It can also end up more expensive to eat in restaurants rather than self-catering.
A villa will provide all the luxuries of a hotel whilst still offering the comforts of a home environment. You will be able to reap the benefits of a full property management team and round the clock services, without having your privacy infringed upon. Plus, many of these properties have fantastic views overlooking beaches or mountains.
Villas can be found in secluded spots or right near the action, close to shopping centres and local bars. The location you opt for will depend on the type of holiday you're looking to have. If you're going away with friends, you may prefer to be in the thick of the action, whereas if you're hoping for a romantic break, you'll want to stay somewhere more private.
When booking a villa, there will be plenty of things to consider. First of all, you'll obviously need to find somewhere that can accommodate all of your guests. If you're embarking on a couple's retreat, you will need to find a smaller one to stay in, but these properties can typically accommodate parties of eight or more depending on their size.
Secondly, you'll need to think about what facilities you'd like the property to include. Do you need a pool for instance? Most villas will have an outdoor pool, depending on their location, but it's best to check this before you go to avoid disappointment. Some will even have an outside bar. Again, it's best to be sure about what to expect before you check in.
Some villas will include a cook, maid, laundress and butler service, but this will obviously have an impact on the price of your holiday. These services will make a huge difference to your experience however, taking all the dull everyday tasks out of your holiday, so it's well worth the investment.
The best way to book a villa is through a reputable holiday agent. Packages can then be tailored to suit your exact needs, making sure you have the perfect experience. Look for a company that is located close to where you're staying so that they are always on hand should you need any assistance or extra services.
The best holiday agencies will offer other services too, such as transportation from the airport and restaurant bookings, so it's worth finding a good one that has extensive knowledge about the local area.
You'll also need to think about whether any of your guests have special requirements such as wheelchair access, medical needs or dietary requirements. This is especially important if you're travelling outside of your home country, as you don't want them to get caught out without what they need.
The best thing you can do is to consult your holiday agent, as they should be experts in the local area and will have advised many other customers in the past.
Lastly, make sure you get all the information about your stay before parting with your money, especially if you're using an online company. The last thing you want to happen is to feel like you've received a great deal, only to find that the property doesn't live up to the photographs or that you're expected to pay fees you didn't know about.
The best way to avoid this is to find a reputable company with lots of great online reviews and previous client testimonials. It's also a good idea to speak to them on the phone to be sure about what you're getting for your money.
Martin Wynn
