Waterside Villas – The Perfect Way to Experience Europe

But there's something about water that brings an extra dimension to any holiday, whether that's the feeling of sand between your toes as the ocean rustles up against the shoreline, canoeing down the dramatic contours of the Dordogne or simply lounging around while your cares melt away on the glorious shores of one of the Italian Lakes. You can indulge in the adrenaline of exciting water-sports, drift lazily on an inflatable lounger with cocktail in hand or even enjoy a spot of fishing – though whether that's on the banks of a river or chartering a boat for a spot of sea fishing is totally up to you!

There are huge number of luxury villas available where you can indulge your inner water-baby, and they make for a great base if you feel like enjoying some aquatic adventures on your next holiday. Holiday home specialists Oliver's Travels hand pick all their properties, and we've browsed their portfolio to bring you some stunning examples where you can put messing around in boats – or just soaking up some sun on the beach – right at the heart of your holiday.



The UK – Waterside House

Found next to the idyllic Bewl Water in Sussex, Waterside House is a stunning Arts and Crafts style mansion that offers guests unrivaled comfort coupled with the opportunity to enjoy living next to nearly 800 acres of lake. The interior boasts country house sensibilities with a mixture of wood, stone and leather features that invite guests to relax from the moment they arrive, and the huge kitchen and outdoor hot tub add a dash of indulgence to proceedings!

Thanks to Bewl Water, you'll also have a wealth of stuff to do that's suitable for all ages, from a gentle bit of sailing or trout fishing out on the lake to more adventurous stuff like windsurfing, kayaking or even quad biking on the shore. It's the perfect mix of relaxation and outdoor activities, and better yet Waterside House is only an hour away from London, making it a convenient place for any getaway.



Italy – Villa Regina

Though Italy has its fair share of beautiful coastlines and beaches, you may actually have to pay a fee to get onto the nicer ones. Don't be discouraged though – the beaches aren't really the best place to enjoy the Italian coast anyway. That honor definitely has to go to the Italian Lakes, easily one of the most beautiful parts of an already very beautiful country!

Villa Regina is found on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, and while the lake itself is hugely popular thanks to its natural beauty the villa is found secluded in a peaceful olive grove, which means you'll have plenty of privacy and time to take in the landscape. If you want to knock things up a notch, head down to the lake for some paragliding or boating (or maybe just lounging around one of the many great cafés on the lake!) and if you're in the mood for culture, cities such as Verona and Venice are close by.



Ibiza – Le Dibujos de Monica

The White Island is famous for its beaches as much as its clubbing, and Le Dibujos de Monica revels in its views over Cali Mori. It's a perfectly located holiday home that allows guests to indulge in whichever side of the Ibizan experience they wish, from heading to the party beaches and super clubs of San Antonio to heading for a spot of secluded sunbathing in the quieter coves on the northern side of the island.

The villa itself sleeps up to eight guests and mixes the look of traditional, white-walled Ibizan villa with chic and contemporary design. Inside, you'll find simple but stylish design that brings out Ibiza's relaxing vibe, and if you really want to get the best views out to sea then just head up to the roof terrace and kick back with a drink!



France – Villa Shambhala

The water you'll be staying next to at Villa Shambhala is somewhat more gentle than the crashing waves of Ibiza's hidden coves and the energy of the tourist beaches – this a beautiful and fully appointed luxury chateau stands right on the banks of the Dordogne. If you can drag yourself away from the bright, funky interiors then you can step right down to the banks of the river to enjoy a spot of boating or fishing in the chateau's private boat, which easily seats up to six people.

And whatever your age, you're bound to enjoy kayaking down the lazily meandering Dordogne, which is also one of the best ways to see some of the region's stunning countryside, and it makes for a great day out as you can stop off whenever you like to relax or head out and grab a coffee and some delicious pastries to keep your strength up!

Visit website: www.oliverstravels.com

Top photo: Chateau Du Moulin in Brittany, France