Find your perfect getaway with HELLO!’s villa rental deal

Ibiza might be more flashy, Formentera less crowded, and Mallorca more well-known, but Menorca is the Balearic island that offers the ideal mix of fashionable accommodations and stunning beaches.

I found the island with my family five years back, when Covid had emptied it of people (we traveled during a fortunate time), and we’ve come back each summer ever since.

In our first year, we found an impressive farm estate that had been transformed into a culinary hotel – Torralbenc (torralbenc.com) – but it wasn’t suitable for families with children.

During a different visit, we checked into a historic countryside house that has been transformed into a trendy hotel – Experimental Menorca (menorcaexperimental.com) – but it seemed wrong not to stay by the sea.

We came to understand that the optimal way to learn about this Balearic island was by exploring its local villas.

Without a hotel schedule limiting our family’s enjoyment, and without a pull-out sofa forcing everyone into a single room, a villa would offer us room, privacy, and freedom.

For my daughter, a private pool was the deciding factor, and for us adults, the opportunity to stock the fridge with fresh local produce and crisp Menorcan white wine made it a straightforward choice.

The lively tropical gardens provided us with shade, and the peaceful neighborhood location brought calm, yet we were still able to walk to the beach for the day or go out for dinner on foot (we enjoyed clams at Es Corb Mari, a waterfront restaurant).

Built with the view in consideration, my family enjoyed the “upside down” design of the villa, where the dining area and living rooms are located on the upper floor, and the bedrooms are situated below.

If we had been generous enough to invite friends for the week (which we didn’t), there was a separate annexe on the lower ground floor – ideal for grandparents in your group or teenagers who value their privacy.

No matter your age, it’s hard not to fall in love with the hotel-style swimming pool, featuring modern loungers, designer daybeds, and a sunlit terrace.

Essential day trips are Mahón and Ciutadella – the two cities of Menorca – both located by the water, with charming harbors featuring café umbrellas and shops (don’t miss the chance to purchase a pair of famous Avarca sandals).

The title of the most dramatic cocktail bar in Europe is awarded to Cova d’en Xoroi, which is situated within a cliff, with its tables extending over the ocean; visitors can enjoy sunset drinks or stay up late for a night out (it remains open until 5 am on weekends!).

Another excellent trip is Binibeca, a fishing village where small, white-painted cottages contain artists’ studios and unique shops ideal for inquisitive kids.

But our favorite days? The ones that consisted of a morning at the beach, followed by an extended lunch on the terrace at Villa Privilege.

Accommodations along the same coastline come with extremely high prices for this location, but we had it completely to ourselves every single afternoon. The budget-friendly Menorcan sauvignon blanc we discovered at the store allowed me to enjoy an extra glass as well. Cheers.

DETAILS

Solmar Villas offers properties throughout Menorca, including a three-bedroom cottage available from £427 per week; Villa Privilege in Son Bou can accommodate 10 people and begins at £1,326 per week.solmarvillas.com

What they accomplish and their location:Established in 2003 by college friends Oliver Bell and Ravi Sabharwal, following their discovery of an affordable French chateau during a summer trip, Oliver’s Travels focuses on unique vacation properties.

The emphasis is on unique, extravagant, and unusual accommodations around the globe (as well as in the UK), such as seaside villas, châteaux, castles, manors, beach huts, hobbit homes, ski lodges, and cabins.

A dedicated concierge team is available to address every guest’s requirements, while chef services, meal delivery, refrigerator restocking, spa sessions, airport shuttles, housekeeping, local tours, and numerous other amenities can all be organized.

Best of the bunch:Villa Luxana in Croatia, which resembles a setting from a multi-million-dollar television seriesSuccession, was designed for major festive occasions.

It’s a modern, architecturally designed new construction situated right at the water’s edge, featuring glass and sharp lines, accommodating up to 12 individuals. Each room offers an ocean view, along with the pool, and you’ll have access to stand-up paddleboards and bikes during your stay. As if you’d ever want to go anywhere else…

Details:oliverstravels.com

What they accomplish and their location:As one might infer from its romantic name (which feels like a beach book to us), Posarelli Villas offer over 700 properties throughout the Mediterranean, with an emphasis on Italy and Greece.

Every house undergoes an individual examination and is thoughtfully chosen by a group that has over 35 years of expertise.

Additionally, the Posarelli team is always present; as one guest recently stated: “What truly enhanced our experience was the assistance from the Posarelli Villas team — consistently available, skilled, and eager to help.”

Best of the bunch:Villa Serenissima is a coastal retreat located on the northern shore of Corfu, only 100 meters away from the untouched shores of Almyros Beach.

It’s a recently constructed five-bedroom sanctuary carefully planned for families and groups, featuring two private pools — one of which is an heated indoor pool — along with a fitness center, an outdoor kitchen, and a special area for children to play.

