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How to choose the perfect holiday villa

James Villas

Choosing the right villa - whether you're holidaying as a family, or as a couple - can be tricky sometimes, with a multitude of options to suit any needs. So with that in mind, here's what we, with a little help from James Villas Holidays, recommend looking for when it comes to finding the perfect place to park your sun lounger for a week or two.

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Villas for couples

Renting a villa already affords more privacy than a room in a resort, avoiding the shared pools and a morning meeting across the buffet with that annoying couple, but there are a few more tips that'll guarantee you a tranquil stay.

Choose a detached villa, with some land around it, if possible. That way, you'll be a reasonable distance from loud families/music/children (delete as appropriate). And safe to do a spot of sunbathing without anyone overlooking...

James Villas suggest:


Villa Podere Coiano, Tuscany	Villa Athina, Lefkas	Villa Can Fuat, Mallorca
Pretty and rustic, the villa overlooks a beautiful valley near Volterra.	A tranquil hillside location in Greece - with an infinity pool!	A modern, airy villa just outside the resort of Alcudia.

Villas for larger families and groups

"We did holiday several times in big houses in the wilds of Scotland, with two other families, very successfully. We all had young teenage boys. It was great - all the dads reverted back to teenage boys and went off, sailing, climbing, cycling etc. Mums were left to laze, read or potter in nearby towns."

Going away as a family means spending quality time together, but having space to relax without being thrown into each others' paths 24/7 is key. Make sure there are enough bathrooms, especially when going away with children and grandchildren. A private balcony off your room doesn't go amiss either.

Safety is also very important if small children are going to be with you. Check depth of and access to the pool, as lots of villas offer gated ones for more peace of mind.

James Villas suggest:


L'Oliveta del Generale, Tuscany	Villa Androulla, Cyprus	Villa Thalassa, Kefalonia
This spacious villa overlooks orchards, vineyards and olive groves, and sleeps 12.	Set in a pretty rural village in the mountains, but also within easy distance of the beach.	Enjoy beautiful views overlooking St Thomas Bay and the mountain range beyond.

Villas with disabled access

"My husband is in a wheelchair. Why do we have to ring up to negotiate, when the travel company makes you feel bad for asking about access and adds a nought to the price?"

If mobility is a problem, finding out that your villa nestles in the heart of a really big hill is not going to be ideal if you're not planning to rent a car. Making sure that your accommodation is wheelchair-friendly and has a downstairs loo - or is a bungalow - is par for the course before booking, but fully accessible, specially designed villas are available for those whose mobility is impaired.

James Villas suggest:


Villa Sorripati, Tuscany	Villa Gialos I, Lefkas	Trullo di Grazia, Puglia
A restored farmhouse, this villa's master bedroom is on the ground floor.	This picture-perfect villa has a bathroom and bedroom on the ground floor.	All on one level for easy access, this traditional-style Trulli house is stunning.

Villas for peace and quiet

"If you were to come over in the low season it is generally quite quiet. However, come summer certain parts have a night life that can go on until four in the morning. So be careful to avoid apartments over bars and restaurants."

If you can avoid high season, that will go a long way to ensuring a bit of peace and quiet. Alternatively, many properties are situated on private estates or gated properties, which are often much quieter than nearby tourist-filled hubs.

James Villas suggest:


Villa Podere Orsini, Pisa	Villa Avgusta, Corfu	Villa Magda, Crete
Peaceful and private, take a dip in the pool while taking in views of the Tuscan hills.	Set in lovely gardens, with picturesque views of nearby Kokkini.	Experience true Cretan lifestyle in this tranquil countryside villa with mountain views.

Villas with easy access to amenities

"As we never rent a car we always go a property near to a bus stop/supermarket/restaurants/beaches. We don't like to be right in the middle of everything, but a manageable walk away."

Location is so important if you plan to go car-free. Staying near, or on the outskirts, of a town will ensure you have easy access to shops, nightlife and any other amenities you may need, while staying out of the main hustle and bustle.

James Villas suggest:


Princess Dimi, Zakynthos	Villa Mulberry, Peloponnese	Coralia Dream 8, Cyprus
Local amenities are almost on the doorstep, in the resort centre a short walk from this sunny villa.	The best of both worlds with truly beautiful views, and everything you need less than a kilometre away.	A popular villa close to the resort centre and lots of restaurants serving various cuisines.