5 Reasons Villas Are the Ultimate Group Getaway Accommodation

Groups and families are increasingly choosing villa rentals over traditional hotels or resorts for their vacation accommodations (especially since the pandemic). Villas offer an intimate and exclusive setting that is perfect for celebrating anniversaries and birthdays, hosting small weddings, or just enjoying a fun-filled getaway together. Here are the top reasons for travel advisors to recommend villas to their clients traveling in groups.

1. Shared spaces, quality time together

Villas typically offer spacious communal spaces (living rooms, large kitchens, and outdoor areas) that are conducive for group activities such as shared dinners and game or movie nights. Many come with added amenities, like private pools, hot tubs, gardens, barbecue areas, or home theaters.

“When traveling in larger groups, villas are a fantastic option for your accommodations,” says Nathan Parr, luxury travel advisor, Travel & Cruise Desk. “There are many reasons why, but the top consideration is the ability to gather in one space and share quality time. I recently had a large family who didn’t see each other often choose a villa for their stay. They had a much better experience than they would have all spread out in a hotel.”

Monika Dysart, CTC, MCC, ATC, vice president/general manager, Sixth Start Travel, agrees: “For groups or large families, villas provide much more social gathering. I have a large family, parents, four adult children and spouses and their children. Their last trip was a 10-bedroom home and beach house, which easily accommodated everyone, was on the beach, had a private pool, included breakfast daily, and gave them room to gather and bedrooms for the little ones to nap in during the day while the adults were close by.”

2. Privacy away from the crowds, and sometimes each other

Villas deliver a greater degree of privacy than hotels. Groups or families have their own space, without having to contend with hectic lobby areas, long lines for meals, frenetic pools or beach scenes, and the like. In a villa, guests can choose their level of activity or opt for complete relaxation in a space that is exclusively theirs.

Dysart describes one of the best group getaways she booked at a villa: “The best villa vacations for a group are those where everyone can fly privately on the same flights and stay in a villa that allows them to be together but gives them private space as well. Most groups or larger families want a villa to spend time together. They can do this at a resort, but a villa adds a more intimate feeling and flexibility to the stay. Because of the room and amenities at the villa, they only left their property for a couple of dinners out and for a charter boat ride. Other than that, they enjoyed just staying at the villa.”

3. Customized experiences

Whether it is a beachfront property, a mountain retreat, a city apartment, or an even more remote and one-of-a-kind accommodation, villas are known for their unique character. They are often more secluded and off the beaten path than hotels, giving guests a true taste of local life. With so many villas on the market today, travel advisors can find the one with the ambiance that best matches the group’s preferences and needs. And they can further tailor the experience with personalized recommendations at the villa or off property nearby.

“From weddings to wellness retreats, villas can offer a highly customizable experience tailored entirely to the needs of the client. Whether it’s arranging private chefs, organizing group activities, or designing a themed event, villas provide endless opportunities for creating a unique and memorable vacation,” says Gal Cahlon, travel advisor, Post Haste Travel.

Parr also describes how personalizing the stay can create distinctive memories: “I had a large family rent a villa near Pisa, Italy. They loved the space, but they were especially impressed by some of the value-added benefits they hadn’t considered. They did a cooking class with the chef, and later visited his restaurant in town. Their concierge arranged a visit to a local winery where they did tastings and had wine shipped directly to their door.”

Another example from Cahlon: “I booked a group of couples at a villa in Tuscany, and they couldn’t have been more thrilled. From private wine tastings to a candlelit dinner prepared by a local chef, every detail was curated to fit their tastes. The combination of the villa’s charm and personalized touches made it a perfect getaway. They left feeling relaxed and closer as a group.”

4. Flexibility with food

Most villas include full kitchens, which gives groups the flexibility to shop locally and prepare their own meals at their vacation villa home away from home, without having to adhere to a hotel’s specified mealtimes and culinary offerings. Plus, they can cater to any special dietary needs in their group. For convenience and added pampering, a private chef or onsite catering can also be arranged.

“Personalized services, like booking a private chef or concierge, truly elevate the villa experience,” notes Cahlon. “I recently arranged a trip for a multigenerational family to a Caribbean villa, where they customized every meal to meet specific dietary preferences and planned daily activities tailored to their interests. These bespoke services transformed their trip into a stress-free, unforgettable experience.”

Dysart also notes one of the most appealing reasons for recommending a villa is “private dinners with a chef. A villa allows everyone to dine together with their own menu, at their own time, and has options for dining both indoors and outdoors. Great for special celebrations.”

5. More cost-effective than hotels

For larger groups traveling together, villas often shake out as being more cost-effective than booking multiple rooms at traditional hotels or even all-inclusives, especially when the costs are shared.

“While the price of a villa can far exceed a hotel room, when you calculate the cost amongst a larger group, and compare the quality and level of service, you will find the villa is a great value,” says Parr. 

And villa stays today are not only for the affluent. As Parr explains: “If you are booking a six-bedroom villa for a party of two, then yes it may be expensive. However, if you defer the cost among the group, it can be about the same as a hotel. The cost of villas is also relative to the destination. For places like Mexico, the Caribbean, or the Virgin Islands, you may find prices are very reasonable.”

What are the top villa destinations?

When pondering where to send group clients who want to experience a villa vacation, consider the places that our three villa experts said are most popular.

“The Caribbean is a top choice for groups staying in villas,” says Cahlon. “It offers stunning ocean views, private beaches, and villas equipped with luxurious amenities. The relaxed, tropical setting combined with the privacy of a villa makes it perfect for families and friends seeking a serene yet luxurious escape.”

Dysart recommends: “The majority of villas we use are located in warm-weather destinations during the winter months here in the U.S. We are also finding more larger families wanting accommodations in the mountains, especially in the U.S., during the summer months. Ski holidays are great destinations for families/groups to stay in private villas.”

And Parr relays: “Villas are a great option regardless of the destination, but Italy is my most popular country for villas stays. It’s a great way to experience the countryside and that can be stunning. Mexico is number two with great values and potentially unique qualities like private beach access or a gambling room.”

One caveat

Dysart offers this important word of advice: “We don’t just book a villa with anyone. We have preferred companies that make selecting the private villa/home/condo, easy, as they stay in touch with the properties to be sure they keep standards high. Our villa companies also provide concierge service and local contacts for the clients, so they have someone available to assist them while at the property.”

A parting thought for advisors

“Villa rentals offer larger commissions due to the bigger booking sizes, but more importantly, they lead to client loyalty,” says Cahlon. “Once clients experience the elevated level of service and the flexibility of a villa stay, they often return, which strengthens relationships and drives long-term business growth.”

FROM THE SPONSOR:
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