The early-summer holiday is a great time to stay in a villa, with all the space and flexibility that these offer for families – the option to in or out according to your mood and schedule and great facilities that might include swimming pools and hot tubs but also privacy and a true get-away-from-it-all feel.
We’ve looked at some of our favourite villas that have availability over May half term, both at home and abroad - some of them especially perfect for multigenerational trips catching up with family after a long time apart.
In the heart of the Fife countryside, this handsome stone property sleeps 10 in five bedrooms centred on a sociable circular sitting room. Families love the USP of the short-game area with its three pitching mats, nine holes and two bunkers, but the famous golf courses of St Andrew’s are within easy reach for some serious action. And whichever you choose, this cosseting house has its own hydro spa and an outdoor hot tub where you can soothe weary muscles. As well as the fully fitted kitchen, there’s barbecue equipment for alfresco dining on fine days.
£4,499 for four nights, 26–30 May
On the edge of a charming village just a few steps along a pathway from the beach, this airy property has a blissful beach-house feel and a beguiling blend of rustic simplicity and contemporary chic. One double bedroom, two singles and a bunk room make it ideal for families of up to five, who tend to congregate on the expansive terrace with Atlantic and Arade River views and a large dining table for outdoor feasts by day or under the starlit skies. A second, slightly shaded terrace conceals a sparkling infinity pool.
£2,155 for seven nights from 28 May
Within walking distance of a sandy beach and from shops and restaurants, this contemporary two-storey property sleeps six amidst a stylish decor of cool greys and neutrals, with the option of renting the neighbouring sister property if you’re a large group. There’s a convivial open-plan kitchen, dining room and living room, but life here is centred on the outdoors: there’s a terrace, swimming pool, loungers, outdoor kitchen and barbecue. The first-floor bedrooms share a balcony overlooking the pool.
£3,935 for seven nights from 28 May
Nestled within its very own olive grove just a 10-minute drive from long sandy beaches with surfing, kitesurfing, SUP paddleboarding and kayaking, and surrounded by local villages oozing authentic charm, this villa has a beautifully secluded feel. A highlight is the Moorish-style cloistered courtyard at the front of the property, perfect for aperitifs on balmy evenings, and a rear courtyard with a large pool and a dining pergola . The villa sleeps up to eight in four bedrooms with gorgeously simple and uncluttered decor.
£2,269 for seven nights from 28 May
Perched above the sea, this bijou villa in Menorca is the perfect bolthole for small families of four, with two bedrooms, a shaded dining terrace and a swimming pool all just steps from a beach and half a kilometre from the sandy beaches, restaurants and shops of Cala en Bosch. An optional pre-arrival grocery shopping service can make your stay even more comfortable, especially if travelling with younger kids.
£2,689 for seven nights from 28 May
To book your May half-term villa holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today.
Continuing the pioneering spirit of the innovative, award-winning Virgin Voyages cruises, Brilliant Lady is set to cross the United States in her highly anticipated 2025 debut season. Highlights among the once-in-a-lifetime five- to 16-night journeys will include a voyage through the Panama Canal and a trip through the glaciers and fjords of Alaska.
California, a land of sun-kissed beaches, towering forests, and vibrant cities, offers a plethora of experiences that can delight every member of the family. Whether you're adventure-seekers or a family looking to soak in the cultural sights and sounds, the Golden State is guaranteed to have something special in store for you.
Whether it's hiking through untouched natural trails, participating in exhilarating water sports, perfecting your swing in golf, or simply basking in the sun, Mallorca has it all. The cosmopolitan capital, Palma, invites you to wander its seafront promenade and get lost in the grandeur of its architectural marvels like the majestic cathedral, Bellver Castle, and Almudaina Palace while beyond the city, authentic villages such as Deià, Sóller, Pollença, Valldemossa, and Banyalbufar beckon with their untouched beauty.
