A Villa for Everyone
We know more and more of you are searching for holidays where all three generations come along. However: a word of warning – this is one of the trickiest trips to get right. It can feel near-impossible to please everyone from grandparents to tiny tots, so don’t even consider doing this on your own! We’ve road tested the best and learnt from the worst, so you’ll benefit from our years of first-hand experience.
Whether it’s for a special celebration or simply to spend much-needed time together, a get-together in a villa can create memories to last a lifetime. Here are just a few of our recommendations; for bespoke suggestions to suit your family requirements please contact one of our team.
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The European Villa: Villa Danae
Spend your summer on a sunny Greek island. For a quieter, more authentic choice, pick pretty Paros. Typically part of an island-hopping itinerary, we’ve discovered that Paros has a few hidden-away villas which are perfect for laid-back family holidays. For example, you could bring your brood to spacious Villa Danae, which has breaktaking views over Kolimbithres Beach, which is only a five-minute drive away; lively fishing village Naoussa with its tavernas and bars is just 5kms away.
Families and large groups can spread out around the six bedrooms, located within the thick, white-washed building. The azure swimming pool, edged by cool, thatched seating areas and facing a sensational view, will be the focal point for most families, and the shaded terrace is perfect for al fresco lunches and dinner, where you can feast on Greek salads or grill fresh fish and calamari on the BBQ. If you are an active bunch, consider visiting nearby islands for day trips. A ferry will bring you to Antiparos for peace amid its ancient oak trees or visit Naxos for endless sandy beaches. This is a gorgeous Greek holiday that will keep giving.
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The Takeover: Mas de la Serra, Spain
When you’re a big group, it’s surprising what can become available to you. Take this restored farmhouse, Mas de la Serra, hidden away in glorious hilly countryside, dubbed ‘Spain’s Tuscany’. Take over all 11 bedrooms exclusively, and suddenly the infinity pool, dining terrace, stargazing spot and cosy restaurant serving Peruvian food, is all yours.
And that’s not all. The rugged countryside is full of adventure – kids love discovering hidden waterfalls and secret swimming spots. Young and old enjoy fishing in the rivers, searching for fossils and eagle-spotting. With a car, grandparents can make a break for the fascinating Medieval castle in nearby Valderrobres. Come evening, watch the sunset behind craggy peaks with a pisco sour in hand before family movie time in the cinema room.
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The Long-Haul Villa: Skye House, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has bounced back with a resilience we’ve come to expect from the teardrop isle and continues to offer families a thrilling adventure amongst its beaches, hill country, jungles and incense-swirled temples.
The best way for a group to experience Sri Lanka is with a spacious villa, which comes with an army of smiley staff to cook, entertain the children, clean up, even teach you how to make curry including a morning market trip to pick out fresh vegetables. We love the gorgeous beachside villa Skye House, with its five en-suite bedrooms and a bunk room for kids, set around a coconut tree-dotted garden. A deserted white-sand beach is steps away and Galle, with its fort, lighthouse and buzzy restaurants is just 30 minutes by tuk-tuk. Your days will follow a relaxed routine by the pool at the villa or on the beach, and evenings are for al fresco curry feasts under the stars. Consider adding a week to explore Sri Lanka to see whales, leopards, crocodiles and elephants in the wild.
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The resort hotel: Heritage Villas, Mauritius
Mauritius is a surprisingly good option for families travelling in larger groups. Not only is it remarkable value, it offers reliable weather year-round, and gives your family holiday a certain exotic sheen that’s sure to please everyone from moody teens to me-time grandparents.
At Heritage Villas, it’s all so easy, with two, three- or four-bedroom villas that each come with a pool, golf cart and stunning sea views. Groceries can be ordered in advance, plus private chefs can come and cook in your villa, which means more time for the fun things like cocktails at the private beach club, a round of golf or hiking the UNESCO biosphere. Kids will love pootling around by golf buggy and babysitters are on-hand if grown-ups want to explore the five-star restaurants and bars on site.
