top villa picks

Chateau Rhodes, South West France.

This is a fantastically large and accommodating chateau. We were four families (nine adults and 10 children) and there was something for everyone. The rooms are very ‘shabby chic’, but all of them were a good size so no one felt hard done by. Facilities were great, with tennis, a pool, a Jacuzzi, snooker, table tennis and 16 acres of parkland to roam around in. Golf and other activities were just a short drive away. We took advantage of the catering and had some super meals in our host’s conservatory but we also DIY’d with barbecues in the grounds. The daily maid service meant I never had to make a bed – bliss.

Check www.chateau-rhodes.com for details.

For flights to Toulouse click here.

Posted by Suse, June 2009

Fattoria Melai, Orentano, Lucca, Italy.

Fattoria Melai is located near the small town of Orentano, about 20 minutes from the beautiful city of Lucca. The property comprises two parts: the smaller called Cascina sleeps seven and the larger, Cantina, sleeps 10. The building also accommodates the owners but you hardly notice they are there. We stayed here with our and my brother’s family and had a very relaxing and enjoyable time. The shared pool is fantastic, with loungers set around for you to truly relax on under the Tuscan sun. Both properties are well catered for and are very comfortable. It’s just a 20-minute stroll to Orentano where there are a number of good but cheap restaurants to choose from. Highly recommended.

Check www.tuscanholidays.co.uk for details.

For flights to Pisa click here.

Posted by Matt, Surrey. June 2009

Chalet Maurice, Zermatt, Switzerland.

Not strictly a villa, but a house called Maurice has to be worth investigating. For the first time this year ski chalet specialists Descent are offering some of their outrageously delightful winter locales as summer villas. And with Maurice, Heidi just went off the charts. Set in the exclusive Petit Village area, known as the Belgravia of Zermatt, the chalet comes with some of the best views of the Matterhorn. It is also a rarity because it is one of the few free-standing properties available for rent in Zermatt. The interior is luxuriously done out in charcoals and greys and large south-facing balconies extend from each floor. It sleeps 12 lucky souls in en suite bedrooms spread over three floors and there is a massage room, a clear-glass sauna and an outdoor hot tub. A funicular lift provides access to the chalet, which is far more original than just catching the bus. You also get your own chef and housekeeper, meaning you can swan off to enjoy energetic walking, mountain biking and swimming in waterfalls. Or try the pool in town if that alpine water is just a shade too close to ice for comfort.

Check www.descent.co.uk for details.

For flights to Geneva click here.

Casa das Pedras, Algarve, Portugal.

If your demands are simply a house with a good pool in a traditional part of the country that still has plenty of culture, try this enjoyable spot on the Algarve. The elegant five-bedroom Casa das Pedras is situated close to the Portuguese village of Boliqueime. It sleeps 10, all rooms have air con and are en suite and there’s a maid service six days a week. The solar-heated pool is larger than normal and can be warmed up further for a fee if you are feeling delicate. There’s also a children’s pool, private tennis court, a games room (with three-quarter size snooker table, table football, PlayStation, TV and DVD) and a summer kitchen with that all-important barbecue. The landscaped grounds are atmospherically illuminated at night so you can stroll the lawns and admire the fenced carp pond without going headlong into it. By day, the property has great countryside views towards the coast and is just a 20-minute drive from one of the region’s best sandy beaches at Praia de Falésia. In Boliqueime, have a nose in the Catholic church in the square and try to catch the summer fair, when local food and handicrafts are sold.

Check www.vintagetravel.co.uk for details.

For flights to Faro click here.

Baan Sabai, Phuket, Thailand.

Not only is this villa beautiful to stay in, but the staff who look after you are worthy of a five-star award. Charming beyond belief, we had a chef, two maids, a driver and a villa manager at our disposal. It might sound too much but they were brilliant at always being there when we needed them but never intruding on our family holiday. They sourced fabulous food, brought in a personal masseuse, took us to amazing beaches, organised boat trips and even a journey into the jungle via canoes and elephants. It is now my children’s favourite place.

Check www.villabaansabai.com for details.

For flights to Thailand click here.

Posted by Suse, June 2009