accommodation, from ancient windmills in Majorca to converted farmhouses in Gozo.
Their popularity is expected to rise as the traditional villa product becomes increasingly familiar and holidaymakers look for something different.
Sunworld’s Beach Villas product manager Nathalie Bourguet said: “people going to a villa for the first time will go for a white-washed villa – it’s reassuring and what they expect.
“But once people are in their destination they drive around and see unusual places with lots of character.
“This makes them want to stay there another time.”
They often reflect the rustic character of an area or capture a piece of history, which enhances the sense of really getting away from it all.
Operators predict the popularity of unusual retreats will continue to rise and are keen to introduce more into their programmes.
Sovereign Villas marketing manager Stephanie Pritchard said: “Villa holidays used to be seen as an upmarket product but now they are much more mainstream, so looking for more unusual options is a naturalprogression.”
MENTION the word ‘villa’ and the whitewashed variety with terracotta roof and pool set in a sunbaked landscape near the sea usually springs to mind.
But for those looking for something a little different from the norm, many operators are offering more unusual options.
Clients can enjoy a much wider choice of more eccentric accommodation, from ancient windmills in Majorca to converted farmhouses in Gozo.
Their popularity is expected to rise as the traditional villa product becomes increasingly familiar and holidaymakers look for something different.
Sunworld’s Beach Villas product manager Nathalie Bourguet said: “people going to a villa for the first time will go for a white-washed villa – it’s reassuring and what they expect.
“But once people are in their destination they drive around and see unusual places with lots of character.
“This makes them want to stay there another time.”
They often reflect the rustic character of an area or capture a piece of history, which enhances the sense of really getting away from it all.
Operators predict the popularity of unusual retreats will continue to rise and are keen to introduce more into their programmes.
Sovereign Villas marketing manager Stephanie Pritchard said: “Villa holidays used to be seen as an upmarket product but now they are much more mainstream, so looking for more unusual options is a naturalprogression.”