Tag: Lifestyle

One of a holiday’s simplest, yet most rewarding pleasures is receiving the keys to your luxury villa. Upon entering, you realise you’ve not only unlocked the front door, but a whole realm of possibilities to enjoy your time away from home. From dining outdoors, to fond evenings in the kitchen, here’s why self-catering holidays are perfect for a short week away.

A sense of freedom

A week spent in a hotel can often feel restrictive, and you don’t want to be awoken by room service and other guests stumbling into the early hours. With self-catering accommodation, space is never an issue. Renting a private villa? Spend your mornings poised by the pool with a glass of ice cold orange juice, and your nights sipping wine in the living room. The beauty of your villa is not only its setting, but what you make of it.

Few things top a meal with loved ones, letting the exotic breeze cool you down after a day spent in the sun. Travelling with fussy eaters? Fear not – with a self-catered break, you can stock up on their favourite ingredients, and ultimately avoid that dreaded argument over who’s not happy with their meal.

They provide a base for you to explore from

When staying in all-inclusive resort, the temptation to get out and explore the wider world starts to fade. This isn’t the case when you book a holiday home – far from it. The best villas for a short break in Portugal, and many other destinations, are situated so close to scenic wonders and fun activities that you’d have to be mad not to explore them! Take the Algarve, a sun kissed region on the Portuguese coast. The Atlantic waves attract surfers of all levels, why not give it a shot before sprawling out by villa pool for a well-deserved rest?

A cost-effective way to holiday

There’s nothing wrong with eating in restaurants every night, but once every now and again you might fancy a night in. This is where a self-catering villa comes into its own. Pick up some local flavours, spend a few hours in the kitchen, and voila! You’ll have saved a little money, and have cooked up a storm as a result. Why not make an exotic dish, such as paella, to truly get into the holiday spirit? That way you’ll have more to spend in the markets, and on buying holiday souvenirs for friends and family.

When on holiday, it’s only natural to want to be surrounded by luxury. It’s important to remember that holiday rentals cater for such a level, often surpassing other forms of accommodation. Heated pools overlook blissful seas, and can be as secluded as you want. The same can be said for recliners – and both of which can be perfect for enjoying a few refreshing drinks after a long day of sunshine!

There you have it; three crucial reasons why self-catered accommodation is perfectly suited to a short break. Inspired? Look at some Villa Plus offerings and take the next step to your dream holiday.

By Lara Scott. A former executive at a major hotel chain, Lara Scott is a freelance travel writer and journalist. She says her previous career gives her extra insight into both sides of the tourism industry.

One of the best things about going abroad is getting stuck into that first evening meal under the setting sun. Imagine the orange light illuminating off the plates, or the sound of clinking glasses mixed with the crash of waves on a nearby beach. Such a tranquil sensation is exactly what makes self-catering villa holidays so desirable.

If you’re looking into holiday villas – or already have one booked – here’s a few of our favourite self catering ideas for alfresco meals. These flavoursome recipes are best enjoyed sat on a terrace, after a long day spent soaking up that ever-sought vitamin D.

Lamb kebabs with Greek salad

Image by Alpha, used under CC License (CC by 2.0)

Lamb is a staple of the Greek diet and can be prepared very easily. Take some lamb steaks and cut them into chunks, then marinate in oregano, garlic and olive oil. Fix the lamb onto some kebab skewers with similarly sized pieces of bell pepper and red onion, then cook in a hot oven or on a barbecue for ten to 15 minutes.

For the Greek salad, chop up a handful of ripe tomatoes and cucumber. Proceed to mix them with sliced red onion, crumbled feta, black olives, olive oil, before adding salt, pepper and dried oregano for the seasoning. Drizzle with olive oil. Fresh, tasty and oh-so-simple.

Spanish omelette

Image by Adrian Scottow, used under CC License (CC by 2.0)

The omelette is a beloved staple meal for many, but did you know you can create a traditional Spanish version (known as tortilla Española) with just a few additions? Start by gently frying chopped onions and red peppers, then toss in cooked slices of potato. Beat and season a few eggs, then add them to the pan.

