My family villa holiday essentials
Once, I was all about the quirky boutique hotels. But since my daughter came along, I’ve rediscovered how much fun a family villa holiday can be.
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From a villa in a resort on Gran Canaria to a little village on the Algarve in Portugal, plus several trips to Lanzarote during the past few years, there’s nothing like exploring by day then heading back to relax in the sun.
The only problem? Which one to pick – because with hundreds of thousands on a string of websites, you’re spoiled for choice. So here are my family villa holiday essentials.
The peace of mind
After being the victim of a scam, when a fraudster managed to intercept my cottage booking request, I look for guarantees – such as companies which hold your money until after check-in in case the worst happens and the villa doesn’t exist.
These days, a villa company which offers free cancellation or date changes, as well as having reps on hand (just in case!), is a big plus.
A pool
There’s nothing like having your own private pool – it’s always high on the list of things kids want most from a holiday, but as my daughter sometimes only wants a quick dip before getting bored/cold, having one on the doorstep is a bonus.
A heated one makes a huge difference, and a gated pool or other security is definitely one of my villa holiday essentials with toddlers.
The space
One big bonus of a villa is being able to spread out – no sitting in a darkened corner as a baby sleeps. So separate bedrooms and a nice terrace to chill out with a drink are a must for me.
Family-friendly
A baby, toddler or pre-schooler changes the type of villa you need, so the family-friendly side makes a big difference – are there high chairs/cots for babies? How about steep steps with wobbly toddlers?
There are usually plenty of practical options if you’ve got little ones, such as a microwave for sterilising or a washing machine. No-one looks forward to laundry on holiday but it’s one way to cut the mass of paraphernalia to pack, and having a half-decent kitchen means you can always cater to fussy eaters or early toddler teatimes.
Travelling with older kids and teens? Is there decent WiFi? A proper pool (rather than somewhere to paddle)?
The location
While hotels are often in the heart of the action, villas aren’t necessarily as central. Which can be great if you’re after peace and quiet but not so good if you’re miles from any restaurants, shops and beach – especially without a hire car.
A 10-minute wander along the seafront, yes. A 10-mile trek to get milk? No…
Great with grandparents
You don’t have to pack the grandparents to fancy a villa holiday with kids, but they’re great for multigenerational trips – everyone gets some quality time together but still has their own space.
It can often work cheaper splitting the cost rather than everyone booking into a hotel as well. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might get some baby sitting out of it.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All opinions on what constitutes villa holiday essentials are my own
Images courtesy of Depositphotos
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I do love a good villa myself too!
Pool, terrace, sun – perfect!
I’ve love to go on a villa holiday! Somewhere hot but not too hot with a beach close by and also a private pool. Lovely post, thank you for sharing. xx
That sounds perfect – and some relaxed wandering between the two. Thanks!
I LOVE villa holidays – the perfect way to relax with kids. I havent been on one for a couple of years now and this is giving me serious wanderlust!!
Aren’t they? I love our adventures and exploring the world, but sometimes relaxing in the sun together is just what I need.
ooh this sounds delightful. I’ve heard of Clickstay and would love a villa style holiday!
Angela from Daysinbed
It’s very tempting, isn’t it!
As I sit here, shivering in the freezing cold, I can’t even imagine how wonderful it would be to sit in that pool, warm, with a sun hat on. I want that life!
The sun has (thankfully) come out here again, but I’d still love to be lounging by a pool like that too!
I really love villa holidays – and now with a little one, I find it easier because you can come and go as you please. Must check out ClickStay!
Exactly, I think that flexibility makes holidays so much easier when they’re little.
We are off on a villa holiday this weekend and I can’t wait! I have always loved a villa holiday before and after children for different reasons. But with children they are especially great, so much freedom x
Have a wonderful time! And absolutely, having your own space and the freedom of a villa is so important with kids.
That is a brilliant suggestion. No pressure of strangers around either. Your own little place to hang out. I’ll suggest it to the hubs, I feel I know the answer though! #blogclubuk
That’s a good point too – I hate worrying if my daughter’s being too loud/enthusiastic/preschoolerish in some places. Not that she shouldn’t be enjoying herself as well, but lovely to be able to relax completely.
Great tips – although I have travelled quite a bit I have never stayed in a villa, for no particular reason. I must look for next time 🙂 Kaz x
They’re great for beach holidays especially, I think.
I love villas! Unfotunately it worked out for us to be about the same price as all inclusive for our family so we usually just stick to that! H x
Well it’s hard to argue with that! I’ve usually found villas to work out cheaper, but an all-inclusive bargain is always nice.
Sounds so relaxing. I’m not one for beach holidays but a villa with plenty of adventures to be had nearby sounds wonderful
I’m the same as you that I couldn’t imagine simply spending a week on a beach (although I’m sure my daughter could!) but love having our own space to come back to after a day out.
We stayed at a private villa in Sanur, Bali and it was heaven. There is nothing quite like having your own private pool to feel like you are spoilt.
Oh that sounds blissful – I’d love to go to Bali.
Lovely pictures! Everything looks so tempting! we are lucky enough to come from Barcelona and have family there where we can stay and enjoy all these holiday essentials 🙂 but we want to visit Gran Canaria in a near future so we will have a look at Clickstay as well. x
Family on hand is definitely a bonus – I loved Gran Canaria when we visited, so much to do there, and had a lovely villa break as well.
Villa holidays are great with a family – far more relaxing I think.
Definitely.
I think a private pool is one of my most favourite holiday things ever. There is nothing like it. Oh and a good beach somewhere too 🙂
It’s one of my favourite holiday indulgences too.
I really like a villa holiday with a private pool to look over the sea … Ok I should go back to reality.
Nooo, reality is currently a bit grey and rainy – pools beat that any day.