kensington tours beyond villas

Beyond Villas by Kensington

Welcome to a rich villa experience that’s far beyond the conventional. Stunning private residences that offer a world-class setting for you and your guests. Attentive concierge-level service from private chefs, drivers, yoga instructors, and other professionals, continuously exceeding your needs. And extraordinary moments of discovery in the company of private local guides who reveal the authentic best of your region. All arranged and managed seamlessly on your behalf. This is Beyond Villas by Kensington.

• Tour Operators
• Destinations
• Hotels & Resorts
• Digital Edition Spring 2024
• Digital Edition Fall 2023
• Travel Webcast
• Voices of Travel
• Agents' Choice Gala
• Suppliers Kit
• Canadian Travel Press
• Travel Courier
• Agents' Choice 2023
• Agents' Choice 2022
• Offshore Travel Magazine
• Culinary Travels

Kensington Expands Its Exclusive Collection of Luxury Villas

May 31, 2023

Kensington Tours is expanding its Beyond Villas by Kensington Tours offerings with several new itineraries.

This private villa portfolio is geared towards travellers who seek the ultimate privacy in the form of a luxury villa, along with tailor-made customized itineraries with unique in-destination experiences.

Beyond Villas by Kensington Tours was first launched in February with an initial collection of more than 760 properties in the Caribbean, Europe and South Africa.

The expansion brings the collection to more than 1,000 villas and includes several new itineraries that pair the ideal villa with white-glove service and privately guided experiences. Guests can choose from fully curated itineraries or work with one of Kensington Tours’ Villa Specialists to create their own.

New itineraries include Croatia Luxury Villa Getaway, Puglia by Private Villa, Sicily – Wine, History and The Godfather, Luxe Living in Mallorca, Marbella – A Retreat on the Costa del Sol, Costa Rica Luxury Villa Retreat, The Ultimate Caribbean Hideaway in Jamaica and Athens and the Islands – Luxury Greek Style.

Helen Giontsis, President of Kensington Tours, observed that: “As the demand for private luxury villa accommodation continues to surge, we are continuously working to expand our collection with more hand-selected properties.”

Giontsis continued: “We are also expanding our team with more specialists who have expertise in creating bespoke itineraries. And beyond the villa stays, we’re securing private yachts and jets, and sourcing the best local guides who have unparalleled insider knowledge and access – all this culminates in an experience that will both meet and exceed our guests’ expectations for the perfect vacation.”

Complementing its collection of luxury accommodations on land, Kensington Tours also has a team of Yacht Specialists for those who prefer a vacation at sea. Each of its Specialists will work with clients to identify the perfect vessel and routing based on their preferences, style, and budget. As with all Kensington Tours trips, they then curate an itinerary that includes unique land experiences, luxury transfers, hotel and villa stays, and private jet and helicopter transfers.

Go to www.kensingtontours.com for more.

Porter inaugurates non-stop route from Ottawa to St. John’s

Jamaica welcomes a record-breaking 2M visitors for 2024

• {{sec.section_name}}

• See Dedicated Insider Travel Portal: 
• {{spp.company}} ,

•   |  
• Privacy Policy & Terms

Kensington Tours expands exclusive collection of luxury villas

•   05-30-2023  9:32 am
•   Pax Global Media

Pax Global Media

Kensington Tours  is expanding its  Beyond Villas by Kensington Tours   offerings with several new itineraries. 

This private villa portfolio is geared towards travellers who seek the ultimate privacy in the form of a luxury villa, along with tailor-made customized itineraries with unique in-destination experiences; it first launched in February with an initial collection of more than 760 properties in the Caribbean, Europe and South Africa.    

  The expansion brings the collection to more than 1,000 villas and includes several new itineraries that pair the ideal villa with white-glove service and privately guided experiences. 

Guests can choose from fully curated itineraries or work with one of Kensington Tours' Villa Specialists to create their own.  

