Achingly luxurious summer villas

Famed for its sublime chalet holidays, holiday company Descent has added a definitive selection of sumptuous, hand-picked summer villas to its exclusive portfolio in Europe’s most coveted destinations – the Côte d’Azur, Provence, Umbria, Mallorca as well as summer chalets in Zermatt and Les Gets.

Available to rent for the first time ever, exclusively through Descent, the mesmerising Las Brisas in Mallorca is a tribute to contemporary, Mediterranean style. Inside, light and space flood the villa’s living areas and its four ensuite bedrooms, including the outstanding master bedroom with its own terrace, dressing room and sitting room. Spend your days by the infinity pool, with its stunning views over the Mediterranean and is equally ideal for drinks and dinner under the stars.

Embrace your inner-Bardot at La Chenoiserie overlooking the Bay of St Tropez, the Riviera’s most glamorous address. This exquisite four-bedroom villa embodies that effortless and evocative Provençal style… breezy bedrooms, cool stone floors, dreamy furnishings and the chicest of kitchens. Outside is just as captivating with a gorgeous pool, ideal for whiling away sun-kissed days and endless outdoor space that lends itself to sunset drinks and starlit dining.

For a taste of bucolic heaven, there’s St Esteve in Provence, a beautiful five bedroom traditional farmhouse with modern touches throughout. Both the pool and the terrace are the perfect spots for whiling away the hours and for appreciating your surroundings – think lavender-filled gardens, century old olive trees and acres of apple trees.

Alternatively, lose yourself to the charms of Umbria at Vergiliano di Sopra, a stunningly restored farmhouse with truly sensational views as well as the modern creature comforts we have come to expect. Days are spent soaking up the rays by the pool, over long, lazy lunches on the sheltered terrace or exploring this exceptional part of Italy.

Descent’s Alpine havens – Ferme de Moudon in Les Gets and Chalet Maurice in Zermatt – provide the ultimate summer sanctuary. The last word in modern chic, each chalet is ideal for those wanting to unleash their inner Heidi and equally ideal for those hankering after total relaxation.

Whether it’s sophisticated excitement, rustic glamour or gracious mountain retreats you’re after, at each of Descent’s summer destinations you can expect the celebrated service for which Descent is famed. We’re talking chauffeur-driven cars at your disposal, Jo Malone products on tap, flowing Perrier-Jouet champagne, deliciously fresh meals whipped up for you as and when by your personal chef and a dedicated, discreet villa manager who is on hand to cater to your every taste and desire – it’s the guests, not the staff, that make the rules on a Descent holiday.

For more information and bookings, log on to Descent.co.uk.