As groups and families continue to seek meaningful vacation experiences, villa rentals are increasingly favored over traditional hotels and resorts, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. These private retreats provide an intimate and exclusive environment, ideal for celebrations like anniversaries, birthdays, small weddings, or simply enjoying a getaway together. Below, you’ll discover the compelling reasons why travel advisors are recommending villa stays to their clients traveling in groups.
1. Shared spaces, quality time together
One of the standout features of villa rentals is the spacious communal areas they offer. Living rooms, expansive kitchens, and outdoor spaces are designed to foster group activities, from shared dinners to game and movie nights. Many villas also come with luxurious amenities such as private pools, hot tubs, gardens, and home theaters that enhance the collective experience.
“When traveling in larger groups, villas are a fantastic option for your accommodations,” says Nathan Parr, a luxury travel advisor at Travel & Cruise Desk. “The ability to gather in one space and share quality time is paramount. I recently helped a large family, who didn’t see each other often, choose a villa, and they had a much more fulfilling experience than if they had been dispersed in a hotel.”
Monika Dysart, CTC, MCC, ATC, Vice President/General Manager of Sixth Star Travel, echoes this sentiment: “For groups or large families, villas provide a more social atmosphere. My family recently stayed in a 10-bedroom beachfront home equipped with a private pool and daily breakfast service. It facilitated gatherings and allowed the younger ones to nap nearby, creating a harmonious family escape.”
2. Privacy away from the crowds, and sometimes each other
Villas offer a level of privacy that hotels often cannot match. Families and groups have their own spaces, free from crowded lobbies, long meal lines, and chaotic pool scenes. Within the walls of a villa, guests can choose their activity levels, whether it be bustling with energy or unwinding in serene relaxation.
Dysart reflects on one of her most rewarding villa experiences, noting, “The best group getaways are those where everyone can travel on the same private flights and stay in a villa that provides both togetherness and privacy. Most families want to bond and enjoy activities, yet appreciate the intimacy that comes with a villa setting.” The result? A vacation where they only ventured off-property for a couple of dinners and a charter boat ride, instead relishing their villa’s comforts.
3. Customized experiences
Villas aren’t just spaces; they’re full of character and allow for unique experiences tailored to individual preferences. Whether it’s on a beach, in the mountains, or nestled in a city, each villa embodies local culture, often situated in peaceful, remote locations away from tourist traffic. This provides groups with an authentic taste of the locale.
“From weddings to wellness retreats, villa rentals are highly customizable and can be tailored to the client’s needs,” shares Gal Cahlon, travel advisor at Post Haste Travel. This customization can range from arranging private chefs and organizing group excursions to crafting themed events, offering endless opportunities for unique vacations.
Parr shares a memorable story about a family vacation at a villa near Pisa. “They not only loved the spacious setting but were pleasantly surprised by added benefits like a cooking class with a local chef and a visit to his restaurant, complemented by a wine tasting at a vineyard with arrangements made by their concierge.”
Another example comes from Cahlon, who says, “I arranged a trip for a group of couples in Tuscany, and they were thrilled with the curated experiences—from private wine tastings to intimate dinners prepared by local chefs. The villa’s charm combined with these personalized touches created the ideal getaway, allowing them to relax and grow closer as a group.”
4. Flexibility with food
Villas also come equipped with full kitchens, allowing groups to whip up their meals using local produce and explore culinary delights at their own pace. This flexibility helps cater to varying dietary preferences without the constraints of hotel meal times.
“Personalized services, such as booking a private chef, can elevate the villa experience significantly,” remarks Cahlon. “I organized a Caribbean villa stay for a multigenerational family who customized every meal to meet their specific dietary preferences, resulting in a tailored, stress-free experience that transformed their trip.”
Dysart highlights the allure of dining with a private chef as a favorite reason to choose a villa: “It allows groups to share meals at their own pace and tailor menus to specific tastes, whether dining indoors or al fresco—perfect for celebrating special moments.”
5. More cost-effective than hotels
For larger travel groups, villas often present a more cost-effective option compared to reserving multiple hotel rooms. When cost is shared among group members, the price per person can often be on par with standard accommodations.
Parr clarifies, “While villas may seem pricey initially, when you split the costs among travelers, they can offer greater value than hotels when factoring in the quality of service. Additionally, villa pricing can vary by destination, making some locations like Mexico and the Caribbean particularly accessible.”
What are the top villa destinations?
If you’re looking to recommend villa destinations to your clients, consider these favorites. Cahlon notes, “The Caribbean is a top choice, boasting stunning ocean views and luxurious amenities that offer a serene escape.”
Dysart mentions that most villas are sought after in warm-weather destinations during the U.S. winter months, with an increasing interest in mountain retreats during summer. “Ski holidays in private villas are becoming quite popular among families,” she remarks.
Finally, Parr emphasizes Italy as his most popular villa destination. “It’s an exceptional way to experience the countryside. Mexico follows, offering great values and unique features such as private beach access.”
One caveat
Dysart offers an essential piece of advice: “We don’t book villas indiscriminately. We prefer working with companies that uphold high standards and provide concierge service and local contacts. This approach ensures our clients receive personalized assistance during their stay.”
A parting thought for advisors
“Villa rentals yield higher commissions due to the larger booking sizes but, more importantly, they foster client loyalty,” says Cahlon. “Clients who experience the level of service and flexibility a villa provides are likely to return, strengthening relationships and driving long-term business growth.”
FROM THE SPONSOR:
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