Among the new itineraries include:  

Croatia Luxury Villa Getaway   – Perched above the rocky cliffs of Stikovica, a suburb of Dubrovnik, Villa Amelie provides an ultramodern hideaway for an eight-day journey that combines a culinary adventure with the beauty of the Elfiti Islands. Spread over three floors, the modern interior is complemented by its sun-kissed terrace featuring an infinity pool overlooking the sea and sprawling Elfiti Islands. Experiences include a private sunset cruise around the islands, a fresh oyster and wine tasting, a private guided walking tour of Dubrovnik, and a day tour to Montenegro discovering Boka Bay and the jewels of Kotor. From $65,000 for up to 12 guests.  

Puglia by Private Villa    – From the comfort of a five-bedroom luxury villa situated on an eight-hectare olive garden that was once used as a country residence by the noble Palmieri family, guests will immerse themselves in the pearls of Puglia – one of Italy’s best kept secrets. They’ll explore the region’s rich culture with experiences in Bari, Fasano, Alberobello, Locorotondo and Ostuni, including a fully private tasting at a Masseria to delight in the classic flavors of Apulian cuisine. From $61,000 for up to 10 guests.     

Sicily - Wine, History and The Godfather         – With its classic Sicilian decor featuring ancient ceramics and antique furnishings, the La Boheme villa is ideally situated in Sicily's hilltop town of Taormina offering views of the Ionian Sea. The experiences reflect the region’s quintessential history – a private tour of the  8th century Castello degli Schiavi with the owner – a filming location of The Godfather, tastings at three local wineries, and an archeological tour. Guests can also take a cable car ride to the beaches of Mazzaro and Isola Bella or discover villages on the slopes of Mount Etna, all just a short drive away. From $45,000 for up to 10 guests.  

Luxe Living in Mallorca     - A private yacht charter and a classical music concert in a cave are highlights of this eight-day retreat where up to 12 guests will enjoy Villa Margarita’s architectural splendor from a perch high above Puerto Andratx, surrounded by the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and lush, picturesque gardens. From $59,000 for up to 12 guests.  

Marbella - A Retreat on the Costa del Sol  – Located just minutes from the beaches of Costa del Sol and Puerto Banus, a modern five-bedroom villa offers all the amenities for fun in the Spanish sun, including poolside sunbeds, an outdoor infinity pool, and a large dining terrace equipped with a barbecue for leisurely dinners prepared by a private chef. A state-of-the-art cinema room and games room featuring a billiard table make this the perfect spot for a multi-generational family vacation. Guests will also discover the secrets of the sea and learn about artisanal fishing with a local seafarer and a marine biologist. From $40,000 for up to 10 guests.  

Costa Rica Luxury Villa Retreat   - Situated on the Papagayo Peninsula, the 11,800 square foot Villa Belvedere offers the perfect set-up for multiple families with its dual master suites – along with three additional well-equipped suites to accommodate up to 14 guests.  Guests can start the day with a morning salutation from the cliffside yoga platform or take a dip in one of two private pools and relax in the hot tub after a day of activities, including as ziplining, hiking the jungle and volcanoes of Rincon de la Vieja National Park with a private guide, and an exclusive sailing adventure along the Papagayo Coast on a catamaran. From $70,000 for up to 12 guests.  

The Ultimate Caribbean Hideaway in Jamaica      – A fully staffed villa with chef, butler, housekeeper, and more make this seven-bedroom villa the perfect spot to enjoy a Caribbean getaway. While the interior features all the space and amenities for luxury living, the true essence of Canoe Cove is open-air living that includes a Junior Olympic-size swimming pool, hot tub for ten, clay tennis court, synthetic putting green, and basketball court. For those who prefer water activities there are paddle boards and kayaks along with snorkels for the live reef 50 yards out. For families with small children, a shallow pool entry ensures safety, while an oversize sandbox on the lawn provides hours of fun. During the eight-day getaway, guests will also enjoy private-guided experiences including a sailing trip by catamaran to visit the jungle waterfalls. From $70,000 USD for up to 14 guests.  

