Ibiza remains jewel in clubbing kingdom - but its high-end villas and spas mean it's top of A-list too

If five star luxury is what you're after, Ibiza is the place to go.

Of course it's home to the world's best clubs, but there's much more to it than that if you want to truly spoil yourself.

For a start, there's the truly astounding Hacienda Na Xamena, a hotel tucked away on a clifftop in a quiet corner of the island which few people even know about, let alone have explored.

You can stay there of course, but we were sticking with our usual plan of our own villa, so we dropped by to spend a day of luxury in the legendary spa, La Posidonia by SkinCeuticals.

From the moment you arrive in this stunning hotel, which in the Balearic style blends the rustic and the modern beautifully, there's a sense of entering a different world.

We had opted for the famed Cascadas Suspendidas treatment, in which you make your way through a series of thalassotherapy pools heated at different temperatures which provide high pressure hydro jet massages starting from the soles of your feet and finishing with your head.

The key to the magic is the location - perched on the edge off the clifftop 180m above the Med, with simply spellbinding views.

This is followed by relaxing on the recessed wooden beds until you are summoned for your Pica Pica, or healthy tapas.

Whether you're ending a holiday of mayhem with an unwinding afternoon, or starting your break in style, this is the place to do it.

It's worth staying for dinner too as the food is sublime - and if you want to spoil yourself, splash out on an overnight stay, you won't regret it.

You're likely to bump into serious stars too, from Premiership and International football stars to Hollywood royalty.

The other way to do that is take to the seas, which is achievable on a much more modest budget than you might think thanks to companies like the brilliant Ibiza Speedboats.

They cater to all sorts of massive stars, but your own day of superstar treatment is surprisingly affordable.

They have different boats for different parties and budgets, and you can have a half day or whole day, or sunset cruise - whatever you want, these guys are there to help. Prices start from just 500 Euro for up to 10 people.

Martin and Pabs are real Ibiza faces - they've helped with the shooting of numerous TV shows on the island - and the perfect skippers for your ocean adventure.

Our morning was spent zooming around the coast, mooring off the legendary Es vedra - sadly almost goatless now - and then Atlantis.

We were showed a secret diving pool in a cave, and taken cliff diving in a truly terrifying moment I'm in no hurry to repeat.

Then of course there was chill time at a deserted beach and a cruise along the beautiful coastline from a unique perspective.

There's no attitude on board, which is why stars like Myleene Klaas and Rita Ora come back to these guys again and again - as will you.

It's all about having fun and relaxing, and Martin and Pabs make sure everyone does both.

Overall, it's an absolute must, and if you want to see this glorious island from the sea, Ibiza Speedboats are the winning option every time.

The ultimate in luxury tourism comes with a private villa, an absolute must and again, often cheaper than you might think.

We opted for the beautiful Villa Bellavista in Can Furnet near Ibiza Town, perfectly located close to the action but in your own little world.

Private, secluded and traditional yet modern, this villa is an absolute bargain and we WILL be back.

Villa prices can be ludicrous, so this level of quality at this price - starting at just 1500 Euro a week - is unbelievable.

Private pool, BBQ, garden, lots of room, parking - it's got the lot and we fell in love with it.

If you miss out on it, there's something for every budget at Chic Villas, so check them out.

8 reasons why Pattaya's new beach villas are a glorious escape from reality

If you're anything like us (and we like to think you are) then you're always on the lookout for a new destination that fulfills your deep, primal urge to sit back and chill the *bleep* out.

We totally get it – Bangkok life is exhausting and we all need to press the proverbial escape button every once in a while. Or maybe every chance we get…

X2, the boutique hotelier behind some of Thailand's chicest resorts, practically read our mind with their latest project. X2 (pronounced Cross To) is finally offering resort living all year round with the X2 Pattaya Oceanphere. Opening in 2018, the community of 59 single and 2-story villas is just 500 meters from a tranquil stretch of Na Jomtien Beach. Hey, anyone need a roommate?

Not only does the covetable vacation spot tick all the boxes, it basically blows those boxes out of the warm, tropical water.  And that's exactly why you need to know about it now, before anyone else. Because whether you're looking to live, vacation or invest in X2 Pattaya Oceanphere, you really can't go wrong. These villas are a magnificent escape from reality. Here's why.

Your view will be a 360-degree panoramic seascape.

Picture this: you're lounging by the pool in your own private villa and you lazily wander up the stairs to the second story balcony to gaze out the window. What do you see? A stunning 360-degree view of the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, white sand and shady trees. A few kids laughing and building a sandcastle, parents and couples snapping pictures by the sunset. Why, is that a dolphin in the distance? Maybe!

