Latest news with #CVVillas
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
St Ives in Cornwall among Europe's underrated luxury spots
St Ives featured among the top 20 spots in the research from CV Villas, and was the UK's only representative. The travel experts analysed guest reviews across lesser-visited European locations, tallying mentions of 'luxury' alongside star ratings and review volume. They used this to generate an 'Underrated Luxury Score' out of 100 for each destination (100 being the ultimate hidden gem for upscale visits). Ben Briggs, Head of Marketing at CV Villas, said: 'Luxury travel is no longer just confined to high-end shopping sprees and spa days. 'As it becomes more accessible to more people across the globe, true luxury travel is becoming less about the jet-setter route and more about finding hidden gems that feel less well-known, personal, and entirely yours. 'Destinations we might not have once thought of as luxury, or perhaps not heard of at all, are quickly emerging as the new frontier in high-end travel." Why is St Ives among Europe's most underrated luxurious holiday destinations? St Ives featured in ninth place on the CV Villas list, with an overall score of 61.02/100. It featured ahead of the likes of Bordeaux in France, Valencia in Spain and Skiathos in Greece. #porthmeorbeach #minacktheatre #cornwallitinerary ♬ original sound - Parkdeanresorts_official @parkdeanresorts_official How to spend a day in St Ives, Cornwall 🏄♀️⛱️☀️🌊🐚🏝️ Want to know how to spend the perfect day around St Ives, well here you go!!! 🙌🏼 Start your day by grabbing a coffee and heading to Porthmeor beach 🏖️ afterwards have a mooch around St Ives Town and grab some lunch at The Harbour View 🥑 later, drive over to Porthcurno beach and watch a show at the open-air Minack Theatre! 🎭 Wait until the end of the video to see where to stay 🤩 #stives St Ives is described as "the dazzling jewel in Cornwall's crown" on its tourism website, giving an indication as to why it might be considered a luxurious holiday destination. The website adds: "A picturesque fishing harbour and seaside town with a quartet of golden beaches. "Voted best family holiday destination by Coast magazine and one of TripAdvisor's top 10 European beaches." Overall, it is described as the "perfect base" to explore nearby towns and beaches in the area. Things you can do in St Ives St Ives has plenty of things for visitors to explore, among them its maze of cobbled streets, independent shops and famous art scene. Recommended reading: It is home to places like the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and The Tate St Ives, among other spots. Additionally, it has beaches like Porthmeor for surfing and Porthminster for coastal walks. The tourism website adds: "St Ives bay has a wide range of outdoor activities including surfing, paddle boarding, tennis and golf to name a few."
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-sitges-beach-spain-HAPPISTBEACH0525-6750c43bf2d34ddeb466d7e13b839765.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
20-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Beach in Spain Was Named the Happiest in the World—and It Has Smooth Sand, Warm Waters, and a 'Peaceful Sea Area'
We're pretty sure any day at any beach could be just the thing to make anyone happier. However, it turns out there are some beaches around the world that are a little bit better than others at packing in the joy. In March, CV Villas, a global luxury villa rental company, unveiled its list of the happiest beaches in the world. The way the company went about finding them was rather scientific. It first created a seed list of 103 of the world's most popular beaches. Next, it analyzed over 1,000 Instagram photos tagged in each beach and used AWS Rekognition software to analyze the images to find "positive facial expressions." It then calculated an average smile score for each beach (giving it a grade from 0 to 100) and ranked them from highest to lowest. After doing all that data work, it named Barcelona's Sitges Beach the World's Happiest Beach. "Sitges Beach in Barcelona, Spain, is crowned the world's happiest beach, with a near-perfect happiness score of 98.42 out of a possible 100," the findings revealed. "Just outside Spain's popular city, it is much beloved among locals and travelers for a mix of smooth sands and warm, welcoming atmosphere with a lively promenade, too." One traveler took to Tripadvisor to call out that the beach has "nice sand and there were sea walls that allowed a peaceful sea area." However, this beach isn't the only one from Spain to make the list. "Mallorca's Port de Soller ranked third with a smile score of 96.95," the findings revealed. "Framed by the Tramuntana mountains, the Mediterranean hotspot leaves beachgoers grinning and ready to snap photos, admiring the view." In fact, the entire Iberian Peninsula proved to hold the secret to happiness. "Following in the rankings, neighboring Portugal claims four spots in the top 20, with Praia da Falésia (97.24) and Praia Dona Ana (94.31) landing in second and seventh place, respectively," the findings noted. "Both located in Southern Portugal, Instagram users seem particularly keen on showing off bright smiles while dipping into the turquoise waters on offer in this part of the world." Wales also had a strong showing, taking the fourth and fifth spots with Rhossili Bay and Caswell Bay, respectively. And naturally, Greece had a fantastic showing in this list, claiming five beaches, including Elafonisi Beach (93.34) and Ai Helis in Kefalonia (92.25) at No. 10. (The company noted, "If you're planning your next summer escape, Elafonisi Beach, in Crete, is particularly popular for striking sands with an ombre pink facade, making for a perfect photo opportunity.") However, there were a few top happy beaches outside of Europe as well, with Cannon Beach in Oregon snagging No. 16 and Siesta Key Beach in Florida taking No. 21. But, again, this is a beach day we're talking about. So if you get to have one anywhere, ever, make sure to smile about it.
