How To Travel Like A Villa Connoisseur - Plus 10 Essential Items To Pack

Villas provide privacy, independence, luxury and interiors inspo. Here’s how to make the most of your villa getaway this summer – and what to pack …

Main featured image: Rianna + Nina via www.matchesfashion.com.

STAY: At a property from the portfolio of Oliver’s Travels. Founded by Oliver Bell and Ravi Sabharwal, the company has won many accolades for its focus on quirky, one-of-a-kind places to stay in the UK, Europe and beyond.

IN FRANCE Palais de L’Ocean on the Riviera is an architectural gem which features in the film Downton Abbey: A New Era. Guests have plenty of space with a grand hallway and marble staircase, twelve ensuite bedrooms each with view of the sea or gardens (three hectares of parkland with a pool and pathway leading to a rocky cove). Hop on a ferry to the Îles D’hyères or enjoy a day visiting picturesque Toulon or Hyères; www.oliverstravels.com.

IN TUSCANY, the charming four-bedroom San Gabriele (pictured above) villa sleeps up to eight people and is minutes from Orvieto with its Duomo and car-free streets. Fully restored with antique furniture, terracotta floors, beamed ceilings and a private pool, it’s homely. From £3,877stg per week; www.tuscanynowandmore.com.

IN IRELAND, recreate the villa experience by renting a romantic country house such as Longueville House, Co Cork or Coopershill House, Co Sligo; www.irelandsbluebook.com.

PACK YOUR BEST BEHAVIOUR, plenty of books, and a few recipes to impress, should you be asked to whip up lunch or dinner.

What to wear: