The best villa holiday companies – chosen by our experts

Sophie Butler
Updated
Finding the right villa can seem like an impossible task. Let our experts help you find the best operators
Finding the right villa can seem like an impossible task. Let our experts help you find the best operators

Whether it’s the desire for privacy, peace, or a pool of your own, there are plenty of reasons to choose a villa holiday. But with the rise of direct-from-owner sites, like AirBnb, and the endless parade of holiday tour operators promising you your own place in the sun (but not always quite delivering), it’s a difficult field to navigate.

From budget to blow-out luxury, our experts know the market. Here we present their tips. Please note that many of our favourite operators offer a variety of properties; we have grouped them below based on the ways in which they most excel.

Best for budget

A self-catering holiday is a savvy way to save money - and not just with a staycation; these are the very best for budget-conscious holidaymakers.

Alternative Aquitaine | Affordable collection of villas strung along the French Atlantic coast.
Alternative Aquitaine | Affordable collection of villas strung along the French Atlantic coast.

Best for: On or near beaches

Worst for: Glitz and glamour

Surf and sand locations or in lively resorts including Biarritz, Ile de Re and Cap Ferret.

Visit website:alternative-aquitaine.co.uk

V2 | Brittany Ferries | Gites, cottages and casas in France and Spain, packaged up with Channel crossings
V2 | Brittany Ferries | Gites, cottages and casas in France and Spain, packaged up with Channel crossings

Best for: Any-day start on many properties

Worst for: Rental-only rates, a return Brittany Ferries crossing is mandatory

Mostly on France’s north-west coast and inland, plus the northern coast of Spain.

Visit website:brittany-ferries.co.uk

V2 | Brittany Travel | Selection of around 80 cottages and houses mostly in the south of this scenic French region
V2 | Brittany Travel | Selection of around 80 cottages and houses mostly in the south of this scenic French region

Best for: Family value

Worst for: Lack of choice on north and western coasts

Only a quarter of properties have pools but all are within easy reach of the sea.

 Visit website: brittany.co.uk

V2 | Spain-holiday.com | Online shopfront for more than 10,000 Spanish villas and apartments. Bookings are made direct with owners
V2 | Spain-holiday.com | Online shopfront for more than 10,000 Spanish villas and apartments. Bookings are made direct with owners

Spain-holiday.com

Best for: Coastal areas

Worst for: Individual property inspection

Strong in the Costa del Sol, Costa Brava and Costa Blanca. Catalonia is also heavily represented.

Visit website: spain-holiday.com

Best villas around Europe

These companies offer great value for money around the Med.

V2 | Affinity Villas | Portuguese specialist offering over 100 mostly modern villas along the Algarve coast
V2 | Affinity Villas | Portuguese specialist offering over 100 mostly modern villas along the Algarve coast

Best for: Heated pools for early season swimming

Worst for: Old-style character

A choice of over a dozen resorts including Albufeira, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Luz

Visit website:affinityvillas.com

V2 | Cachet Travel | Independent operator with affordable villas, apartments and studios
V2 | Cachet Travel | Independent operator with affordable villas, apartments and studios

Best for: Tailor-made holidays on quiet islands

Worst for: Accommodation-only bookings

Canary Islands include lesser-known La Grociosa, La Gomera and El Hierro.

Visit website: cachet-travel.co.uk

V2 | Cottages to Castles | Italian specialist with villas located over a dozen popular regions including Tuscany, Umbria and the northern Lakes
V2 | Cottages to Castles | Italian specialist with villas located over a dozen popular regions including Tuscany, Umbria and the northern Lakes

Best for: Mix of coastal and countryside

Worst for: Arrivals restricted to Saturdays

Properties sleep from two to 20 and extra features include cooking classes and wine tasting.

Visit website:cottagestocastles.com

V2 | Croatian Villas | Hotch-potch mix of villas and apartments on the Dalmatian coast, in Dubrovnik and on the islands
V2 | Croatian Villas | Hotch-potch mix of villas and apartments on the Dalmatian coast, in Dubrovnik and on the islands

Best for: Last-minute and early-bird discounts

Worst for: Additional £25 booking fee on all bookings

From two-person studios to large properties sleeping groups of up to 26

Visit website:croatianvillas.com

V2 | iescape.com | Eco-houses, casas, cabins, châteaux and cottages in chic destinations, both long haul and close to home
V2 | iescape.com | Eco-houses, casas, cabins, châteaux and cottages in chic destinations, both long haul and close to home

Best for: Hipsters and sybarites

Worst for: Lack of travel arrangements

Plenty of family-friendly and beachside properties, with private pools, designer flair and interesting extras.

Visit website:i-escape.com 

V2 | James Villa Holidays | Nearly 3,000 villas and self-catering complexes through the Med, Caribbean and the USA
V2 | James Villa Holidays | Nearly 3,000 villas and self-catering complexes through the Med, Caribbean and the USA

Best for: Extensive choice

Worst for: Personal touch categories of villa ranging from “simple” (bring your own swimming towels) to “individual” (stand-out show-stoppers).

Visit website:jamesvillas.co.uk

V2 | Long Travel | Family-run villa specialist focusing on southern Italy, including Puglia, Sicily and Sardinia
V2 | Long Travel | Family-run villa specialist focusing on southern Italy, including Puglia, Sicily and Sardinia

Best for: Agriturismo, converted Puglian trulli and masserie

Worst for: Not much in Tuscany and Umbria

Emphasis on special occasion villas as well as romantic, foodie and family properties.

Visit website:long-travel.co.uk

V2 | Pure Crete | Eco-friendly company specialising in restored traditional stone houses and villas in small Cretan villages
V2 | Pure Crete | Eco-friendly company specialising in restored traditional stone houses and villas in small Cretan villages

Best for: Relaxed, off-the-beaten-track holidays

Worst for: Extra services

Accommodation is mainly in the quiet villages of Western Crete, near Chania.

Visit website:purecrete.com

V2 | Simpson Travel | Upmarket villas in Corsica, France, Greece, Majorca and Turkey
V2 | Simpson Travel | Upmarket villas in Corsica, France, Greece, Majorca and Turkey

Best for: Diverse mix of properties in a fast-growing portfolio

Worst for: £25 per person charge on flight bookings

The exclusive collection comes with a bespoke, concierge service.

Visit website:simpsontravel.com

V2 | The Thinking Traveller | Offering high-end self-catering in Sicily, Puglia, Corsica, the Greek Ionian and Sporades islands and Brazilian resort of Trancoso
V2 | The Thinking Traveller | Offering high-end self-catering in Sicily, Puglia, Corsica, the Greek Ionian and Sporades islands and Brazilian resort of Trancoso

Best for: Villa exclusivity

Worst for: No flight-inclusive bookings

In-villa wine deliveries, cooks, private transfers, excursions, speedboat and yacht hire available

Visit website: thethinkingtraveller.com

V2 | Tuscany Now & More | Mainly in Tuscany but also in Umbria, Portofino, Verona, Venice and Rome
V2 | Tuscany Now & More | Mainly in Tuscany but also in Umbria, Portofino, Verona, Venice and Rome

Best for: Price reduction for returning clients

Worst for: No help with car hire

Concierge experiences include truffle hunting, cooking classes, city tours, biking itineraries and market visits.

Visit website:tuscanynowandmore.com

V2 | Vintage Travel | Mainly family-sized villas, all with pools, in quiet rural locations around the Med, Canary Islands and in the UK
V2 | Vintage Travel | Mainly family-sized villas, all with pools, in quiet rural locations around the Med, Canary Islands and in the UK

Best for: Late booking offers

Worst for: Compulsory property damage waiver fee

Strong in Spain particularly Andalusia, Galicia and Catalunya, also around Pollenca in northern Majorca.

Visit website:vintagetravel.co.uk

V2 | Baby-friendly Boltholes | Broad range of high-quality properties for families in the UK, across Europe, and in the USA, Morocco and Thailand
V2 | Baby-friendly Boltholes | Broad range of high-quality properties for families in the UK, across Europe, and in the USA, Morocco and Thailand

Best specialists for baby and child-proof properties

Travelling with young children presents unique challenges: look here for experts who understand this field - and often include much of the clobber you’ll need while you’re away.

Best for: Child-friendliness over style

Worst for: Not personally inspected

Lots of baby paraphernalia and safeguards provided including stairgates, fenced pools and toys.

Visit website: babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk 

V2 | Child Friendly Cottages | In rural parts of the UK and western France, properties feature enclosed gardens and child-friendly interiors
V2 | Child Friendly Cottages | In rural parts of the UK and western France, properties feature enclosed gardens and child-friendly interiors

Best for: Younger children and toddlers

Worst for: Designer style

Located on working farms for animal feeding, near beaches or close to indoor play barns.

Visit website:childfriendlycottages.co.uk

V2 | Tots to Travel | Nearly 100 family-friendly properties in the UK and around Europe, all personally inspected and vetted for safety
V2 | Tots to Travel | Nearly 100 family-friendly properties in the UK and around Europe, all personally inspected and vetted for safety

Best for: Guarantee of effective pool barrier

Worst for: Help with travel arrangements

Baby and toddler kits are provided as standard, with baby monitor, changing mat, steriliser, bed-guard, toys and DVDs.

Visit website:totstotravel.co.uk

Best luxury villas

If you’re looking for luxury to rival what’s on offer at the best hotels - with the services that go along with that - try one of these operators.

V2 | Abercrombie & Kent Villas | High-end properties in France and Italy plus villas in Spain, Greece, Croatia, Portugal and the UK
V2 | Abercrombie & Kent Villas | High-end properties in France and Italy plus villas in Spain, Greece, Croatia, Portugal and the UK

Best for: Concierge services

Worst for: The website’s villa search facility

Optional upgrades to gold or platinum packages which include shopping, in-house chefs and fresh flowers.

Visit website:akvillas.co.uk

V2 | CV Villas | An emphasis on glamorous villas in the Med, UK, & Morocco plus fully-staffed properties in Antigua
V2 | CV Villas | An emphasis on glamorous villas in the Med, UK, & Morocco plus fully-staffed properties in Antigua

Best for: X-factor

Worst for: Budget-conscious self-caterers

Plenty of choice in Greece and Italy, also strong in Spain and the Balearics.

Visit website:cvvillas.com

V2 | Five Star Greece | Top of the range villas throughout Greece with staff, yachts and concierge services on tap
V2 | Five Star Greece | Top of the range villas throughout Greece with staff, yachts and concierge services on tap

Best for: Seclusion, exclusivity and privacy

Worst for: Budget

Operates on a consultation basis, the website gives no property specifics.

Visit website:fivestargreece.com

V2 | Mr and Mrs Smith | Tantalising villas in destinations close to home and further afield, including New Zealand, Indonesia, the Caribbean and Thailand
V2 | Mr and Mrs Smith | Tantalising villas in destinations close to home and further afield, including New Zealand, Indonesia, the Caribbean and Thailand

Best for: Memorable getaways for grown-ups

Worst for: Down-to-earth prices

Locations, high-tech features and levels of service range from lavish to eye-popping.

Visit website: mrandmrssmith.com

V2 | Oliver’s Travels | From chateaux to beach huts, a large and eclectic portfolio of quirky accommodation in Europe, Morocco, the Caribbean and UK
V2 | Oliver’s Travels | From chateaux to beach huts, a large and eclectic portfolio of quirky accommodation in Europe, Morocco, the Caribbean and UK

Best for: Weird and wonderful

Worst for: Back to basics

Handpicked places with an emphasis on France, Italy, Caribbean and posh rural Britain.

Visit website:oliverstravels.com

V2 | Private Properties Abroad | Luxury villas in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal Morocco and Thailand
V2 | Private Properties Abroad | Luxury villas in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal Morocco and Thailand

Best for: Stately grandeur

Worst for: Small and modest

Staffed properties for big groups come with private pools, tennis courts, jogging tracks and helicopter landing areas.

Visit website:ppaproperties.com

V2 | Quality Villas | Properties punching above their weight in France, Italy and Morocco with pools, tennis courts and services including chefs and babysitters
V2 | Quality Villas | Properties punching above their weight in France, Italy and Morocco with pools, tennis courts and services including chefs and babysitters

Best for: Honeypot regions

Worst for: Early 9.30am check-out

Good choice in the Côte d’Azur and Provence, and an interesting Moroccan portfolio including Marrakech and Agadir.