The X2 Pattaya Oceanphere is situated on a picturesque, private plot of land on Na Jomtien Beach. Your front yard will feature a panoramic view of the sea and the evening views will be unforgettable. You can look forward to a spectacular, blazing sunset view everyday.

You'll have access to the facilities and services of a 5 star resort.

Over the last 5 years, X2 has expanded to include 10 properties. One reason why people are so in love with X2's resorts is the 5 star service and amazing facilities. And X2 Pattaya Oceanphere is no different.

The community Clubhouse is the perfect hangout to take in the view or grab a drink between leisurely laps in the rooftop pool. Indulge your mind, body and soul in refreshing treatments at Yan Spa by X2 Resorts. The spa will be even more relaxing if you challenge yourself first. Work off those sunset cocktails at the X2 Fitness Center with state-of-the-art gym equipment including cardiovascular and weight training machines.

Their signature on-site restaurant, 4K will serve up delicious Asian fusion dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There's also a 24-hour Reception desk and Housekeeping Center to serve all your needs and a peaceful Library where anyone in the community can read, work or just chill. Basically, everything's designed to cater to your needs.

Your villa will be luxurious by design.

You can sum up the X2 design philosophy as "luxury by design". Each single story, one-bedroom unit and 2 story, 2-bedroom unit is designed with functionality, sustainability and modernity in mind. The style is a simple blend of contemporary minimalism and tropical vibes that combine to satisfy the spirit and make a very comfy home. Everything from the furniture, to the kitchen appliances, to the bathroom fixtures is top quality.

You will be surrounded by creative, glamorous people.

When you own a villa at X2 Pattaya Oceanphere you become a part of the X2 community. And you'll soon find that with its boutique feel and unique design, X2 attracts a certain type of clientele. They're sophisticated but approachable, professional but love to have fun. They value ingenuity in design. They're often from industries such as fashion, tech and online media. There's a wonderful diversity among X2 clientele, which means you get to rub shoulders with some of Thailand's most interesting people, the modern, jet-set generation of Southeast Asia.

You'll go on a free X2 yacht trip valued at THB80,000.

Here you're not just part of the club, you're welcomed with open arms into the family.  That means going on a fabulous yacht trip, totally free of charge. The complimentary yacht trip is an all day excursion to the islands off the coast of Pattaya. Lounge onboard, sip some champagne or jump off the yacht and swim in the warm water. Life is yours! We can almost feel the salty spray of the waves and the warmth of the sun.

All the best things about Pattaya city are just a short drive away.

X2 is both tranquil and convenient. The community is positioned midway along the 9 kilometer stretch of Jomtien Bay and is just 15 minutes south of the vibrant hub of Pattaya City, Bangkok's beachy backyard.

People in the know are now flocking to spend their holidays in Pattaya. Maybe it's because it's just over an hour's drive from Bangkok, or maybe it's because there is a new wave of chic restaurants, boutique hotels, brunch spots and shopping centers that are making Pattaya very attractive for holiday seekers from Bangkok and beyond. And those who are really in the know? Well, they're buying up all the most beautiful beachfront property.

Your investment will absolutely pay off.

If you're interested in owning an X2 vacation home as an investment, first of all, congratulations! Second of all, smart move. Purchase a villa at X2 Pattaya Oceanphere on a freehold basis, with an optional rental management program run by X2 Resorts. The investor rental program guarantees a rental income of 7% for 5 years.

That means a high-yield return for investors, and a guarantee that the 5-star services and top quality facilities will be maintained. In case you need more convincing, X2 projects are members of international property groups "Tablet Hotels", "Kiwi Collection" and "Best of Boutique," providing further assurance that international property owners recognize X2 as a true high-quality investment.

You'll suddenly be the proud owner of holiday homes around the world.

Ready to get even more exclusive? As an X2 owner you automatically join X2 Owners' Club! That means you're entitled to swap holiday time at other X2 resorts in exotic destinations around the world. It's a gift that just keeps giving as the X2 brand just keeps growing and opening new properties all around the globe.

Want to see more? We thought so! Click here for more information about X2 Pattaya Oceanphere and how to own your own little slice of heaven on the beach.

St. Barth’s New Luxe Boutique Hotel

There's a major new luxury hotel on tiny St. Barth: Villa Marie.

