Articles & Opinion

What to Consider when Renting a Private Villa

Sky view of Can Montana, a private villa in Italy. The villa is surrounded by trees and has a steps leading down to a plunge pool.
Villa Cao de Formentor in Alcudia, Spain

Booking a luxury villa can be an exciting experience for larger parties looking for privacy and space. From choosing the perfect villa to understanding the local laws and regulations, each decision plays a vital role in creating the perfect getaway. We’re here to aid you in creating an unforgettable retreat with a guide on everything you need to consider when renting a private villa:

  • Plan Ahead – Villas tend to be in high demand, especially during peak travel seasons. Start your research well ahead of time and aim to book your villa at least 4 months in advance. If your trip is taking place during the December holidays, we recommend booking at least 6 months prior.
  • Group Size – Luxury villas come in various sizes, so choose one that can comfortably accommodate everyone. Talk to your party and gauge how important it is for everyone to have their own bathroom or a view when making your selection. If you’re still in the browsing stage, use our “Sort” feature to organize your search results by number of bedrooms.
  • Duration – Some villas have a length of stay requirement. Make sure to read all pertaining policies and verify with your travel agent that your travel plans align.
  • Location – Research the villa’s location thoroughly. Will you be staying in the villa the whole time? Will you want city or nature excursions, and how long will it take you to reach them from the villa? Analize what your travel goals are and plan accordingly.
La Datcha private villa in Los Cabos. Huge infinity pool overlooking the beach and rock formations.
La Datcha in Pedregal, Los Cabos
  • Local Laws and Regulations – Familiarize yourself with any local laws that may affect your stay, such as noise ordinances or leash restrictions for any possible pets.
  • Modern Amenities – Consider how important modern luxuries are to you during your stay. Depending on your chosen location, villas may not have AC or window screens. If your preferred villa doesn’t have these amenities, consider changing your dates of stay to a time when heat and mosquitos won’t be a nuisance.
  • Staff – Consider how much assistance you’d like to have during your trip. Do you require a villa with housekeeping and a chef? If so, investigate if the staff will be staying on the property or making daily visits. If you decide you don’t need a staff, verify if the kitchen will be stocked for you or if you’ll have to make a stop for groceries.
  • Read reviews – Look through recommendations from previous guests. Reviews often provide some insight into the area, quality of the stay, and any potential issues you may run into.
  • Check-out Requirements – Be sure to communicate with your villa contact about the checkout expectations. If you did groceries you may need to clear the kitchen of the food, or move back any furniture you rearranged during your stay. Learning the requirements ahead of time is an easy way to avoid a fee.
  • Contracts and Policies – Carefully review the rental contract. Pay attention to all policies regarding cancelations, refunds, security deposits, and any other terms and conditions.