It’s well-documented that well-planned vacations reduce stress. Numerous studies have concluded that there are many health benefits to taking a vacation and not many to skipping one.
Go ahead, take a vacation! Many Equity Residences investors are jetting off to Europe this summer to stay in Italy, Spain, and other countries through the Equity Platinum Fund, ThirdHome and Elite Alliance.
There are 28 countries in the European Union and each offers a unique combination of landscape and culture, creating an enticing variety of great escapes.
From the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps to the quaint and jaw-dropping views of the Italian coastline or the rugged beauty of the Irish countryside, Europe oozes old-world charm and memorable experiences. It is also home to some of the most amazing culinary scenes in the world. Its ancient history provides the opportunity to absorb centuries-old culture at every turn.
Some buildings in Europe date back more than 2000 years, especially in places like Rome and Istanbul. These cities stand as a living reminder of how far the human race has come and what we can learn from our past. Get lost around buildings once inhabited by Socrates or venture through the cobblestone walkways of Leon, France or Prague’s Old Town. Take in the UNESCO-accredited Italian fishing villages of Cinque Terre with their brightly colored buildings.
Whether you choose a trip off the beaten path or explore some of Europe’s most popular destinations, such as Italy, France, Spain, Greece or the UK, there is plenty of history and adventures to enjoy. Europe really does have something for everyone.
Vacation in the heart of history
Dive into Europe’s fabled history with a stay at this gorgeous penthouse in the medieval walled city of Siena, Italy.*
Voted one of the top 10 European cities to visit by Travel + Leisure, Siena is the perfect launching point for excursions into the Tuscan countryside – one of Western Europe’s most celebrated wine regions. The Equity Platinum Fund penthouse is nestled within a 600-year-old building protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The three-bedroom, 1,400-square-foot penthouse can sleep eight and is located only 300 meters from the heart of the city, Piazza Del Campo. It features all the modern amenities, including a chef’s kitchen and steam showers – both a rarity in Siena’s old town. The building itself is fully renovated and features a full-sized elevator.
Or explore Scotland, experiencing Edinburgh’s amazing walks and views while staying at the gracious Ann Street Georgian House.*
This 2,700-square-foot-home houses five bedrooms and can sleep as many as ten people. The home features a magnificent, traditional design on each of its four stories. Extra care has been taken to keep all of its original qualities from the Georgian age, including working shutters, ornate cornices, curved doors, and marble fireplaces.
You don’t have to worry about a lack of modern amenities, though. While boasting traditional authenticity, the home also is equipped with a modern kitchen as well as gardens designed by internationally renowned designer Anthony Paul.
Wake up on the coast
While many of Europe’s cities are known for their history and nightlife, just as many are known for being home to some of the most beautiful beaches on Earth. These beaches are great places to melt away work-related stress.
Dip your toes in the water as you walk along the ocean. Take in the sunsets while enjoying the natural beauty of your surroundings. There’s no better place to truly relax than the peaceful town of Sutivan at the Hideaways Club’s Villa Livka on Brac Island, Croatia*.
Villa Likva is a crisp, white house that offers style and privacy thanks to its location on the island of Brac in Sutivan, with its beautiful harbor and a small population of 700. From this four-bedroom villa, you will enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea while swimming in your private pool.
Or how about a less conventional beach vacation at an exclusive apartment in Central Oslo, Norway?* This 1,400-square-foot residence has three bedrooms and is located in the best part of one of the best European cities. A short distance to Sørenga’s extensive array of restaurants, shops, and cafés, this apartment also affords breathtaking views of the sea. Formerly an old container dock, Sørenga has been transformed into Oslo’s most popular neighborhood adjacent to the Oslo Fjord.
Escape from tourists in a hidden gem
Tourist numbers are rising every year, as travel becomes more accessible for everyone. If you’ve ever waited for hours to see a popular tourist attraction, then you know what we mean. With as many as two billion tourists traveling per year – a number that is growing by six percent annually – it’s easy to see the appeal of privacy in a secluded or a less-traveled region.
The Hideaways Club’s Villa La Solana in Ibiza, Spain* is a great example of a hidden gem.
While the tiny Spanish island of Ibiza is known for its active nightlife, Villa La Solana offers the perfect European vacation. Enjoy total privacy in this four-bedroom, 3,477-square-foot residence. With easy access to the island’s glorious beaches, this white-washed villa has sweeping views over the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea. Surrounded by a garden and featuring a large swimming pool, it offers true relaxation away from it all.
Pylos, Greece beckons with an idyllic, one-acre property commanding expansive sea views.
The 3,230-square-foot Luxury Golf Villa – The Olive Retreat* has four bedrooms complemented by private gardens, flowers, herbs, and more than 250 olive trees. This luxury villa is ideal for getting away with its hidden location and uninterrupted views of the Ionian Sea, the bay of Navarino and the Costa Navarino Golf Course. The villa’s innovative round design creates a pleasant and warm atmosphere that invites togetherness while simultaneously offering privacy for each of its bedrooms.
Get access to hundreds of homes around the world with Equity Residences
Equity Residences’ Equity Platinum Fund is a luxury vacation residence fund for accredited investors. Your Platinum Fund investment provides ownership of and access to the Fund’s prestigious portfolio homes as well as vacation privileges at Elite Alliance and ThirdHome properties. At the end of the 10-year investment period, we sell the Platinum Fund homes.
You and your fellow investors recoup your initial investments, plus receive any investment gains. During that 10-year period, you and your family have access to our luxury vacation residences, plus hundreds of others through our affiliates, and benefit from tens of thousands of dollars in vacation value.
ThirdHome is a premier travel club for second home owners who share a mindset for luxury as well as exploration. This program opens the doors to a wide variety of vacation homes, exponentially increasing your travel options around the world.
Elite Alliance is a service-intensive exchange program for owners of select, prestigious residence clubs and luxurious, professionally managed vacation homes.
No matter the kind of relaxing trip you’re looking for, whether it’s to Eastern Europe, Western Europe or one of Europe’s many cities, we have the luxury accommodations you’re seeking.
*To determine exact availability, contact Equity Residences, ThirdHome, or Elite Alliance concierge
