The collection:
European Villas
Your home from home
Our European villas are easy to get to and easy to love – and a private home just a short flight away is hard to beat for a family escape. Read about our in-the-know properties from our portfolio that spans France, Italy, Spain and Greece.
The Good Life
Villa Zen - France
We must admit the south of France has a certain cachet – frankly there’s nowhere quite like it for family summer gatherings. Getting it right is crucial.
The secret is a brilliant villa, with extensive space, perfectly placed for glitzy outings on the French Riviera. Let us introduce the aptly named Villa Zen, a stylish six-bedroom villa with designer furnishings whose lavender-filled garden is a literal playground with a daybed-rimmed swimming pool, tennis court, boules, table tennis and a children’s play area. There’s enough to keep all ages entertained while chill-seekers can relax by the pool or take a sauna or steam. Come evening, join the glitterati at nearby La Colombe D’Or Hotel.
"Kids will have a ball here, but a few carefully selected tennis instructors and French tutors could give them the edge next term at school – we can arrange this plus masseurs, yoga instructors and chefs."
BEST FOR
All ages. The villa is great for families with young children, and older members can enjoy the glitzy charm of the French Riviera.
The Love of Italy
VILLA SOLA CABIATI - Italy
This jaw-dropping 18th century former summer home is not only a masterpiece in neoclassical architecture, it’s also located in one of the most beautiful locations in all of Europe: Lake Como.
With a wraparound Italian garden complete with pool, you’ll be living out your ultimate holiday fantasies at this opulent Belle Époque villa. Inside, there are six spacious suites; each one with its own living room, so family and friends can take time out when needed.
A full set of staff is also on hand to facilitate your every whim, including arranging a boat trip from your private dock across the glassy waters to nearby Bellagio. Childminders can be arranged so you can explore the glorious Villa del Balbianello, a romantic flower-clad mansion, which has a history of hosting writers, scholars and travellers for centuries.
"We think this would make a stunning venue for a memorable and magnificent birthday or wedding anniversary party."
BEST FOR
Older families who like lots of space, Italian art and architecture, and the tranquillity of Lake Como.
Where mountains meet the sea
Finca Cortesin - Spain
Refined and sophisticated with the understated feel of an elegant country house estate, Finca Cortesin sets the scene for a seriously stylish holiday or special occasion get-away. Every detail has been designed to engage the senses. The interiors, inspired by Andalusian architecture, has sumptuous furnishings, incorporating Moorish, Portuguese and Castilian influences, to strike the perfect balance between grand and comfortable. The result is a magnificent yet peaceful retreat enhanced by acres of manicured gardens.
The two-, four-, five- and six-bedroom villas are set apart from the main area and are ideal for larger groups or families. Complete with a private terrace, garden and swimming pool, there is plenty of space both inside and out.
Refresh and revive in the award-winning spa, an exceptional facility which includes the only ‘snow cave’ in Spain. Relax in one of the three outdoor pools or head to the exclusive Finca Cortesin Beach Club where lush gardens, Balinese beds and plush sun loungers await.
When it comes to dining, this hotel will not disappoint. Take a seat at the chef’s table at the Japanese restaurant REI for exquisite traditional Japanese food plus innovative Mediterranean fusion dishes. Book in advance though, as this place is rightly very popular.
Best For
Finca Cortesin is suitable for all types. There’s a fantastic kids club, the spa is the scene for zen rejuvenation, golf addicts will love the world-class course next door and foodies can get their fill at the Michelin-starred restaurant.
Back to Nature
DOMAINE DE MURTOLI - Corsica
Imagine 6,100 acres of ruggedly beautiful countryside, with 19 pool villas dotted about the wilderness all within waking distance of the beach.
This unique concept is termed a ‘scattered hotel’ giving groups and big families the ultimate in freeing flexibility: new parents and babies in one residence, grandparents in another, families with pre-teens earning the biggest pool – and everyone’s happy. And that’s not all. This grown-up agritourismo has luxury five-star facilities to match with a private beach, three dine-in or dine-out restaurants focusing on high-quality local produce (one is Michelin-starred), a golf course and a spa.
But what really sets this sprawling collection of characterful stone villas apart is the emphasis on the natural environment. You’ll really get into your groove here, padding down through pine-scented tracks for early morning swims, hiking among the dunes and rivers, family fishing trips out on the sapphire sea, and long-into-the-night al fresco dinners accompanied by only cicadas. You won’t believe your luck.
"Murtoli’s kitchen garden is there for your use: help yourself to herbs, sun-ripened vegetables, strawberries and on-the-vine tomatoes."
Best For
Big multi-generational families with differing-aged children and requirements – there’s a cool, stone-walled villa to suit everyone.
Crete’s most exclusive address
The Mansion at Daios Cove - Greece
The Mansion at Daios Cove is the last word in luxury – a three-bedroom, three-storey villa overlooking a ravishingly pretty bay near the upbeat town of Agios Nikolaos in Crete. The villa sits within the grounds of the Daios Cove resort, so although it dazzles with designer furnishings, a dedicated concierge, its own private spa and heated indoor and outdoor pools, it’s also famously family friendly.
Babies and toddlers are looked after in the creche by UK childcare experts Worldwide Kids Company, while older kids and teens are treated to a wide range of games and organised activities, including water sports off the resort’s sandy beach.
Back at the Mansion, huge floor-to-ceiling windows flood all three floors with a blast of natural light, ensuring wonderful sea views at almost every turn. Light wood and marble give interiors a fresh, modern feel. The delightful concierge will arrange anything from in-suite massages to visits from a personal trainer. And should you grow tired of the resort’s three superb restaurants, your private chef will be waiting in the wings to prepare all your family favourites.
"Enjoy the height of luxury, safe in the knowledge that your kids are having fun in a safe, structured, supervised environment."
Best For
Families of all ages. The Mansion can comfortably accommodate two adults and up to five children, and whatever the age range, kids will find plenty to keep them entertained.
The collection
Villas for Multi-Generation Families
We are regularly challenged with your family holiday conundrums – from the wacky to the wonderful. Here are a few of our favourite long-haul villas sure to keep the whole family happy.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
Insight
Family Fun in the Midnight Sun
Insight
Family Fun on Safari in Zambia
