I help my clients to find their ideal holiday villas in France or Italy, saving them time and money
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Having worked in the luxury villa holiday industry for over 20 years, I have gained useful experience, skills and contacts to enable my clients to access what they need, within budget. My unique bespoke services enable each of my clients to spend their time and money wisely. Here is a summary of how I help my clients:
VILLA FINDING SERVICE - FOR THOSE PLANNING A VILLA HOLIDAY
I help families and
groups of friends to have amazing holidays together in exceptional locations in Italy and France. Instead of trawling through listing sites looking for their dream holiday villas, I save my clients time by sourcing their perfect villas through my trustworthy network of villa owners and villa companies. Extra services and experiences such as concierges, celebration meals, cooks, bartenders, spa treatments, winery visits and professional guides can all the arranged to make each stay truly special. VILLA OWNER CONSULTANCY SERVICE - FOR VILLA OWNERS
Whether you prefer to find a reliable company to manage your rentals on your behalf or generate bookings through your own website, listings and contacts, I can help establish the best ways to make it happen or improve what you already have in place. If you choose a direct bookings approach, I bring together an excellent team to create or improve your website and marketing plan. Working alongside experts in website design, branding, photography and social media, I write optimised website copy that is engaging and informative. COPYWRITING - FOR VILLA & TRAVEL COMPANIES
If you run a villa or travel company, you need to ensure that your website and social media pages stand out from the crowd. I understand how to create the best copy which combines a balance of accurate information, keywords and inviting descriptions so that it complements your brand and generates bookings.
What’s on your wish list for your next villa holiday? No biting/stinging insects? Guaranteed perfect weather? Or something more realistic… here are a few tips for kicking off your search:
2022 villa holiday booking advice and trends from an experienced villa finder specialising in luxury villas in France and Italy.
I came across this impressive villa near the Tuscan coast while doing a villa search today. Although it's already booked in June when my clients want to go (and it's too big for them), I thought you may like to see it because it's so well equipped for kids in particular and the location is superb.
As well as a private pool, stand-out features include a private tennis court, football pitch and games room, so there's plenty to keep everyone entertained.
It has 8 bedrooms and it comes with a full-time chef so all your meals are prepared for you....and you can walk down a path to the beach.
There's availability still in August so do message me if you'd like more information about it.
I just know from the quality of this pool photo that the villa is luxurious. Good quality, professional photos have a massive impact on generating bookings for villa owners. The cost of a shoot can be high but if you are hoping to achieve high rental prices and attract the kind of guests who will treat your home with respect, it’s worth every penny.
I’ve noticed this stunning photo appearing on a couple of villa companies’ Instagram feeds recently. The sparkling pool and scenic setting look so inviting. The angle from which it’s been taken is perfect.
Featuring people and even dogs is part of the new trend in villa photography. It can look awful if it’s too posed or close up but this one works well.
As part of my consultancy services for villa owners, I recommend experienced villa photographers I have worked with. As well as static photos like this one, they use drones and make outstanding films for marketing villas.
Find out more about my consultancy services on my website (copy and paste the link): https://rachelsvillaholidays.com/copywriting-and-consultancy
Recently I had a zoom call with a couple who are organising a three-generation family gathering in a villa in Southern Italy. Their search centred on the Amalfi Coast and Capri, an area they adore.
When we started chatting through their holiday plans though, it became clear that a villa in Puglia or Sicily would probably suit them better, in terms of their budget, the kind of villa they wanted and for easy access to sandy beaches for their young grandchildren. By talking it through, they quickly understood where to focus their search and I could help them find just the right villa.
It reminded me that, when it comes to holiday planning, good, old-fashioned chats with experts are vital, in addition to or as well as emails and messaging.
If you would like guidance on where to stay in Italy or France for your villa holiday, go to my website and blogs for inspiration and please contact me to set up a call: https://rachelsvillaholidays.com/villa-finding-service/
I’ve been chatting to various clients recently about Puglia and can see that it is now the region of choice for a family summer villa holiday in Italy. Why? There are so many factors which make Puglia hit that sweet spot.
