We’re immensely proud of our whole range of villas. Lovingly curated by our team of local experts, each and every one has a perfect place in our portfolio. And, whilst we couldn’t possibly pick a favourite, there are a number of properties which our team highly recommends again and again for families. Whether it’s due to the range of in-villa activities to satisfy even the most challenging teen or their ideal location for amenities and beaches. Here are six of the best family villas which are worth booking early…
VILLA SAN BARBERINO, TUSCANY, ITALY
If one region of Italy holds more allure than any other it must be Tuscany, where vineyards and olive trees pattern rolling hillsides and life are infused with food, wine, laughter and sunshine. Villa San Barberino, near San Gimignano, is a paradise for children and offers everything from a private pool to an outdoor adventure playground. Bring out your family’s competitive spirit on the villa’s tennis court or at the pool table and, at the end of the day, squabble over which movie to enjoy on the home cinema system.
Food is integral to any family holiday, and we love the fact that this five-bedroom villa has its own pizza oven. What could be more Italian than making pizzas together as a family, then sharing your creations as the sun goes down over the beautiful Tuscan countryside? We can even bring in a chef to show you and your children how to create pizzas in true Tuscan style. And for kids with a sweet tooth, we know a wonderful gelateria in San Gimignano where you can watch ice-cream being made.
It’s not all about the young though. There’s a wonderful spa area complete with sauna, steam room and sunken jacuzzi. The views are amazing, the beds supremely comfy and the vineyards of Chianti are just 20 minutes away.
DOMAINE DE LA HILLE, LANGUEDOC, FRANCE
“We’re bored!” The three words on holiday that any parent of adolescents dreads to hear. Thankfully there’s little chance of anyone getting bored at Domaine de la Hille, a beautifully restored eight-bedroom farmhouse in the Languedoc region of southern France. For starters, the house is set in ten acres of well-tended gardens and parkland, meaning there’s plenty of room for young teens to play, and for older ones to find some privacy of their own. There’s a huge amount within the grounds to keep teenagers entertained, including a large family pool, a shaded tennis court, volleyball, badminton and yoga equipment, archery sets, golf clubs, and – being France – a great boules pitch.
Inside, there’s a large drawing room for adults and a separate sitting room for teens, complete with giant TV, Xbox, PlayStation, sound system and two four-seater sofas. Even the bedrooms are split over three floors, so teens can be given a whole floor to themselves. Combine all this with a wonderful location at the foot of the Pyrenees, near UNESCO-listed Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi, and we’re confident that, on this holiday at least, you won’t hear cries of boredom.
BINICALAF, MENORCA, SPAIN
When it comes to a family holiday, it’s great to be able to give teenagers their own space without letting them wander off entirely. That’s one of the reasons we love Binicalaf, a 300-acre, gorgeous coastal estate on the island of Menorca. Accommodation is split between the original old farmhouse, with its three large doubles and one twin bedroom, and two separate cottages a short walk from the main house. The larger cottage has three bedrooms of its own, as well as a gym and a games room, so is perfect for teenagers, while the smaller cottage has just one en-suite bedroom, ideal for, say, grandparents in search somewhere a little quieter.
With its stunning sea views and sensational staff, this fully catered villa has really become the standard bearer for luxury villa living on Menorca. The lawns are perfect for a game of badminton or volleyball. Away from the main house, the good-sized pool offers total peace and privacy. Bikes are available for exploring the estate, while a boat can be chartered for forays along the coast. Picnics can be taken on the private rocky beach, and the capital Mahon is just ten minutes away by car.
However you fill your days, though, evenings will inevitably end up the same – with the family all together on the outdoor terrace, beautifully lit with lanterns and warmed by a glowing fire pit, enjoying a three-course meal from the opera-singing chef, who may even belt out an aria or two.
IL SERRATONE, TUSCANY, ITALY
Accommodating up to 18 guests and boasting plenty of indoor and outdoor areas to enjoy, Il Serratone is the ideal villa for multi-generational gatherings. Long, wooden tables both in the indoor dining area and outdoor terrace provide the perfect place to sit down as a family and enjoy a delicious, classic Italian meal. Children and teenagers will relish the billiards room and home cinema, which give them a space to blow off steam in the evening and somewhere to unwind with a movie before bed.
Outside, there’s no shortage of entertainment with the sprawling lawns and enticing three-tier pool. With varying depths suitable for all ages, the whole family will be able to get in on the poolside fun. For those seeking a more relaxed dose of Tuscan air, simply relax by the poolside on the enticing sunbeds. The tennis court and golf course give your more active guests somewhere to work up a sweat, while lovers of all things equestrian will be keen to take a visit to the villa’s riding stables where peaceful trots around the undulating Tuscan landscape truly capture the laidback, rural way of life here. Venture slightly further out and discover some of the best beaches in Tuscany, such as stunning Puntone and Torre Mozza.
VILLA TUORI, TUSCANY, ITALY
Offering a whole suite of exciting activities, Villa Tuori simply must be a consideration when searching for a family villa in Italy (we would recommend booking two weeks here to make the most of it!). The foodies in the family are utterly spoilt when it comes to culinary experiences here. Cooking classes, pizza making and truffle hunting on the estate will keep both younger and older guests entertained, while wine and olive oil tasting offer a more refined experience just for the adults.
A short trip from the villa offers more fun, with the chance to go fly fishing in local streams or flex your creative streak at a pottery class. Wildlife lovers will not want to miss a night excursion in search of wild nocturnal animals, like boar, fox, deer and owls. The villages of the Mugello are also close by, with Florence just a 30-minute drive, while the desirable regions of Siena, Chianti, Lucca and Pisa are all reachable for day trips.
Back at the villa, the four acres of gardens provide somewhere for the children to run around, while the decked pool area offers somewhere to cool off afterwards. Indoors, catch up with relatives over a game of billiards or over a glass of local wine in the large drawing room.
VILLA ICARIUS, CORFU, GREECE
Harness the spirit of adventure at Villa Icarius. With its own private jetty, the villa offers exciting voyages along the glistening northern coast of Corfu. Charter a boat and discover the region’s secluded bays and pristine beaches, mooring at the waterfront taverna for a light bite. Afternoons can be spent swimming in the turquoise waters before returning to the villa.
A shared tennis court offers the sportier members of your party somewhere to break a sweat, while the large, 13-metre swimming pool and the villa’s direct sea access provide a couple of welcome spaces to escape the heat. The range of dining and living areas ensures guests have a diverse array of venues to enjoy evening meals and drinks. Take the short trip to Avlaki beach to enjoy more golden sands, excellent restaurants, and even a water sports centre - perfect for those with energy still to burn!
For larger groups, Villa Icarius can be booked with neighbouring Villa Penelope, which forms the waterfront Odysseus Estate and sleeps up to 16 guests in total.
