There’s one thing that a villa holiday can give you that a hotel simply can’t, and that’s freedom. Imagine having the space to cook late breakfasts, linger with your morning coffee on a terrace, dip into your own pool, or simply explore at your pace. It could be a beach escape, a countryside retreat, or an island adventure, villas create a home-away-from-home experience that’s private and truly relaxing. Wondering where to go for the best villa experience? To help you narrow your search, here are some of the world’s best villa destinations - each offers its own unique style of getaway so you can find the perfect setting for the holiday of your dreams.
Mediterranean Charm: Coastal Italy, Greece and Southern France
The Mediterranean has always be a favourite for seasoned villa travellers, thanks to its constantly warm climate, historic coastal towns, and world-renowned food. Consider Italy, with regions like Puglia and Sicily offering up whitewashed villages, lush olive groves, and the tranquillity of villas that are restored farmhouses with shaded courtyards. Or you might opt for Greece, which can give you both crystalline water with villas set in vibrant harbour towns (think Crete’s rugged south coast, or the quiet corners of Paros). For a bit of a different rhythm, you can spend some time in the markets, vineyards and golden stone villages of Southern France, where you can rent villas ranging from rustic mas (traditional farmhouse) to modern architectural builds. Best of all, you can get easy flight connections from the UK to reach any of these destinations in just a matter of hours.
Sunny Spain and the Balearics
For many people, Spain is the go-to villa holiday destination simply because of the variety it offers. If you have a family, the Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol is ideal with its long, sandy beaches and spacious villas with private pools. Or you might like the contrasts of Mallorca and Ibiza - quiet coves and mountain hikes on the one hand, iconic nightlife and vibrant beach clubs on the other. For dependable sunshine in winter, there’s no better place than the volcanic landscapes and year-round warmth of the Canary Islands. If you’re looking for villas in Spain, you’ll find everything from hilltop fincas with sea views to contemporary coastal homes, making it ideal for groups, family trips, or simply relaxed weeks spent dipping in and out of the pool.
Tropical and Island Villa Escapes in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Asia
For those who want their villas somewhere more far-flung, these regions deliver warm seas, lush jungle landscapes, and experiences focused on privacy and tranquillity. Visit popular Caribbean islands like Barbados or St Lucia for beachfront villas with sunset-facing terraces. In the Indian Ocean, Mauritius and the Maldives are famed for their stunning lagoon-side retreats that give you direct water access. And a bit further east, Bali and Thailand combine tropical scenery with spa-style living, private chefs, and much a slower daily rhythm.
Enjoy Nature and Tranquillity in Countryside, Mountain, and Lakeside Villas
Not every villa holiday needs a beach. What about rolling fields, vineyards, or alpine views? Consider visiting Europe’s countryside retreats located in Northern Italy’s lakes, the Swiss Alps, the Austrian countryside, or rural France. You get a slower pace that’s ideal for walking holidays or family gatherings. Many also sit beside hiking trails so you can mix villa comfort with day trips into dramatic landscapes.
Create the Villa Holiday of your Dreams
What is your ideal holiday? Coastal sun? Mountain air? Tropical calm? A villa holiday in one of these stunning destinations gives you the chance to shape each day exactly as you want. Best of all, the world offers no shortage of unforgettable places to do it.