The Independent
09-05-2025
- The Independent
Find your perfect family villa break: from toddlers to teens and multi-gen, discover home-from-home getaways
Travelling with the family and little ones can be challenging – early wake-ups, midday naps, and endless snack requests don't always fit into bog-standard hotel routines, but that's where villa holidays come into their own. With no set meal times and no do-not-disturb signs needed, you can fully embrace and enjoy the unpredictable pace of family life while still feeling like you've had a proper break. CV Villas have been curating villa holidays for over five decades in destinations including Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal as well as Morocco, the Caribbean and Sri Lanka, and offer a curated, personal approach as part of their service. Their villas are chosen by travel experts who visit the properties and know all the details, from the villa layout and unique appeals, to how far the nearest beach or taverna is. They also have experts in each destination who can share local knowledge with guests and help arrange restaurant reservations and excursions that are perfect for your family group. Here we explore why their handpicked villas make for the ideal getaway and highlight just some of the family-friendly properties you could book… Plenty to keep the kids busy Villas give you that little bit more space to spread out. Kids can nap in quiet bedrooms while parents enjoy lunch on the terrace, or they can play safely in open living areas without worrying about disturbing the other guests. Mealtimes are also much easier, and having your own kitchen means you can choose when you want to eat while also catering for picky eaters. Private pools also add a whole new layer of fun to your trip, especially for the little ones who can splish and splash as much as they like without worrying about getting in anyone else's way. Kickstart the day with a sunrise swim where there's nobody else around, or spend sun-soaked afternoons relaxing in the comfort of your own home-from-home before sitting down for a family meal at the large communal dining table. Villa Spotlight: Villa Lumin Villa Lumin, on the island of Brač in Croatia, is the perfect base for families after a sunny Mediterranean getaway. With breathtaking Adriatic ocean views and four spacious en-suite bedrooms, there's also a luxurious private pool and a big garden, perfect for children to play in. Parents will love the well-equipped kitchen, with a sociable dining table that can seat eight people, while children can enjoy table tennis or hop on the two bikes provided to explore the surrounding area. It's close to the quaint village of Sutivan, the highest island in Croatia, which is brimming with pretty beaches and excellent little local restaurants. Independence and entertainment for teens Travelling with teens is no mean feat; they want their space and freedom, and you want them to also make the most of quality family time. If anything, a villa holiday is the perfect compromise. Many come equipped with that all-important high-speed WiFi, games rooms, and a private pool, meaning there's no shortage of fun to keep teens off their phones for a little while, at least. A villa also gives teenagers a sense of independence – they can sleep in, sprawl out in their own room, or enjoy lounging by the pool and getting lost in a book or playlist. And when they're ready to explore, they can head to nearby buzzy beach towns to soak up the local culture and mingle with other like-minded teens. Villa Yaneleni is a chic hillside retreat in Greece's Kokkokilas, with breathtaking sea views – ideal for TikTok-worthy backgrounds – and lots of space to spread out. Teens can slink away to the media room, float in the private infinity pool, or hang out in the outdoor chill zones, while the villa's four en suite bedrooms (including two twins that can convert into doubles) give everyone room to recharge and relax. The outside barbecue area is perfect for alfresco mealtimes, while the American fridge means there's loads of space to stock up on snacks for hungry teens. There's also fast WiFi, Bluetooth speakers and smart tech throughout, plus easy access to nearby beaches and villages like Kassiopi for a bit of independent exploring. Kalami is also nearby, where you can get stuck into watersports, like sea cycling, canoeing, sea kayaking, water-skiing, rides, and paragliding. Time together spent right Holidaying as a multi-generational group can be really special: think dinner together around the table, sunny poolside catch-ups, and a rare chance to spend proper quality time together. But, of course, travelling as a group often means having to cater for different routines and needs – something villa holidays make easy. Villas come with lots of space for everyone, so you can hang out together whenever you like but also enjoy the space to step away when needed. Whether it's early bird grandparents enjoying a coffee at sunrise or teenagers still snoozing through lunch, villas let everyone follow their own pace of life. And with no set schedules or meal sittings to wrangle, you can focus on what really matters: spending quality time with your family. Sharing one base also makes things easier on the wallet, especially when compared to booking multiple hotel rooms or family suites. Villa Gertrudis is a brilliant Balearic base for multi-generational getaways located near the lively Ibiza Town, with space for everyone to unwind. It has cosy reading corners, shady spots for siestas, a games room for the kids, and a sleek outdoor kitchen perfect for long family lunches surrounded by orange trees and leafy palms. The large bedrooms and multiple living rooms mean grandparents, teens, and toddlers can all find their own holiday pace without stepping on each other's toes, while the pool area, games room, and putting green keep the kids more than busy. There's even a private orchard where you can enjoy different fruits fresh off the trees depending on the season. For the evenings when you fancy mixing it up and heading out for dinner, some of the island's best restaurants are within a five-minute drive, such as Amalur, La Masia, and Can Pau, while most beaches, all with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, can be reached within 15 minutes.
