A recent study showed that one in four couples choose an ‘extended family holiday’ – preferring to holiday with parents and grandparents. A week away provides quality time with loved ones who can be hard to see throughout the year. There are also many added bonuses too – a villa all together can be quite a cost effective option.
If you are looking for a holiday for your extended family, you may find that catering for the different generations can sometimes be tough, so CV Villas has found some great destinations and luxury villas that the whole family will love, some with a cook service.
Tuscany – for relaxed days and long lunches
While similar destinations which are only a short flight from the UK can feel a bit rugged and desolate, Tuscany’s thriving green rolling hills never fail to disappoint.
Tuscany’s year-round mild and sunny climate, mixed with glorious countryside makes for a region-sized children’s playground. In almost every town and village in Tuscany there is a children’s play area right in the middle with climbing frames swings and slides. Children will also love the numerous activities that are available, horse riding and cookery classes for example.
For a perfect family get-together, Tuscany also has all the perfect ingredients to help catch up with loved ones over long meals. At local markets you can pick up some of the region’s finest ingredients; from truffles and olives to fresh vegetables, cheeses and bread, for a mouthwatering picnic which everyone will enjoy. The perfect accompaniment is a good bottle of wine and the region is packed with vineyards that produce it. Some of the world’s most famous wine regions are located here, such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Carmignano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Tuscany is not short of villas either. Casa Simona, near Siena, is a perfect choice for families of up to 11 who are looking for adjacent villas that share entertaining areas in which to eat, drink and relax together, yet wish to enjoy some privacy within their own house. The villas are situated in 60 hectares of land; with olive and walnut groves, vineyards and gardens, which adults can wander and kids can run through. There is also a magnificent pool to swim, play and relax by.
A group of 11 guests can share Casa Simona from £2,890 per week, excluding flights.
Mallorca – for sun, sea and sand mixed with old towns and mountains
Families who are looking for a sunshine filled beachside retreat will love the beautiful Mediterranean island of Mallorca which is a paradise of diverse dramatic scenery from mountain ranges to golden sandy beaches. The Bay of Pollensa is considered to be one of the most beautiful areas of Mallorca. Situated on a south-facing bay with sandy beaches and warm shallow water, it is a great choice for families as children can be entertained with activities including sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling or scuba diving.
As a contrast, behind the bay are the rocky cliffs of the Sierra de Tramuntana which can be explored by the more energetic members of the family. Those who prefer meandering round old towns will love the nearby town of Pollensa which is an impressive maze of cobbled streets and ochre sandstone houses, In addition, the traditional village of Campanet and old town of Alcudia, are both only 15km away.
Alternatively days can be spent wandering along the waterfront promenade, stopping at the colourful cafés and restaurants which offer some of the finest food on the island, including fresh seafood and local specialties. Later in the evening, teenagers and young adults can enjoy the vibrant nightlife on offer.
A good place to stay is La Felucca which is situated in the stunning Bay of Pollensa and has striking views across the groves to the mountains and the monastery on Puig de Maria. Sleeping six in the three bedroom main house and four more in the adjacent cottage, it is great for families who have teenagers or grandparents who may prefer their own space. The villa has terraces which are perfect for communal dining and there are lots of activities to keep kids and adults entertained, such as a private pool, table tennis and a children’s play area.A week’s stay can be booked from £2,025 based on 10 guests sharing, or £1,460 based on 6 guests sharing.
A week’s stay costs from £2,125 based on 10 guests sharing, or £1,550 based on 6 guests sharing.
Wales – for somewhere a little closer to home
You don’t have to go abroad to have a luxury family retreat : particularly with children and grandparents to organise, flights can create additional, unwanted stress before you arrive. The UK has a great deal on offer for family holidays. For example, the Lleyn Peninsula in North Wales is spectacular with multicoloured beach huts providing a backdrop to the sandy beach of Llanbedrog.
Mynydd Mawr in Lleyn Pensu, boasts the best views in Wales. Parents, grandparents and children alike will enjoy watching dolphins swimming in the bay and seals basking in the sun. During the spring and summer, numerous birds, including the rare chough, can be spotted nesting on the almost inaccessible ledges of the high cliffs. This area also prides itself on having the best expanse of coastal heath in Europe, where heather and western gorse are dominant species, creating spectacular swathes of colour in July and August. Those who enjoy long walks can take the coastal path, which has recently been opened around the whole peninsula.
The joys of a traditional summer holiday are on offer at the simple fishing village of Porthdinllaen, where children can build sandcastles and adults may relax with a drink at the pub on the beach.
There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy: the numerous museums and specialist railways, the opportunity to paint pottery at Mynytho Pottery perhaps. If some of your family like outdoor adventures or want to try something different, Lleyn Adventure Activities centre offers pursuits such as rock climbing, coasteering and kayaking.
With no flights to pay for, you can enjoy the delights of a highly luxurious villa. Beach Farm, situated on the Welsh Lleyn Peninsula, is in its own private nature reserve, along with a private beach and five acres of grounds, providing plenty of space for the kids to play and explore. The farm is made up of three individual buildings, a restored farm cottage, barn and dairy. This gives the different generations the comfort of their own retreats whilst being able to enjoy time all together when they choose. There is an extra large table in the main cottage that seats 14 for family meals, as well as a stone circle and fire pit outside, which are great for sitting around on long summer evenings.
A 3 night weekend stay at Beach Farm costs from £1,100, and a week’s stay from £1,650, based on 14 guests sharing.
For more information contact CV Villas on 020 7563 7900 or visit www.cvvillas.com
Silver Travel Advisor recommends CV Villas