Leave it to cook for around 15 minutes, until the omelette can be lifted and is golden brown on the bottom. Crisp it up a little under the grill, then serve with a dressed green salad.

Greek vegetable bake

Image by ocean yamaha, used under CC License (CC by 2.0)

A popular dish in Greece is briam, which is made up of mixed roasted vegetables seasoned with garlic and parsley. Briam can be eaten alongside grilled fish or chicken, but it also makes for a delicious light dinner on its own.

To start with, slice up a small amount of skinned tomatoes, potatoes, aubergines, red onions and courgettes. Then, mix them all together with minced garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Place the vegetables in a dish, cover with foil and bake in the oven for up to two hours, uncovering and turning the vegetable mixture halfway through. Finish with shreds of parsley and feta.

Piri piri chicken

Image by Jon Mountjoy, used under CC License (CC by 2.0)

Piri piri chicken is loved across Portugal and the wider world, and luckily for you, it’s quite easy to prepare. Take skin-on chicken legs and cover with a marinade made from red chillies, garlic, oregano, vinegar, lemon, oil, salt and sugar. Roast and soften some red peppers, before chucking them on top of everything.

Leave the chicken to marinate in the fridge for several hours and then bring it back to room temperature. Grill or barbecue the meat, basting with the leftover marinade. Once the juices run clear, remove the chicken from the heat and serve with crusty bread and green vegetables.

Ready, steady, cook! Here’s our selection of  some self-catering rentals where you can whip up flavours from the Mediterranean and beyond.

By Imogen Bishop, a part time travel writer, part time restaurant critic, and full-time mum. She has an affinity for Mediterranean cuisine and can usually be found in the kitchen with a bottle of olive oil in hand.

Travelling alone can be a daunting prospect, but with adventures waiting wherever you go, and interesting people to meet in every destination, it’s well worth taking the plunge. If you’re trying to decide on the best accommodation for solo travellers, why not go self-catering? It’s the perfect way to enjoy a fun and cheap holiday for one – here are some reasons why:

Save money

As a solo traveller, you’re probably hoping to get out and about, and take part in lots of activities, so you’ll need to budget accordingly. Choosing self-catering accommodation is one of the best ways to save money. You’ll find a wide range of price options depending on the facilities you need.  So, you can pick what you need and just pay for that, without worrying about charges for unnecessary extras.

You’ll also have a kitchen where you can cook meals, or make packed lunches to take with you on a day out. Buying food at the local supermarket to prepare yourself will be cheaper than anything on a hotel menu. You could even experiment by making local dishes, like lamb peka if you’re in Croatia, or papas arrugadas if you’re visiting Lanzarote.

No need to skimp on luxury

Even though you’re saving money, you don’t have to miss out on a luxurious experience. Self-catering rentals offer quality accommodation for great prices. You can still enjoy a comfy bed, a cosy living area, and a spotless bathroom. Best of all, it’s completely private.

If you’re a keen swimmer, you might even opt for a villa with its very own private pool. This way, you’ll avoid the throngs of kids splashing in the water, or hotel guests hogging sun loungers all day!

You’re more likely to explore

If you stay in a hotel, it’s tempting to stay close to your resort, eat in the same place every day, and limit yourself to activities run by hotel tour guides. Of course, this makes everything very convenient, but there’s lots you could be missing out on. There are holiday rentals available in busy resort towns, by the beach, or in the middle of the countryside, so there’s no lack of choice.

Staying by yourself in a holiday home will push you to go out and find things to do. You might try out some watersports in the Algarve, or go island-hopping in Greece. Along the way, you can make new friends and try new things so that you come home with plenty of exciting stories to tell about your travels.

Relax after a busy day

Solo holidays aren’t all about action and adventure. After a long day exploring in the hot sun, there’s nothing better than the prospect of a peaceful place to sit back and unwind. In your holiday let, you can spend the evening sitting on the balcony with a chilled beer or a glass of wine to store up your energy for the day ahead.

You could watch a film, call some friends or family back at home, or take advantage of the quiet to read a book. With a whole holiday home to yourself, there’s nothing to hold you back.

By Lara Scott. A former executive at a major hotel chain, Lara Scott is a freelance travel writer and journalist. She says her previous career gives her extra insight into both sides of the tourism industry.

