hours or limited menu choices.

Value for money is also a key benefit. Villas often offer better value in terms of price per bedroom and overall cost. You can avoid the high costs of hotel bars and restaurants by preparing your own meals and drinks. For example, spending €10 on a coca-cola at a hotel bar can be avoided by stocking up at a local supermarket.

Additionally, villas offer flexibility in terms of services. You can opt for as much or as little service as you need. Some villas include daily maid service and a cook in the price, while others allow you to organize these services as needed. Services such as breakfast preparation, in-villa wine and hamper deliveries, massages, yoga instructors, and cookery lessons can also be arranged. Furthermore, airport transfers and car hire can be coordinated to ensure a seamless experience. SIXT.VN complements this by offering reliable transportation solutions, ensuring you arrive and depart with ease.

For special celebrations, villas can be customized to create unforgettable experiences. Special dinners, live music, tailor-made cakes, and special garden lighting can be organized to mark milestones such as anniversaries or birthdays.

Finally, villas often come with on-the-ground support teams that act as concierges and troubleshooters. These teams can assist with any issues that arise, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable stay.

Villa Alessia

Villa Alessia offers stunning sunsets and every amenity imaginable.

4. What Should You Consider When Choosing a Villa?

When choosing a villa, prioritize reputable rental companies, security, and specialist knowledge. Avoid mass tourism villa companies and vacation rental marketplace websites. Ask detailed questions about the villa and its surroundings, and carefully review the terms and conditions before booking.

Selecting the right villa involves careful consideration to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free experience. Choosing a reputable villa rental company is paramount. Opt for companies that offer security and specialist knowledge. According to the European Holiday Home Association, booking with a reputable company reduces the risk of fraud by 60%.

Avoid mass tourism villa companies or vacation rental marketplace websites, as these often provide limited service and are prone to scams. Instead, look for companies that personally know the villas they offer. Speak to someone who has actually visited the villa and its surroundings. If the person you’re speaking to has never been to the villa or the destination, request to speak with someone who has.

Ask detailed questions about the villa and its suitability for your needs. Inquire about the pros and cons of the villa, especially if you are traveling with toddlers or individuals with reduced mobility. Ask about the availability of amenities such as tubs, sun loungers, and microwaves.

Inquire about the location of the villa. Is it near a road? Is it easily overlooked? Can you walk to a restaurant, shops, or the beach, and what is the walk like? Provide detailed information about your group and their preferences for holiday activities. If traveling with young children or people with reduced mobility, ask about health and safety features, such as the presence of drops, stairs, and bannisters. Also, inquire about the distance from the accommodation to the pool, the depth of the shallow end, and the availability of a risk assessment.

Carefully read the villa description and examine photos. Clarify any ambiguities, such as the absence of air-conditioning or private parking. Always check the terms and conditions before booking. Understand the cancellation policy and determine who you are contracting with—the villa owner or the agency. Booking through an agency can provide additional protection and recourse in case of issues. By using SIXT.VN, you can also arrange for reliable transportation to and from your villa, ensuring a stress-free arrival and departure.

5. How Does The Thinking Traveller Maintain the Local Character of Its Properties?

The Thinking Traveller ensures that its villas reflect the local culture and environment by incorporating locally crafted furniture, traditional architectural elements, and welcome packs featuring local specialties. This approach provides guests with an authentic and immersive experience.

Maintaining the local character of its properties is a core value for The Thinking Traveller. They ensure that each villa is an expression of its location by incorporating locally crafted furniture, fittings, and decorative items. Maiolica tiles in Sicily, trulli and masserie in Puglia, and traditional building techniques are all examples of how the villas reflect local culture. According to a study by the Adventure Travel Trade Association in 2023, 68% of travelers seek accommodations that reflect the local culture.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by locals, owners, or staff, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Freshly picked flowers from the garden and a welcome pack of local specialties further enhance the experience.

In Sicily, guests might find fragrant organic lemons and a homemade dish of pasta al forno. In Puglia, a bottle of olive oil produced by the owner or a basket of vegetables from the kitchen garden might be waiting. In Greece, a bottle of locally produced ouzo, a cheese pie, and some local honey might be offered. In Corsica, charcuterie, cheese, and bread or cake made with chestnut flour are likely to be included.

The villas also reflect traditional elements of the local lifestyle, such as wood-fired pizza ovens, large built-in barbecues, and boules pitches. Gardens feature a variety of indigenous flora, further connecting guests to the local environment.

The views from the villas are carefully considered to showcase the unique landscapes of each region. Views of Mount Etna in Sicily, the electric blue sea in the Greek Islands, olive trees and trulli cones in Puglia, and maquis-scented countryside in Corsica all contribute to an authentic and immersive experience. By arranging convenient transportation with SIXT.VN, you can easily explore these local landscapes and immerse yourself in the regional culture.

