YOUR own pool, never having to hunt down a free sun lounger and all the space to relax as a family or with friends – villa holidays are rightly popular.
The market has been boosted by the relaunch of popular brand James Villas and Lisa Minot finds great value deals with her pick of holiday homes in the sun.
POLIS, CYPRUS
VILLA Lilly Rose has a generous pool.
It sleeps six in three bedrooms, there’s a compact kitchen and an open-plan living and dining area.
Polis is a short drive away, with plenty of cafes and tavernas.
A week villa-only is from £1,265 in total, arriving August 26 or from £745pp inc flights (six sharing. See solmarvillas.com.
BIOGRAD, CROATIA
A TRADITIONAL stone house on Croatia’s northern Dalmatian coast promises plenty of places to relax, with a lovely pool, hot tub and lots of loungers on the terrace of this holiday home.
Sleeping six, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, the villa is on the outskirts of Biograd and comes with four bicycles for exploring the area, including the pretty marina and sandy beaches.
Seven nights from £1,080 in total this spring and summer.
See jamesvillas.co.uk.
FRIGILIANA, SPAIN
WITH traditional Andalucian-style decor, Villa Miracosta’s hillside position allows it stunning views of the mountains and the sea.
Just a 25-minute drive from Nerja’s sandy beaches, it has a gated pool, two comfy bedrooms, living room, dining room and kitchen – ideal for families wanting a summer break.
Seven nights’ villa-only is from £1,541 in total, arriving August 22 or from £621pp including flights, based on four sharing.
See solmarvillas.com.
PUGLIA, ITALY
This is a quirky villa with a difference, part of a collection of beautifully restored traditional Puglian trulli houses, known for their thick stone walls and conical roofs.
The Trulli Selva sleeps six, with three bedrooms and bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
There’s a pool, landscaped gardens and a dining area with fabulous views over the Canale di Pirro valley.
Seven nights villa-only is from £1,250 or from £563pp including flights, based on six sharing.
See cvvillas.com.
LANGUEDOC, FRANCE
ESCAPE into nature with this 19th-century house in Montredon-Labessonnie, with its spacious, landscaped gardens.
Sleeping up to ten with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, there’s a rustic feel, with beamed ceilings and lovely covered terraces for al fresco dining.
The forests of the Haut Languedoc, medieval towns and stunning lakes are within easy reach.
Seven nights is from £870 in total, or £87pp, based on ten sharing.
See jamesvillas.co.uk.
VILAMOURA, PORTUGAL
THERE’S a great deal with Jet2holidays on Villa Albion in the Algarve, which sleeps eight people in four bedrooms.
This substantial country house is set in lovely grounds, with table football and pool on the covered terrace beside the swimming pool.
Seven nights of self-catering is from £679pp, based on six sharing, including flights from Stansted on February 20.
See jet2holidays.com.
VAL D’ORCIA, ITALY
IDEAL for those who love to be in the heart of a traditional Tuscan town, the Town House Happy Life is right in the historic centre of Cetona.
Sleeping six in three bedrooms, this is perfect for those who want a villa stay but with cafes, trattorias and shops close by.
There’s a large garden for al fresco dining and sunbathing.
Stays are from £260 a night in total, or from £43 per person, per night based on six sharing. See greatstays.it.
KLISMATA, KEFALONIA
WITH wonderful views of the beach and bay at Paliolinos, Theofilo’s House is perfect for a multi-gen family holiday or a group of pals.
Sleeping up to ten in five lavish bedrooms, the four-storey villa is surrounded by olive trees and has a pool and a covered barbecue area.
There’s even a hammam, spa and gym.
Seven nights is from £599pp including car hire, welcome pack and flights departing May 3.
RAGUSA, SICILY
IN the south-east of the island, this retreat for two could also serve as a base for a family with young children, with a double sofa bed in the living room.
Dimora Pietra Nica is steps from the shoreline at Cava d’Aliga and the terraces have great ocean views and a hot tub.
Seven nights is from £1,338 in June.
See wishsicily.com for details, or call 020 7193 7302.