Firstly it’s scenic so olive groves, vineyards and seascapes are your typical villa backdrops. No high rise hotels spoil your view here.
Secondly, there is a great variety of stylish holiday homes to choose from, from super luxury to more rustic, so you are more likely to find a place you will love in Puglia, compared to many other coastal regions.
Thirdly, you are never far from a picturesque historic town and sandy beaches in Puglia so you can easily combine rural tranquility with coast and culture, the things we all love.
Lastly, for Northern Europeans like me, the sunny warm weather in Puglia is a huge plus. Actually there are more positives such as the fantastic food and wine but I won’t go on….
This pretty trullo is one of the few villas I have visited personally which I consider to be truly child friendly. Read more about it on my website. Just copy and paste this link: https://rachelsvillaholidays.com/villa/trulli-puglia-pool/
Why use my villa finding service and how do I source villas in Italy and France for my clients?
The answer is that for each enquiry, I consult a huge list of villas and contacts that I have built up over the years. I also draw on personal experience of my own travels. This saves my clients time and helps them stay within budget.
Read more about how I do it, with examples of enquiries and villa photos from 2022 in my latest blog post:
https://rachelsvillaholidays.com/how-do-i-source-villas-in-italy-and-france/
The simple pleasure of a refreshing swim in your private pool is the best way to cool off in the heat. For those of us from Northern Europe, a private outdoor pool feels like such a luxury!
If you have young children, you may prefer to heat your pool too, although you won’t need to in July and August.
Not all villas in France and Italy have a heating option, but I can help you find the one for you.
In France, pools tend to be alarmed or gated by law, a welcome addition for those with active toddlers.
Please get in touch if you would like me to help you source your ideal holiday villa with a private pool in a scenic part of France or Italy: https://www.rachelsvillaholidays.com/contact/
It’s impossible to stop taking photos of Lake Garda, particularly when the sun sets. It’s just too picturesque!
Fortunately there are plenty of easy going beach bars along the shoreline where you can admire the scenery while enjoying a cool aperol spritz or a pizza, maybe after a dip in the lake.
Book a table for 8pm as the sun starts to go down.
🇮🇹
Finally my French is good enough to have a business meeting in French! It’s taken a while to get up to speed but I’m there. Speaking English is easier but I think it’s worth making the effort to speak French here.
I met these two charming ladies who run concierge services for guests staying in villas near Bonnieux and Apt. They can provide everything from chefs to bikes, 2CV tours and hot air balloon rides. So now I know who to ask if my clients are interested in booking interesting experiences during they stay.
Some of you may know the two gentlemen who were passing and joined us for a drink or two! 5 minutes later we added another table for more friends and the village priest! I’m learning that this is the way to extend my business network in Provence.
My celebrity moment yesterday! I must admit that I didn’t know who Cyril Lignac was until we visited his delicious patisserie yesterday! Cyril Lignac is a charming French celebrity chef and judge on the French version of Bake Off. More importantly the bread and cakes he creates are incredible.
If you’re in St Tropez or Ramatuelle, it’s definitely worth a visit for your fresh morning croissants, baguette and a cake or two.
If you just can’t choose a cake, then a traditional Tarte Tropézienne is the one to go for. Bon appétit 😋
Forget sightseeing in a heatwave in Provence and head for the pool, day or night! ☀️
I'm currently helping three different families to find their ideal holiday villas in France for this summer. It's not easy. Despite having a good budget for the rentals, many of my favourite villas are already booked up in July and August, however I'm managing to find enough options through various contacts to give them a good choice.
Each of my clients has a unique wish list, from 'must have' facilities such as high chairs, cook service and pool heating to location specific requests such as proximity to picturesque villages or sandy beaches.