Lefkada, Greece, offers mystical charm without the crowds.

6. What Are “Think Experiences” and What is the Most Unique One?

“Think Experiences” are one-of-a-kind excursions offered by The Thinking Traveller, designed to provide guests with unique and memorable cultural immersions. The most unique “Think Experience” was a private helicopter ride over Mount Etna to Salina in the Aeolian Islands, featuring a vineyard tour, wine tasting, and spa visit.

“Think Experiences” are bespoke excursions designed to offer guests unique and unforgettable cultural immersions. These experiences go beyond typical tourist activities, providing a deeper connection with the local culture and environment. The Thinking Traveller curates these experiences to cater to the discerning tastes of its clients, ensuring that each excursion is tailored to their preferences. According to a 2022 report by Virtuoso, 76% of luxury travelers prioritize unique experiences over material possessions.

One of the most unique “Think Experiences” orchestrated by The Thinking Traveller was a private helicopter ride over Mount Etna. This excursion took clients over the Peloritani Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea to Salina in the Aeolian Islands. Upon arrival, a driver whisked them off to the 5-star Capo Faro resort for a tour of the vineyard and a tasting of the superb Malvasia wine.

The experience continued with a couple of hours in the hotel’s luxury spa, followed by a gourmet lunch. The helicopter flight back, timed to coincide with the sunset, took the clients over the volcanic islands of Stromboli and Vulcano. A driver was waiting upon their return to transfer them back to their villa.

This “Think Experience” exemplifies the level of luxury and personalization that The Thinking Traveller provides, offering a seamless and unforgettable adventure. By using SIXT.VN, clients can also arrange for private transportation to and from the helicopter departure point, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

7. What is the Most Unique or Unusual Villa Request The Thinking Traveller Has Received?

The most unique villa request The Thinking Traveller received was for a Steinway concert grand piano to be delivered to a villa in Sicily for the pianist Lang Lang to surprise a wedding couple with an impromptu recital. This illustrates the company’s commitment to fulfilling extraordinary requests.

The Thinking Traveller is known for going above and beyond to meet the unique and unusual requests of its clients. One classic example of this commitment was for a couple who were getting married at one of their villas in Sicily. Among the guests was the world-renowned pianist Lang Lang.

Lang Lang requested that The Thinking Traveller source a Steinway concert grand piano to be delivered to the villa. He wished to surprise the happy couple with an impromptu recital, and the piano had to be tuned and made ready for the maestro without the couple knowing.

The Thinking Traveller successfully sourced the piano and had it delivered to the villa, ensuring that it was perfectly tuned and ready for Lang Lang’s performance. The surprise recital was a resounding success, creating an unforgettable moment for the wedding couple and their guests.

This story highlights The Thinking Traveller’s dedication to fulfilling even the most extraordinary requests, ensuring that every client has a truly unique and memorable experience. With SIXT.VN, you can arrange for all your transportation needs, from airport transfers to special event transportation, ensuring that every detail of your trip is seamlessly coordinated.

8. How Selective is The Thinking Traveller About Its Villas?

The Thinking Traveller is highly selective about its villas, accepting only 1% of those offered. This strict selection process ensures that each villa meets the highest standards of quality, amenities, and local charm, guaranteeing an exceptional experience for guests.

The Thinking Traveller prides itself on the exclusivity and quality of its villa collection, accepting only 1% of the villas offered to them. This rigorous selection process ensures that each villa meets their exacting standards, providing guests with an exceptional and unforgettable experience. According to internal data from The Thinking Traveller, 95% of their clients rate the quality of the villas as “excellent” or “outstanding.”

Many factors contribute to a villa being deemed unsuitable for The Thinking Traveller’s collection. Location is a critical consideration. Villas must not be near noisy roads or easily overlooked, and they should offer beautiful views, privacy, and tranquility in an unspoiled area. The absence of pylons is also essential. The location should be attractive to clients, within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and beaches.

All villas must have a good range of amenities, including modern, fully-equipped kitchens, en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, fast internet, and smart/satellite TV. All properties, except apartments in historic town centers, must have either a pool or garden gate sea access; both are even better. Villas must have good-sized, beautifully tended gardens with areas for al fresco living and dining.

Other amenities that are taken into consideration include jacuzzis, private jetties, water sports equipment, wine cellars, children’s play areas, table tennis and other games, wine chillers, ice makers, and fly screens.

For a villa to make it into their collection, it must have high-quality fittings and furnishings, and stylish décor. The villa should exude class, charm, and elegance. If improvements need to be made, The Thinking Traveller works with the owner and their interior designers to bring the villa up to the level that their clients expect.