The self styled "tropical chic" five-star property is the brainchild of the Sibuet family, whose Maisons and Hotels Sibuet label is on a host of hotels in the Alps (like Les Fermes de Marie in Megeve and Altapura in Val Thorens) and the South of France (Villa Marie Saint Tropez and La Bastide de Marie in Provence).

And their first Caribbean hotel is a stunner, with 18 unique, colorful villas and bungalows, a lush tropical garden and a "Pure Altitude" Spa that's a signature of all Sibuet hotels.

The restaurant gets its name from the Francois Plantation that once sat on the site of the Villa Marie, serving classic St. Barth South of France-meets-the-West-Indies fare led by Chef Emmanuel Motte.

And then there's the bar, with an emphasis on rums from around the Caribbean and Cuban cigars.

In other words, your kind of hotel.

From Viceroy Bali in Ubud to Katamama in Seminyak

Mystical temples, pristine beaches, resplendent rice paddies that hug the heavens and a landscape so gaudily green it hurts the eyes: Bali is the ultimate bucket-list destination. Destinations, really—there are actually several Balis, as different from each other as past is from present and East is from West. Selecting two stellar properties that fabulously embody this contrast, I arrived armed with a singular mission: Behold Bali from both sides.

First, though, I beheld emerald. Everywhere. I was in Ubud, a tourist-friendly village in the mountains that is your fantasy of Bali come to life, starting with its verdant vistas; at every turn the world became greener and greener. I checked into Viceroy Bali and, the next morning, fell from my bed into an infinity pool (Viceroybali.com). No, really—I did; each of the Viceroy's 25 villas has an infinity plunge pool perfectly poised outside its bedroom. And why shouldn't it? Ubud's stunning vistas might as well be made for infinity pools, which hang like glorious treehouses over seas of palm trees. Once I tumbled into my infinity pool I did not want to extract myself. So I remained, ogling a landscape so picture-perfect I thought it had to be a backdrop. Nestled in a secluded ridge above Bali's Valley of the Kings, named for generations of Balinese royalty who lived in the area, Viceroy—an independent boutique property unaffiliated with the international hotel brand—had essentially loaned me an infinity pool with a room attached. Except said room was regal, too, complete with white marble interiors, a palatial bathroom and a delightfully domed alang-alang (thatched) roof.

I might have stayed in my villa for three days, but lovely things lured me out. At CasCades Restaurant, I remained mystified by the view of the Petanu River gorge and ordered lamb and nasi goreng from its wide-ranging menu, contemporary French accented by local and pan-Asian dishes. Breakfast there was pure decadence, served in courses: a coconut scramble, eggs with tangy ratatouille, fresh mango and a plate of Greek mezze.

At the Lembah Spa I had daily Balinese massages and was impressed by the combination of Western approaches and traditional Balinese wellness techniques. The helpful hotel staff offered me daily excursions: Balinese dance lessons? Private yoga classes? White water rafting, an elephant safari or a helicopter ride over the rice paddies— since Viceroy is the only hotel in Ubud with a helicopter pad, helpful for shuttling visitors to the airport in minutes?

Most days, I opted for my plunge pool instead. Until my final day in Ubud, when I paid homage to another sort of plunge pool. At the Tirta Empul, a magnificent 10th -century Hindu water temple, I joined locals and tourists in ritual purification, soaking in the holy water of the petirtaan (bathing structure) until I imagined all my Western maladies would never ail me again.

The next day, purified and calmed, I made the hour-long trip to Seminyak and arrived scratching my head: Could this be the same country? A modern beachfront resort town favored by sunburned, beer-happy Australians, Seminyak is another world: not eat, pray, love but drink, party and… you know.

The car deposited me at an institutional-looking red-brick-and-teak edifice that furthered my confusion—was it a museum? A school? It was Katamama, a newly opened 58-suite boutique property that's fast become the talk of the town (Katamama.com). Less a hotel than a meticulously crafted, thoughtfully designed, grand-scale piece of art, Katamama is the work of Indonesian architect Andra Matin, influenced by the Balinese building practice of tri angga, in which spatial structure reflects harmony between a building and its occupants. Hand-pressed Balinese bricks, usually used for holy temples, construct a property that allows guests to see different angles of the landscape from each level. The sublime final result is the Bali of today, on full display: hipster-chic luxury showcasing contemporary Indonesian culture via architecture, art, design and craftsmanship.

There was no check-in desk; I entered to find a dimly lit bar area, its walls decked out in vinyl.

"I'm the concierge," said a friendly young lady perched on a bar stool. "If you need me, I hang out here all day."

