Are you a traveller who seeks more than just the typical tourist experience? Do you yearn to delve deeper into the culture, beauty, and hidden gems of your destination? If so, you might just be a Thinking Traveller, and The Thinking Traveller is designed specifically for you.
Forget crowded hotels and generic resorts. Imagine instead, a private villa nestled in the hills of Lefkada, Greece, offering breathtaking sunset views and every comfort imaginable. This was my introduction to The Thinking Traveller, a London and New York-based company specializing in luxury villa rentals across the Mediterranean. As someone accustomed to hotels, I was intrigued by the promise of a different kind of holiday – one that catered to the “discerning, independent-minded traveller,” someone “curious about the places they travel to.” This resonated deeply with my own travel philosophy.
My experience at Villa Alessia in Lefkada was nothing short of transformative. From the seamless booking process to the personalized concierge service, every detail was meticulously curated. A highlight was the “Think Experience” – a private sailing excursion to neighboring islands, a truly heavenly day on the Aegean Sea. Even the private chefs, a local mother and daughter duo, delivered a culinary experience worthy of the Greek gods. Impressed by the impeccable service and unique approach, I had to uncover the story behind The Thinking Traveller. I spoke with founders Rosella and Huw Beaugie to understand how they crafted such exceptional travel experiences.
The Genesis of The Thinking Traveller: A Sicilian Love Story
The concept for The Thinking Traveller sparked in 2000 while Rosella and Huw were living in Paris. An adventurous night spent atop the erupting Stromboli volcano led to a profound realization: Sicily, Rosella’s homeland, was calling them back. They envisioned sharing the island’s captivating beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture with discerning travellers. In 2002, The Thinking Traveller was born, with the mission of unveiling the wonders of Sicily to the world.
Lefkada, Greece
Expanding Horizons: Curating Exceptional Mediterranean Destinations
From their Sicilian roots, The Thinking Traveller thoughtfully expanded to other Mediterranean gems. When asked about their destination selection process, Rosella explained, “We started in Sicily… very much a neglected destination, still off-the-beaten track.” This desire to uncover hidden paradises and share them with travellers seeking authentic experiences remains central to their philosophy. They are drawn to “less obvious destinations… that are out of the ordinary, relatively unspoilt and largely unexplored.”
The expansion to Puglia came from client demand, with loyal travellers seeking new, yet equally curated experiences. Puglia, in 2009, was still a relatively unknown Italian secret, adding to its allure for the thinking traveller. The Ionian Islands, including Lefkada and Meganissi, were a more serendipitous discovery, a testament to their ongoing exploration of the Mediterranean. The key criteria? Exceptional villas, breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, captivating mystique, gastronomic delights, and architectural interest. And, crucially, a personal connection: “We must fall in love with them.”
The Ionian Islands, a natural extension of our eastward drift across the Mediterranean, was also serendipitous.
Villa vs. Hotel: Embracing Freedom and Space
For the thinking traveller, the choice between a villa and a hotel is clear. Villas offer a “home from home” experience, providing “total privacy and space galore.” Rosella and Huw emphasize the unparalleled freedom villas provide: “in a villa, the kids can play without fear of disturbing others and you can play your music (your choice of music!) at whatever volume you like. The bar never closes and the fridge is always open.” You set the rhythm of your holiday, unconstrained by hotel schedules or limited menus.
Villa Alessia
Beyond freedom, villas offer exceptional value. Considering the price per bedroom and the overall amenities, villas often prove more economical, especially for families or groups. Think about the savings on food and drinks alone – no more exorbitant hotel bar tabs for every refreshment. The level of service is also customizable, ranging from basic to fully serviced villas with daily maid service and private chefs. The Thinking Traveller can arrange everything from breakfast preparation to in-villa spa treatments and bespoke celebrations. Their on-the-ground support team acts as “part concierges, part trouble-shooters,” ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
Villa Alessia
Villa Selection: Dos and Don’ts for the Thinking Traveller
Choosing the right villa requires careful consideration. The Thinking Traveller advises thinking travellers to prioritize reputable villa rental companies offering “security and specialist knowledge.” Avoid mass-market platforms with countless listings and minimal service, as these can be prone to scams.
Crucially, “Speak to someone who actually knows the villa and its surroundings.” Insist on speaking with someone who has firsthand knowledge of the property and destination. Ask detailed questions about suitability for your group, location specifics (proximity to roads, views, accessibility to amenities), and safety features, especially if travelling with children or those with mobility issues. Scrutinize villa descriptions and photos, and clarify any ambiguities. Always “check the terms and conditions before booking,” paying close attention to cancellation policies and the contract details.
Authenticity Matters: Experiencing Local Culture in Your Villa
The Thinking Traveller is committed to ensuring their villas are “an expression of their location.” This commitment to local authenticity is a key differentiator for the thinking traveller seeking genuine cultural immersion. Villas feature locally crafted furniture, regional architectural elements, and decorative items that reflect the destination’s unique character.
Guests are welcomed by locals, owners, or staff, often with thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, welcome baskets filled with local specialties, and regional wines. Whether it’s fragrant Sicilian lemons, Puglian olive oil, Greek ouzo, or Corsican charcuterie, these details create an immediate sense of place. Villas often include traditional features like wood-fired pizza ovens and gardens showcasing indigenous flora, further enhancing the local experience. And then there are the views – panoramic vistas that capture the essence of each destination, whether it’s Mount Etna in Sicily, the Aegean Sea in Greece, olive groves in Puglia, or the Corsican maquis.
Villa Alessia
Think Experiences: Curated Adventures Beyond the Villa
For the thinking traveller who craves exploration, The Thinking Traveller offers “Think Experiences” – bespoke excursions designed to create unforgettable memories. From private helicopter tours over volcanoes to exclusive wine tastings and luxury spa days, these experiences are meticulously crafted to showcase the best of each destination. One standout example is the helicopter excursion over Mount Etna and the Aeolian Islands, culminating in a vineyard tour and spa treatment at a 5-star resort.
Uncompromising Standards: The Thinking Traveller Difference
The Thinking Traveller’s commitment to excellence is evident in their rigorous villa selection process. They accept only 1% of villas offered, ensuring an unparalleled level of quality. Unsuitable villas often fall short due to location (noisy roads, lack of privacy, unappealing views), insufficient amenities (outdated kitchens, lack of air-conditioning or internet), or a lack of “class, charm and elegance.” They seek villas with “high quality fittings and furnishings, and stylish décor” and a certain “atmosphere, something magical in the air.” They also prioritize working with “like-minded owners” who share their values and dedication to excellence. This dedication to quality and detail is what truly sets The Thinking Traveller apart and makes them the ideal choice for the thinking traveller seeking an extraordinary villa holiday.
For thinking travellers seeking an unforgettable and authentic Mediterranean escape, The Thinking Traveller offers a curated collection of exceptional villas and bespoke experiences. Discover the difference and start planning your dream villa holiday today.
To book Villa Alessia and experience the magic of Lefkada: Thethinkingtraveller.com/thinkionianislands/alessia.aspx#about
