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Travel: Dreams of a sunny retreat can come true after lockdown at these great villa locations in the Mediterranean

Sicily.
Sicily.

It felt like it might never happen, but finally foreign travel can once again become more than just a distant fantasy.

Soon after the road map to recovery was announced, agents reported a flood of holiday inquiries, with villa bookings proving most popular.

It’s no surprise. Villas offer the reassurance of crowd-free privacy and minimum interaction with strangers so many of us are seeking.

Here are some of the fantastic options available…


Sicily, Italy

A Bond-esque beauty wrapped by the sandy beaches of east Sicily, four-bedroom property Villa Baroniblei, low-lying and angular, is an architectural treat. Aquamarine tiles match the seascape, while floating beds conjure up a fantasy escape.

Set in the countryside, it’s close to the flamingo-filled Vendicari nature reserve, Baroque town Noto and fishing village Marzamemi. A seven-night stay costs from £415pp (10 sharing), excluding flights.

massimovillas.com


Provence, France

Le Mas des Chenes Verts, a grand French farmhouse with modern trims, this six en-suite bedroom house is the fit for a multi-generational summer break.

An open-plan kitchen and dining room invites family get-togethers or, outside, meals can be taken on north or south facing verandas with views of the Luberon Valley and Mont Ventoux, and there’s a semi-covered space for barbecues next to the pool. A short walk away, the village of Bonnieux has a selection of shops selling fine wines and fresh pastries.

A seven-night stay in June costs from £1,025pp (12 sharing), excluding flights.

akvillas.com


Crete

Villa Isidora is a three en-suite bedroom property on the rugged far eastern side of Crete. Ideal for families with older children, the contemporary property is decorated in coastal colours and has a pool and a gym.

Set on a hillside in an area of olive groves and wine production, it overlooks low-key town Sita, where pretty tavernas line the seafront.

Seven-night stay from £795pp (six sharing), travelling on May 25, including flights and car hire.

simpsontravel.com


Corfu, Greece.

Kefalonia, Greece

Villa Kalypso, brand-new to the market, is near Spartia on the south coast. Located at the foot of the headland, a fixed ladder leads to the water and one of the best snorkelling sites in the Ionian Sea.

Sandy beach Spartia is a 3km drive away, or enjoy the privacy of the headland in what is one of the quietest corners of the island.

A seven-night stay in shoulder season starts from £225pp (six sharing), excluding flights.

freelancevillas.com


Ronda, Spain

Properties new to the market are more likely to have space, such as Casa Majada.

Two of the four en-suite bedrooms open on to an inner courtyard covered by trellises with vines, and the vast gardens are filled with lavender and 100-year-old olive trees. The addition of a pool, pizza oven and barbecue means there’s little reason to venture far, although anyone seeking a cultural fix can visit Seville, Cordoba or Granada, an hour’s drive away. A seven-night stay costs from £1,000pp (eight sharing), excluding flights.

scottwilliams.co.uk


Siena, Italy

Classic Tuscan villa La Poderina is a revamped ruin surrounded by olive groves, only three miles from Siena.

Sleeping 10, the property has a pool, wine cellar, orchard, pizza oven, cook service and daily housekeeping. A seven-night stay costs from £893pp (10 sharing), excluding flights.

merrioncharles.com


P.S.

While villas offer a great holiday space for families, there are other options for smaller groups. Couples could try a cottage or apartment out for size.

If you fancy a home from home, check out some properties on airbnb for something cosy and unique. Visit airbnb.co.uk