About Irene Fernandes

Irene Fernandes is a Mumbai-based independent journalist and content editor with over 19 years of experience in lifestyle, travel, real estate, and luxury features. She holds degrees in Life Sciences and Law, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Formerly, a senior journalist and editor at The Times of India, Irene has spearheaded coffee table books, magazines, international travel features, hyperlocal features, and award-winning editorial projects. When not crafting compelling narratives, you will find Irene planning her next wanderlust or honing her singing skills. On work-free days, Irene enjoys cooking a hearty meal from scratch for her loved ones, catching up on her reading list, or capturing Mumbai’s hidden bylanes through street photography.
17 April 17, 2026

Are Private Villas in Asia Fully Staffed? What’s Included When You Book

By |2026-05-04T10:37:05+08:00April 17, 2026|Categories: Elite Stays, People, Travel Tips|Tags: , , , |

When people picture a private villa holiday, they often imagine the pool, the views, the uninterrupted sky. What they may overlook is the ease of doing nothing. No tidying up after yourself. No meals to be made. Just being pampered. The housekeeper who draws the blinds at just the right angle to keep the coming sunrays off your pillow and makes your bed as you sip your morning cup brewed as per your taste by the poolside. The Villa Manager, who has quietly arranged the day’s itinerary, and along with The Elite Concierge, booked your private boat tour of nearby islands, all before you’ve had your breakfast cooked by your personal chef, to your preferences, of course. That is what a fully staffed private villa feels like. And it is the single biggest reason why travellers who switch from five-star hotels to luxury villa rentals rarely go back. This guide answers all the questions travellers ask about villa staff, services, and costs so you can book with complete confidence.

17 April 17, 2026

Luxury Villa vs 5-star Hotel: Which is Better for Bali, Phuket or Koh Samui?

By |2026-04-21T08:56:17+08:00April 17, 2026|Categories: Travel Tips|Tags: , , , |

Choosing between a luxury villa and a five-star hotel in Bali, Phuket or Koh Samui depends on what you value most; space, privacy, cost-efficiency or personalised service. This guide compares both options across key factors and explains why private villas are increasingly preferred by families and groups.

12 April 12, 2026

Why Book Direct with Elite Havens: Best Price, Personal Concierge & 28 Years of Expertise

By |2026-04-16T09:03:56+08:00April 12, 2026|Categories: Featured, Travel Tips|Tags: , , , |

In an age of booking platforms and comparison websites, it’s tempting to assume that the best way to secure a luxury villa is through a third-party site. Yet, seasoned travellers increasingly choose to book directly with Elite Havens, and for good reason. Beyond competitive pricing, booking direct unlocks a deeper level of expertise, personalisation, and reliability that transforms a villa stay into a thoughtfully curated holiday.

9 April 9, 2026

How to Plan a Destination Wedding in a Private Villa in Thailand (Phuket & Koh Samui Guide)

By |2026-04-17T12:54:51+08:00April 9, 2026|Categories: Weddings|Tags: , , , , |

Planning a destination wedding in Thailand? Private villas in Phuket and Koh Samui offer exclusive venues, personalised experiences, and better value than traditional hotel weddings. From legal requirements and budgets to guest logistics and curated celebrations, here is a complete guide to planning a private villa wedding in Thailand. 

31 March 31, 2026

How a Private Chef Transforms the Villa Holiday Experience 

By |2026-04-07T10:38:32+08:00March 31, 2026|Categories: Elite Stays, Food & Drink, Travel Tips|Tags: , , , , |

From handling fussy kids to flexible meal times, luxury villas offer personalised menus, cultural immersion and convenience. Read on to know how in-villa dining and private chefs are transforming family travel, and how more luxury travellers are choosing private chef services over hotel restaurants 

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