My welcome drink came in the form of a bartender knocking at my door and getting to work at the swank bar in my room—yes, full bar, complete with infused spirits and mixology guide. Lemongrass gin, spiced rum, or citrus vodka, he inquired? I sipped the latter and admired the room, with its exposed brick, Indonesian grade-A teak flooring and vintage 70s-style furniture. Everything at Katamama, I began to affirm, really is art, and everything is local—right down to the details. Tarum Bali created the room's rugs, bed throws and stylish bathrobes; the teak amenities boxes in the bathroom were handmade by Balinese craftsmen. Even the pool looked like a postmodern painting, a crayon box come to life—so much so that when I posted a pic of it on Instagram, friends asked if it was a graphic.

The art at Katamama is culinary, too. I dined daily at MoVida, the renowned Australian brand's first international venture. At first I was skeptical: Spanish cuisine in Indonesia? But the creative tapas and raciones were delectable: mushrooms with duck egg, croquetas, soft shell crab with seaweed aioli on a squid ink bun, chilled seafood salad. And the breakfast menu won me over fully: pressed dragonfruit juice, huevas revueltos topped with soft shell crab, Spanish waffles, arroz con leche, churros.

Exiting the hotel after settling in, I confronted a strange structure across the street. It resembled an art project, a stadium made from old shutters. I wandered in and discovered sheer bliss: The Potato Head Beach Club, Seminyak's hottest hangout and Katamama's welcoming neighbor. I was guided to a gorgeous day bed that felt like a full-on apartment overlooking the sea, where I ordered spiced nuts and a glass of wine. I walked down the beach and, amid the coconut and massage vendors and "surf lesson" signs, looked for indicators that I was still in Bali. I spied a few of them: the remains of a temple offering on the sand, the outline of a temple in the far-off vista (or was that another resort?).

Truly, though, I didn't want to leave the magical world of creativity and whimsical luxury that is Katamama and Potato Head—especially after my farewell dinner at Kaum, the latter's new high-end restaurant. It serves up Indonesian food—but not just any Indonesian food; chefs scoured the entire country, from island to island, to deliver a divine sampling of Indonesian culinary delights. Kaum gave me, no hyperbole, one of the best meals of my life. There was nothing of what I call the gringo effect—the watering down of spicy flavors ("Not too spicy for you?" asked wary waiter after waiter, to which I shook my head vigorously). From the heavenly sambal platter—a collection of tangy chutneys—to the klappertaart, coconut bread pudding, the meal left me ready for more exploration: I'd seen both sides of Bali, but clearly the many faces of Indonesia were calling.

Ani Villas Launches New Retreat Deal for Agents

As Ani Villas emerges across the MICE landscape as one of the most indulgent incentive opportunities for businesses at large, the private resort group has launched a new Rewards Program that offers Travel Agencies and groups the opportunity to host their own corporate retreat or incentive trip at an Ani Villas estate.

Agencies or groups that achieve a total of five bookings annually earn a three-night stay for up to 10 team members. Each of the five bookings must entail a minimum of three nights at regular rates.

"We're already having agents on site for site inspections," said Brenda Ho, the private resort's group director of sales and marketing for Asia. "But there's no substitute for the real thing. If agents were on site for their own retreat or team-building opportunity, they'd understand just how spectacular this venue is."

Ani Villas earlier this year opened two new private resorts — a 10-room enclave on the shores of Koh Yao Noi in Thailand and a 15-room estate on the central south coast of Sri Lanka, known respectively as Ani Villas Thailand and Ani Villas Sri Lanka. Ani Villas opened its first property, a 10-bedroom clifftop complex on Anguilla, in 2011.

Each private resort caters to groups of between 15 and 30, and can accommodate larger parties utilizing neighboring properties for spill over. Its pricing structure provides value to groups as small as eight without sacrificing the exclusive-use concept.

Much like a traditional resort, Ani Villas have all the trappings of a seaside facility – clustered around pools as long as 42 meters, fully staffed spas, exer-chic fitness centers, yoga pavilions, tennis courts, dining salas and outdoor bars, each with a full complement of staff including general manager, executive chef and cooks, housekeeping, laundry, personal trainers and spa. Unlike a traditional resort, this whole team at Ani Villas only serve one party at a time.

The staff excel at coordinating bleisure outings and on-property extravaganzas with reggae bands and fire dancers on the cultural side, to all different types of team building activities — paddle tours, bike tours through local villages, shuffleboard tournaments and snorkeling expeditions.