Details:posarellivillas.co.uk

What they accomplish and their location:Born in Corfu fifty years ago—where CV once meant ‘Corfu Villas’—the 800 homes listed by CV now span across Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Turkey, Morocco, the Caribbean, Florida, and Sri Lanka.

If you’re looking for the complete package, CV Villas can arrange flights and car rental (or train and ferry options if desired).

Each budget is accommodated, ranging from small villas designed for couples, to spacious homes with extensive grounds suitable for large family events.

If you’re willing to spend, check out its Above Collection: the most luxurious, fully-equipped villas in celebrity-style locations.

Best of the bunch:Located right on Kalamaki Beach in Corfu, the Nero Beach House offers panoramic views of the sea and the mountains of Albania.

It was created with families and groups in mind, offering ample space so that each person can have their own area to unwind, both indoors and outdoors. There is a 12-meter infinity pool, and you are within walking distance of a beach café and local eateries when you feel like dining out.

Details:cvvillas.com

What they accomplish and their location:The United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean are regions where Casago specializes — excellent news for families visiting America looking to save money by experiencing life like a local.

They have the entire country mapped out – from ranches in Montana to beach condos in Texas – but for British people, the distinctive homes in Florida will be the most appealing.

It’s not only theme-park areas, but also artistic coastal neighborhoods featuring vibrant wooden houses that showcase the ‘real’ face of the Disney state.

Best of the bunch:In New Smyrna Beach, a bohemian community along Florida’s eastern coast, Peninsula is a residence featuring its own boat dock, allowing visitors to experience the essence of the region.

Hire a boat and search for dolphins, manatees, and pelicans, or simply relax on your own pontoon and enjoy the scenery. There’s also a private heated pool and four large bedrooms that can accommodate up to 10 people.

Details:casagonsb.com

Two milestones, a significant birthday, three generations, and hundreds of miles apart.

Where and in what manner would we gather to celebrate together in a way that pleases all family members? A gathering was too brief, while a trip abroad was too lengthy (and costly).

This spring, my family gathered in a Sussex cottage for a memorable weekend.

If you’re following the same approach, achievement lies in the preparation. Surprisingly, the most sought-after British cottages can be reserved as much as two years ahead, so if you have a specific date in mind—such as Christmas, New Year, a summer wedding, or Easter—plan accordingly.

Once you’ve decided on your favorite time of the year, think about the location before selecting the house. Which place is equally convenient, yet also beautiful?

And if certain guests are accompanied by young children, or have the flexibility of early retirement, should they be required to travel less or go farther than those who can only leave work after 6 p.m.?

Our family was drawn to West Sussex. For the older members, it symbolized the entrance to the South Downs, offering picturesque weekend hikes and villages filled with antique shops.

For Generation Z, Sussex was a social media paradise – the cobblestone streets, the thatched-roof cottages, the hollyhocks – and for us Gen Xers, this county served as the setting for every historical drama we fell in love with, thanks to its abundance of stunning National Trust properties.

Fortunately, Sussex offers numerous countryside cottages available for rent. Instead of spending weeks searching online, sending emails to owners, and asking detailed questions, we considered cottages located on a private estate, which would provide access to restaurants, activities, and possibly a central hotel or historic building.

Cowdray met the requirements due to its historical ruins ideal for simple sightseeing, a farm store and restaurant, and its position in Midhurst town.

Stay alert about the remote, rural countryside cottage – it might appear beautiful in the photo album, but if you’re 30 minutes away from a supermarket or without internet access, there could be dissatisfaction from all age groups.

With various budgets to consider, Cowdray Estate provided us with choices as well. If we had been seeking a lavish birthday celebration, there was a manor house featuring 22 bedrooms and a swimming pool.

Alternatively, if my parents had wished to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary, just the two of them, the estate offers a charming B&B. Additionally, there are luxurious treehouses for couples, small cottages, and expansive lodges.

We fell in love with Challens Yarde, a four-bedroom cottage listed at grade II that was once a wheelwright’s workshop.

Perched above Cowdray’s renowned polo fields, the historic stone house sat on a lovely private estate ideal for garden activities and extended outdoor meals, featuring a hot tub and terrace.

With numerous lounges, nooks, and dining spaces, we had room to celebrate as a group, yet also room to be separate.

If we had reserved such lovely bedrooms at a countryside hotel for the same number of nights, the weekend would have cost four times as much.

For individuals seeking relaxation at Cowdray, there was no schedule to follow, but for those who felt restless, the estate offers incredible activities just a short distance from the cottages: stargazing, foraging, a polo academy, fly fishing, game shooting, and mountain biking.

