It not only provided the outlet from which the water sprouted from the statue in the villa's garden but could even be found, in more miniature form, inside bowls from which you drank your water or wine at table.

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Simon Jackson, an Australian designer who made his name catering to expats and local tycoons, did the last renovation in 1993 when the kids were teenagers, changing what had been a Spanish-style villa with a Japanese garden into a neoclassical home, adding some ornate touches and the outdoor pool, but in a "California" palette of creams and yellows.

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The first 25 escapees will receive an automatic upgrade to a two-bedroom garden-view villa.

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Why Napoleon ached to flee this sumptuous villa, with its enviable views, terraced garden and library, to once again live out of a travel trunk and trampoline-caliber camp bed (on display in the home) taxes the sensible mind to distraction.

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Inside you will find a small, tranquil garden housing an old European-style villa with antique tables, unusual statues and six delicious double rooms, all different and all decorated exquisitely.

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Serving as your personal port in the storm, this hotel and spa is modelled after an Italian villa with its courtyard lounge and fire pit, sculpture garden, outdoor pool and extensive grounds that have been cultivated with the scent and splendour of everything from roses to wisteria.

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