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.
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£549per stayWhether you're after a hilltop hideaway or endless sun, sea and sand, this Med gem delivers.
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£549per staySun-drenched Crete is Greece's largest island, meaning there's plenty of choice for all budgets.
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£549per stayEqual parts relaxation and adventure, Dalaman is one of Turkey's most scenic destinations.
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£549per stayForget cramped hotel rooms! Big groups will feel right at home in these large villas.
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£549per stayFrom
£549per stayExclusive locations, unrivalled views and luxe touches set these villas apart from the rest.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.