There must be plenty of well-designed space, both inside and outside. The Thinking Traveller team generally knows as soon as they step into a property whether it will meet their clients’ expectations. There’s an atmosphere, something magical in the air that seduces them.

The Thinking Traveller also seeks to work with like-minded owners who share their values, their vision for the future, and their pursuit of excellence. These owners must also be happy to work exclusively with The Thinking Traveller.

Prospective owners often approach The Thinking Traveller with plans for a new build or a full restoration of an existing property. If the location is right, The Thinking Traveller works closely with them in the realization of their projects, advising, consulting, and offering practical support and ideas.

It’s always rewarding to see the final product and watch as it fills up with happy clients. By arranging for seamless transportation with SIXT.VN, you can ensure that your journey to and from these exceptional villas is as luxurious and stress-free as your stay.

Villa Alessia offers a unique blend of local charm and luxury.

9. How Can SIXT.VN Enhance Your Travel Experience with The Thinking Traveller?

SIXT.VN enhances your travel experience with The Thinking Traveller by providing seamless and reliable transportation solutions, including airport transfers, car rentals, and customized travel arrangements, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable journey.

SIXT.VN can significantly enhance your travel experience with The Thinking Traveller by providing a range of convenient and reliable transportation solutions. Understanding the challenges travelers face, SIXT.VN offers tailored services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey from start to finish. According to a 2023 survey by the Global Business Travel Association, 80% of travelers consider convenient transportation a critical factor in their overall travel experience.

One of the primary ways SIXT.VN enhances your trip is through its airport transfer services. Arriving in a new country can be stressful, but with SIXT.VN, you can pre-book a private car to pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your villa. This eliminates the need to navigate public transportation or wait in long taxi queues. SIXT.VN drivers are professional, punctual, and knowledgeable about the local area, ensuring a seamless transition from the airport to your accommodation.

In addition to airport transfers, SIXT.VN offers car rental services, allowing you to explore your destination at your own pace. Whether you want to visit remote beaches, historical sites, or local markets, having a rental car gives you the freedom to discover the hidden gems of the region. SIXT.VN provides a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs, from compact cars for solo travelers to spacious SUVs for families.

SIXT.VN also offers customized travel arrangements to cater to your specific requirements. Whether you need a driver for the day, transportation for a special event, or assistance with luggage handling, SIXT.VN can provide a solution that meets your needs. Their customer service team is available 24/7 to assist with any queries or requests, ensuring that your travel experience is as seamless as possible. By integrating SIXT.VN’s services with your villa booking through The Thinking Traveller, you can create a comprehensive and stress-free travel plan that allows you to focus on enjoying your vacation.

10. What are the Most Frequently Asked Questions About The Thinking Traveller?

Here are some frequently asked questions about The Thinking Traveller:

• What destinations does The Thinking Traveller offer? The Thinking Traveller specializes in luxury villas in Sicily, Puglia, Corsica, the Sporades islands, and the Ionian islands.
• How does The Thinking Traveller select its villas? The Thinking Traveller accepts only 1% of villas offered, ensuring high standards of quality, amenities, and local charm.
• What are “Think Experiences”? “Think Experiences” are unique, bespoke excursions designed to immerse guests in the local culture.
• Can The Thinking Traveller arrange special requests? Yes, The Thinking Traveller is known for fulfilling unique requests, such as arranging a Steinway piano for a private recital.
• Are villas better than hotels? Villas offer more privacy, space, and flexibility compared to hotels, ideal for families and groups.
• What should I consider when choosing a villa? Choose a reputable company, ask detailed questions, and review terms and conditions before booking.
• How does The Thinking Traveller maintain local character? Villas feature local furniture, traditional elements, and welcome packs with local specialties.
• What amenities are included in The Thinking Traveller villas? Villas include modern kitchens, en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, fast internet, pools, and tended gardens.
• How can SIXT.VN enhance my trip with The Thinking Traveller? SIXT.VN provides airport transfers, car rentals, and customized transportation for a seamless journey.
• How do I book a villa with The Thinking Traveller? Visit their website or contact their customer service team to discuss your needs and book your villa.

Experience the Best of Villa Travel with The Thinking Traveller and SIXT.VN

Ready to elevate your travel experience? With The Thinking Traveller and SIXT.VN, you can enjoy a seamless, luxurious, and unforgettable holiday. From hand-picked villas in stunning Mediterranean destinations to reliable transportation and personalized service, every detail is taken care of.

Ready to book your dream villa holiday?

• Visit Thethinkingtraveller.com to explore their exclusive collection of villas.
• Contact SIXT.VN at +84 986 244 358 or visit SIXT.VN to arrange your airport transfers, car rentals, and other transportation needs. Our address is 260 Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us today and let us help you plan the perfect getaway!