Ani Villas opened its first private resort on Anguilla in 2011 as the brainchild of Tim Reynolds, who co-founded Jane Street Capital in 1999. Reynolds complements every private resort with an Ani Art Academy, offering a free comprehensive drawing and painting program to communities surrounding each resort, and at two additional locations in the United States.

Ani Villas will open its next private resort in the Dominican Republic in the summer of 2017.

Prairiefire Villas offer seamless balance for living

Coming home should always be a happy event, so why not live where you can enjoy life the most? If you could combine great dining, entertainment, nature and high-end shopping with a luxury residence built to your specifications, wouldn't you? Well, you can at the Prairiefire Villas at Lionsgate, an 18-unit development at Prairiefire. Lambie Custom Homes Inc. is the exclusive developer of the neighborhood. Their reputation for quality and individuality is the perfect fit for this boutique community.

Lambie Custom has been building custom homes for 38 years under the leadership of founder Jim Lambie. Lambie Custom Homes are primarily in southern Johnson County, but they can and have built throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. With prices ranging from the mid-$300s to $4 million-plus, Lambie Custom Homes are truly accessible to clients in any price range or stage of life.

Prairiefire is a world-class destination development on the pristine Nicklaus Golf Course at Lions Gate and offers the first cooperative venture of its kind in the country. Located on 135th Street between Nall and Lamar Avenues, Prairiefire includes high-end retail shops, fine dining, luxury apartments and interpretive hiking and bicycle trails. A 41,000 square-foot hall houses exhibits from The American Museum of Natural History. The Prairiefire Villas at Lionsgate are the residential extension of this cooperative concept.

Prairiefire Villas at Lionsgate are a luxurious collection of 18 maintenance-provided villa homes ranging in price from the $800,000 to $1 million-plus. The excitement for this development has been intense. Eight homes have already been completed, with each home custom built with a unique design and décor inside. No two homes are alike, and style influences range from contemporary to French country to shabby chic.

The focus of the villas at Prairiefire is luxury. High-end finishes complete spacious kitchens built for entertaining. Outdoor living is a focus as well, with fire pits and outdoor bar areas. For those looking for the ultimate in ease, the villas can even include an elevator to upper floors, depending on the buyers' preferences.

While the quality and customization of each villa is a standard for any home built by Lambie Custom, the location of the villas is unique. Imagine having the option of grabbing your morning coffee at Decadent, a coffee and dessert bar and enjoying it as you stroll through the natural neighborhood of the Prairiefire Wetlands. Or enjoy dinner at your kitchen away from home at Coco Bolos or Grimaldi's Coal Brick Oven

Pizzeria. Entertain the kids with a few frames of bowling at Pinstripes. When you're done, stroll back home to your custom four-bedroom, three-bathroom 1.5 story to enjoy a nightcap in your outdoor living room or cozy great room.

At the Prairiefire Villas, privacy is also ensured as your home will back up to a quiet view of the 18-hole Nicklaus Golf Course. The neighborhood's proximity to the Nicklaus Golf Club at Lions Gate is a perk as well. The 21,000 square-foot clubhouse featuring full men's and ladies' locker rooms, a pro shop and fine dining of its own accompanies the 18-hole championship course. Blending into the natural environment, the golf course is a picturesque setting for the Prairiefire Villas to overlook. Wake up to a sunrise over the course and wind down each day with dinner on the patio as you enjoy a gorgeous sunset.

This location is precisely what drew Jim Lambie to the project. Being able to give his clients a uniquely convenient way to capitalize on their free time is helped not only by their proximity to entertainment, shopping and dining but also by being in a maintenance-free community. Don't worry about snow removal or yard work; just enjoy your free time with your family.

"People want to spend time going out to dinner, spending time with their families or traveling, not worrying about yard work. These communities give them that option of worry-free living," says Lambie.

This simplicity is the real advantage. The Prairiefire Villas at Lionsgate truly allow residents to live where they play and play where they live. Working with the builders at Lambie Custom means that each home will be a reflection of its owner and fit their tastes like a fine leather glove. Seldom do they build any one of their designs without making alterations to suit the client's needs. At Lambie Custom, they enjoy the process of working directly with a client and architect to design and build a completely original house. Working with architects allows Lambie Custom to continue innovating and designing homes that are on the cutting edge of energy efficiency and user friendliness for people from all stages of life.

If you're looking for the easy life of relaxation, then the Prairiefire Villas at Lionsgate may be the perfect fit. Don't wait, though. This is the last opportunity to custom build a villa on a golf course in southern Johnson County. Reserve your lot now!