My Private Villas
Luxury is defined by the quality of time spent; the place you spend it in; the people you spend it with.
It is with this philosophy that Paolo Macchiaroli travelled to London in 2011 to create luxury villa rental company My Private Villas. With a degree in economics and marketing combined with a passion for both travel and interior design, he carried with him a knowledge and skillset developed over years of working in villa rentals in Italy and a vision of how it could be improved.
Implementing two main ideas – the creation of a special relationship with the owners by offering them free, tailored marketing activities, and recommending to clients and agents luxury villas that first and foremost provide an unforgettable experience – has proven a successful strategy. The company has consistently increased its portfolio and presence in the villa rental market whilst maintaining the soul of a boutique, guest-oriented company.
COMPANY’S DEVELOPMENT
What started as one person with a dream has become a team of professionals delighting in offering the best private villas on the market to discerning clients. The team takes pride in its close relationship with the owners represented and an in-depth knowledge of the destinations promoted; these span from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, from the green lawns of historic Lake Como to the lavender-scented Provencal fields and dramatic Greek coastlines, and from remote safari lodges to cosy chalets in the snow-blanketed mountain Alps.
My Private Villas also offers luxury services including helicopter or private car transfers, local experiences such as wine tasting or cooking classes, private visits to museums and galleries, private chef services, and table reservations at exclusive, Michelin-starred restaurants, ensuring that guests can achieve the perfect balance of relaxing by the pool or fireside and packing their days with memorable experiences.
A large part of increasing the business has been participating in the most important luxury travel shows in the world including Le Miami, ILTM Cannes, ILTM Americas, The Essence of Luxury Travel in Marbella, Connections, Do Not Disturb, and the upcoming SET in New Orleans. The company was also involved in the most prestigious conservation event in recent history, the Monte-Carlo Gala for Planetary Health, instituted by HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, where My Private Villas offered a stay at one of its top properties for auction.
As well as participation at top events, the support of 11 PR agencies worldwide – from Europe to Australasia and South America – has seen brand recognition rise over the years amongst travel professionals and clients alike.
Another important part of the company’s growth has been recognition from the industry itself. Invited as a panellist at the international Boutique Hotel Awards, Macchiaroli developed the “Private Villa” category, an award recognising the top villas in the business, and went on to head the category’s judging panel for four years.
In 2021 – a notoriously difficult year for the travel industry – My Private Villas received the Traveller Made (now Serendipians) award for Best Traveller Made Champion in the Private Places category. Recognition by such a well-known brand in the luxury travel industry is a source of great pride as well as an invitation to continue the good job done so far and improve on it, ensuring that the company continues to stand out from its competitors.
THE FUTURE OF LUXURY TRAVEL
Being at the forefront of the luxury market means responding promptly to new situations and trends. During the past few unprecedented years, the company curated a selection of villas suitable for remote working and offering flexible cancellation policies, perfect for Covid-cautious travellers. In more recent times, the focus moved to the ideal accommodation for long-awaited reunions with friends and family.
Ongoing research into up-and-coming destinations, from Apulia with its whitewashed trulli to Comporta and its stylish beach properties means that there are always exciting new places for returning clients to discover, whilst firm favorites like Ibiza, St Tropez and Courchevel 1850 remain some of the best destinations for luxury travel.
Nowadays, the real luxuries are time and privacy. My Private Villas can assist busy clients by providing a one-stop agency that supplies not just standard villa rentals but rather an entire luxury experience, by offering properties that provide a true immersion into a different reality, without the pressure of everyday life.
Moreover, all properties in My Private Villas’ portfolio offer absolute privacy, ensuring that guests can relax with friends and family without the worry of nosy neighbors or paparazzi.
We discuss today with Paolo Macchiaroli. He founded My Private Villas in March 2012 as an exclusive collection of the highest quality luxury holiday villas.
Tell us about your business. How would you describe it?
My Private Villas is an exclusive collection of the highest quality luxury holiday villas, but it is also a private club of owners who wish to offer their properties for rent directly to discerning guests at rates that are lower than anywhere else.
What led you to this business?
My great passion for travel and my interest for interior design.
How do you define success?
Success is not giving up and put all your heart, mind and soul even in your smallest act and you will get the success.
Were you ever influenced by other entrepreneurs?
I always love to share my thoughts, my visions and my ideas with other people, as I strongly believe that we can learn every day something from everyone. Without sharing we will never grow.
What is the most challenging part of your work?
To surprise our demanding clients with properties and service beyond their expectations.
What was your most rewarding professional experience?
Received the compliments of some owners or clients that they have never found a company like us so far and that we are different an unique.
What do you have your sights set on next?
Quality and services. The villa rental market is growing so fast and there are so many different suppliers that the only direction is the quality and the services that can be offered to a client.
How is a day in your life?
Busy, but always happy.
Choose two of your favorite quotes and write them here.
“Behind the clouds, the sun always shines”
“The expectation of pleasure is itself a pleasure”
Any hobbies?
Music & books.
What makes you smile?
My 5yo daughter
What is your secret talent?
Better ask someone else…
What are you never without?
A white handkerchief.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
Nelson Mandela.
What scares you?
Better think positive and don’t think about afraid.
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Italy
‘Best-kept secrets’ (websites, places, books, etc) you’d recommend, and why?
Better keep secret! (smiles)
What are three life memories you recall most frequently and why?
All personal memories.
How do you define luxury?
The definition of luxury has changed from expensive goods or experiences enjoyed exclusively by an elite of people, to attention to details or whatever raises people’s expectations.
For me luxury is the enjoyment of the best in life: the experience of beauty and knowledge at their deepest and most inspiring. Luxury could be an aperitivo at the sunset, a favourite song with your lover, a perfect dinner near the fireplace, but nowadays time is the greatest luxury.
Villa Manresa. In Mallorca, Spain