Athens and the Islands - Luxury Greek Style        – An infinity pool, heli-pad, garden, gazebo, and beach access at this six-bedroom Mykonos villa provide the ultimate vantage point for experiencing the Greek Islands as part of this nine-day journey. Beginning with private and personalized tours in Athens, the journey culminates in an indulgent villa stay complete with a private yacht charter. From $38,000 for up to 12 guests.  

“As the demand for private luxury villa accommodation continues to surge, we are continuously working to expand our collection with more hand-selected properties,” said Helen Giontsis , president of Kensington Tours. “We are also expanding our team with more specialists who have expertise in creating bespoke itineraries. And beyond the villa stays, we’re securing private yachts and jets, and sourcing the best local guides who have unparalleled insider knowledge and access – all this culminates in an experience that will both meet and exceed our guests’ expectations for the perfect vacation.”  

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX  today!   Click here  to follow PAX on Facebook.   

St. Lucia's Windjammer Landing unveils new experiences for children

Sunwing & RIU celebrate partnership, Elite Club luxury & new hotels

Blue Diamond Resorts takes second hotel into the metaverse

PHOTOS: Sandals’ new and 9th island destination now accepting reservations

On Location: "It's not about what we do, but how we do it": Playa celebrates 10 years of all-inclusive

Processing... wait please, please don't refresh or leave this page.

Three dream destinations where luxurious accommodations meet customised itineraries for an unforgettable holiday

Luxury travel is booming. According to research published by Allied Market Research, the luxury travel sector alone is expected to be valued at US$82 billion by 2030. There’s a reason why bespoke villa stays are increasingly popular: they offer travellers unparalleled service, with an on-hand concierge that provides expertise in a particular region or country, as well as access to a wide range of activities, from sunset yoga in Santorini to bookings at Cape Town’s top tables.

With Kensington Tours , access to the world’s cultural institutions can be arranged according to clients’ preferences. “People want diversity in their days, whether that’s treasure hunts in The Louvre for younger guests, or private, after-hours visits to monuments and museums,” says Adrijana Basic, the company’s Yachts and Villas Specialist. Here are three destinations to whet the appetite for summer travel.

Croatia calling

A small country with a spectacular, rocky coastline, abundant national parks and over 1,000 islands ripe for exploration, Croatia has become the destination for travellers who’ve already experienced much of the Mediterranean. With its fusion of northern Italian, Roman and Austro-Hungarian influences – mixed with eastern European flavours – it offers the best of land and sea.

There is no better jumping-off point than Villa Amelie , a sleek cliffside property on the outskirts of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spread across three light-filled floors, the seven-bedroom villa is equipped with contemporary furnishings and overlooks the Elafiti Islands. Direct sea access and a private stone beach offers guests the chance to spend time together as they bond around shared meals at an al fresco dining table.

Catering to a group with disparate interests – and of varying ages – can have challenges. Opting for a dedicated local guide and a personal driver makes everything run smoothly: excursions to family-run vineyards in the Peljesac region, sunset sails through the archipelago and a tasting of Mali Ston Bay’s briniest oysters. Private day trips to neighbouring Montenegro – just an hour from the villa – are another highlight, with dramatic mountains and fjords brought to life by nature experts.

Captivating Cape Town

The bright lights, natural beauty and outstanding cuisines of Cape Town – combined with an awe-inspiring stay in the bush – are essential elements for a South African adventure, with options for wine tastings in nearby Stellenbosch, helicopter rides over the iconic Twelve Apostles and penguin-watching in remote Simon’s Town.

From a modernist villa overlooking Camps Bay , guests can opt for a walking food tour with a local guide, well-versed in your personal tastes, as well as the best of South African cuisine. Your Villa Specialist can arrange everything from after-hours art tours to bookings at the city’s most sought-after, Michelin-starred restaurants including PIER and The Waterside . Afterwards, they’ll coordinate private flights to Sabi Sands in Kruger National Park. Once there, “you can watch the animals awaken on an early morning game drive, followed by days spent at leisure before a sunset safari – preferably with one of the world’s best gin and tonics in hand,” says Basic.