For many of us, going on holiday means a few weeks of indulgence – sunning ourselves by the beach or pool between delicious meals. Once you’re settled, there’s no reason why your stay in a luxury villa won’t leave you as pampered as a weekend in an exquisite spa. Here’s why –

Boutique self-catering

If you’re prone to a spot of cooking, then holidaying with friends or family affords you an advantage no chef will ever have – you know their tastes to a tee. Why not spend an evening whipping up a selection of their favourite dishes and engaging in some 5-star self-catering? Take advantage of spacious kitchens and finite cooking utensils. Scour local markets for spices and herbs you’d never find back home, and treat your family to a meal enjoyed from the opulence of your holiday home.

Just because you’re visiting Spain doesn’t mean you’re going to be eating Spanish cuisine every night. Got an urge for a steak? A luxury break means that everything is tailored to your personal preferences – get down to the local butchers and serve up a marinated dish that tickles everyone’s taste buds. A night spent sampling local wines and cheeses add a sense of luxury to your trip, all of which can be done within the confines of the home.

Heated pool? Yes please

Picture the scene. Waking up after a night of fine dining, you dive from the terrace to the pool, surfacing to pre-heated waters. The weather outside may be topping the late 20s, but it’s always nicer to swim in tepid waters. As the day turns to night and the temperature drops, take the opportunity to heat up the garden pool. Why not take it that one step further and enjoy a glass of white or red wine with your feet dangled underwater whilst doing so?

Private sport facilities

Outdoor activities don’t stop at the swimming pool. Ever wanted a game of tennis, before arriving at a jam-packed court which shows no signs of clearing up? Rent a villa with private tennis facilities round the back, and you’ll go from the first serve to the final set without the dreaded wait for a court. After a couple of hours recreating Wimbledon, you’ll be set for an evening of plush dining by the comfort of your patio. Game – set – match.

Luxury breakfast bars

You’re on holiday, so start each day with a breakfast that you’d never have the chance to make on a busy weekday back home. Pancakes smell great anywhere, but imagine enjoying their endearing scent before making the short jaunt from the reclining chair to the beach. You’ll have enough left over to do the same again tomorrow, making self-catering an inexpensive way to eat well whilst on holiday. After all, bacon and eggs taste much better in the morning glow of the Spanish sun than they do anywhere else.

Self-catering villas have a secluded edge that resorts and hotels just can’t top. Privacy and sophistication go hand in hand, and make for an idyllic time away for you and your friends or family. The beauty of a holiday like this lies in its flexibility – tailor it to suit you.

If you enjoyed this article, why not read another?

By Isabella Perkins, a freelance travel writer best known for writing about self-catering holidays. Her writing tends to have a family-focus, and she is in the midst of writing a new travel guide due to be published next year.

Holidays might involve spending money, but that doesn’t mean you have to fork out a fortune if you want to enjoy a sunny getaway. There are countless ways to keep costs down when you travel, and choosing self-catering accommodation is a great way to start.

Whether you’re taking a couples’ break or a family vacation, a holiday let can get you even more for your money than cheap holiday packages. With the money you’ll save on accommodation, you can spend more doing things and enjoying your destination. Here are some money saving tips for your self-catering break:

Fit your accommodation needs to your budget

There’s no such thing as ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to rental accommodation. You’ll be able to find something that matches your needs so that you’re paying for what you want, and nothing more.

If you know you’ll spend your days out and about, you can just look for a comfortable space to sleep. You won’t be over-spending on unnecessary extras. Furthermore, with holiday rentals, don’t worry about charged fees for small conveniences like a safe or wifi access. You can make sure everything you need is paid for before you go.

Choose your location wisely

Before you go on holiday, you might already know how you’d like to spend your time. Want to lounge on the beach all day? Choose accommodation within walking distance of the sea so there’s no need to pay for public transport. Likewise, if you’re going to go out at night, staying near bars and nightclubs will save you the cost of a taxi home.

Dine in

The biggest advantage of a holiday rental is that you don’t need to have expensive restaurant meals every night. With a little bit of organisation, you could even plan some meals to cook and bulk shop when you arrive. This will make it easier to keep track of how much you’re spending.

