Is it really time to book a 2023 villa holiday?
Most villa owners have now set their prices and availability for 2023 so it is an excellent time to find your ideal villa for 2023. The best villas book up early and you have a better range to choose from if you book now. If you leave it too late, you have less choice.
Who is booking a 2023 villa holiday now?
A few of my previous clients are planning their 2023 villa holidays to make sure that they can book their favourite villas again. I am also hearing from new clients who are mostly families looking for a large villa for reunions and special birthdays or anniversaries. They need to plan well in advance in order to get all the family on board for a particular week or weeks.
What kind of villas are popular for 2023?
Large celebration villas are common. Typically, my clients ask me to help them find a villa with 4 to 6 bedrooms, a lovely pool and gardens. Somewhere scenic in Italy or France. Contemporary, spacious interiors, modern kitchens and bathrooms are more popular than rustic farmhouse conversions. Characterful buildings with wooden beams and an original authentic structure are more sought after compared to new builds though. Many prefer to be within walking distance of a village with restaurants and shops.
What kind of facilities and services are on the wish list?
Each enquiry is unique because everyone has their own particular wish list. Those with young children prefer heated pools (for May and June) with steps in, not a ladder. Many prefer the pool to be gated too. King-size beds are important to some, as is a chef to cook meals. Large open kitchens for foodies, an outdoor kitchen and a barbecue are a welcome bonus. Many villas now have games rooms kitted out with billiards, video games and board games while active families go for villas with tennis courts, table tennis tables, football pitches and bikes. Popular services include a private chef and a concierge to organise local activities or transport.
What is the favourite location for a 2023 villa holiday?
The holy grail is to be in a peaceful, rural location within walking distance (along a safe pathway) to a sandy beach. Proximity to good, local shops and restaurants is high on the list. Just about everyone booking a villa in France loves the idea of sending the kids to a local boulangerie to buy fresh croissants in the morning! There are places that tick all the boxes of course but we usually have to compromise a bit. Coastal villas on sought-after stretches can be less spacious and more expensive than a converted farmhouse a short drive away.
Which regions of France are the most sought after for 2022?
Provence is a timeless favourite. There is a great choice of well-designed and beautifully furnished family villas there. You’re more likely to enjoy hot sunny weather in Provence than further north of course which is a big draw for those coming from the UK. Provence is picturesque, the countryside is stunning and you’re not far from gorgeous beaches, from the white sands and nature reserves of the Camargue to chic Cote D’Azur. The food and wine is amazing and there is plenty to see and do there.
South west France is also popular with family-friendly villas on offer and the bonus of more reasonable rental prices compared to Provence.
What about Italy for a 2023 villa holiday?
Like Provence, Tuscany is still the sought-after, classic, Italian destination because it ticks so many boxes. From the picturesque hill towns and wineries of Chianti to the incredible art and architecture of places like Florence and Siena, you cannot fail to love it there. An array of gorgeous family villas with pools in Tuscany gives you plenty of choice.
Puglia is now firmly established as a favourite Italian region to visit too, thanks to its fabulous weather, white beaches, excellent food and laid-back style. Over the last 15 years, characterful trulli houses and masserias have been renovated and constructed in unspoiled rural settings. The result is lots of good quality, contemporary holiday homes to choose from.
Sicily is also more popular than ever, thanks to its incredible landscapes, picturesque, historic towns and delicious cuisine. From beautiful historic homes to cutting edge designer villas, there is a good range of holiday homes to choose from.
Sounds good, how do I start my villa search?
Just ask me of course! Tap into my excellent network of reliable villa owners, managers and companies to find your ideal villa. Do this by way of my bespoke villa finding service. I’ll save you time. Email me and we’ll set up an initial call to discuss the best villas for you: rachel@rachelsvillaholidays.com. Alternatively, click through to my enquiry form on my website. For an idea of how I manage each search, read more in my blog post about how I source villas in France and Italy.