Caribbean cachet

For those in search of a warm weather escape and a little glitz and glamour, the Caribbean islands of St. Barts, St. Maarten and Anguilla are calling. “Many of our guests are looking for that wow factor,” says Basic of the exquisitely appointed villas that her clients prefer for an extended stay. Whether it’s car rentals and fully stocked refrigerators, or customisable gourmet picnics, guests can expect every detail to be thought through by Kensington Tours’ dedicated staff.

Guests can wander the quaint streets of Gustavia Harbor in St. Barts or languish on Gouverneur and Saline beaches, before dinner reservations at Le Tamarin or Bonito. Opt for day sailing on a catamaran or aboard the exclusive Lionshare – a 130-ft Heesen luxury yacht that sleeps 12 and is ideal for cruising the surrounding islands. Once night falls, party at the exclusive Nikki Beach or aboard one of the island’s brightest mega-yacht parties.

Speak to a Villa Specialist at 855-775-1668 to start planning your Beyond Villas experience.

Join AAA today Membership gives you access to Roadside Assistance, Deals, Discounts, and more.

• Add Members
• Gift Membership
• Member Benefits Guide
• The Extra Mile
• Renew Expires in 28 days

AAA Visa Signature® Credit Cards

Earn a $100 Statement Credit

After spending $1,000 on your card within 90 days of account opening.

• Advice back All Advice Travel Auto Money Home Life
• Destinations back All Destinations Northeast States Southeast States Central States Western States Mid-Atlantic States National Parks Road Trips International Travel Inspiration
• Connect back All Connect Community Stories Authors & Ambassadors
• Guides back All Guides Doing Your Taxes Protecting Your Valuables Winter Driving Buying and Selling a Car Buying and Selling a Home Getting Organized Home Improvement Improve Your Finances Maintaining Your Car Saving Money Staying Healthy Traveling
• Series back All Series AAA World Garden Road Trips Member News AAA's Take Good Question Car Reviews AAA Traveler Worldwise Foodie Finds Minute Escapes

Kensington Tours

SEE THE WORLD, DIFFERENTLY

At Kensington Tours, we create fully personalized travel experiences that are privately guided – no two trips are ever the same. Each itinerary is carefully crafted to create the deeper, more authentic experience that you as a discerning traveler desire, based on your unique goals and preferences. With a local private guide at your side, you’ll explore the local culture, food and wine, history, art, architecture or whatever else you may be interested in. You’ll savor the authentic best of your destination, without line-ups or big crowds. In over 100 countries across all seven continents, we have the expertise to plan, book, and manage all the complexities of your trip, so you can simply enjoy.

• Your Destination Expert plans all the details to customize your journey exactly the way you want
• Your local private guide is hand-picked for you to ensure full access to the best of your destination
• Your preferred travel style at your ideal pace is custom tailored into your itinerary
• You travel with complete confidence and peace of mind thanks to our dedicated 24/7 support team

The Fully Customized Travel You Desire

Whatever your dream, whatever your passion, whatever the size of your travel party, your Destination Expert is ready to work with you to plan the trip of a lifetime. Maybe it’s a private luxury safari, tracking lions, elephants, and giraffes with your own game expert. Private tastings of the wines and olive oils of Emilia Romagna while you talk to their makers. Or exploring the land of your ancestors in places as diverse as Scotland, Poland, and Ghana.

From couples and singles to multi-generational families and groups of 10 or more, our experts have the knowledge to create a trip you’ll never forget.

Voyages by Kensington Tours

Experience the better way to cruise. Voyages by Kensington Tours pairs the world’s finest ocean, river, and expedition cruises with personalized multi-day touring, complete with your own private guide, both before and after your cruise. We also arrange private shore excursions away from the crowds.