Provence and the Cote D'Azur hold a timeless appeal for a villa holiday in France of course. Find out more about the kind of places I recommend there in my blog: https://www.rachelsvillaholidays.com/my-top-5-provence-villas-with-pools/
What about Puglia for your next villa holiday? Having lived in Lecce in my 20s, I have a bit of a soft spot for Puglia and I am always looking for excuses to return.
Read more about where to stay and what it's like in my article about Puglia: https://www.rachelsvillaholidays.com/top-villas-puglia-private-pool/
Puglia is one of the Italian regions I visit regularly and love. That's why I am recommending these top 5 villas in Puglia with a private pool in this article.
Every villa has its own unique style and charm. It's my mission to match my clients to the villa they will love for a holiday. In order to do that, I am constantly building my list of contacts with gorgeous villas in Italy and France which have all been checked for quality.
I find that it is always worth visiting villas before recommending them or at least speaking to a trusted contact who has visited recently. By being there in person, you get a real sense of the space, style and the location.
A visit is also a chance to get to know the owners or management team to understand what kind of guests would enjoy their villa.
These photos are of a beautiful, historic and very private villa in Sicily which I have visited. It is particularly ideal for a group celebrating a special event but it is also wonderful as a base for exploring Sicily.
Outside in the extensive grounds I was shown a number of incredible settings for gatherings which I hadn't been aware of before the visit. Its twelve elegant, independent bedrooms are situated around a central courtyard, so I can see that it would be ideal for couples who would appreciate that added degree of privacy. I loved the pool area and spa too.
For more about how I source villas for each enquiry, see my blog post: https://www.rachelsvillaholidays.com/how-do-i-source-villas-in-italy-and-france/
*Sound on!* You are hearing the tranquil sounds from our poolside in Provence in July 🇫🇷☀️.
If you’d like some help sourcing your ideal villa with a private pool in France this summer, please get in touch and I’ll help you find one to match your wish list. Link in bio.
If you're considering a villa holiday in Italy this summer for all the family, then Tuscany is a wonderful place to start the search.
I am often asked to source villas there for my clients. Instead of trawling through listing sites, I turn to my reliable contacts with gorgeous villas for advice and recommendations.
Dan from Invitation to Tuscany is a good place to start. He always has sound advice and a wonderful selection of villas with pools near pretty Tuscany hill towns, ranging from affordable to quirky and luxurious. He can also arrange added extras such as cook service or private tour guides, which makes a difference.
Check out this blog post for recommended villas in Tuscany and contact me for advice about finding your perfect villa: https://www.rachelsvillaholidays.com/luxury-villas-italy/
Summer means family holidays! Here at Invitation to Tuscany, we reckon that you just can't beat a villa with a pool in Tuscany for a summer holiday with chil...
It’s time to book a trullo in Puglia!
Please contact me for inspiration and local knowledge so I can help you find your perfect villa: https://www.rachelsvillaholidays.com/contact/
I am delighted to be working on a couple of writing projects for Dan at Invitation to Tuscany, one of my favourite villa holiday companies. Check out his informative guides and beautiful watercolours, like this one of Siena.
Have you ever visited Siena? If so, I suspect that it was a highlight of your stay in Tuscany. The breathtaking setting of the famous 'Il Palio' horse race, this unique hilltop city is brimming with beautifully preserved medieval buildings, art and colourful traditions. Siena is a delightful small city to discover.
How you get to Siena is also key to enjoying your visit though. The historic centre is pedestrianised and the parking and driving restrictions can be tricky to navigate, so you will need some inside knowledge to get there and back without losing your cool!
With that in mind, I have written this guide in order to share some useful tips I have gained from my own personal experience of getting to Siena on foot, by bus, train, car and plane.
https://www.invitationtotuscany.com/guide/italy/tuscany/siena/how-to-get-to-siena-italy
Happy new year everyone! 🎉
Thank you for supporting my business in 2021. I couldn’t do it without you. Recommendations from previous clients, friends and family is what keeps it all going.