The Independent
09-05-2025
- The Independent
Celebration villa breaks: From birthdays to anniversaries, find your perfect luxury getaway
If you're planning a milestone birthday, a big anniversary, or a long-awaited reunion, a villa holiday is hard to beat. Imagine clinking glasses on a rooftop terrace at sunset or gathering loved ones around a candlelit garden table for a leisurely dinner under the night sky. These special occasions deserve much more than booking out a busy hotel, and nothing beats having your own sun-drenched sanctuary where you have the space and privacy to celebrate in style. Whether you're heading to Marrakech in the shadow of the Atlas Mountains, to the rolling hills of Tuscany, or a tropical oasis further afield, Villas are the perfect home-away-from-home for celebrating something, or someone, special. CV Villas' luxurious ABOVE collection offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments – think breathtaking settings, total privacy, and the kind of comfort and space that makes everyone feel at home. All come with stunning interiors, sweeping views as far as the eye can see, and enviable locations in some of the world's most sought-after spots. Each villa is hand-picked by dedicated CV Villa specialists, who are experts in helping people craft their dream getaway. Many come with their own infinity pools, breathtaking views and large alfresco dining areas, perfect for spending quality time together during life's most important moments. Villas aren't just places to stay, they're a big part of the celebration itself. Truly luxurious trips From the moment you book your stay to your arrival back home, the CV Villas Concierge team is there to make everything as seamless and stress-free as possible. They are dedicated to looking after you and your party before and throughout your holiday so that you can focus on the things that really matter, like spending quality time together and celebrating without having to worry about the minor details. The team tailors each trip to exactly what you're after, whether you're looking to book a private boat day or need to organise a surprise celebration dinner, nothing is too much trouble. Many of the five-star villas even come with their own butlers and chefs so that you can be waited on hand and foot during your special getaway. ABOVE villas are the epitome of luxury and come with designer interiors, infinity pools boasting panoramic ocean views, and terraces made for golden hour cocktails – properties with serious star quality. What's more, they're located all around the world, from the sun-soaked shores of Spain and Greece to the palm-fringed beaches of far-flung Sri Lanka and beyond. Sampling delicious local food is a big part of a holiday, but catering for a large group can often mean juggling different requests and palates. Luckily for you, many of these luxury villas come with their very own in-villa chefs – perfect for when you'd rather toast the moment with a glass of fizz than spend time flapping around in the kitchen. Instead, let your chef whip up multi-course meals morning till night, using the freshest local produce, all based on your personal tastes and dietary requirements, before tucking into it alfresco under the undisturbed starry night sky. The little luxuries make a big difference to a bucket-list trip: daily housekeeping to keep things spic and span, spa treatments for when you need a little R&R, wine tastings for the adults, yoga sessions with epic views, and even round-the-clock babysitting. All of this can be arranged to make your stay feel even more indulgent. Four incredible villas made for celebrating Maison Emilion, France This rustic French villa is practically made for wine lovers, aptly located amidst the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux. This six-bedroom hilltop hangout boasts views of the working vineyards from every angle, including from the heated pool and surrounding sunbeds. Wander into the nearby village of Saint-Émilion, then enjoy the included wine-tasting experience before settling into the garden for dinner with nothing but the glow of flickering candlelight and the moonlit sky. Oleander, Corfu It doesn't get much more luxurious than Oleander in Corfu, a five-bedroom villa overlooking Avlaki Bay and the picturesque town of Kassiopi. It's located high above the Ionian Sea and is the ideal villa for memorable summer celebrations. Soak up the sunshine from the infinity pool while enjoying views of Albania's craggy Ceraunian Mountains, or hang out on the wrap-around terraces and communal outside dining areas. During peak season at Oleander, chef service is also included, so you can enjoy meals with your loved ones without even having to leave the villa. , Mallorca Spirit of Son Fuster in Mallorca is hard to beat for large groups and multigenerational stays. This five-star bolthole is set in a stunning natural landscape at the foot of the Alaro twin mountains, right near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana, and is as secluded as it gets. This gorgeous 14th-century manor house sleeps twenty people across ten bedrooms and even has its own on-site spa and hammam where everyone can enjoy treatments in the dedicated treatment rooms. There's even a private cinema room for movie nights and a well-stocked wine cellar filled with local vintage wines. Masseria Giardini, Puglia Masseria Giardini in Puglia is the height of luxury and the perfect home-away-from-home for families and large groups. It was built in 1750 and is surrounded by leafy olive groves and landscaped gardens curated by Chelsea Flower Show winners Urquhart & Hunt. Enjoy unparalleled views of the Canale Di Pirro Valley from this ten-bedroom farmhouse and spend days lazing around in the heated pool. This villa is an architectural masterpiece, with signature stone domed roofs and hand-carved stone baths in five of the ten bedrooms.