Cooking in your villa and dining in doesn’t have to be dull, either – you could experiment with local ingredients and recipes, or indulge in all your favourite dishes. It’s a particularly good option for families, for whom eating out is a pricey option, especially if the kids are picky eaters.

Plan ahead

Bargain holidays definitely aren’t boring holidays. If you research and plan activities ahead of time, you’ll find lots of little savings and discounts. Often, buying tickets for attractions online will save money – and cut the time you’ll spend queuing.

In lots of destinations, you’ll find discounts on entry and activities at certain times or on specific days. In Tenerife, for example, museums are free on Sundays. Furthermore, self-catering you can plan your itinerary without worrying about whether it will fit with hotel breakfast and dinner times.

Enjoy drinks at your villa

You can still treat yourself and enjoy some local flavours on a self-catering trip. Instead of going to a bar for drinks every night, you can have pleasant night in. You could enjoy Portugal’s finest wine in the Algarve, sangria in Costa del Sol, or experiment with cocktail recipes, all in the comfort and privacy of your rental home.

By Isabella Perkins, a freelance travel writer best known for writing about self-catering holidays. Her writing tends to have a family-focus, and she is in the midst of writing a new travel guide due to be published next year.

Come February and the grim winter weather still feels like it’s never going to leave. What better time to wave the dreary skies cheerio for a few days and appreciate a slice of sun instead? And that’s without even mentioning that Valentine’s Day is on the horizon…

Why not push the boat out this year and opt for a stylish self-catering break for this romantic time of year? These are a few of the reasons why this might be the best time of all to choose a holiday rentaland celebrate the day with your loved one.

You might find a bargain

February is anything but the high season, which makes it an excellent time to find a holiday deal. Package deals abound around this time, creating the opportunity to bag a self-catering holiday at a lower price than you might do at other times of the year. Visit the Canary Islands or a Greek island such as Corfu or Kefalonia and soak up the sun as well as the pleasure of each other’s company.

You can beat the weather

The period after the Christmas holidays can often be a little depressing due to the short days and miserable weather. Taking a trip in the time around Valentine’s Day is an invigorating way not only to have something to look forward to on the cold January days, but also to escape to warmer, sunnier climes. By the time you get back, spring will be just around the corner!

You can savour the tranquillity

A self-catering holiday is the best way to enjoy a little romance. This is thanks to the extra privacy afforded to you by choosing a holiday let. Book wisely and you could be relaxing in an idyllic villa away from hustle and bustle, and replete with your own private pool. How better to while away such blissful moments together on Valentine’s Day? Sometimes it’s fun to mingle with other guests, but there are also others when the best thing you can do is close the door and take it easy together in your own exclusive space.

You can spoil yourselves with tailor-made romance

Since it’s a self-catering holiday, you say what goes. Maybe you’re a couple who want to bond further more with a hike, or maybe you’d rather lounge by the pool. The same is true of meal time. A dinner at an upmarket local restaurant is sure to offer plenty of romance, but so would a delicious cooked meal from your villa’s kitchen.

Hiring a villa at this time of the year or any other lets you play by your own rules and enjoy the holiday your way. Why not book one today?

By Lara Scott. A former executive in the leisure and tourism industry, Lara Scott is a freelance travel writer and journalist. She says her previous career gives her extra insight into both sides of the tourism industry.

Knowing where you want to go on holiday is always a good start when it comes to finding a self-catering villa or holiday let. But if you don’t have your heart set on a destination, the things you need to consider are how many people are going and the specific facilities you need. The perfect villa for a family holiday might not be the best option for a holiday with friends, or for a romantic getaway.

How do you book a self-catering holiday?

Maybe you want a holiday let near a beach in July in Rhodes, or maybe the only thing you know is it that you need a luxury villa with a pool somewhere sunny. Deciding on the essential requirements for any holiday is the best first step for narrowing the choices available and finding the right one for you.

What types of self-catering holiday are there?

From small holiday lets in city centres, to luxury villa holidays with a private pool, there’s a huge range of self-catering holidays to suit everyone. Some are large holiday villas best suited when travelling as a large group, or as a collection of families.

