Are you looking to throw an event that people will be talking about for years to come?
Event planners are increasingly skipping hotels and booking out entire estates instead. There are many reasons that hosting your event at an exclusive villa is better than any traditional event space:
- Full privacy for you and your guests
- Unlimited flexibility
- Completely immersive experience
…but why are they becoming so popular?
Whether it’s a destination wedding or a company team building retreat, booking an entire estate for your guests is a game changer. And this particular event trend is quickly picking up steam.
Recent reports project the destination wedding market will be worth $47.69 billion by 2025 while the corporate retreat market exceeded $31.8 Billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% through 2034.
So what’s behind all of this growth? Let’s dive in.
What you’ll discover:
- Why Estate Buyouts Are More Popular Than Ever
- Why Private Villas Are Dominating as Wedding Venues
- Why Companies Are Booking Estates for Retreats
- Finding the Perfect Estate for Your Event
Why Estate Buyouts Are More Popular Than Ever
Picture the last conference or event you went to at a hotel. Lobby areas. Other people walking around. No privacy.
Now imagine the exact opposite. An estate where every inch of space, all of the accommodations, and all of the amenities are dedicated to you and your guests. That’s the appeal of an estate buyout. Something private and completely yours.
Properties like this 19 bedroom luxury estate Costa Rica check every box. Gorgeous space with unparalleled amenities that can be used for weddings, milestone celebrations, and team building retreats all in one spot.
And there’s a simple reason why more people are jumping on board with this trend…
People crave experiences more than anything. Not just your run of the mill events, but unique, once in a lifetime type gatherings. Private villas and estate buyouts deliver on that like no hotel can.
Seeing the rise of weekend venue stays where entire groups book properties for two-night-plus events is proof. Whether it’s for a wedding or company retreats, groups of all sizes are booking private estates for the whole weekend.
Weddings Are the Leading Driver of Private Villa Sales
Destination weddings have gotten huge. In fact, around 25% of couples in the United States now tie the knot at a destination wedding. And the majority of them are booking private villas and estates instead of traditional resorts.
Why? Well for starters:
- Privacy – Everyone in your guest list stays in the same place. No splitting groups and guests at different hotels.
- Flexibility – You’re no longer bound to a hotel’s schedule. Go ahead and plan that midnight pool party.
- Location – Let’s be honest. Most luxury estate villa destinations are absolutely stunning.
But there’s another huge benefit that gets overlooked with villa weddings…
Cost. When you book an estate that sleeps upwards of 30-40 people you can typically find packages that bundle accommodation and venue space. This can often cost less than booking a resort block of rooms with a separate venue for your celebration.
Everything is all in one spot. Guests arrive, check in to their room and your celebration is right there. There are no shuttles to wait around for or giant catering trucks invading your guest space. It just flows better.
Pretty cool, right?
Companies Are Booking Estates for Retreats
You might think corporate retreats are just for team building. But did you know they are becoming one of the most powerful tools in business today?
The rise of remote work has disconnected a lot of teams. Sure they can coordinate and collaborate online all day long, but when was the last time your team got to sit down and have face-to-face conversations?
That’s where a corporate retreat at a private estate comes into play.
When done right, company retreats at exclusive venues are the perfect recipe for inspiration. They allow teams to reconnect in a:
- Distraction-free environment away from the office.
- Living space that naturally fosters relationships.
- Space that combines conference rooms and activities.
- Wow factor that shows your team they are appreciated.
Take note:
When an employer books an entire estate for their executives… conversations don’t stop after work hours. Dinner turns into problem-solving sessions. Teams wake up with new ideas staring at the ocean.
Think about how much more collaborative these teams will be after having the time and space to get to know each other.
It should also go without saying that companies are tightening their budgets for team building. A productive (and enjoyable) corporate retreat is an investment that leads to long-term results.
Keep in mind that the best estates for company retreats offer everything you need to plan a successful weekend:
- Onsite event staff
- Catering
- Audio visual equipment
- Activities coordination
When you book with the right estate, they can handle the logistics while your team focuses on company objectives.
Finding The Perfect Estate for Your Event
Booking an entire estate isn’t as simple as clicking Purchase. There are thousands of event venues out there that cater to your needs but not all of them can successfully execute your special weekend. Here are a few tips when it comes to choosing the right estate for your event…
Location is Everything
Make sure the estate you choose is not only in a desirable location but one that your guests can easily get to. Being close to an international airport with reliable transportation is key. Don’t pick a beautiful villa that half your guests can’t access.
Can it Hold Everyone?
This may seem obvious, but make sure the estate you choose can comfortably fit everyone in your group. There should be plenty of rooms and common spaces so no one is overcrowded.
Amenities are a Must
Look for estates that offer:
- Indoor and outdoor common spaces to entertain guests.
- Full kitchen facilities to accommodate your catering needs.
- Pool and recreation areas for downtime.
- Strong Wi-Fi and AV technology for presentations.
Are They Dedicated to Your Event?
This is probably the biggest thing that sets the great estates apart from the ones to stay away from. Do your research and find properties with dedicated event teams that work for you. Event planners, concierge services, and vendor management are essential for a stress-free experience.
Look for Versatility
Ideally your estate should be versatile enough to cater to all sorts of events. From weddings, to corporate team building, family reunions and more. Properties that cater to multiple event types usually have the resources and experience to make your event a success.
Wrapping Things Up
Booking an entire estate is one of the best ways to ensure your event is talked about for years to come. Not only will you have privacy, but it allows your event to be completely immersive.
Don’t stress over venue type when planning your event. If it ticks all of the boxes above and has the space and amenities your group needs, go for it.
Here’s what you need to remember:
- Estate Retreats/Weekend Stays are increasing in popularity because people want unique experiences.
- Weddings at private villas are increasing due to their privacy, flexibility, and unbeatable locations.
- Companies are using estate retreats to foster deeper connections with their teams and encourage creativity.
- Private estates with dedicated event staff are the best option when planning your event.
