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Dream villa holidays for a European odyssey

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a haven for culture vultures, here’s our pick of some of the best villa holidays for your next European getaway

Great for foodies

Tuscany is the ideal destination for those who love their food and wine. Podere Celli in Chianti is a wannabe chef’s dream with a huge professional kitchen – make your own pizza in the wood-fired oven – and a vast terrace for entertaining with views out over the Chianti countryside. It sleeps 26 in 13 bedrooms and so is ideal for a foodie retreat for a celebratory gathering. From here, you can head on out on cellar tours and pick up some great bottles to enjoy back at the villa.
From £12,074 per week.

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Great for culture

If the arrival of the Van Gogh exhibition at Tate Britain has whetted your appetite, then head over to Saint-Remy-de-Provence in the hills of Les Alpilles where he created many of his famous works. Decorated with panels depicting paintings by the artist, the Van Gogh Walk connects the galleries and cafes in Saint Remy to Saint Paul de Mausole. Mas des Baux is just 5km from Saint Remy and is situated in a family-owned vineyard where the vineyard label shows the original mas as painted by Van Gogh for the current owner’s great grandfather.
From £7,969, five bedrooms.

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Great for families

If you’re a beach-loving family, then you want to be able to access the sand and sea easily. Villa Glavica in Croatia has direct access to the beach and stunning views. It also has its own indoor pool, outdoor pool (both heated) and a rooftop Jacuzzi, and you are within walking distance of restaurants and shops. For older kids, there’s canoeing, rafting and zip-lining nearby.
From £4,654 per week, sleeps six.

Great for couples

Morus is a relaxing Corfu retreat ideal for two, where you can chill with a glass of wine and gaze out at that view. There are a couple of tavernas a 15-minute walk-away or you can drive out to the coast in 20 minutes. But it really is all about chilling with a good book and enjoying each others’ company. More energetic types can hike some of the 220km scenic Corfu Trail, which can be joined almost immediately behind the villa.
From £1,750 per week.

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Great for luxury

The private island of Tagomago is located off the north coast of Ibiza, and accessed by private speedboat or helicopter. The 148-acre island is a home to a private villa and historic lighthouse dating back to 1909. Tagomago’s five-bedroom villa has a private chef, butler and housekeeping staff. If you tire of lounging around by the pool admiring the stunning views, guests can hire the villa’s 33m Mangusta yacht that will take you out to explore the hidden coves of Ibiza and Formentera.
From: €150,000 (+10% VAT) for 7-nights based on 10 people sharing, including food and drinks. With Scott Dunn.

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