If you're thinking about staying in luxury rentals as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, consider going to Torcello Island in Italy, where locals escape for impromptu vacations throughout the year.

After wandering the streets of nearby Venice, you can head back to your accommodations on Torcello and enjoy the spoils of this sparsely populated island. Tourists rarely set foot here, simply because it's a fair distance from Italy's main attractions. Teeming with small-town charm, the island is primarily a nature reserve and is home to numerous ancient artifacts, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which dates back to the 7th century.

With only two main restaurants and a handful of cafes, Torcello is an ideal place for those staying in luxury vacation rentals to reflect and find true peace.

San Giovanni, the only villa on this small island, is surrounded by a lush garden and filled with antique furniture, making guests feel as though they've been transported to the 12th-century. Take a dip in the pool or go on a scenic boat ride around the lagoon before visiting nearby Burano, famous for intricate lace, or Murano, renowned for its incredible glassworks.