Let’s hope that 2022 will bring more certainty, less travel restrictions and plenty of time to gather with loved ones! 🤞🥂😊
‘Shall we take the motorway or the shorter, scenic route to the coast?’ ‘The motorway!’ my son and I cry out. Why?
Who doesn’t love driving along scenic, winding country roads in Italy and France? Who doesn’t love drinking in picturesque views over verdant olive groves, lavender fields and vineyards in Provence? Or catching sight of the sea on every bend in the mountain road in Sicily?
Um, actually, some of us really hate the experience on the wrong type of road, despite the fabulous views. Car sickness. It can be a massive issue, not just for my son and me but for many families I speak to. Anything to avoid their child being sick in the rental car becomes a priority when choosing a holiday villa! I get it.
It doesn’t mean that your country villa options are completely limited though. Careful planning and local expertise is key. I can help with that. I take the time to source exactly the right place for each of my clients so everyone is happy, even if it means lengthy chats about roads and drive times!
Please contact me to arrange a call and read more about my villa finding service on my website: https://www.rachelsvillaholidays.com/
This unusual, private pool is part of Reschio, a gorgeous, hilltop estate in Italy, transformed into an exclusive hotel. I’d love to stay in the castle or in one of Reschio’s private villas overlooking the rolling hills. One day I will! It would be perfect for a special celebration.
Reschio has to be one of the most exclusive and stylish country retreats I’ve come across in Umbria. Follow to see more about it and for Italian style inspiration.
If you are planning a villa holiday in Italy, tap into my network of Italian villa contacts when you sign up to my villa finding service. Read more about it on my website: https://www.rachelsvillaholidays.com
I’ve just checked the weather forecast for Cannes and it’s a sunny 21 to 22 degrees this week. That’s excellent news for my clients who have booked a last minute villa holiday there for half term this week. They opted for this secluded villa, nestled in the verdant hills, with a heated pool and fantastic views to enjoy. The delights of the coast, beaches and glamorous Cannes are within easy reach so it’s the best of both worlds. Bonnes vacances! 😘☀️🇫🇷
If you're dreaming of visiting Italy again for a bit of 'la dolce vita' buzz, what about this fabulous villa for inspiration? It is for those who love the sea, sunshine and exploring.
It’s located on the alluring Amalfi Coast, a gorgeous stretch of coastline south of Naples in southern Italy. Here you'll fall in love with its dramatic cliffs, inviting beaches, vibrant village life and delicious cuisine.
Rent this villa for 10 and you have a private pool, hot tub and an integrated sound system so you can enjoy your favourite tracks in style. Daily housekeeping is included as is breakfast preparation. A cook service can also be arranged.
Within walking distance is the beach and waterside restaurants. Explore the coast and nearby islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida by boat.
Please contact me for availability and prices or if it’s not your style, let me know your requirements and I’ll help you source your ideal villa: https://www.rachelsvillaholidays.com/contact/
Recently I sourced this gorgeous villa in Tuscany for a group of friends celebrating their 50th birthday together next year: https://www.rachelsvillaholidays.com/villa/tuscany-villa-with-pool/
This wonderful group of ladies met at university in the States and they now meet up regularly for holidays, with or without their other halves and children. For 2022 they decided to mark the occasion by booking a large villa in Italy to celebrate their special birthday!
Not only have they booked the villa but they have decided to book a full cook service and bar tender so they can enjoy their stay to the full. Plenty of interesting trips and activities are planned too, from wine tasting to bike tours and cookery classes.
After much discussion, they almost chose a villa in Sicily but opted instead for this spacious villa in Tuscany which I have visited and love. It is owned by an architect and an interior designer, so it's beautifully designed. Highlights include a heated saltwater infinity pool, hot tub and gym. The location is famous for picturesque landscapes and natural springs so it's a wonderful place to unwind.
As an organised itinerary is key for this group, I put them in touch with my contact who is based between Tuscany and London. A villa owner herself, she is passionate about helping her clients experience the best of Tuscany by arranging interesting activities and visits according to their particular interests. So this group is in good hands and they are going to have a ball!