The Independent
27-02-2025
- The Independent
The best holidays to book for April 2025, from Greek beach breaks to Wiltshire narrowboats
April brings the Easter holidays – right in the middle of the month this year – but also springtime colour, a return of greenery and a hint of warmth in the air. Head to southern Europe for milder, sunnier days and a traditional Greek Easter, or jet off to the Atlantic for awe-inspiring hikes in the volcanic Azores. But if you want a final fling on the ski slopes before the season starts to slow down, try one of the high-altitude resorts in the French Alps. Sometimes long-haul heat is all you want, and Goa 's beaches will give you some much-needed R&R. Stay closer to home, however, and enjoy tranquil walks and bike rides through the rural landscapes of the Herefordshire/ Welsh borders. See another side of the English countryside by taking a narrowboat along the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire. Whatever type of holiday you're looking for in April, you'll find some inspiration here. India Desperate for a post-winter blast of proper heat? Come to Goa and bask in average temperatures of 34C, preferably on a long sandy beach. Chalston Beach Resort faces Calangute Beach in north Goa and offers an immensely relaxing break surrounded by tropical gardens. Flop by one of the two pools when you're not being soothed by the gentle sound of waves rolling on the beach. Goa Experience has a seven-night holiday starting at £1,339pp, including flights, transfers, breakfast and UK airport lounge access, for a 12 April departure. France If you want to aim high for superb spring skiing, Avoriaz in France's Portes du Soleil fits the bill. Add ski-in-ski-out convenience in a car-free village that's at 1,800m altitude and you're set for a last blast of the season's skiing. If the snow holds, you can meander over to neighbouring Morzine for a change of scenery. SNO has a week's self-catering in a one-bedroom apartment at Les Crozats Apartments starting at £948pp, down from £1,238pp. The price includes flights and transfers and is for a 5 April departure. Wiltshire Take in all the sights and scents of spring from the vantage point of a narrowboat as you make your leisurely way along the Kennet & Avon Canal. Life slows down to an agreeable pace as you gently motor along from Bradford-upon-Avon towards Bath via two impressive aqueducts. Black Prince Holidays has a four-night break on a 57ft Princess 4 narrowboat, which sleeps four, from £1,149, departing 29 April. The price includes tuition but excludes fuel. Join the festivities of a Greek Orthodox Easter – which this year conveniently falls on the same weekend as in the Gregorian calendar – by staying in an apartment in Kasomitria villa near Kerasia's beach and village. Here on Corfu's eastern coast, you'll have fabulous views of the Ionian Sea as well as the Albanian coast. The two-bedroom Sophula apartment is on the ground floor with a covered terrace facing the shared pool and barbecue area. CV Villas has a week's self-catering at Sophula from 14-21 April for £1,191, based on four sharing. Flights are extra but can be arranged. The best way to discover the dramatic green volcanic landscapes of Sao Miguel, the largest in the Azores archipelago, is on foot. This eight-day Walking Inside Volcanoes tour offered by Regent Holidays takes you past calderas, crater lakes, waterfalls, geothermal springs and glorious beaches, and you'll be in the midst of fragrant spring blossom. You'll be based in two parts of the island, with transfers to take you to each walk. Prices start at £1,625pp and include flights, accommodation, breakfast, transfers and guide notes. Herefordshire Immerse yourself in the peaceful countryside of the Herefordshire/Welsh border when you stay at Blacksmiths Cottage. This cosy one-bedroom barn conversion has what you want for a romantic rural stay: wood-burning stove, sumptuous furnishings and acres of woodland and farmland for long walks. If you prefer to explore on two wheels, make use of the free bikes on offer. You'll be close to the Shropshire Hills and the appealing market town of Ludlow. Booked through Rural Retreats, a four-night break at Blacksmiths Cottage costs £444 from 4-8 April.
