Are your clients looking for an escape in the Med with added privacy? Laura French scouts out the best new villa product
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From barbecues on the deck to the privacy of your own pool, villa holidays have long held appeal for those who want to escape from it all – and that’s become more apparent in the wake of the pandemic. CV Villas reported a 52% rise in the number of trade bookings for January 2022 compared with January 2019, while Oliver’s Travels says Q1 bookings were up 66% overall compared with the same period three years ago, marking its best quarter on record.
The Mediterranean makes an ideal spot for a villa holiday, with plenty of new product launching this year, ready and waiting for summer bookings. Here’s our pick of the best.
1. Villa Bellavraka, Greece
For multi-generational families who want a Greek retreat, GIC The Villa Collection points to this three-bedroom property, which is new to its portfolio this year. The gated three-storey villa sleeps up to six, boasts four balconies, two lounges and a private pool, all perched on a rocky escarpment overlooking the sea.
Fjords, coves and dramatic, craggy coastlines dot the area, while the seaside town of Sivota is a 10-minute stroll away with shops, cafes and tavernas lining a postcard-pretty port. For those looking to flop, the white sands of Bella Vraka Beach are only 200 metres away, while a 90-minute ferry can whisk you over to neighbouring Corfu on a day trip.
Book it: A week costs from £1,237 per person, based on six sharing, including car hire plus flights from London on May 1.
gicthevillacollection.com
2. Villa Felicidad, Majorca
James Villas has added 500 properties in Majorca to its 2022 collection in response to growing demand. Among the highlights is Villa Felicidad: the stylish property overlooks the sea and boasts five bedrooms, a mezzanine lounge, roof deck and pool.
A spiral staircase connects its three floors for an extra dose of quirkiness, while the coastal town of Sa Font de sa Cala is a short walk away and offers windsurfing, sailing, diving, golf and more. “This is perfectly positioned so there’s no need for a car,” says beach villa director Christiaan Mondria.
“The expansive sun terrace is beautiful, and as it sleeps six, it’s an ideal spot for larger families.”
Book it: A week costs from £254 per person, based on six sharing (excluding flights) in November and December.
jamesvillas.co.uk
3. Orizzonte Mare, Sicily
Colourful lights dot this one-of-a-kind property on Sicily’s southeast coast, adding extra flair to its minimalist, open-plan design. Highlights include an infinity pool with sunken bar, while four bedrooms make it an excellent option for bigger groups.
A private path leads straight to the sea, and a chef and butler can be arranged for those looking to push the boat out. It’s one of several properties new to CV Villas this year, which the company launched in response to demand, according to general manager Pete Brudenell.
“We have seen a marked increase in customers wanting to return to favourite destinations such as Greece and Italy, and there has been a continued increase in demand for larger, multi-generational properties,” he says.
Book it: Seven nights in October costs from £1,214 per person, based on six sharing and including flights.
cvvillas.com
4. Villa Meli, Zante
Simpson Travel has introduced several new properties in the northeast region of Zante, where unspoilt beaches meet quaint mountain villages and majestic limestone hills overlook crystal-clear blue water.
Among the highlights is Meli, a two-bedroom villa that wouldn’t look out of place in Provence, with colourful bougainvillea, rosemary and jasmine framing its honeyed stone walls and a private pool overlooking the sea. The pebbled Climati beach is a short walk away and Agios Nikolaos is close by too, with traditional tavernas lining an idyllic harbour.
Private boat hire and yacht charters are also available for guests wanting to explore the surrounding coast, and there are several upmarket restaurants in the locale for those wanting to celebrate finally being on holiday again.
Book it: A week in September costs from £1,766 per person, based on two sharing with flights and car hire.
simpsontravel.com
5. Lora Pearl, Cyprus
One of several new properties on the recently built Premiere Pearl Villas complex in Protaras. Guests at this three-bedroom spot get complimentary access to the facilities at the nearby Louis St Elias Resort, which boasts a water park, two pools, a kids’ club and gym, making it an excellent option for clients wanting to combine the perks of a hotel with the privacy of a villa.
The property features a private pool with a Jacuzzi and outdoor patio, as well as a roof garden complete with a fire pit and cocktail bar, while earthy tones and bohemian touches give it a contemporary feel.
It’s a short stroll to the centre of Protaras and its quaint fishing harbour and beaches, while Ayia Napa is a 15-minute drive away, meaning there’s plenty to occupy those who want to experience the nightlife in the area.
Book it: A week costs from £3,809, based on travel in October (excluding flights).
louishotels.com
6. Villa Delphine, Corsica
If clients are searching for a luxury escape, look no further than Corsica, where this standout four-bedroom property – new to Corsican Places this year – boasts a master bedroom and indoor plunge pool, as well as an entertainment room, outdoor infinity pool and manicured gardens with direct beach access.
For those looking to explore beyond the villa, the town of L’Ile Rousse is close by and offers white-sand beaches, a marketplace and quaint village square, while traditional villages dot the nearby Balagne hills, offering a glimpse into the Corsica of yesteryear.
Suggest clients pay a visit to Monticello – a charming village overlooking the sea with picturesque coastal walks and horse riding among the activities available.
Book it: A week costs from £795 per person, based on eight sharing, including flights and car hire, and departing May 15.
corsica.co.uk
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