They say travel is an escape. A chance to leave routine behind. To live the dream life, even if it is for a few days. But travel often comes with its own bag of challenges. Irks like loud neighbours in the room next to yours in a hotel, long queues at breakfast, the never-ending search for a free sunbed, and the tossing and turning at night because you miss your bed back home. But what if you had a home away from home. A dream haven that you could return to every time you wanted a break from your city life. Staff that felt like family. A bed where you knew you’d sleep like a baby. Lavish meals cooked to your taste, and an uncrowded pool where there would be no other families splashing around? Wouldn’t that be something?
Many have made this dream their reality. Little did they know, when they booked a villa or chalet with Elite Havens the first time, that they would find their ‘home away from home’. A sanctuary that they didn’t even know they needed. A place to call their own. An oasis to return to whenever they wanted a little pampering. But what is it about a holiday home that has Elite Havens guests returning year on year? We find out.
The perfect formula
For Anurag and Chani Srivastava from Singapore, Sekka Ni has become something of an annual winter pilgrimage. What started as a one-off skiing trip for their kids to experience snow hooked them for life, as they now book December 2025 for their fourth winter at Sekka Ni.
“Sometimes, you find the perfect mix,” they shared. “A great location, spacious and well-maintained property, lively neighbourhood with several F&B options, convenience of shuttle services provided by Elite Havens and plenty of space for my family to spread out. After one fabulous stay at Sekka Ni in Niseko, we felt compelled to return year on year. Why look for something else when you’ve found a place that ticks all your boxes?”
Hospitality and staff
For other Elite Havens guests, it is the warmth of the staff that brings them back. The exclamations of delight when they are reunited on every trip. The feeling of being welcomed back to a space that feels personal to you. The chef who knows exactly what food your kids will enjoy, and the staff member who delights in watching them grow year on year.
“We keep returning to Villa Hana due to all the wonderful staff members here,” said Sam K from Australia. “We recently completed our third stay and it was just as enjoyable as each one in the past. Beautiful weather, food, and such lovely, friendly staff. Already looking forward to our return.”
Lynn R from Australia agrees, raving about another wonderful stay at NoKu Beach House. “As expected and as usual, everything was wonderful. The food, the service, and the quality of the grounds were first-class. We love your work, we are grateful for your attention to the details and we will be back. A sincere thanks to all the team for another wonderful stay.”
Reliving memories
Travel is all about making new memories and reliving old ones. Have you ever found yourself feeling nostalgic about an amazing trip you took? Perhaps it was the food you remember, or the stunning sunsets. Sipping cocktails by the poolside as your kids frolicked about. Perhaps it was a landmark occasion like your wedding or milestone birthday that you celebrated at the villa. Going back feels like a chance to relive those happy memories, all the while making new ones. Elite Havens guests agree.
“Noku will always be my second home,” said Mrs. Melanie H from Australia about her annual stay at NoKu Beach House. “I love all the memories I have made here and will continue to make more every time I return. Thank you so much for an amazing experience, as always.”
Why choose a villa or chalet over a hotel?
Travelling with family or friends is always fun but having the space to spread out makes a big difference to your holiday. Villas and chalets allow you and your group to sleep in separate bedrooms, without worrying about safety and security for the kids. Social spaces like living rooms or poolside decks make for fun-filled evenings, and a chef on call ensures that everyone in your group is well taken care of, regardless of their food restrictions and preferences.
In destinations such as Japan, it is surprisingly more affordable to book a chalet during ski season, rather than separate bedrooms for a family.
Anurag and Chani Srivastava add, “Sekka Ni is like a home away from home. It is rather spacious and therefore great for our family. It is equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay such as a fully functional kitchen, washer, TV, WiFi etc. The housekeeping staff also regularly keep the house clean and well stocked. Topping this off with its convenient location and stunning views, there’s really nothing lacking as compared to a hotel which can feel a lot more transactional, crowded and contained.”
In conclusion
When you chance upon a good thing, hold it dear and don’t let it go, they say. The perfect holiday home is one such thing. No wonder then, that so many of our guests come back year after year, either to their favourite villa, or to experience another destination, with the comfort of the knowledge that they will find the same level of care and luxury as they always do with Elite Havens.
Shroff J from Hong Kong summarised it well when he thanked us for his stay at Baan Puri. “Thank you so much for making our stay in Koh Samui, yet again, absolutely wonderful! We’ve been coming back for years, and it feels like a second home. We all had such a fantastic trip, and we truly appreciate everything you do. The villa is beautiful, and the staff is exceptional—your hospitality has been brilliant. We can’t wait to return next year and make many more memories here.”
If you haven’t experienced an Elite Havens villa yet, don’t wait. Like the popular advertisement says, no one can stop at just one!
Ready to find your own ‘home away from home’? Book your elite haven today.
