Let’s face it: you’re not taking time off to rough it. For you, getting away from it all means going someplace infinitely more luxurious. As long as you’re devoting yourself to all play and no work for a while, look for these must-have amenities for the ultimate vacation home.
Well-Appointed Kitchen
Even if you never cook at home, you might feel like dabbling when you’re on vacation. A full array of appliances makes it more enjoyable to experiment. Look for a kitchen stocked with spices and a small selection of wines, as well as countertop accessories such as:
- Waffle maker
- Panini press
- Juicer
- Blender
- Rice cooker
- Espresso maker
An Epic View
If you’re not tearing up when you look out the floor-to-ceiling windows, you’re in the wrong place. Ideally, a luxury vacation home will remind you of the majesty of nature. Don’t settle for anything less than a mountain, a canyon, a cliff, a glacier, or the bluest waters. Just make sure that view doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice any other key qualities and conveniences.
Private Access
The ultimate vacation home must have amenities that set it apart from ordinary properties—and separate you from other tourists. Not everyone feels like making new friends on their time off. Coveted extras include a secluded path to the beach, a private ski lift, or a personal pool. Swimming is more relaxing when you don’t have to worry about whether other people’s toddlers are wearing swim diapers.
Theater Rooms
When you do manage to watch a film, it’s usually by squinting at your phone. The alternative is heading to a movie theater with random showtimes and sticky floors. You and your family deserve your own big screen with a Blu-Ray library or a Netflix account. Cable TV won’t cut it.
Alternative Transport
You’ll likely rent a car, but once it’s parked, you should give yourself a break from local traffic. A world-class rental will have something fun stashed in the garage for getting around, like electric bicycles or a golf cart. Of course, on the other end of the spectrum is a yacht moored at your own marina. However expensive your taste, hold out for a rental that will make your trip memorable.
