Terrace area, pool, outside eating and sunbathing
We have never done a villa holiday before. Well we have, but those were in Orlando, so quite different I think to a villa holiday in Europe, which is where we have just come back from with James Villas. We had simply the best holiday. I think it was for two main reasons, having a villa and because it was on the gorgeous island Cyprus.
So why is a villa holiday so good for a family holiday? Well let me explain…
Villas offer more flexibility that any other kind of holiday accommodation. You can cook your own food, how and when you would like to, not being reliant upon set times and menus, that might not suit your family. Villas usually come with very well equipped kitchens making cooking easy, even outdoor BBQ areas for alfresco dining.
Pitta bread, hallumi, Keftedes: fried meatballs, salad and dips.
Cooking your own food, could save you money too. It’s also great fun to visit local markets and shops to buy fresh produce to make dishes. You can do your recipe research before you go, or simply ask at the shop how they would recommend cooking something. We found everyone really friendly and very happy to help. Trying to cook local dishes from the country you are visiting is so much fun!
Outside oven and sink
Don’t want to cook? Well a villa also mean you can go to cafes and restaurants and eat when and what you like, sampling local delicacies, being adventurous and trying new things. Plus no washing up to do either!
With a car you can also use it as a base to discover the area, site-seeing and getting to know the place you have travelled too. You also feel like you are travelling more independently, and that suits lots of families.
The mornings are just so peaceful in a villa. You aren’t disturbed by other holiday makers, so hopefully kids permitting you will get a lie in, we can all dream right? You can choose to grab breakfast from supplies you have, or head out and grab some pastries from the local bakery.
Space is also a good reason to choose a villa. Hotel rooms can be cramp and feel claustrophobic if you are all in one room. Villas give you the ability to all have your own space. You can also choose a space and size that suits you as a family. There are so many different styles available too, choices like modern, rustic, being all on one level, infinity pools, more rooms for larger families. An incredible amount of choice!
Multi generational holiday are becoming increasingly popular, and this would work so well in a villa. Our villa even had its very own Granny flat!
Play with water pistols
Of course hotels also have pools, but for me, it’s so much better to have your own private pool. You can play games without bothering anyone one else, use it whenever you want, even into the night. Have music playing without annoying anyone, and there is definitely not going to be any reserving of sun loungers!
Disclaimer : we have enjoyed an amazing week away in a James villas property. We paid for flights and all other incidentals. We had the best holiday, the property, was just as great as the photos, and we would go back there again tomorrow!
This was a press trip thanks to James Villas, we paid for flights, car hire and incidentals during our stay. We loved our trip, words and thoughts are 100% my own and accurate.
You Baby Me Mummy says
Oh that looks divine! I’m sold 🙂 x
Mummy VS Daddy says
I’m not too sure why but I’ve always hated the idea of taking holidays abroad because of having young children. Somehow I have convinced myself there is little fun to be had for them if we go anywhere other than a Butlins, Haven, Park Resorts kind of place.
But in a Villa I can see differently. I can see the appeal, the home-from-home kind of setting. Looks lovely 🙂
Sarah Christie says
We haven’t done a villa holiday for years. But I am thinking the boys would love it, it would have to be near restaurants so I don’t have to cook ha ha. But a bit of chill time would be fab x
Sue says
This does look very tempting and Cyprus is such a beautiful place. I think Villas are especially great for families with young children as you have the facilities you need to cater for their every need. That pool and those water pistols look like great fun too!