October escapes and autumnal adventures: half-term getaways for all the family

Bastide Des Baux, Provence, France (Sleeps 10 / 5 Bedrooms)

This idyllic five-bedroom villa is situated just a short drive from Les Baux de Provence, one of France’s most beautiful villages. Guests will find themselves in an oasis of refined beauty and sophistication, surrounded by beautiful countryside and historical provincial French towns and villas, as well as vineyards and olive groves.

An ideal place to explore the South of France from, guests can enjoy the nearby market of St Rémy de Provence which features everything from food products and local ceramics to clothes and books. For those looking to relax in the winter sun, the villa boasts an impressive garden and outdoor dining area which boasts a brazier for those colder October evenings. A private chef is available on request and can run a series of cooking classes at the villa – ideal to keep those young aspiring chefs busy during the half-term break.

Civenna View, Lake Como, Italy (Sleeps 14 / 6 Bedrooms)

A luxurious mid-Century villa, Civenna View showcases breathtaking views across Lake Como and the surrounding Italian landscape. Nestled within a forest amidst private grounds, this home-from-home is a peaceful and private haven for guests. A key design feature of this luxury Italian villa rental is its orientation to the sun, as the architect wanted it to have as much light as possible. The top living room has 11 expansive windows that face out towards Lake Como, as well as a large outdoor balcony area, making this hillside villa the perfect spot for watching the sunrise or sunset. 

Facilities at Civenna View include a swimming pool and jacuzzi, as well as a BBQ and fire pit for families or friends to gather around after a long day of sightseeing.

Dimora Cielo, Puglia, Italy (Sleeps 10 / 6 Bedrooms)

The six-bedroom Dimora Cielo is located in the southern part of Puglia in the Fasano countryside. This charming villa is spread over two floors and is surrounded by beautifully maintained planted gardens and sun soaked terraces. Puglia is well known for its spectacular orange-toned sunsets, which are most certainly best viewed from this villa.

The large open-plan living and dining area offers abundant space and is well furnished for family and friends to gather. All six bedrooms have beautiful en-suite bathrooms, while the expansive outdoors have a fabulous array of shady and sun kissed areas to relax, with a central swimming pool ideal for cooling down after a long day.

Villa Porto Ercole, Tuscany, Italy (Sleeps 12 / 7 Bedrooms)

Tuscany’s stunning Villa Porto Ercole is situated on a hillside with views over the sea, Feniglia Beach, the Cala Galera Yacht Club and the Orbetello lagoon. Surrounded by woodland, and just below a terraced vineyard and olive grove, the location is quiet and idyllically Mediterranean.

Featuring an expansive garden complete with an olive grove, small rose garden and vegetable garden providing guests with fresh produce every day, makes this the perfect place for a half-term escape – ideal for hide and seek or hours playing outdoors for kids. There is an infinity pool with surrounding sun deck, while the outdoor dining area with barbecue is accessed via a beautiful wisteria covered pergola, and enjoys 180 degree views over the lagoon and the sea.

Casa Nossa, Alentejo, Portugal (Sleeps 10 – 20 / 11 Bedrooms)

Situated on the riverside and perched amidst breathtaking vistas, this expansive 65-hectare estate boasts exclusivity and unrivalled comfort. A hidden gem in Alentejo, the property has direct access to Alqueva Lake, one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. Nestled amidst the embrace of centennial holm oaks, this luxury villa rental boasts ten inviting suites, complemented by numerous cosy sitting rooms both indoors and outdoors.

The grandeur of the house effortlessly blends timeless Portuguese traditions with contemporary elegance and is further accentuated by its lush surroundings, adorned with a tapestry of native plants, flourishing fruit trees, aromatic herbs, and a bountiful vegetable garden where the finest seasonal produce thrives in abundance. As well as two swimming pools, there is a sauna, Turkish bath, massage hut, Yoga pavilion and state-of-the-art gym ensuring that everyone of any age has something to enjoy!

Herdade da Comporta, Comporta, Portugal (Sleeps 14 / 7 Bedrooms)

 Described as a holiday paradise, this luxury villa is situated on a 17-acre estate within a secluded area nestled on the sand dunes in Comporta. Each of the six bungalows is used for a different purpose: the kitchen, the bedrooms, the living room, a study, the master suite, and the terraces, allowing for separate areas for children and guests. The holiday villa to rent also has a mini football field for children.The bungalows of Herdade da Comporta are linked by paths through beautifully designed gardens, with white sand and sand dune vegetation as well as lavender and rosemary. Guests staying at this luxury villa rental will enjoy the utmost privacy – and their own private beach. Owned by a renowned interior designer, the villa has been decorated and furnished to create a lovely aura of serenity and understated luxury, with muted shades of bright colour and natural materials.

Villa Moscari I, Mallorca, Spain (Sleeps 10 / 5 Bedrooms) 

Nestled on an ecological wine estate of 30 hectares, Villa Moscari is one of two villas that showcase spectacular views across to Alcudia Bay and the Tramuntana mountains. The interiors are decorated and furnished to a high standard, retaining traditional Mediterranean charm and adorned with unique hand-picked items and works of art from around the world. Amenities within this impressive vacation rental also include air conditioning in all rooms and underfloor heating for year-round use, and a large dining table under a pergola with Italian seating, alongside a barbecue area.

Ideal for groups of family and friends, guests can take in long walks on the estate, including through the vineyard, and also the forest and olive groves, as well as enjoying the panoramic views of the mountains and the sea. There is also a tennis court, and racquets and balls are provided, while private lessons can be arranged with a local tennis instructor. Guests can also go hiking, rent a mountain bike, or play golf on one of Mallorca’s golf courses. The activities are endless!