Nothing will make you feel like an A-Lister quite as much as your own villa. Besides the considerable glamour factor, renting a home away from home has several advantages. Depending on the size of your group, a villa may be better value than other types of accommodations. With your own villa, you’ll have more privacy. You’ll have the run of the house, so no hunting for a poolside lounge chair or squeezing into a crowded hot tub. You’ll also have a more authentic experience in your destination as you’ll be living in an actual home.
Add all that up, and it’s easy to see why villa rentals are growing in popularity. Everyone from multi-generational families to groups of friends are opting for villas to enhance their quality time together. When you work with your Vision Travel Advisor on booking your perfect home away from home, keep these eight villa rental tips in mind.
Book Early
We cannot stress this enough. One of the most crucial villa rental tips to avoid disappointment is to book early. Villas in popular destinations and at peak times of the year tend to rent at least six months out.
Choose a Location
Are you looking for privacy and seclusion? Want to be on the beach – or perhaps a mountainside? Or is being a short walk to town most important?
Some travellers have been disappointed when they discovered their countryside villa was a half-hour drive to the nearest restaurant. Or that their water-view property was more like a long hike than a short stroll to the beach.
The first step in deciding on a location is to target the activities that interest you. If your goal is to sight-see, your villa should be striking distance to attractions. If you want to relax and cocoon, an out-of-the-way location may suit you.
The next villa rental tip: Find out exactly where the property is located. Look at both maps and pictures to get a feel for the setting. And ask questions about the villa qualities that are most important to you.
Decide on Look and Feel
Contemplating a rustic farmhouse surrounded by fields? A cottage fronting directly on a white-sand beach? Or a modern glass structure in the heart of the action?
The types of villas are incredibly diverse. Ensure you book exactly what you’re envisioning for your villa experience.
Review Size and Layout
One of the most important villa rental tips is to ensure the home has enough space for everyone. The number of bedrooms is critical for larger groups. Villa listings specify the number of people who can sleep in the home, but don’t always explain whether the sleeping arrangements consist of sleeper sofas or other less desirable options.
Similarly, scope out the bathroom set-up. Is there a low guest-to-bathroom ratio to avoid morning congestion? Are they full baths, powder rooms, or in between? Does each bedroom have an en suite?
Examine the floor plan as well as photos to decide if the villa has the right stuff for your group. You may want a master suite separated from other bedrooms. Larger groups and families will seek plenty of space in common areas such as a living room and den/media room.
Confirm Services
With a luxury villa rental, pretty much any service you desire can be yours. Before your trip, find out what’s offered, decide on which you’ll need and make advance arrangements:
- If the villa mentions chef availability, is it really a private chef, or a housekeeper who creates basic meals?
- Do you even want a chef, or will you do the cooking yourself (or go out)?
- How frequently do you want housekeeping?
- Is a handyman nearby for quick repairs?
- For groups with children, is a babysitter available?
- Build a feature list
Build a Feature List
One of the key villa rental tips is to create a checklist of features you desire, and questions to clarify exactly what you’ll get:
- Pool (Salt water or chlorinated? Private or shared?)
- Media room (Size of TV? Other features?)
- Game room
- Wi-Fi
- Air conditioning
- Fireplace (Wood or gas?)
- View (Of what?)
- Patio or deck (Large enough for the entire group?)
- Barbecue
- Dishwasher
- Laundry facilities
If you have a specific aim for your trip, such as lots of gourmet cooking, ensure the kitchen is up to your standards. Does it feature the appliances you need?
Your Vision Travel Advisor can work with our partners to source the perfect villa for your holiday.