SOUTH PACIFIC
Hemisphere, the world’s largest sailing catamaran, is living up to its name in 2013, having made its way from ports in the Caribbean through the Panama Canal to spend fall and winter exploring French Polynesia. Launched by the United Kingdom’s Pendennis shipyard in 2011 with interiors by Michael Leach Design, the 145-foot yacht was built to maximize the fun factor. In addition to PADI-certified dive training, Hemisphere provides a trove of toys: a sportfishing boat, a rigid inflatable boat and tender, water scooters, Seabobs, a kayak, a spa tub, even a trampoline. Not to be overlooked are the exotic woods, stone, and leathers that appoint the lavish interiors, which comfortably accommodate 12 guests and a crew of 10. [Karen Cakebread]
Rates: $245,000 weekly, excluding operating expenses. Contact: Burgess Miami, 305.672.0150, www.burgessyachts.com
HARBOUR ISLAND, BAHAMAS
Situated between Harbour Island’s famous Pink Sand Beach and a secluded cove, the three-villa, 12-acre estate known as Three Bees is one of just a few private residences available for rent in the exclusive area called the Narrows. In the main villa, which sleeps as many as 14 guests, colonial architecture meets the owners’ collection of exotic souvenirs, from a series of tortoise shells to a pair of binoculars salvaged from a World War II–era Japanese battleship. Also captivating are the estate’s waterfront tents (shown). Open to the breezes, the safari-style accommodations feature four-poster beds, campaign-style furniture, and a private suite for spa treatments. Other spaces include two chef’s kitchens, a home theater, a swimming pool, and a private dock with kayaks, WaveRunners, windsurfers, and a 37-foot Midnight Express powerboat. Also on hand is the estate’s 23-person staff. [Jackie Caradonio]
Rates: from $120,000 weekly, all-inclusive. Contact: Three Bees Villa, 800.225.4255, www.threebeesvilla.com
ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA
This Napa Valley villa provides an ideal home base for a vacation in the vineyards. The residence, which was completed earlier this year, was designed by the architect Mark Becker and features interiors by William Anderson. Cedar ceilings and light limestone flooring in the living areas typify the home’s polished tone. Accoutrements include a full-size wine refrigerator, an 85-inch TV hidden behind cabinet doors in the living room, and a 65-inch TV and surround sound in the media room. The main house has three bedrooms; a guesthouse in the tower has an additional bedroom and can sleep up to four people. Whether guests’ plans call for active recreation (hiking, biking, and horseback riding are among the options nearby) or leisurely tastings at local wineries, any day at this home is certain to conclude at a vineyard: Rows of grapevines form the scenic backdrop just beyond the backyard pool. [K.C.]
Rates: from $47,000 to $57,000 monthly. Contact: Beautiful Places, 800.495.9961, www.beautiful-places.com
SAINT-TROPEZ, FRANCE
Les Parcs de Saint-Tropez, a guarded and gated domain of some 500 acres on a peninsula just outside the village center, is one of the most enviable neighborhoods on the Côte d’Azur—and the setting for this 5,400-square-foot waterfront villa. A helipad, a heated pool, and a private beach on the Mediterranean Sea are among the highlights of the property, which occupies more than an acre. The six-bedroom home’s two master suites, as well as two additional bedrooms, are located on the upper level, where an airy living room also opens up to a terrace overlooking both pool and sea. On the garden level below are a studio and lounge, a second kitchen, a billiard room, a gym, and a staff bedroom with en suite bathroom. Electronics include flat-screen TVs in every room, Wi-Fi, and an alarm system. Among the accompanying services are daily housekeeping and grounds maintenance. [K.C.]
Rates: $125,000 to $359,000 monthly. Contact: David Stanley, 781.640.5686, www.emilegarcin.com