And if we were looking to prepare a grand meal, the farm shop had a wide selection of ingredients, although there was also the possibility of hiring a chef.

The entire weekend can be shaped however you desire, entirely on your own terms, rather than someone else’s.

Other historic estates in the UK also offer on-site accommodations: Penn Estate in Dorset, which provides a range of rentals including caravans and a castle (thepennestate.co.uk); Avington in Hampshire, featuring shepherd’s huts and lakeside residences (avington.com); or Torridon in the Scottish Highlands, which includes a B&B, main house, and four small cottages (torridonestate.com).

Would we do it again? If we had the chance, we would. However, when we went online to check the availability of Challens Yarde for Christmas, we realized we would have to wait until 2026.

Key takeaway: when it comes to Britain’s top cottages, those who act quickly secure the best options.

Details: Cowdrayoffers one-bedroom cottages starting at £550 for a three-night weekend; Challens Yarde can accommodate eight people and is available from £1,250 for a long weekend, and it allows pets.

There’s nothing more frustrating than returning home with a suitcase filled with dirty clothes, so I handle my laundry while I’m away. It’s simple if there’s a washing machine available and you’re already relaxing on the terrace. My mother used to do our laundry on the final day of every French campsite trip, and I never understood why, but it makes sense, particularly if you have three children and don’t want to deal with the hassle when you come back.

If you’re unable to do laundry while away, bring a pop-up zipped laundry bag to keep your clean clothes separate from any odorous items. I also include a tumble dryer sheet in my bag for a pleasant scent.

Traveling with your dogs? Show consideration for the property, even if it allows pets, by bringing your dog’s own blanket and bed. My Italian greyhounds, Enzo and Luther, can snuggle with me on the couch, and I’ll be sure that any hair or smells remain on their blanket, not the furniture.

If you suffer from dust allergies – I do – gather all the loose cushions and blankets right after checking in and put them inside a cabinet. These items aren’t washed as frequently as bed sheets, so they tend to accumulate dust over time.

It’s often beneficial to ask the homeowner if you can arrive early or depart late, particularly because rental properties typically have stricter check-in and check-out times compared to hotels (usually check-in at 4 pm and check-out at 10 am).

If that’s not possible and the house is being cleaned, request if you can use the pool or garden while you wait, and make sure to bring a smaller, distinct bag containing sunscreen and swimwear.

What they accomplish and their location:A curated collection of high-end self-catering accommodations in Cornwall, South Wales, Northumberland, and the Lake District.

Expect spas, pet-friendly accommodations, access to shared fitness centers, treehouse-style structures, and outdoor dining areas – these retreats are all about enjoying a luxurious lifestyle. A bar and restaurant is typically available if you don’t want to cook every night, along with some resort-like amenities.

The Whitbarrow property in the Lake District offers mini-golf and a large chess set, whereas Bude Coastal Resort in Cornwall features a fitness center, putting area, and indoor swimming pool.

Best of the bunch:At the Clowance estate in Cornwall, the Treehouse by the Lake can accommodate up to four people, providing your group with a timber deck that wraps around, an outdoor copper tub, and beautiful vistas over the forest canopy.

A well-equipped kitchen is available for self-catering, while the resort’s indoor heated pool and game area will entertain children.

Details:luxurylodges.com

What they accomplish and their location:Having over 30 years of expertise, Sykes serves a large portion of the UK and Ireland, featuring 22,500 cottages available.

Their characteristics vary widely: for instance, a renovated chapel located in Dartmoor National Park, or a wooden cabin situated in the Scottish Highlands, with traditional farmhouses and coastal captain’s homes in between.

Numerous smaller discoveries are very reasonably priced, with the extensive geographic range offering some excellent deals, though there are also a few large farmhouses that can accommodate 22 people.

Unconvinced? Sykes has won the “Best Large UK Holiday Cottage Booking Company” award at the British Travel Awards for ten consecutive years.

Best of the bunch:The A-frame cabin at the Tri-Pod in Ceredigion, West Wales features a striking spiral staircase as its centerpiece.

A glass front offers glimpses of the apple-green landscape outside, while a spacious deck featuring a hot tub and fire pit is perfect for evening drinks and s’mores.

Details: sykescottages.co.uk

What they accomplish and their location:Privately owned and initially centered on the South West, holidaycottages.co.uk now extends across the UK and Ireland.

It focuses on renowned regions of natural scenery – such as the Cotswolds, Peak District, or New Forest – but you’re equally probable to discover a comfortable getaway along the Suffolk coastline or in the lesser-known areas of Northumberland.

Prices are reasonable – starting at £500 or £600 for a week’s stay for four in areas such as Pembrokeshire or Yorkshire – and accommodations vary from cozy coastal apartments for two to large Cotswolds homes that can sleep 12.

Best of the bunch:Ray and Dandy cottages are located within the Dorset coastline’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring gardens, top-quality kitchens, and sloped ceilings that provide a contemporary atmosphere.

A fantastic starting point for exploring Dorset’s coastline, ranging from Lyme Regis to the golden cliffs of Bridport or even the South West Coast Path, these accommodations each sleep four people but can be reserved together for family gatherings.

Website:holidaycottages.co.uk

What they accomplish and their location:This high-end booking platform exudes a sense of special occasions, featuring sprawling countryside homes that accommodate 32 people and seaside properties with ocean-view swimming pools.

K&T, which also organizes wedding locations and corporate retreats, understands that luxurious amenities are essential for an unforgettable getaway – allowing you to filter options based on features like a swimming pool, tennis court, home theater, and more.

Although many rental companies prohibit stag and hen parties, Kate and Tom’s clearly identify properties that are appropriate for such events; their cottages, mansions, lodges, and apartments can be found throughout the UK.

Best of the bunch:Several homes in Hampshire feature well-kept lawns and relaxed poolside areas that embody summer fantasies, along with a large farmhouse-style kitchen to savor when you’re not exploring the numerous excellent pubs suggested by your hosts in the region.

It can accommodate up to 20 people (including children) in six bedrooms, along with a game room to entertain guests of all ages.

Details:kateandtoms.com

What they accomplish and their location:A Bauhaus-style loft in New York’s trendy SoHo, a grand Baroque residence in the heart of Rome’s historic district…

The Plum Guide focuses on bold interior design in desirable locations. Its properties are available globally – including Paris, Los Angeles, and Sydney, as well as Puglia and the French Riviera – though there are some areas missing (such as Tokyo).

A wide variety of pricing options is also available: while city searches may show luxury accommodations for ten people, they also include stylish studios perfect for a budget-friendly weekend for two.

Best of the bunch:The Modern Times (sleeping ten) fits a lot of traditional New York City style into its 1,000 square feet: timeless black-and-white elegance, historical elements, those famous ‘Brownstone’ stairs, and even a small red brick patio as a peaceful escape from the ever-bustling city.

Located at the base of the prestigious Upper East Side, yet within walking distance to Fifth Avenue, Central Park, and theaters, this is the ultimate Manhattan dream.

Details:plumguide.com

What they accomplish and their location:Cliffside villas, billionaire homes, and Italian lake mansions are onefinestay’s specialty, so you can expect their urban residences to be nothing short of exceptional.

Luxurious city residences – spanning London, Paris, New York, Rome, Florence, and Los Angeles – vary in size, yet each is filled with elegance.

Consider retro-style cushions on the Left Bank of Paris, on a street where Nancy Mitford and Cole Porter once resided, or a retreat in the Hollywood Hills featuring a green garden, swimming pool, and movie theater. Each sanctuary comes with its own tale.

Best of the bunch:For an opulent Roman celebration, the Palazzo Borghese apartment – located near the Spanish Steps and other major attractions – features original frescoes on the walls along with antique furnishings and chandeliers; it accommodates two people.

Like all OFS hands-on rental properties, the apartment includes a concierge service that can handle restaurant bookings, chauffeur services, grocery shopping, or bike rentals.

Details:onefinestay.com

What they accomplish and their location:Locke specializes in design-focused, European aparthotels located in cities including London and Lisbon, as well as Edinburgh and Paris (a total of ten cities) – some, like Dublin and Zurich, have multiple Locke locations.

Instead of leasing separate, privately owned pads, Locke provides contemporary serviced apartments that fall between a hotel room and a residence, featuring unique interiors along with fully equipped kitchens, workspaces, and living areas.

They are ideal for extended stays, yet also offer a wonderful neighborhood: Berlin’s Locke location is situated between the River Spree and the trendy Friedrichshain district, while Zurich’s is located in the green, culturally rich Enge area.

Best of the bunch:The Terrace Apartment at Locke Santa Joana, Lisbon features plenty of sleek pine, neutral tones, and lively bursts of citrus, giving you a comfortable feeling in this relaxed city. A 13sq m terrace offering views of Lisbon’s iconic red rooftops is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset G&T.

Details:lockeliving.com

What they accomplish and their location:Initially established in 1995 by a Colorado lodge owner looking to lease his property, VRBO links property owners with vacation renters – and currently has over two million listings.

Regarding cities, they can be found in Miami, Hong Kong, Marrakech, and Istanbul, along with numerous coastal and rural regions, and various smaller cities that aren’t mentioned elsewhere (such as Alicante, Chania).

Like Airbnb, it offers Premier Host status to top-rated homeowners, which is helpful in assessing reliability, but you won’t find any shared spaces listed on its platform – all are available for private use only.