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Times
25-05-2025
- Times
11 of the best villas in Florida
Whether you're planning to zip around Central Florida's famous theme parks or bask on one of the white-sand beaches that fringe the Gulf coast, the Sunshine State is a crowd-pleaser. But Florida has such a titanic wealth of accommodation — world-class boutique hotels, mushrooming resorts, cheerful holiday cottages — that it can be hard to know where to begin when booking a trip. For families and larger groups, a self-catering villa is an excellent option and, fortunately, Florida's mammoth offering appeals to a variety of budgets and tastes. These glittering holiday rentals are destinations in themselves. Whether you want an enormous pad complete with a games room and a lazy river, or a luxurious waterside oasis with a palm-lined pool and a roof deck, we've got you covered. Read on for our pick of the finest villas in Florida. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue ££ | POOL | Sleeps 34 The snow-white beaches of St Pete-Clearwater, located on Florida's sun-drenched Gulf coast, are regularly voted among the best in the world — and this gargantuan villa big enough for three football teams places you just steps from the sand. The highlight is the rooftop terrace: here, a pair of hot tubs offer the perfect spot for a sundowner coupled with generous views across the Gulf of Mexico. The rest of the rental unfolds in a string of slick modern rooms — a generously equipped wood and rattan-clad kitchen; airy living rooms; eight bedrooms decked with soft neutrals; and seven stylishly minimalist bathrooms. It's the ideal beachside retreat.£££ | POOL | Sleeps 10 The Florida Keys — an island chain stretching out from the state's southernmost tip — move at a wonderfully slow pace. And this sprawling villa is the perfect base for a week or two spent snorkelling, boating and beach basking. The property comes with its own private boat dock, so you've got direct access to the archipelago's sparkling waters. The villa's decor fits the dreamy island vibe too, with three whitewashed bedrooms filled with plants and turquoise accents, and a pool deck dotted with palm trees. Take advantage of the complimentary bicycles, paddleboards and kayaks which make it easy to explore the laid-back community of Marathon by water or land. £ | Sleeps 6 Easy access to the water is the drawcard of this swish spot in Greater Fort Lauderdale's Dania Beach. A neatly manicured garden (a delightful suntrap) unfolds next to the pretty canal, with perfectly positioned Adirondack chairs placed out for enjoying the view. The property's private boat launch is a springboard for adventures too. Things are kept simple on the inside, with whitewashed walls, gleaming tiled floors and generously sized windows that milk those attractive canalside vistas. The three bedrooms here are comfortable and airy, with queen-size beds and — in some — canal views. In Fort Lauderdale proper, don't miss a stroll along shop-packed Las Olas Boulevard, or the champagne-coloured sands of Fort Lauderdale beach. ££ | POOL | Sleeps 18 This waterside bolt hole offers a lesson in coastal luxury. Whitewashed rooms and terraces are brightened with pops of turquoise and sea green, a good reminder that the Gulf of Mexico is just steps away. The private wooden jetty decants you directly onto Bradenton beach's sugar-white sands while, back at the property, a sleek, ocean-facing pool deck is dotted with loungers and colourful Adirondack chairs (the pool is heated). Three out of the eight bedrooms have balconies, so your morning coffee might also be served with a side of sea views. A ten-minute drive will land you on sparkling Coquina or Cortez beach, while downtown Brandenton, with its seafood restaurants, boutique stores and studio-packed Village of the Arts, is not much further away. • Read our full guide to Florida £££ | POOL | Sleeps 36 Kissimmee, located in theme-park-packed Central Florida, markets itself as the 'Vacation Home Capital of the World' — and giant retreats like this one throw weight behind that moniker. This lavish rental sprawls over more than 1,000 sq m, folding in a whole host of extravagant amenities — there's laser tag, a home cinema and an impressively stocked games room. The playground continues outside: float down a lazy river; prop up the bar at the alfresco kitchen, or challenge the family to a round on the putting green. Beyond the whimsy, the decor is sophisticated: dark leather, exposed brick and pale neutrals style out the spacious kitchen, open lounge and ten bedrooms. Best of all, the Walt Disney World resort is just a 25-minute drive away. • Best things to do in Miami• Best hotels in Miami ££ | POOL | Sleeps 24 This Central Florida retreat wows with impressive Spanish-style architecture before you even get through the door — once inside, you're greeted with an elaborate string of rooms, including a plush lounge, a marble and dark wood-clad kitchen, spa-like bathrooms, and eight colour-splashed bedrooms. For the kids, there's a play room complete with a giant slide; for adults, there's a sleek gym and a pool deck that would look right at home in a high-end hotel. The location is ideal for a family getaway: you're a stone's throw from the region's famous theme parks, plus a top-rated golf course. ££ | POOL | Sleeps 11 If you want to combine a beach-city break with a relaxing home-from-home retreat, consider this Miami sanctuary. Perry House provides a peaceful hideaway in one of the buzziest cities in the US. The suburban Miami Gardens location places you within easy driving distance of sought-after neighbourhoods including South Beach, with its art deco jewels and bar-lined strands, and gourmet haven Little Havana. Back at the villa, you can cool off in the generously sized pool (a real win for an urban retreat) and whip up dinner using the alfresco kitchen. Inside you'll find everything you'd expect in an ultra-luxe villa: a compact games room, a string of five thoughtfully designed bedrooms, hotel-worthy bathrooms and a bright open-plan kitchen/lounge. £ | POOL | Sleeps 6 Retreat to this wonderfully homely Gulf coast hideaway, which drops you moments from a blinding white beach and a short way from the little town of Venice, with its cheerful boutiques and seafood joints. The villa itself has a cosy vibe: slouchy couches, an open kitchen and breakfast bar, and colourful furnishings spread across the three bedrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the generous outdoor space, which includes a heated pool on a glass-covered terrace.