It’s a personalized, one-of-a-kind journey that gives you a unique and far more personal perspective on your destination. Voyages by Kensington Tours is truly the best of land and sea in a single, seamless journey.

Elevated Experiences Around the World

With Beyond Villas by Kensington Tours, you enjoy not just a villa rental – it’s an extraordinary villa experience that pairs carefully vetted luxury villas with a customized itinerary of the best local experiences. And with our sister company Kensington Yachts, you can also elevate your travel with private luxury yacht charters that are fully managed for you from start to finish.

From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean to the South Pacific, we create a complete experience for you both onboard and ashore, replete with private chef, private guides, private drivers, and anything else you require.

Welcome to AAA

To enjoy customized local content, please enter your ZIP Code below.

Limited Time Offer!

Please wait....

• Tour Operators
• Destinations
• Hotels & Resorts
• Agent Feedback
• Deals & Incentives
• On Location
• Industry Experts
• Sphere – HomeBased
• Digital Editions
• Subscribe today!

• Hotels and Resorts
• Types of Travel
• Subscribe Now

A seamless travel experience is worth its weight in gold, and more findings from Kensington Tours’ affluent traveller survey

Post date: Jan 4 2024

Date: Jan 4 2024

By: Travelweek

TORONTO — A new luxury travel survey commissioned by one of the biggest names in high-end travel shows that price really is no object when it comes to ease of travel, convenience, service and making the most of holiday time.

Kensington Tours’ Luxury Travelers Survey, conducted with Opinium Research, polled 400 adults from households earning $250,000+ and with bookings for luxury trips worth at least $10,000 over the past five years.

The biggest take-away? It’s not so much about the destinations that money can buy, but mitigating the hassles of travel that affluent travellers are more than willing to pay for. A seamless travel experience is worth its weight in gold, as it turns out.

Key findings from the survey include …

• Nearly seven in 10 luxury travellers (68%) say they are willing to pay a premium for the ability to skip lines, avoid crowds, and experience private tours.
• Other offerings that luxury travellers would pay a premium for include personalized, bespoke trips tailored to their wants and needs (66%), one-stop planning (62%), and insider access to exclusive events (56%).
• Respondents also reported that their travel experiences would be somewhat or greatly enhanced by offerings typically provided by a luxury tour operator, such as access to popular attractions with no wait times (81%), privately guided tours without the crowds (78%), access to exclusive, world-renowned events (74%), and access to insider experiences not traditionally available to the general public (72%).
• A significant portion of luxury travellers (38%) report taking 3-5 trips annually, while 28% take 6-10 trips. Some 14% embark on more than 10 trips each year. Most of the trips average two weeks or more (57%).
• 72% of survey participants expressed their intention to enlist the services of travel experts for their upcoming vacation planning.
• 82% of those surveyed intending to increase their family travel this year, showing that the demand for intergenerational travel is alive and well
• A significant number of respondents – 89% – plan to explore new destinations in 2024 with Switzerland, Norway, and Portugal named as top destinations.
• Top-cited frustrations include locating appropriate accommodations (41%), avoiding tourist traps (38%), and coordinating activities (38%).
• More than 50% expressed interest in distinctive experiences such as luxurious villa stays featuring in-house amenities and private yacht expeditions.

“The outcomes of our recent survey confirm the trends we’ve observed among our clients, who value an effortless experience, unique insider opportunities, elite lodging, and tailor-made journey arrangements,” said Helen Giontsis, President of Kensington Tours. “With these preferences in mind and proactively meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations, we are committed to continually developing unique offerings tailored exclusively for the luxury travel sector.”

Also in the survey, among respondents familiar with Kensington Tours, the company tied for the highest perceived quality rating with 77% of respondents ranking it with an above average perceived quality, the largest percentage granted to any tour operator in the survey.

Kensington Tours’ new programs include Beyond Villas by Kensington Tours, Kensington Yachts and Voyages by Kensington Tours.

Tags: Kensington Tours, Lead Story