Haute Retreats: Why It’s One of the World’s Best Luxury Villa Rental Companies

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: luxury doesn’t always mean what it used to. These days, it’s not about five-star labels or how many bottles of vintage Champagne line the fridge. The modern traveler craves something more nuanced — the kind of stay that feels tailored, deeply personal, and quietly extraordinary. That’s exactly where a luxury villa rental company like Haute Retreats steps in: creating moments that go beyond opulence and into the realm of meaning. A perfectly timed gesture, a view that no photo can do justice, a home that somehow understands you before you even unpack.

That’s where Haute Retreats quietly — and confidently — sets itself apart.

Founded by Sabrina Piccinin, a certified commercial licensed pilot with over 25 years of experience and passion for hospitality and a deep respect for detail, Haute Retreats doesn’t just rent villas. It curates experiences that make people feel like they’ve been let in on a secret. With a portfolio of over 2,400 handpicked homes across 80+ destinations — think Lake Como, Anguilla, Provence, the Caribbean— the company has become a go-to for travelers who want hotel-level service with the privacy of a place to call their own.

But this isn’t another story about a villa rental platform that promises the world. Haute Retreats has quietly built something more personal, more rooted. Here’s why they’ve earned a spot at the very top of the luxury rental game.

From the Sky to the Suite: How a Former Pilot Reimagined Hospitality

If you told Sabrina Piccinin, twenty years ago, that she’d end up running a luxury villa empire, she probably would’ve laughed. She was busy navigating flight paths — literally. A licensed airplane pilot by training, Sabrina started her professional life in the skies, where precision, planning, and calm-under-pressure were everyday essentials.

Eventually, that same focus landed her in the world of five-star hospitality. She began managing operations for high-end hotel brands 25 years ago, eventually moving into ultra-luxe villa experiences in Costa Rica. It was there that something clicked. She saw, up close, how the best travel moments had less to do with polished service and more to do with genuine connection — the kind that lingers.

So in 2016, she launched Haute Retreats, blending her aviation-level organization with an intuitive, guest-first approach to travel. The goal? To create a villa experience that wasn’t just seamless, but soulful.

A Philosophy of Personalized Luxury

Where other villa platforms offer instant bookings and automated replies, Haute Retreats offers something increasingly rare: thoughtful, human connection. Each client is guided through a collaborative process—from the initial inquiry to the moment they arrive and throughout their stay. There are no algorithms here. Every itinerary begins with a conversation.

Need a romantic villa on Lake Como with a private chef and vineyard tours? Or perhaps a sleek retreat in Mykonos with direct beach access and a sunrise yoga instructor? The Haute Retreats team listens, asks, and tailors every element. “We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all,” says Sabrina. “We believe in creating the perfect fit.”

The experience doesn’t end at the villa’s door. Haute Retreats can arrange just about anything: art tours, sunset sails, in-villa spa days, birthday surprises, and more. And because of their deep local connections, these experiences feel intimate—not touristy.

True luxury, as they define it, is emotional. It’s the kind that welcomes you with your favorite wine already chilled, your playlists humming through the speakers, and dinner just moments away. It’s the joy of realizing that every detail—no matter how small—was thoughtfully prepared just for you.

So, What Actually Makes Haute Retreats Different?

We know — “curated villa rentals” isn’t exactly a novel idea anymore. But Haute Retreats has managed to carve out space by doing something surprisingly rare: they put people at the center of everything.

Yes, the homes are gorgeous. But it’s the behind-the-scenes precision that really makes this brand hum.

1. Every Villa Is Handpicked — and Then Some

The team doesn’t just look at photos or take someone’s word for it. Every single property is personally vetted for quality, design, views, location, and — crucially — the feel. Is it right for honeymooners? Family reunions? A 60th birthday in the hills above Florence? They consider it all.

2. Personalization That Actually Feels Personal

Expect custom everything. Want a yoga instructor who also makes a killer green juice? A chef who can replicate your favorite dish from that trip to Morocco five years ago? The team doesn’t bat an eye. If it fits your idea of the perfect getaway, they’ll find a way to make it happen.

3. Concierge Support That’s Always Awake

Time zones don’t matter when you’re dealing with a 3AM transfer hiccup or need help finding a local babysitter. The Haute Retreats team is available around the clock — no bots, no hold music.

4. It’s Not Just a Booking — It’s a Beginning

From the first email, you’re not just handed options — you’re offered advice. The team acts more like a travel confidante than a rental agent. They’ll help you figure out not just where to go, but why to go there.

Recognition That’s Actually Earned

You won’t see Haute Retreats plastered across billboards or flooding your Instagram feed with spon-con. That’s by design. Most of their growth has come from word-of-mouth — repeat clients who wouldn’t dream of booking elsewhere.

That said, the travel world has taken notice. The brand recently received the “Best Luxury Villa Rental Company in the World” (2024) from Luxury Lifestyle Awards and was named “Best Global Luxury Villa Collection” (2025) by LUXlife. They’ve also been nominated for the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, and founder Sabrina Piccinin was named one of the Top 100 Women in Leadership this year.

It’s not about popularity — it’s about trust.

Don’t Just Take It From Us

One guest described their experience in Tuscany like this:
“We booked a villa. What we got was a dream. The team organized a surprise birthday dinner for my father with a string quartet and local wine pairings. It felt like something from a film, only better — because it was ours.”

Another said:
“Every detail was considered — down to the exact scent in the room. Sabrina and her team knew what we wanted before we did.”

Their Trustpilot rating hovers around 4.8/5, which doesn’t surprise anyone who’s stayed with them.

A Growing Team, A Lasting Philosophy

Sabrina loves what she created, her vision is still woven through the company’s DNA. She still checks in with clients, answers the occasional WhatsApp, and ensures the essence of the brand — warm, intuitive, never rushed — remains intact.

Meanwhile, a sharp, growing team is behind the curtain. Angelica, our Marketing Director, brings a thoughtful, editorial sensibility to everything. The tech team is nimble, the concierge team endlessly empathetic, and the villa experts? Basically magic.

Should You Book With Haute Retreats?

If you’re after another carbon-copy luxury rental, there are hundreds of platforms for that.

But if you want something crafted, with nuance and soul — a place that feels less like a transaction and more like a private dream — then yes. You should probably email them now.

Whether it’s a cliffside retreat in Capri or a bohemian finca in Mallorca, Haute Retreats doesn’t just get you in the door. They make sure that every moment inside feels unforgettable.

Contact Haute Retreats at [email protected] or call toll free number 1 888 279 6444

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Haute Retreats different from other villa rental platforms?
Haute Retreats takes a highly personalized, human-first approach to villa travel. Unlike large booking platforms that rely on instant checkouts and algorithms, we curate every stay by hand. Our team gets to know your preferences, travel goals, and desired experiences—then matches you with the perfect property and tailors every detail, from private chefs to local excursions. It’s not just a booking; it’s a carefully crafted journey.

2. How are the villas selected?
Each property in our collection is personally vetted by our founder or a trusted member of our team. We consider design, location, service level, and the overall guest experience. Only villas that meet our highest standards of comfort, privacy, and authenticity are included. If it doesn’t evoke something special, it doesn’t make the cut.

3. Can Haute Retreats assist with planning beyond the villa stay?
Absolutely. We specialize in end-to-end luxury travel planning. From airport transfers and private dining to curated cultural experiences, wellness treatments, and celebratory events, our concierge team is here to handle everything. We don’t just offer places to stay—we create seamless, meaningful travel experiences from arrival to farewell.