Visit website:qualityvillas.com

V2 | Scott Dunn | Compelling range of villas, some with hotel services, in Europe, the Caribbean, Far East, Indian Ocean and South America
V2 | Scott Dunn | Compelling range of villas, some with hotel services, in Europe, the Caribbean, Far East, Indian Ocean and South America

Best for: Well-heeled families

Worst for: Affordability

The villas in Majorca and the South of France come with private pool, chef, nanny and activity host.

Visit website: scottdunn.com

V2 | Scott Williams | Enticingly high-end villas with pools in France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Spain and Turkey
V2 | Scott Williams | Enticingly high-end villas with pools in France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Spain and Turkey

Best for: Super-swanky, big-group houses

Worst for: Cost-cutting

Heated pools, cooks, tennis courts, home cinemas, hammams, skippered yachts and personal trainers available.

Visit website: scottwilliams.co.uk

Best for: Celebrations and special events

Worst for: Wales, Scotland and Eastern England

Chefs, butlers and activities including clay pigeon shooting and golf can be arranged.

Visit website:thewowhousecompany.com

V2 | The Wow House Company | Properties with varying degrees of X-factor mostly in the UK but also in Europe and further afield
V2 | The Wow House Company | Properties with varying degrees of X-factor mostly in the UK but also in Europe and further afield

Best UK cottage specialists

For great local knowledge and dependable properties, try these British companies.

V2 | Boutique retreats | Over 100 upmarket properties mostly in the West Country, Cotswolds, Hampshire and Scotland
V2 | Boutique retreats | Over 100 upmarket properties mostly in the West Country, Cotswolds, Hampshire and Scotland

Best for: One-bedroom properties for city escapees

Worst for: Groups of ten or more

Emphasis on cutting-edge design, super king beds, outdoor hot tubs and feature lighting.

Visit website:boutique-retreats.co.uk

V2 | Rural Retreats | A wide selection of UK properties, largely located in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
V2 | Rural Retreats | A wide selection of UK properties, largely located in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Best for: Flexible start dates

Worst for: Scottish offering

Includes over 30 lighthouse cottages in spectacular coastal areas. Dog-owners are well catered for.

Visit website: ruralretreats.co.uk

V2 | Unique Home Stays | Nearly 160 luxurious houses and cottages in the UK, picked for great location, striking design or quirky features
V2 | Unique Home Stays | Nearly 160 luxurious houses and cottages in the UK, picked for great location, striking design or quirky features

Best for: House party homes

Worst for: Stag and hen groups discouraged

Mid-week cleaning, in-house pamper sessions and catering available, plus chocolate, fizz and fresh flowers on arrival.

Visit website: uniquehomestays.com

Best UK heritage properties

For castles and converted follies of all descriptions, try these operators.

V2 | English Heritage | Small but intriguing collection of interesting self-catering properties in heritage sites around England
V2 | English Heritage | Small but intriguing collection of interesting self-catering properties in heritage sites around England

Best for: Historical back-story

Worst for: Pricey at peak times

Choices include a cosy coastguard’s cottage on Holy Island or a converted tower in the grounds of Dover Castle.

Visit website:english-heritage.org.uk  

V2 | The Landmark Trust | Charity specialising in rescuing historic ruins for conversion into holiday houses. Throughout the UK, also Italy, France and Belgium
V2 | The Landmark Trust | Charity specialising in rescuing historic ruins for conversion into holiday houses. Throughout the UK, also Italy, France and Belgium

Best for: Unique properties

Worst for: TV and WiFi

Everything from castles, water towers, follies and chapels to temples, gatehouses and pigsties.

Visit website:landmarktrust.org.uk

V2 | National Trust Holidays | Characterful, elderly properties in National Trust-owned areas throughout England and Wales
V2 | National Trust Holidays | Characterful, elderly properties in National Trust-owned areas throughout England and Wales

Best for: Superb locations and special access

Worst for: High-tech fittings

From hideaway, rural cottages to medieval halls and manors for big group gatherings. Standards range from basic to comfortable.

Visit website:nationaltrustholidays.org.uk