Why Villas Are the Best Way to Travel, Your Way

Photo courtesy of Red Savannah

For those of us lucky enough to have stayed in wonderful hotels — whether for work or leisure — we know they have their place. Room service, crisp sheets, an elegant lobby... lovely. But if I’m honest, my perfect holiday doesn’t come with a hotel minibar or breakfast buffet. It comes with a villa.

I’ve been lucky enough to stay in villas, private houses, houseboats, and ski chalets all over the world — and I know I’m damn lucky to have done it. They’ve given me some of my favorite travel memories. A place to truly unwind. To be private. To eat when you want. To never queue for a sun lounger. Whether it’s a romantic week with my wife, a multi-generational trip, or a get-together with friends halfway across the world — my first choice is always a villa or a private house.

Why?

Because you make the rules. You can wake when you like, stay in your PJs, cook a lazy breakfast or have a private chef spoil you. You can rent a car and explore the area, or arrange a driver and not lift a finger. You can do a cooking class, host sundowners with local wine and music, or just sit by the pool reading the novel you’ve been trying to finish for months.

Villas are freedom.

They’re also incredibly varied. You might be drawn to:

· A sleek, modern villa in Turkey overlooking the sea

· A rustic, 400-year-old farmhouse in Tuscany

· A windswept Scottish castle with roaring fires

· A chic, timber ski chalet in Austria

· Or a boho hideaway in Ibiza, with enough room for your whole crew

You get exclusivity, character, space, and privacy — and you choose who to share it with (or not). Think of it as taking the comforts of your own home, dropping them into a beautiful corner of the world, and doing exactly what you want, on your terms.

How The Spence Connection helps

We work with real villa experts. People who’ve been sourcing, inspecting, and planning villa stays for years. Whether you want something high-style or more humble, ultra-remote or

close to a charming village — we’ll connect you with someone who knows the area inside-out and will make sure it’s the right fit for your group, your dates, and your budget.

And if you’re still looking for ideas for late summer or fall, we’ve got good news — there’s still great availability in Europe.

Villa spots we love to plan:

· Tuscany and Provence for timeless countryside

· Menorca, Ibiza, and Majorca for Mediterranean bliss

· Corfu for Greek charm and food

· The Cotswolds if you want cosy luxury in the English countryside

· Mustique or Antigua for barefoot glamour

· And some fantastic options in the Southwest of France

If you're not sure where to start — that’s exactly where I come in.

Get in touch and let’s find your perfect villa, wherever you want it in the world. Because your time is precious, and there’s no better way to spend it than in your own place, in your own space, with your favourite people.