Sociable Brits prefer to holiday with friends

Britons, it seems, are becoming increasingly sociable as more of us opt to holiday together in one house. The villa specialist, Meon Villas, says that it is now common for groups of eight or more to holiday in one large villa – and it’s not just extended families that are travelling together. Meon says that groups of friends are, increasingly, choosing a large villa for friends’ reunions, anniversaries and birthday celebrations – even for hen and stag do’s.

“The trend is now so marked that over one third of the villas in our portfolio can sleep eight or more, to cater for the growth in demand – and we have a choice of more than 30 villas across all our destinations that can accommodate ten or more holidaymakers,” said Meon Villas Programme Director Rob Graham.

“Staying together in a large villa can have two distinct advantages for groups of friends. It can often be much more economical – costing under £100pp for a week in luxury accommodation during the early summer and autumn – and they provide much more privacy for people who want to have fun together at times that suit them,” said Rob Graham.

“One of the most important factors, though, is to ensure that there is a good ratio of bath or shower rooms – and all of our villas for larger parties have this benefit. Too few bathrooms could become a real bone of contention and spoil the holiday!” he added.

Meon Villas’ villa locations range from large private houses in rural locations to properties leading straight onto the beach – and all share the villa prerequisite of fantastic views. Meon’s top 5 choices in Corfu, Crete, Menorca and the Algarve include:

KERASIA, CORFU: Full of character, Adonis has been built in the style of a large and rambling old olive press, using traditional stone materials. Sleeping nine people, the villa is situated in olive groves above Kerasia beach, one of the most popular in north-east Corfu with a highly-rated Greek taverna. Adonis is also close to Aghios Stefanos, with its clutch of bars and restaurants – a regular haunt of well-heeled British holidaymakers. The villa has four bedrooms and a gallery area housing a single bed – with four bath and shower rooms. Outside there are extensive terraces with view, set around a large swimming pool 11m x 6m.

One week in May (from 7th or 14th) costs £849 – or £94pp when nine share. In peak season, one week from 30th July costs £2,649 for the house – or £294pp when full.

ARCHITECT’S HOUSE, CRETE: Once a row of three traditional Cretan cottages, this rambling country house, set in olive groves above the resort of Aghia Marina, near Chania, has been cleverly converted by a local architect on split levels. Sleeping up to 12 people, the villa is excellent for groups of friends with a spacious landscaped garden, a range of exterior terraced dining and sitting areas and a good sized pool (10 x 4.7m). There are six bedrooms – three double and three twin – each with its own adjacent bath or shower room.

One week in May (from 1st, 8th or 15th) costs £999 – or around £83pp when 12 share. In peak season, one week from 31st July costs £2,999 for the house – or £250pp when full.

LAS PALMERAS, MENORCA: Spectacular sunset views from its cliff side position, near Ciudadela in western Menorca, are just one of the benefits of a house party at Las Palmeras. The villa overlooks a rocky cove, much frequented by locals, and there are steps from the property down to an ideal spot for snorkelling or fishing. The villa is divided between a spacious older house and a separate annexe – great for groups of friends who want to maintain some independence. There are three bedrooms in the older villa – with shower rooms to match; two in the new extension with a shared shower room. Outside is a very private swimming pool 11m x 5m.

One week in May (from 4th, 11th or 18th) costs £1,319 – or £132pp when 10 share. In peak season, one week from 7th July costs £2,299 for the house – or £230pp when full.

QUINTA DA TORRINHO, THE ALGARVE: Everything about this stylish quinta in the Algarve countryside near Armacáo de Perá is grand – from the striking Moorish architecture of its exterior to the circular marble hall inside with a winding staircase that leads to three of the five bedrooms – all five of which have either bath or shower rooms. One of the rooms has a four poster bed and outside there is a large pool (12m x 6m) as well as courtyards leading to the pool, patios and sun terraces.

One week in May (from 3rd or 10th) costs £719 – or £72pp when nine share. In peak season, one week from 26th July costs £2,599 for the house – or £260pp when full.

Flights and car hire can be booked through Meon Villas to add to the villa accommodation. Find out more by visiting Meonvillas.co.uk.