£ | POOL | Sleeps 12 This Daytona Beach escape couples the resort experience with the privacy of a villa. The rental home, attached to the Wyndham Ocean Walk Resort, drops you within kissing distance of Daytona Beach's sweeping blonde sands, and allows you to take advantage of all the hotel's amenities — from its giant pool and lazy river to its family-friendly restaurants and bar. The accommodation has everything you need if you want to retreat away from the hotel's hubbub, including a full kitchen, comfy living and dining area, and bedrooms with sea views.££ | POOL | Sleeps 14 The Florida Panhandle is one of the state's most underrated regions — Gulf coast cities such as Destin have chalk-white beaches and family attractions including waterparks and child-friendly museums. Located in a pristine gated community, Seas The Dream offers a quiet retreat from which to drink in all the beachside action. Your party will have access to your own section of Destin's glittering beach, plus a private pool. Interiors nod to the oceanside location, with jolly palm-tree-stamped wallpaper, shell ornaments and soft furnishings in teal, turquoise and grass green. There's a well-equipped kitchen, six cheerful bedrooms (one with a bunk bed), and four bathrooms, making it a great spot for families.£ | POOL | Sleeps 6 (multiple units) Golf lovers will appreciate this string of compact villas in the sun-drenched Gulf coast city of Naples. The 36-hole course is the property's pride and joy, while the large palm tree-lined pool will satisfy those who don't plan to tee off. The villas themselves are smart and functional, with green finishes and golf-inspired art, full kitchens and ample dining and living space. This part of the state is nicknamed 'Florida's Paradise Coast' for good reason, too: expect sparkling white beaches, gentle turquoise waters, and easy access to the Everglades, a wildlife-rich wetlands area thick with mangroves and pines. • Best things to do in Florida• Best beaches in Florida
The Sun
21-05-2025
- The Sun
Spain Airbnb holidays at risk as government to shut down 65,000 rentals – how to know if yours is at risk
THOUSANDS of Brits face having their holidays cancelled to Spain this summer ahead of a huge government crackdown. The Spanish government has called for more than 65,000 holiday rentals on Airbnb to be removed. 3 3 The crack-down comes amid a huge wave of protests from locals who claim the huge number of rentals has blocked locals from living there. A court ruling found that the 65,000 holiday rentals failed to follow the terms set out on the platform, and breached tourist reglations. Pablo Bustinduy, minister for social rights and consumer affairs said they had "violated various norms" when it comes to renting to holidaymakers. This includes not having an official license number, or no information on the owner's status about whether they were a private or professional renter. A Madrid court ruling has said that nearly 5,000 rentals in the city were found to be breaking the rules and so would be withdrawn from being on sale. Similar rules are likely to be followed in five other regions - Valencia, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands (affecting Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera) and the Basque Country. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez previously warned that there were "too many Airbnbs and not enough homes" for locals. According to the BBC, rental prices in Spain have doubled in the past decade, making it unaffordable for locals. Despite this, Airbnb has said it will appeal the latest ruling. The new rules will be in place from July 1. One of Spain's oldest beach bars that was loved by A-List stars forced to close — as fans say goodbye to €4 beers and sea views Anyone who has an Airbnb booked in the affected regions should check if the booking has the license number. Anyone concerned should contact the owner of the property to also check. A clampdown on Airbnbs has already been seen across Spain. The mayor of B arcelona confirmed he wanted a total ban on holiday rentals in the city by 2028. What does this mean for your Spanish holiday? The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot explains. THE Spanish government's latest bid to tackle protests about the lack of affordable housing and over tourism could have a big impact on Brits looking to book a holiday rental this summer. Spain's leaders have since asked for a further 60,000 to be struck from the site across the country, despite Airbnb claiming they used 'an indiscriminate methodology' to include rentals that do not need a licence to operate. It comes as a new EU regulation, first introduced in January and coming into full force on July 1, will insist on the registration of any short-term rental. If you have booked a short term rental via Airbnb or any other booking service like this summer, then the first thing you should do is check the rental has been registered correctly. It should be clearly displayed on the listing. What is also worth noting though, is moves in other parts of the world to ban Airbnb-style rentals have not had the desired effect. New York City's 2023 Local Law 18, which restricted stays under 30 days, saw the number of listings plummet by 83per cent. But while there was a reduction in short term rentals, rents continued to rise in New York and hotel prices rocketed, with some reports indicating a rise at twice the rate of inflation. When the 10,000 tourists licences expire that year, he confirmed he would not be renewing them. Malaga is banning any new holiday rentals for the next three years. And rules in Seville only allow 10 per cent of homes in each neighbourhood to be Airbnbs. Spain is still one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits, and welcomes 94million tourists a year (the second most in the world, behind France). In the mean time, here is a Spanish town that wants more tourists. Another Spanish town also wants to attract more visitors - after seeing thousands visiting when it was painted bright blue. 3