If this sounds like your kind of holiday, please contact me to discuss your plans. I have fantastic contacts with amazing villas in Italy and France so I will recommend a choice of villas to match your style and budget. Please contact me to arrange an initial chat: https://www.rachelsvillaholidays.com/contact/
All the villas I recommend in France and Italy have a private outdoor pool to enjoy, so you can cool off when you want.
How long is your ideal pool? More than 12 metres so you can swim lengths? Heated? With a shallow end and steps for children? Gated? Infinity edge? Salt water? The choice is yours.
Let me help you source your perfect pool and villa for your next holiday in France or Italy so you can avoid hours of online searching.
☀️Please message me or contact me through my website: www.rachelsvillaholidays.com
I’ve been asked to source a villa with a pool on or near the fabulous Amalfi coast and I’m loving it. It’s such a stunning coastline and the villas there are gorgeous. The challenge is finding an exceptional villa with a pool from where you can walk to restaurants…which is still available in August! I’m on the right track now having spoken to my local contacts so I hope to find ‘the one’ soon. It’s bringing back memories of my university days when I was lucky enough to do an Erasmus exchange to a university in Naples. It’s when I discovered Capri, Ischia and Positano, three of my all time favourite places in Italy. It was a long time ago but I can’t wait to return one day. ☀️🇮🇹
My latest villa finding mission is for a three-generational family group which is perfect as I have lots of ideas for them!
They are looking for a secluded hillside villa in Umbria or Tuscany for 2 weeks in summer 2022 to celebrate a special birthday.
I have been quizzing my Italian contacts for details about particular villas I have visited or have been recommended to me, just to make sure they are truly suitable villas.
Particular things which are important to this group are the access roads (not too long and bumpy), nearby walking trails, proximity to a village, air-conditioned bedrooms and family-friendly facilities.
I think we're getting closer to 'the one' but in the meantime, just feast your eyes on some of these stylish villas I've discovered during the search!
Contact me to find out more about how I can help you source a villa to suit you in Italy or France for a family holiday to remember: https://www.rachelsvillaholidays.com/
I'll inspire you with more villas in Italy and France soon. In the meantime, here is a fantastic holiday home in the UK to admire - The Manor Holcombe in Somerset. I'm currently working on a marketing project for the owner and I'm now dreaming of going there with my family!
It has 8 bedrooms, a heated pool, hot tub, gym, a play area, games room and beautiful grounds so plenty of space and entertainment options for everyone. A farm shop/pub with a play area has just opened in the village too so it couldn't be more perfect!
Check out availability here on the website: https://themanorholcombe.co.uk/book/
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*Sound on!* You are hearing the tranquil sounds from our poolside in Provence in July 🇫🇷☀️. If you’d like some help sourcing your ideal villa with a private pool in France this summer, please get in touch and I’ll help you find one to match your wish list. Link in bio.
All the villas I recommend in France and Italy have a private outdoor pool to enjoy, so you can cool off when you want. How long is your ideal pool? More than 12 metres so you can swim lengths? Heated? With a shallow end and steps for children? Gated? Infinity edge? Salt water? The choice is yours. Let me help you source your perfect pool and villa for your next holiday in France or Italy so you can avoid hours of online searching. ☀️Please message me or contact me through my website: www.rachelsvillaholidays.com
Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency?
Setting up Rachel’s Villa Holidays in 2010 was a natural step from a full time position in a luxury villa company to working for myself. Having learned the ropes running an Italian villa programme for 10 years, I knew I was ready to run my own villa holiday business.
I started off by organising villa holidays to a number of destinations. I then began to specialise. My niche is now villas in Italy and France, the two countries I know and love. It is where I have lived and worked and where I spend my own holidays with my family. It is where I have the best contacts with exceptional villas in areas of outstanding natural beauty too. So this is what I can offer you:
