How to celebrate Italian Style
- By Simpson Travel
- 29 Apr 2025
- Where to go
For an unforgettable celebration, nothing compares to hosting a party at a magnificent villa in Italy. Whether you’re tempted by the romance of the Tuscan hills or the sun-soaked shores of Puglia, all our properties offer a dreamy setting for a special occasion. Think lazy afternoons by private pools set in beautifully manicured gardens, sunsets gazing over remote hilltop villages and al fresco dining by candlelight on jasmine-clad terraces. With private chefs available, wines to rival the best in the world and an abundance of local produce packed with the nutritious flavours of a Mediterranean diet, the ingredients for festive merrymaking are second to none.
But though it’s easy enough to find a villa for two, four, six or eight, once you start catering for more than ten, choosing the right accommodation can get a whole lot trickier. Luckily, we’ve picked two sensational villas that are tried and tested for exactly that – one in Tuscany close to Arezzo, famed for its gold and a starring role in the film Life is Beautiful, the other in Puglia near the jaw-dropping clifftop town of Polignano a Mare.
Spotlight on Villa Mille Desideri
Villa Mille Desideri, Tuscany
Sleeps 11
• Set in 10 acres with 14m private gated pool
• Table tennis, table football, boules and football goals
• Barbecue and pizza oven
• Catering and chef service available
What we say;
“Surrounded by breathtaking Tuscan countryside, this six-bedroom villa invites gatherings of family and friends where relaxing and having fun together takes priority. It’s a magical place to stay, full of original character and charm: elegant 17th-century features and comfortably stylish interiors are complemented by ten acres of lovely gardens and stunning views across olive groves, cypress trees and rolling hills.”
What they say;
“Grazie mille! We had a truly special stay. The villa and its surroundings have given us a holiday we will remember for a long time. The welcome dinner on our first night was superb, so too Nicola’s eggs and Nona’s wonderful cake. Beautiful ways to make us feel welcome. We came together from different parts of the world and we couldn’t have been happier.”
Spotlight on La Tenuta Puglia
La Tenuta, Puglia
Sleeps 18
• Set in 12 acres with sea views and 13m private pool
• Table tennis, table football, basketball and football nets
• Outdoor kitchen with barbecue and pizza oven
• Chef service available
What we say;
“Celebration villas don’t come much better than La Tenuta, overlooking Puglia’s magnificent Adriatic coastline. Set amongst the olive groves just inland from the cliff top town of Polignano a Mare, this cleverly designed Simpson Signature villa oozes contemporary style and simple elegance - ideal for a sophisticated house party with friends and family.”
What they say;
“18 of us came to La Tenuta for a big birthday celebration, and it couldn’t have been more enjoyable. The layout of the villa is perfect as the central living area is really spacious, great for socialising, and all the bedrooms have a private bathroom and can be accessed independently so there was also plenty of privacy. The terrace and gardens are incredible and the huge pool with sea view was heaven. Brilliantly close to Polignano a Mare too. We loved it and can’t wait to return!”
A selection of our favourites
Villa Ddò, Puglia
Sleeps 6
A fabulously modern villa nestled into a sleepy rural setting, with restaurant and spa facilities within walking distance.
Tenuta Fonte, Puglia
Sleeps 8
Very private, very stylish and perfectly Puglian, ideally configured for two families; close to Ostuni and the beach.
Villa Forconi, Umbria
Sleeps 6
Classic Italian country villa, cocooned in a fairytale landscape; designed for easy holiday living, with 12m gated pool.
Casa al Colle, Tuscany
Sleeps 10
Spectacular hillside location close to Lucca; historic and extremely spacious, an inspired choice for a group.
Colto Dei Pallanti, Tuscany
Sleeps 6
Facing south with views you could lose yourself in, perfectly located close to Florence, San Gimignano and Siena.
