Why Luxury Rental Villas Are The New Forefront Of Travel

But a fair question is – rental villas have always existed, why the sudden surge in demand? There are many factors at play here, in addition to the demand for secluded properties that rose due to the pandemic. “Firstly, travellers today seek more personalised and exclusive experiences, moving away from traditional hotel accommodations. Previously unorganised, rental villa providers are now proactively providing customised experiences to meet the specific needs and preferences of their guests,” shares Harshal Gala, founder of The Rentalgram, a luxury villa and rental home company. 

The Rentalgram offers luxury villas in Sri Lanka as well

The company has seen their bookings go up by 38% just in the last year, with an increased inbound travel happening from locations like Surat, Ahmedabad, Indore, Hyderabad and  Bangalore to villas in Maharashtra & Goa. Goa has now become a year round market where in off-season which typically used to be from June – Sept is no longer off season as guests are wanting to go to Goa to enjoy the Konkan rains. 

Pet parents also make up for a big chunk of this number. “Pet-friendly villas are much in demand due to the increase in adoption of pets by nuclear and joint families. 95% of our villas are pet-friendly across all locations. We have hosted more than 450 pets this year itself, getting the overall number up to over 2000 pets since 2019,” Gala shares.

Pet-friendly luxury villas are in great demand today. Picture: Unplash

The freedom to enjoy their own private retreat, complete with personalised services, has become a coveted luxury for many travellers today, especially young millennials, who are willing to spend on unique experiences. Dhimaan Shah, founder and COO of Lohono Stays, which offers luxury rental villas across India and a few international destinations, adds “In the age of social media and influencer culture, staying in aesthetically pleasing and distinctive short-stay properties has become highly sought after. Luxury rentals not only provide luxurious accommodations but also the opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and experience a destination like a local one.”

Another reason for the uptake in demand for luxury rental villas is the remote working culture that took precedence during the Covid-19 induced lockdown. “The flexibility it provides allows people to choose their living arrangements more freely, and luxury rentals fit perfectly into this lifestyle. With private amenities such as swimming pools, fully equipped kitchens, and personalised services, these properties offer a compelling alternative for remote work and relaxation,” adds Shah. 

Luxury rental villa providers also offer bespoke experiences to travellers

Unique Bespoke Experiences

While vacation rentals have been around for a while, luxury rental villas bring an element of bespoke luxury to the travel segment. An interesting feature of this is the space and flexibility for customised itineraries. “At The Rentalgram’s properties in Maharashtra and Sri Lanka, we go the extra mile by providing personalised concierge services, tailored experiences, pet-friendly stays and modern amenities to enhance our guests’ overall stay,” explains Gala. From hands-on lipstick-making experience to an intimate cooking class, they offer a variety of activities that suit discerning travellers.

Shah at Lohono agrees with the benefits of customisation offered by rental stays, especially for a bigger group of travellers. “We have noticed a surge in enthusiasm among large families and groups of travellers. With travel becoming increasingly convenient and people from these cities longing for lavishness and exclusivity, our rental villas present an attractive choice for them to partake in a luxurious retreat. In addition to the indoor comforts of the villa, we also provide an array of outdoor activities such as water sports and beachside lounging to hiking, wildlife safaris, and city tours,” he shares.

The Future Of Luxury Rental Vacation Homes

Luxury rental villas are no longer limited to traditional tourist destinations. As travellers seek off-the-beaten-path experiences, villa rental companies are expanding their offerings to include emerging and unconventional destinations. This includes offbeat escapes in Panchgani to beach towns of Sri Lanka, opening up new possibilities for travellers who desire luxury accommodations in untouched locations. 

Excursions for local sightseeings are also taken care of by the villa providers. Picture: Unsplash

As travellers look to spend on brands that tailor products to their needs, luxury rental villas, with their unique offerings, authentic local connections, and increasing accessibility, are posing a real competition to the hotel industry. As the demand continues to rise and the sector expands to new destinations, luxury rental villas are poised to be the future of luxury travel, providing discerning travellers with unforgettable experiences tailored to their desires.