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Villa holidays

Discover villa holidays

Home-from-home holidays get a serious upgrade when you book a villa. Wherever you stay, all your home comforts are included from the get-go, but you’ll also enjoy mod-cons like a heated pool.

Often in scenic locations by the sea or countryside, they’re perfect for a tranquil getaway as a family, with a group of friends or just your other half. You’ll find stunning properties all over the world too, from modern stays by the Med to roomy retreats in Florida.

With the freedom to come and go as you please, with no set itineraries or meal time to stick to, villa holidays are the definition of a hassle-free break.

Top villa destinations

From

£549per stay

Majorca villas

Whether you're after a hilltop hideaway or endless sun, sea and sand, this Med gem delivers.

From

£549per stay

Crete villas

Sun-drenched Crete is Greece's largest island, meaning there's plenty of choice for all budgets.

From

£549per stay

Dalaman villas

Equal parts relaxation and adventure, Dalaman is one of Turkey's most scenic destinations.

Villa holidays offer a different experience to staying in a hotel or apartment. They let you set your own holiday pace, often include a private pool and give you the freedom to do what you want whenever you want to do it. It’s like having your own holiday home – a recipe for a truly relaxing trip.

When planning villa rentals, it’s important to consider what you want from your holiday. Do you want to relax around the pool and fit in sightseeing at a leisurely pace, or is a central location that minimises the travelling distance to major sights your top priority? It’s a good idea to list your must haves, as well as the amenities you would like to have – while remembering to keep an open mind.

When opting for a villa rental, you can often find somewhere that meets all your holiday needs. But whether it's the first time you've booked or something you've done a hundred times before, our tips can help you find the perfect place.

Spanish mainland

If you're looking for a villa holiday in Spain, the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca have a wide range of options. From high-end, luxury villas to resort complexes and converted farmhouses known as fincas, you'll find lots of properties along the Mediterranean coast.

Majorca

As the largest of the Balearic Islands, Majorca has a huge number of resort areas to choose from and is ideal for families and groups looking to get away from it all, while remaining within easy reach of the UK.

Ibiza

Nearby Ibiza is a great alternative to Majorca. Villas in Ibiza can be a good choice for those going on clubbing breaks and wanting to keep the party going in their own holiday home.

Florida

The Sunshine State is where many Americans have their holiday homes. Why not enjoy the same experience by renting a villa in Florida to make the most of your USA vacation?

France

With the option of taking your own vehicle via the ferry or flying in and picking up a car, a villa holiday in France is an accessible choice from the UK.

Cyprus

Cyprus has range of quality properties, many of which come with wonderful sea views and offer easy access to the excellent food and drink options in its coastal resorts.

Algarve

The Algarve in southern Portugal boasts an array of villas – as well as wide sandy beaches and year-round sun. At less than three hours from the UK by air, it’s also excellent value for money and ideal for families and sporty types.

Greece

Greece's islands have a huge amount of choice for a summer holiday. Pick from bigger islands such as Crete, Rhodes and Corfu, or get away from it all on smaller ones such as Skiathos and Skopelos.

Italy

From classic destinations such as Tuscany and Sicily to the rustic charms of unspoilt Puglia, a villa holiday in Italy can offer a real slice of ‘la dolce vita’.

Turkey

In Turkey, you can choose from villas in the Bodrum region on the Aegean coast or from resorts around the Mediterranean coast such as Olu Deniz, Fethiye and Kalkan.

Top villa types

From

£549per stay

Large villas

Forget cramped hotel rooms! Big groups will feel right at home in these large villas.

From

£549per stay

Beach villas

Pool or beach? You don't have to choose with these gorgeous beachside villas.

From

£549per stay

Luxe villas

Exclusive locations, unrivalled views and luxe touches set these villas apart from the rest.

FAQs

What should I consider about my villa location?

Once you decide on your destination, be sure to check the exact location of the villa itself. An isolated retreat may seem ideal when you're booking it but think carefully about the practicalities – especially if you're with children or a large group. Do you want to be near the beach, the countryside or close to a city, for example? Is there a shop or restaurant within walking distance? What are the public transport options?

Do you need a hire car on a villa holiday?

Hiring a car for your villa holiday can be a good idea if you plan to do a lot of exploring or are staying somewhere off the beaten track. If you choose a villa in a central location close to the beach, shops and restaurants, you may find it’s more cost effective without one. And if you’re with a big group that requires more than one car, be sure to check out your parking options at the villa.

Do all villas have a swimming pool?

Many villas come with a swimming pool, but not all. If it’s essential to your holiday, check whether the pool is exclusive to your villa, and if there are enough sun-loungers for everyone travelling. Note the size of the pool, whether it is heated and if so, whether you must pay to switch the heating on. If you're holidaying with children, check if the pool has a shallow end and a shelved entrance or steps for toddlers.

What else is included in a villa?

Villa holidays are generally self-catering, so you’ll usually have enough pots, cutlery and other kitchen items for the maximum amount of people that can occupy the villa. While many homes have large, well-equipped kitchen, others might just have a kitchenette, so if you're planning on a lot of cooking, it's best to inquire about the nature of the facilities. Cots and high-chairs are generally included, as is wi-fi, but this can be unreliable if you’re in an isolated area. Not all villas come with air-conditioning, a washing machine or an entertainment system, so it’s worth checking – just in case.

Are villa holidays suitable for children?

Yes, villa holidays are suitable for holidaymakers of all ages but it’s worth checking the facilities for children. For example, if the villa has a television, does it also have UK satellite channels or a DVD player (in which case, you might want to pack some favourite films)? If you’re travelling with a baby, make sure to request a cot and high-chair – many villas include these for free but you usually have to ask in advance.

Can you book a villa for more than seven days?

Villa rentals are available for a range of durations. Usually, this can be from as little as three days to up to a month or more. However, some villas have specific days of the week for check-in and checkout, (usually a Saturday) so ensure this fits in with your plans. If you're looking for a ten-day break, for example, you might want to book a week at a villa plus three nights at a hotel. The same goes for weekend breaks – during peak holiday periods these may not be permitted unless there's a last minute booking or a cancellation.

When can you check-in on a villa holiday?

As with most accommodation, villas are generally not available for new arrivals until late afternoon. You’ll usually need to be vacated in the morning too. Time your flights or ferries accordingly to prevent having to hang around.