The film industry celebrates industry achievements each year with the Academy Awards. The music industry has the Grammys. The travel industry, on the other hand, has the annual eviivo Top 10 Vacation Rentals List.
The prestigious eviivo Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of Independent Accommodations” by the Daily Mail, invited a panel of four judges to evaluate 70 properties. This assessment focuses on aspects such as “Wow Factor,” “Originality,” and “Innovation” while considering factors like design, history, amenities, and visual appeal.
The judges, who included luminaries in the realms of travel and hospitality, including Matt Bell of TripAdvisor, Tal Dekel Daks from Conde Nast Publications UK, EJ Ward of LBC (Leading Britain’s Conversations) UK, and Jana Freiberger, Editor in Chief of Reise Reporter Germany, wielded their expertise to rank these properties.
Here are the remarkable winners of the eviivo Awards, setting the standard for excellence in independent accommodations across the globe.
Villa el Portó, Denia, Spain
At Villa el Portó, guests encounter the pinnacle of luxury, comfort, and sophistication amidst tranquil surroundings. Originally a 19th-century estate, this meticulously renovated property seamlessly merges traditional architecture with modern amenities.
Set within expansive gardens, charming porches, and a spacious swimming pool, Villa el Portó provides an exclusive retreat where guests can enjoy privacy and tranquility. Whether it’s a family vacation or a gathering of friends, visitors create lasting memories in this picturesque setting.
Kilmartin Castle, Scotland
Kilmartin Castle stands as a labor of love for owners Stef and Simon. Dating back to 1550, this medieval fortress has been transformed into a luxurious retreat, featuring vaulted stone rooms and spiral staircases.
It gained fame on BBC’s ‘Scotland’s Greatest Escape’ and was hailed by The New York Times as the 4th Best Place to Visit in 2023. Previously honored with the eviivo ‘Hottest Property’ Award, Kilmartin Castle continues to enchant guests with its historic charm and quirky allure.
7744 Ranch, Austin, Texas
7744 Ranch is a unique glamping retreat that has gained fame for its celebrity-owned bi-level “mobile units,” each valued at $2 million. Formerly belonging to stars like Will Smith, Vin Diesel, Jennifer Lopez, and Simon Cowell, these trailers boast custom designs tailored to their previous owners’ tastes.
Each unit offers a luxurious escape, set in a serene 10-acre glamping park with amenities like an outdoor sauna and firepit. Themes range from extravagant wood details in Will Smith’s “The Heat” to the rustic charm of Vin Diesel’s “The Aspen,” resembling a luxurious woodland cabin.
The Rocky Villa, Hocking Hills, Ohio
Located just a short drive from Hocking Hills State Park, one of Ohio’s most beloved natural attractions, The Rocky Villa is a luxurious haven nestled in picturesque surroundings. This modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin exudes charm and allure, drawing affluent couples and families seeking an enchanting escape.
Showcasing an expansive private deck, the villa offers mesmerizing views of nearby waterfalls, providing a tranquil soundtrack to their stay. The villa offers many amenities, including a grill, fire pit, hot tub overlooking the falls, and sauna, ensuring a rejuvenating retreat immersed in nature’s beauty.
Baumhaushotel Oberbayern, Upper Bavaria, Germany
Baumhaushotel Oberbayern is nestled amidst the lush forests of Upper Bavaria, Germany. This unique tree house hotel enchants visitors with its soaring heights, verdant surroundings, and adventurous ambiance, complete with its own serene lake.
Guests indulge in an exclusive experience, waking up to fresh regional breakfasts served in luxurious tree houses equipped with private whirlpools and, in select accommodations, private saunas.
Whether admiring the landscape from the treetops or participating in rejuvenating yoga sessions in the glass pavilion, every moment at this retreat promises an unforgettable escape.
Senhalser Höfe, Moselle Valley, Germany
Senhalser Höfe presents designer holiday homes exuding a Mediterranean charm. These homes feature stone cottages, olive trees, and vibrant deckchairs, all nestled alongside the picturesque Moselle River.
Comprising eight distinct holiday cottages and flats, each accommodation boasts a unique design aesthetic, ranging from quaint cottage elegance to colorful mid-century styles adorned with vintage pieces from the 1950s and 60s.
Guests at Senhalser Höfe can participate in activities such as cycling, hiking, wine tasting, canoeing, swimming, and stand-up paddling, all accessible from the property’s private jetty.
Domaine de Joucla, Alzonne, France
Experience a forest retreat like no other at Domaine de Joucla, where luxury effortlessly harmonizes with nature. eviivo Collective 2.0 judges recognized this 5-star luxury cabin for its exceptional forest location. Elevated meters above ground, it introduces you to a universe of “sober and chic” elegance.
Situated on the fringes of a protected natural park near Carcassonne, this secluded sanctuary boasts a private sauna and spa, providing travelers with unparalleled comfort and serenity amidst the lush surroundings.
Capitolare Suite Tower, Porto Venere, Italy
Experience unparalleled luxury and enter history at the Capitolare Suite Tower, the world’s oldest tower available for guest accommodation. With a prestigious 900-year-old legacy and 110 square meters of lavish living space, this exceptional residence caters to the most discerning travelers.
Nestled within a UNESCO heritage site, the Capitolare Suite Tower offers a truly unique escape. It immerses guests in medieval charm with furnishings created using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology. As the sole occupants of this historic marvel, guests can enjoy the ultimate exclusivity. From the private rooftop patio, revel in breathtaking sea views, setting an unforgettable backdrop for your stay.
The Earth and Moon Conkers, Wales
The Earth and Moon Conkers, designed by a former engineer for Bentley and McLaren, offer a futuristic glamping experience in the serene Red Kite Estate. Set amidst rewilded woodlands and boasting stunning views, these unique pods were featured in George Clarke’s ‘Amazing Spaces’ for their innovative design. Praised for their eco-friendliness, they’ve garnered attention from publications like The Telegraph and Cosmopolitan.
Chalet les Cerises, Cordon, French Alps
Perched in the Mont Blanc range, Chalet les Cerises is a testament to six years of passion and dedication. Recently renovated with love, the property captivates with breathtaking views that impressed the eviivo Collective 2.0 judges.
They commended the owner’s commitment to providing natural beauty and wellness amenities. They highlighted the outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam rooms, massage services, yoga room, and cinema nestled within Chalet les Cerises.
As one of the top properties recognized by eviivo, Chalet les Cerises is a remarkable retreat celebrated for its exceptional experience and unwavering dedication to excellence.
eviivo Collective
eviivo is a leading hospitality software company that provides innovative online booking and property management solutions for the hospitality sector. It particularly focuses on independent accommodations like B&Bs, guesthouses, and boutique hotels.
Their flagship product, eviivo Suite, streamlines various aspects of running such properties, including bookings, guest management, and revenue optimization.
eviivo Collective represents a company community initiative. It brings together property owners and industry experts for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaborative growth opportunities, aiming to enhance independent accommodations’ overall quality and success.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chelsea DeAngio is a freelance writer based in Greensboro, NC. Inspired by a rootless childhood as a Navy brat, she enjoys traveling every chance she gets. Pop culture often drives her trips. Whether channeling her inner Lady Mary at Highclere Castle in the UK or noshing on nachos at Showgirls filming locations in Vegas, Chelsea is always in search of a little silver screen glitz.