Why families are rejecting traditional holidays for ‘villacations'

Telegraph

4 hours ago

Family holidays used to come in two main flavours: the all-inclusive resort, where everything is laid on (but you're often sharing it with hundreds of others) or the self-catering rental, which offers freedom, but usually ends up feeling like a week of doing chores in a different kitchen. Now there's a new favourite in the mix: the 'villacation'.
Villacations offer the space and privacy of your own villa, with the options to add on the kind of services you'd expect from a high-end resort. You get your own pool, your own kitchen and can set your own pace – but you can also have someone cook dinner, tidy up or even help plan your days. For today's families, it's the ideal middle ground: relaxed, flexible and packed with memory-making potential.
After the past few years of travel uncertainty, more families are choosing holidays that are simple to plan and easy to enjoy – and that's where companies like SPL Villas come into their own. Specialising in hand-picked villa holidays across The Mediterranean, SPL Villas don't only offer beautiful properties, but also peace of mind. Every booking is Atol protected, meaning your money is safe if the unexpected does happen. And if you've ever spent hours on hold trying to sort a holiday issue, you'll appreciate their UK-based customer service team, who are on hand to help from the moment you book until you're safely home.
Even better, SPL Villas offer a dedicated travel concierge service – so whether you need help finding a babysitter, booking a boat trip or getting the fridge stocked before you arrive, there's someone to take care of the details. It's this kind of thoughtful support that makes a villacation feel truly stress-free, especially for busy families juggling multiple needs (and nap times).
In a villa, there's no fighting for sun loungers, no noisy neighbours next door and no 7am alarm just to make it to breakfast. You wake when you want, eat when it suits you and everyone can spend the day the way they want to. Kids can splash in the pool while you sip an Aperol spritz in peace, and multi-generational groups can spread out without stepping on each other's toes. It's your own private bubble – ideal for proper rest and real connection.
Unlike traditional self-catering, a villacation doesn't have to mean spending half your time cooking or cleaning. Many villas offer optional housekeeping, private chefs and local guides. You can go fully DIY or opt for extra help, depending on what kind of break you're after. That flexibility is a game-changer, particularly for parents who don't want to spend their entire holiday doing the same tasks they do at home.
And cost-wise? While the upfront price might look higher than a package deal, once you break it down – especially if you're travelling as a large family group – a villa can actually offer better value. There's no need to book multiple hotel rooms or pay hotel prices for every meal and drink. Instead, you get a full home to enjoy, with the option to cook, barbecue or bring in a local chef if you fancy a treat.
The experience itself is also far richer. Villas tend to be tucked away in more authentic, local spots – think quiet hillsides in Tuscany, fishing villages in Greece or coastal hideaways in Spain. These are places where you can explore real life, not just tourist hotspots. Visit local markets, discover hidden beaches and eat where the locals eat. It's travel at your own pace, and it's a brilliant way for the kids to experience different cultures in a relaxed way.
For many families, that's what makes a villacation so appealing. It's a chance to slow down, switch off and really enjoy being together. No rigid schedules. No rushed meals. Just long afternoons by the pool, shared meals under the stars and the kind of downtime that feels genuinely restorative.
If you're planning your next escape and looking for something that's low on hassle but big on joy, a villacation with a trusted company like SPL Villas might be just the ticket. With Atol protection, dedicated concierge and supportive team behind you, the hard part of your holiday is already sorted – leaving you to focus on what really matters: making memories.
Because in the end, that's what a great family holiday is all about.
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