Others, such as small holiday houses in towns, can be a good cheap self-catering option for couples or small families. Some holiday homes for rent are in complexes, in holiday villa hotels, where you might find you have the best of both worlds. Giving you both the space and privacy you only get with a holiday home alongside the amenities of a hotel.

How do you choose the best self-catering holiday?

Think about what facilities your holiday home rental must have. A private pool? A BBQ area? Ensuite bathrooms? Knowing your must-haves from your would-like-to-haves can help find the best self-catering holiday for you. Whether you’re looking for a holiday in Croatia, Spain or elsewhere in Europe, there’s plenty of choice. From ultra-luxury with five-star facilities to cheap self-catering accommodation, it’s all out there.

How do you find a cheap luxury villa?

Price-per-person, holiday rentals offer better value than hotels, often with more space than a hotel to boot. Usually, the bigger the villa or holiday let, the better value it is. So, consider getting together with your nearest and dearest to bag a more luxurious villa.

Why choose a villa over a hotel?

Choosing a self-catering option like a private villa or holiday home gives you the opportunity to manage your budget better. As you’ll have your own kitchen, you can have as many meals in the privacy of your villa as you’d like, helping to keep the cost of eating out to a minimum. But it’s not just money saving advantages. Opting for a private villa holiday means you’ll have more space in living areas, dining areas and outdoor space too.

By Isabella Perkins, a freelance travel writer best known for writing about self-catering holidays. Her work tends to have a family-focus, and she is in the midst of writing a new travel guide due to be published next year.

Whether holiday high season is approaching or you’re in the depths of winter, hiring a private villa on a sunny European coastline is a tempting option at any time of year. But it can be especially enticing to rent one for a Christmas with a difference. Here’s five good reasons to consider a villa this festive season (or next)…

1. Experience winter sun

If you did a straw poll on why people want to have a beach holiday at Christmas, it’s a pretty sure bet that many would say the warm, sunny weather in winter has something to do with it. December in the UK can sometimes be a fairly grim affair: windy, rainy and grey. So, to lift the spirits, and get a much-needed dose of Vitamin D, heading to the shores of an island like Tenerife or Lanzarote certainly seems appealing.

2. Have Christmas dinner your way

Choosing a Christmas holiday rental that offers self-catering is a great way to still have Christmas your way, rather than simply booking into a hotel. You can still decorate a holiday home if you wish, making it feel like a home-from-home, and having your own kitchen on holiday means you can still create a traditional Turkey roast if you want to. You could even hire a caterer to do all the hard work for you.  Although perhaps the idea of non-traditional tapas is part of the appeal of travelling to Tenerife or another Spanish location as a Christmas holiday destination!

3. Escape the hustle and bustle

A self-catering Christmas break not only means your own private getaway, but the chance to escape the crowds and spend time with your loved ones. Transport yourself away from the busy high streets and overstuffed bars and restaurants, and try leisurely meals in your own private holiday villa, far from the Christmas madness back at home. A Christmas holidays break in a destination like the Canaries or Balearics is also a chance to get some proper rest in the extra space that a holiday let allows. Many Christmas holiday villas even have private swimming pools.

4. Hit the beach at Christmas

The beach in the UK at Christmas is a blustery at best, downright stormy at worst. But you’ll still find pleasant climates in December at the sandy beaches of the Balearics and Canary Islands. It’s no wonder some people make a beeline for island destinations at this time of year. Shunning traditional resort hotels means festive snugness can still be created in the relaxing surrounds of a holiday villa that offers all the space and amenities of Christmas at home but gives you fresh options.

5. Stay close(-ish) to home

Choosing a Christmas break destination like Menorca or Majorca means that you’re not far from home, so you don’t spend too much precious holiday time travelling. And whether you choose to rent a holiday villa over Christmas itself, or in the time between Christmas and New Year to recover from the merriments, you don’t have to go too far. You’ll find pleasant beach weather and that away-from-it-all feeling that can be so desperately needed after the busy festive period.

By Lara Scott. A former executive at a major hotel chain, Lara Scott is a freelance travel writer and journalist. She says her previous career gives her extra insight into both sides of the tourism industry.